Help choosing a new car

[Geekfest84]

Hi all, I'm after some advice please :-)

I'm looking at purchasing a new motor on Tuesday. I've got 2 choices, and me and swmbo really can't decide what is the better option. Bit of background info: The budget is £7000, and we need 7 seats. Prefer petrol over diesel, as we don't do a huge amount of miles and have a 2nd car anyway. Both of the following options are from car dealerships rather than private sales.

Option 1) a 53 plate Nissan Elgrand. Its £6999. I like them, the other half tolerates them, to an extent. This particular one is basic spec and certified low mileage. 3 month warranty with option to extend it. Not sure who it's with tho, I can't remember.

Option 2) a 53 plate disco 4.0 v8, at just over £3000. Other half loves discos. I like them a lot too, but worried about the v8 engine failure rate. This one is top spec, leather, sat nav etc etc, mileage 120k. Full service history too. This one comes with up to a years AA warranty.

Thing is, do we spend more money up front on a jap import, or cheaper option upfront and save the rest incase we need to buy a new engine down the line? Doing some homework - It would be a recon unit from Turner engineering, circa £4000 minus the surcharge.

Which one would you choose, and why?

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thanks in advance for your replies.

Ian 👍

[Plate spinner]

If I needed off road ability, I’d go for the disco.

If I didn’t, I’d get something else.
I see no point in lugging all that capability around everyday if it wasn’t required.

[Geekfest84]

It's not really needed as such, the other half just enjoys being higher up and the safety of 4wd. It might get used for green laning every now and again, but our 2nd car is an Isuzu trooper.

Thanks :-)

Ian

[mattman]

Personally i’d Be looking at a Volvo XC90 at that budget - petrols are rarer but pretty robust.

The Elgrand is an ugly looking van with little support in the UK - do you have a local specialist that can look after and repair it properly?

At that price range i’d Also be looking at private sales as you’ll probably get a better deal. Warranties from Indy garages at this price point are rarely worth the paper they are written on and will be either auction cars or someone’s PX so you won’t know the history as well as a looked after private sale.

Good luck with your search and keep us posted

[Geekfest84]

The 2.9 t6? I always thought there was something on those that went bang, can't remember if it was gearbox or engine related. Would love the v8, rare as hens teeth tho.

Must admit was looking at dealership/garage because of the support after purchase, rather than private sale.

Thanks

Ian 😊