Freelander 1 or Grand Vitara

[redlemon18]

Looking for a 3 door SUV for towing small trailers and pottering about on weekends. £4.5 budget. Can’t decide between an 05 / 06 TD4 with 60,000 - 80,000 miles on the clock or a slightly newer Grand Vitara with the 1.6 petrol? Had a TD4 back in 2008/09 and really liked it, but I’m concerned about reliability now. Thoughts?

[Nickp82]

The GV is highly likely to be totally reliable, the 1.6 are a bit gutless though, have you driven one? The 2.4 may be a better choice.

[redlemon18]

I haven’t driven one yet tbh. I would prefer a diesel, but from what I’ve read, they’re not as reliable (usually borrowed from someone else).

[Nickp82]

redlemon18 said:

I haven’t driven one yet tbh. I would prefer a diesel, but from what I’ve read, they’re not as reliable (usually borrowed from someone else).

Yes, the diesel is a rough old Renault unit, the torque is of course handy but it's far from refined.

The 2.4 petrol is quite smooth and quiet , if you can stand the fuel consumption it is the best option imo.

[soad]

Jeep Cherokee?

[bearman68]

soad said:

Jeep Cherokee?

LOL, Freelander is more reliable - I know I have one.

4.5 k gives you a fair bit of scope. What about a Hyundai Tucson. They seem pretty good all round 4*4 softroader type thingy.

Depends on the size of the trailer really.

[redlemon18]

Nickp82 said:

Yes, the diesel is a rough old Renault unit, the torque is of course handy but it's far from refined.

The 2.4 petrol is quite smooth and quiet , if you can stand the fuel consumption it is the best option imo.

Fuel consumption is a consideration. It’s a shame the 4x4 system on the Freelander isn’t stronger / more reliable, because the TD4 is IMO a good engine.

[redlemon18]

bearman68 said:

LOL, Freelander is more reliable - I know I have one.

4.5 k gives you a fair bit of scope. What about a Hyundai Tucson. They seem pretty good all round 4*4 softroader type thingy.

Depends on the size of the trailer really.

For reasons I can’t really explain, it has to be a 3 door.

[nunpuncher]

We had a 2l petrol grand Vitara and it wouldn't pull the skin off a custard. I'd imagine the 1.6 is weaker and there for worse.

The oil pump packed in on ours without giving any indication it had done so. It then became just another number on the long list of cars my wife has managed to kill dead.

[cbmotorsport]

Rav4?

[bearman68]

OP needs to define:-

a) Size of the trailer.
b) No miles per year in said truck.

Frontera tows pretty nicely in my experience, but is under powered.

[finlo]

bearman68 said:

OP needs to define:-

a) Size of the trailer.
b) No miles per year in said truck.

Frontera tows pretty nicely in my experience, but is under powered.

I haven't seen a Frontera for at least 20 years!

[bearman68]

finlo said:

I haven't seen a Frontera for at least 20 years!

Really? quite common here. OK,not all day,every day, but not rare. I had one until last year, when I traded it for a Jeep. Not sure it was a good move TBH

[redlemon18]

bearman68 said:

OP needs to define:-

a) Size of the trailer.
b) No miles per year in said truck.

Frontera tows pretty nicely in my experience, but is under powered.

a) Single axle trailer big enough to carry 8’ x 4’ sheets.
b) 5,000 miles per year max.

[bearman68]

redlemon18 said:

a) Single axle trailer big enough to carry 8’ x 4’ sheets.
b) 5,000 miles per year max.

Doesn't matter then, almost any 'family' car will tow a small trailer. Just get a Mondeo 2.0 tdci. Comfy and cheap. Or a Berlingo. Cheap and practical. May be even an old Passat.

[redlemon18]

bearman68 said:

Doesn't matter then, almost any 'family' car will tow a small trailer. Just get a Mondeo 2.0 tdci. Comfy and cheap. Or a Berlingo. Cheap and practical. May be even an old Passat.

I think your missing the point. My original question was: Freelander 1 or Grand Vitara? Not Freelander 1, Grand Vitara or Ford Mondeo?? If I wanted a Ford Mondeo or Passat do you not think I would have asked for opinions on these??