Cheap petrol SUV

[macron]

Right, 5-6k, cheap to run so no silly tax or fun engine for this one sadly, must be reliable, current Kia something or other has just had the head go after several other expensive bits of late, so buyer looking for ease of life.

I'd be thinking Vitara, possibly older RAV4, Tiguan looks leggy at this price, qashqai in n-tec or Tekna looks well spec'd but thirsty in 1.6 or 2.0 petrol, post 2014(?) seems to have a 1.2 which I suspect is miserable but if it's reliable that may be all that matters. Have a feeling they're not but can't remember why.

What else?

[InitialDave]

Yes, I'd go RAV4 most likely, but what do you need it to be able to do?

[macron]

Single mum who transports from what I can tell a whiny wriggly preschooler and various sports kit in the boot (she does PT). Defo SUV. Reliability is the key, hence the Toyota was on the list. Do they have cats that are pinched? Glasgow, most things are pinched, but if there's money in it the risk increases.

[BlueMR2]

RX hybrid maybe?

[Miocene]

CX-5? Mines been faultless in 6 years, just dull as you'd expect. 2.0 petrol and twin pipes, which scores at least some points.

[macron]

CX-5 a good shout. Thinking in no particular order, depending on availability (there's little time so beggars/ choosers etc),

Dirt cheap (or should be), older Rav, maybe Grand Vitara, Peugeot 2008 (although is that "the" 1.2 engine of stness?) Vauxhall Grandland

Middling, marginally newer Rav, maybe Vitara, isolated examples of the CX-5,

That about it? It's a pretty miserable selection but needs must.

[ooid]

Lexus RX 350

Petrol, chain driven. If a nuclear war starts, only a cockroach and Lexus would survive. (Maybe Toyota too )

[Evanivitch]

Vauxhall Grandland X possibly the cheapest, biggest and most efficient thing I could find on autotrader.

Practically... Has she considered a van-based-car... Berlingo?

[macron]

ooid said:

Lexus RX 350

Petrol, chain driven. If a nuclear war starts, only a cockroach and Lexus would survive. (Maybe Toyota too )

Again like the Rav, do they have cats that get pinched? Or is it only on the far later models they put the "good stuff" in them?

I have noticed the number of these available in the cheap seats has seriously dwindled, do they end up with rust or big bills which kills them off?

Evanivitch said:

Vauxhall Grandland X possibly the cheapest, biggest and most efficient thing I could find on autotrader.

Practically... Has she considered a van-based-car... Berlingo?

She's been put off a Grandland by an owner friend unfortunately, although I have tried to suggest some realism.amd at this end of the market it is about condition, any history and what the consumables are like.

I suggested MPV type things (Mazda5, Touran) and because reasons, it is a clear no, sadly.

Edited by macron on Saturday 1st March 07:10

[SAS Tom]

Hard to recommend an RX350 given the other criteria. I loved my 300 but they are not cheap to run. Drink fuel, expensive to tax, parts are expensive and they do rust.

[Evanivitch]

macron said:

She's been put off a Grandland by an owner friend unfortunately, although I have tried to suggest some realism.amd at this end of the market it is about condition, any history and what the consumables are like.

I suggested MPV type things (Mazda5, Touran) and because reasons, it is a clear no, sadly.

Edited by macron on Saturday 1st March 07:10

I'd suggest some expectation management then!

[ZX10R NIN]

1.6T Ford Kuga, there's no wet belt to worry about & they're reliable & simple to maintain:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502169...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502088...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501168...

I like the CX-5 but for me even in normal driving they need working.

Kadjar:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501288...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501318...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502108...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411216...

[macron]

I'm sure I remember something bad about those 1.2's the Nissan (QQ) and Kadjar comes with which was rectified by the later 1.3, did I imagine that? although the Kuga is a surprise it may be available- thanks.

ETA ah yes, oil loss etc. not as bad as the pure tech, but what is?!

https://www.qashqaiforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=27...

[ChrisH72]

I'd look at the Vitara 1.6

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025022695...

You can just about get that shape in budget now. I'm sure I remember the 1.6 getting good reviews and being decent to drive. Should be reliable.

[anonymous-user]

Having owned a series of Fords personally and in the wider family I'd advise against them if as it seems its for use in the West of Scotland.

The underside and suspension components will go crustier than the anchor on an old trawler in a few years, they cant cope with our wet weather and salty winter roads.

Either that or buy from far far away and get it undersealed.

[ZX10R NIN]

yellowbentines said:

Having owned a series of Fords personally and in the wider family I'd advise against them if as it seems its for use in the West of Scotland.

The underside and suspension components will go crustier than the anchor on an old trawler in a few years, they cant cope with our wet weather and salty winter roads.

Either that or buy from far far away and get it undersealed.

If that's the case forget the Rav4/CX-5 then.

[ooid]

SAS Tom said:

Hard to recommend an RX350 given the other criteria. I loved my 300 but they are not cheap to run. Drink fuel, expensive to tax, parts are expensive and they do rust.

Really? Rust and maintenance? Quite surprising really, annual service is enough for them.

350 is chain driven unlike 300 or 400 but yes higher Tax.

[SAS Tom]

ooid said:

SAS Tom said:

Hard to recommend an RX350 given the other criteria. I loved my 300 but they are not cheap to run. Drink fuel, expensive to tax, parts are expensive and they do rust.

Really? Rust and maintenance? Quite surprising really, annual service is enough for them.

350 is chain driven unlike 300 or 400 but yes higher Tax.

Yes, they rust in the sills but it’s covered by the side skirts. Rear wheel arches too.

Annual service isn’t enough for them these days, they are old cars. Bushes wear out where you can only buy arms which are very expensive and you have to lift the engine to remove the front arms.

I had an engine mount disintegrate, Lexus only and over £300. Fuel filler necks rust and are very expensive.

I loved mine but they are not a cheap car. They never have been. Might be reliable on the whole but some parts are outrageously expensive.

[macron]

STOP PRESS,

She's managed to find someone about to trade in their 57 plate CRV 2.0EX and she's getting it for wbac money. Bigger than wanted, probably thirstier, but full Honda history, sub 100k and £1800!

Which sorts that one, greatly appreciate all the input!

[ooid]

SAS Tom said:

Yes, they rust in the sills but it’s covered by the side skirts. Rear wheel arches too.

Annual service isn’t enough for them these days, they are old cars. Bushes wear out where you can only buy arms which are very expensive and you have to lift the engine to remove the front arms.

.

Good to know thanks. Just sold my IS250 this week, half of what I paid for 8 years ago. (I bought it approved used). Nothing went wrong only annual maintenance, so was planning to get a RX350 as a shed but might consider Land Cruisers again, not cheap though!