Which shed in 2019...
Discussion
We run a couple of enormous estates at our place - 08 XC70 2.5 and 08 A6 Quattro 2.7. Great cars, the Volvo hasn't skipped a beat and has plodded along with just servicing and tyres for the last couple of years. I have been amazed at the sheer amount of stuff I can get into the car too. Basically a classic Volvo owners experience.
The Audi has been more troublesome (electrical faults) but so much more engaging to drive, and still feels pretty tight / refined - even with 220k on the clock.
Repair bills are mounting though so the time has come to ditch the Audi and am looking for a new shed for me and cannot fathom the right way forward.
Same old stuff, OK MPG (30+ - which I have to say, would be better than the XC), loads of space to suck up the stuff that kids come with etc, comfortable ish to drive. Whatever I get won't be as much fun to drive as the Audi I know, but I'm hoping I can make up for that with road presence - as you will see from my thinking below, I do seem to be attracted to big boxes on the road. Current thinking is:
L200 - I know dreadfully bouncy to drive, but all that load space - plus round where I am is farming country so I'll fit right in.
Ford Ranger - not a fan of the shape of these in my price range, but probably a nicer drive than the L200
WJ Grand Cherokee - had an itch for these for ages and have come very close to buying before, but running a 15 year old American motor could I suppose be fraught with danger. Would most likely be a 2.7 CRD (have had a 4.0 XJ with LPG in the past, was a pain to get near me).
I do miss the high driving position I used to have so would like that I suppose. While the roads I traverse are horrible mainly, 4X4 not necessary but likely will come with the sort of thing vehicles I'm considering.
Every once in a while (once a month?) I also need to haul big loads of woodchips, soil or similarly mucky 'you probably wouldn't want it inside the vehicle' type stuff, so need a solution for that, either capacity to hitch a trailer or have a truck.
I don't have masses to spend which is really where its tricky - £3k or thereabouts I suppose. Fortunately given my penchant for massive boxes on wheels, the budget is workable. Unfortunately given my budget I need to go careful with vehicle history and known problems as I could stitch myself up. Any experience to call on for the above?
I know these threads come up all the time - the collective experience is greatly appreciated.
The Audi has been more troublesome (electrical faults) but so much more engaging to drive, and still feels pretty tight / refined - even with 220k on the clock.
Repair bills are mounting though so the time has come to ditch the Audi and am looking for a new shed for me and cannot fathom the right way forward.
Same old stuff, OK MPG (30+ - which I have to say, would be better than the XC), loads of space to suck up the stuff that kids come with etc, comfortable ish to drive. Whatever I get won't be as much fun to drive as the Audi I know, but I'm hoping I can make up for that with road presence - as you will see from my thinking below, I do seem to be attracted to big boxes on the road. Current thinking is:
L200 - I know dreadfully bouncy to drive, but all that load space - plus round where I am is farming country so I'll fit right in.
Ford Ranger - not a fan of the shape of these in my price range, but probably a nicer drive than the L200
WJ Grand Cherokee - had an itch for these for ages and have come very close to buying before, but running a 15 year old American motor could I suppose be fraught with danger. Would most likely be a 2.7 CRD (have had a 4.0 XJ with LPG in the past, was a pain to get near me).
I do miss the high driving position I used to have so would like that I suppose. While the roads I traverse are horrible mainly, 4X4 not necessary but likely will come with the sort of thing vehicles I'm considering.
Every once in a while (once a month?) I also need to haul big loads of woodchips, soil or similarly mucky 'you probably wouldn't want it inside the vehicle' type stuff, so need a solution for that, either capacity to hitch a trailer or have a truck.
I don't have masses to spend which is really where its tricky - £3k or thereabouts I suppose. Fortunately given my penchant for massive boxes on wheels, the budget is workable. Unfortunately given my budget I need to go careful with vehicle history and known problems as I could stitch myself up. Any experience to call on for the above?
I know these threads come up all the time - the collective experience is greatly appreciated.
A bit of a pointless buy considering you already own nearly the same car, but:
A D5 engined Volvo V70?
40MPG around town and up to 55MPG on a hot days run in my experience. I believe the 2003-2005 EuroIII ones can get more than this.
Or get the T5 and should add to the fun factor?
Honda CRV? Might be a bit small, especially compared to an L200.
Some sort of Isuzu maybe?
A D5 engined Volvo V70?
40MPG around town and up to 55MPG on a hot days run in my experience. I believe the 2003-2005 EuroIII ones can get more than this.
Or get the T5 and should add to the fun factor?
Honda CRV? Might be a bit small, especially compared to an L200.
Some sort of Isuzu maybe?
Saudade said:
A bit of a pointless buy considering you already own nearly the same car, but:
A D5 engined Volvo V70?
40MPG around town and up to 55MPG on a hot days run in my experience. I believe the 2003-2005 EuroIII ones can get more than this.
Or get the T5 and should add to the fun factor?
Honda CRV? Might be a bit small, especially compared to an L200.
Some sort of Isuzu maybe?
Cheers yes, had considered another Volvo - it is enormous and does the job but would need to add a trailer. Isuzu hadn't really thought about - no experience with these...A D5 engined Volvo V70?
40MPG around town and up to 55MPG on a hot days run in my experience. I believe the 2003-2005 EuroIII ones can get more than this.
Or get the T5 and should add to the fun factor?
Honda CRV? Might be a bit small, especially compared to an L200.
Some sort of Isuzu maybe?
Joddon said:
Just out of interest, how much would you be looking for when you come to sell the Audi?
Garage who maintains it reckons £3.5k - seems about right looking around online. My wife is the 3rd owner, first owner covered just motorway miles for the first 135k and specced it well. Its been a great car for her and still runs great as I say, but we've spent probably £1200 in the last year on it, mainly solving an issue with one of the keys not opening all the doors, so had to replace some wiring and get a new key. Shame but I need something to tow with (neither car has a tow bar).Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff