£30k-ish on a newish 4x4

[C70R]

So, my hybrid is going back to the leasing company, and I'm planning to get out of the big smoke and into the sticks.

To fit with my Barbour and Hunter lifestyle, I want to get a nice rough, tough, chunky 4x4; and I have ~£30k to spend (alternatively ~£500/mth on a new, 3-year lease would work too).

Sadly, it's not as simple as "Buy a Defender". I'd like the car/pickup to do the following:
- Occasional long motorway runs in comfort (needs a bit of torque, comfy chairs, and refinement at ~80mph)
- Occasional trips back into London (needs to be an auto)
- Trekking across muddy fields and up/down muddy hills (needs to be reasonably capable offroad)
- Run into town and pick up a weekly shop (needs to be almost usable as a daily drive)
- Be able to carry a few big bits in the back (either a pickup or a BIG boot)
- Be reliable and under warranty (ideally less than 3yrs old, and able to have an extended warranty)

So far, I've fallen head over heels in love with the VW Amarok, which seems to do all of those things with consummate ease. But I thought I'd toss it out there to see whether I was missing a trick.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say a pickup suits your needs so here are my picks.

X250

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

It's hard to look past a D Max

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Also the 2020 Ranger but I'd be tempted to look for a last of the line 3.2:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Or go for a proper truck:

F150

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-F150-SUPER-CREW-RA...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2018-FORD-F150-XLT-ONLY...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-F150-Platinum-5-0-...

Ram

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2016-Dodge-RAM-1500-Fab...

Parking might be an issue with this one

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Ram-3500-Laramie-D...

[anonymous-user]

You'll get a new or nearly new Volvo V60 or V90 Cross Country for that, that will fit the bill, especially if by carry big stuff you mean long stuff, or stuff you dont want to get wet/stolen in a pickup bed.

Is the VW Amarok really 'Barbour and Hunter'? I thought it was more steroids and muscle gyms

[PugwasHDJ80]

Jeep Grand Cherokee - WK2 overland spec

Does every thing you need- you'll get on in warranty for 26k or so.

a LOT of car- absolutely loved mine, did 80k without a single fault (better than my brand new v90cc which has been in 3 times now).

It doesn't have the cachet of a discovery, but its more reliable, more refined inside and probably better off road- the overland spec has a proper locking rear difflock and air suspension. Mine went greenlaning quite a few weekends with a set of all terrains and it never got stuck (I used to a run a serious competitive winch challenge truck, so have a reasonable understanding of what it takes to get stuck!)

Very very underrated! Boot is cavernous especially if you put the rear seats down. very quiet at 80, has every toy under the sun.

[emperorburger]

Ssangyong Rexton.

[C70R]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd say a pickup suits your needs so here are my picks.

X250

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

It's hard to look past a D Max

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Also the 2020 Ranger but I'd be tempted to look for a last of the line 3.2:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Or go for a proper truck:

F150

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-F150-SUPER-CREW-RA...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2018-FORD-F150-XLT-ONLY...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-F150-Platinum-5-0-...

Ram

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2016-Dodge-RAM-1500-Fab...

Parking might be an issue with this one

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Ram-3500-Laramie-D...

Thanks for taking the time to share those.

I'd looked at the Mercedes, but can't get past the hideous front end. I'd genuinely feel a small sense of disappointment seeing that every day.

The Isuzu looks a little bit gutless next to much of the competition, so that's probably out too.

Having done 3,000 miles in a brand new V8 F150 last year, I'd absolutely love one. But the prospect of MrsC driving an LHD truck on narrow country lanes rules it out too. Same for the Ram.

The 2 litre Ranger is a real shock. I didn't even know it existed. Will amble down to a dealer over the weekend, and see if I can borrow one. Some very impressive numbers.

The Jeep is a bit left field too, but might have potential. The cabin can't be worse than the F150, can it?

[Stuart70]

Volvo V90 Cross country on a set of all terrain tyres will do everything you are looking for.
In my opinion it also has the benefit of not looking like you are an urban warrior.

Given your requirements, I would have thought the right tyre choice is more important than the vehicle.
Good luck in the search, lots of alternatives around at least....

[C70R]

Stuart70 said:

Volvo V90 Cross country on a set of all terrain tyres will do everything you are looking for.
In my opinion it also has the benefit of not looking like you are an urban warrior.

Given your requirements, I would have thought the right tyre choice is more important than the vehicle.
Good luck in the search, lots of alternatives around at least....

I don't think people in the Cotswolds know what an "urban warrior" is, but I take your point.

I'm sure the Volvo is a great car, and my username should tell you that I have a soft spot for them, but I'm not sure it's quite the right car to take on a shoot and lob a couple of pheasants in the back of. I want something a bit more utilitarian.

[joropug]

I don't know much about whether these are available in the UK, but the video from these guys I found interesting.

https://youtu.be/Ld1bMp5Hh1I

4wd action an Australian magazine, they really put 4wd through the paces, their videos are really worth a watch but the comparison video above does pit a number of new off roaders against each other in relative stock form.

[sie10110]

16 plate Grand Cherokee owner here. Love it to bits.

Interiors fine, especially on the latest ones. Spacious, comfy, powerful and an absolute bargain IMHO. Have a drive of one and see what I mean.

2018 low mileage Night Eagles are in the high 20K's, some with balance of 5 year warranty. A deli mileage 19plate is mid-30's, some 20k lower than list.

Will swap mine for a newer one when the budgets allow.

[PugwasHDJ80]

sie10110 said:

16 plate Grand Cherokee owner here. Love it to bits.

Interiors fine, especially on the latest ones. Spacious, comfy, powerful and an absolute bargain IMHO. Have a drive of one and see what I mean.

2018 low mileage Night Eagles are in the high 20K's, some with balance of 5 year warranty. A deli mileage 19plate is mid-30's, some 20k lower than list.

Will swap mine for a newer one when the budgets allow.

i soldy 15 plate grand cherokee for a volvo v90 croas country. the jeep is very much missed- and the Volvo isn't even a bad car!

[mikal83]

sie10110 said:

16 plate Grand Cherokee owner here. Love it to bits.

Interiors fine, especially on the latest ones. Spacious, comfy, powerful and an absolute bargain IMHO. Have a drive of one and see what I mean.

2018 low mileage Night Eagles are in the high 20K's, some with balance of 5 year warranty. A deli mileage 19plate is mid-30's, some 20k lower than list.

Will swap mine for a newer one when the budgets allow.

I had a Grand cherokee Laredo for a few years. it slowly fell to bits. My choice a nearly new Forrester.

[PugwasHDJ80]

mikal83 said:

sie10110 said:

16 plate Grand Cherokee owner here. Love it to bits.

Interiors fine, especially on the latest ones. Spacious, comfy, powerful and an absolute bargain IMHO. Have a drive of one and see what I mean.

2018 low mileage Night Eagles are in the high 20K's, some with balance of 5 year warranty. A deli mileage 19plate is mid-30's, some 20k lower than list.

Will swap mine for a newer one when the budgets allow.

I had a Grand cherokee Laredo for a few years. it slowly fell to bits. My choice a nearly new Forrester.

what year was it? pre 13/14 is a very very different car indeed. looks similar but has a totally different drive train, suspension system, interior and build quality.

[C70R]

joropug said:

I don't know much about whether these are available in the UK, but the video from these guys I found interesting.

https://youtu.be/Ld1bMp5Hh1I

4wd action an Australian magazine, they really put 4wd through the paces, their videos are really worth a watch but the comparison video above does pit a number of new off roaders against each other in relative stock form.

The Triton is a L200 in the UK, and pant-wettingly slow. Seriously rugged piece of kit though.

[mikal83]

PugwasHDJ80 said:

mikal83 said:

sie10110 said:

16 plate Grand Cherokee owner here. Love it to bits.

Interiors fine, especially on the latest ones. Spacious, comfy, powerful and an absolute bargain IMHO. Have a drive of one and see what I mean.

2018 low mileage Night Eagles are in the high 20K's, some with balance of 5 year warranty. A deli mileage 19plate is mid-30's, some 20k lower than list.

Will swap mine for a newer one when the budgets allow.

I had a Grand cherokee Laredo for a few years. it slowly fell to bits. My choice a nearly new Forrester.

what year was it? pre 13/14 is a very very different car indeed. looks similar but has a totally different drive train, suspension system, interior and build quality.

Oh it was in Florida. Bought it when 3 yrs old in 1999. When I got rid of it and bought a RR, next to nothing worked.

[Stuart70]

C70R said:

Stuart70 said:

Volvo V90 Cross country on a set of all terrain tyres will do everything you are looking for.
In my opinion it also has the benefit of not looking like you are an urban warrior.

Given your requirements, I would have thought the right tyre choice is more important than the vehicle.
Good luck in the search, lots of alternatives around at least....

I don't think people in the Cotswolds know what an "urban warrior" is, but I take your point.

I'm sure the Volvo is a great car, and my username should tell you that I have a soft spot for them, but I'm not sure it's quite the right car to take on a shoot and lob a couple of pheasants in the back of. I want something a bit more utilitarian.

Oddly enough, I have used it for exactly that at my parents farm in Scotland, with a boot liner it works perfectly well.
I am surprised that the image of the L200 style trucks is acceptable, I thought they rated as a bit infra dig for the shooting set?
Anyway, good luck with the search.

[C70R]

Stuart70 said:

C70R said:

Stuart70 said:

Volvo V90 Cross country on a set of all terrain tyres will do everything you are looking for.
In my opinion it also has the benefit of not looking like you are an urban warrior.

Given your requirements, I would have thought the right tyre choice is more important than the vehicle.
Good luck in the search, lots of alternatives around at least....

I don't think people in the Cotswolds know what an "urban warrior" is, but I take your point.

I'm sure the Volvo is a great car, and my username should tell you that I have a soft spot for them, but I'm not sure it's quite the right car to take on a shoot and lob a couple of pheasants in the back of. I want something a bit more utilitarian.

Oddly enough, I have used it for exactly that at my parents farm in Scotland, with a boot liner it works perfectly well.
I am surprised that the image of the L200 style trucks is acceptable, I thought they rated as a bit infra dig for the shooting set?
Anyway, good luck with the search.

Only if you shoot with a bunch of judgemental arses.

Most people (including me) don't really care about the image, as long as they aren't stuck trying to tow you across a muddy field at the end of the day.

[Stuart70]

C70R said:

Only if you shoot with a bunch of judgemental arses.

Most people (including me) don't really care about the image, as long as they aren't stuck trying to tow you across a muddy field at the end of the day.

Good stuff, not judging them - just asking!
Crowd that I know who shoot are all newish Range Rovers and old Landies, but it is not my “thing”.
Mainly because I live 450 miles away.

[akirk]

C70R said:

Stuart70 said:

Volvo V90 Cross country on a set of all terrain tyres will do everything you are looking for.
In my opinion it also has the benefit of not looking like you are an urban warrior.

Given your requirements, I would have thought the right tyre choice is more important than the vehicle.
Good luck in the search, lots of alternatives around at least....

I don't think people in the Cotswolds know what an "urban warrior" is, but I take your point.

I'm sure the Volvo is a great car, and my username should tell you that I have a soft spot for them, but I'm not sure it's quite the right car to take on a shoot and lob a couple of pheasants in the back of. I want something a bit more utilitarian.

Tyres will indeed be your biggest headache - the tyres needed to get up and down muddy hills will not be the tyres that are comfortable cruising on a motorway at c. 80mph

I have lost count of how many shoots I have been on (Cotswolds and elsewhere) where Mr London Banker turns up with a Range Rover on slicks and struggles to get out of the farm yard - where the local beaters in their rusty Subarus go everywhere... I have watched a land agent who knows how to drive off road run rings around a bunch of tricked out 4x4s in a volvo estate up a wet grassy slope An ability to drive off-road and a set of decent tyres will get you around any shoot - if conditions are too bad, then the shoot will probably haul you around in a tractor / trailer combo...

I would be considering splitting your needs and buying two cars - have one comfy but older 4x4 for the tip / dogs / shoot / etc. and then a blander reliable box for going into London / longer journeys...

If you want to fit into the Cotswolds shooting set then this is probably the ideal car (as I am sure DonkeyApple will also confirm!):



checklist:
- LandRover badge
- off-road (ish) tyres
- painted green
- full length roof-rack (ideal for tying on braces of birds)
- tow bar
- bespoke 5 litre v8 engine
- leather interior (easier to wipe down after muddy spaniels)
- air conditioning
- heated seats
- LWB so you can fit extra passengers / dogs / guns in the back (have had 13 people and 8 dogs in a RR on a shoot before now!)

and specifically for shooting in the Cotswolds (essential of course)
- 'personal' number-plate (spaced correctly and meaning nothing)
- mascot on the bonnet
- fuel consumption about the same as the farm tractors

It would of course also happily go to London and is an automatic...

---

as for what is appropriate carrier for pheasants - I have seen everything from a new Bentley (blood on the boot carpet!) to rusty peugeot 205s

[C70R]

akirk said:

C70R said:

Stuart70 said:

Volvo V90 Cross country on a set of all terrain tyres will do everything you are looking for.
In my opinion it also has the benefit of not looking like you are an urban warrior.

Given your requirements, I would have thought the right tyre choice is more important than the vehicle.
Good luck in the search, lots of alternatives around at least....

I don't think people in the Cotswolds know what an "urban warrior" is, but I take your point.

I'm sure the Volvo is a great car, and my username should tell you that I have a soft spot for them, but I'm not sure it's quite the right car to take on a shoot and lob a couple of pheasants in the back of. I want something a bit more utilitarian.

Tyres will indeed be your biggest headache - the tyres needed to get up and down muddy hills will not be the tyres that are comfortable cruising on a motorway at c. 80mph

I have lost count of how many shoots I have been on (Cotswolds and elsewhere) where Mr London Banker turns up with a Range Rover on slicks and struggles to get out of the farm yard - where the local beaters in their rusty Subarus go everywhere... I have watched a land agent who knows how to drive off road run rings around a bunch of tricked out 4x4s in a volvo estate up a wet grassy slope An ability to drive off-road and a set of decent tyres will get you around any shoot - if conditions are too bad, then the shoot will probably haul you around in a tractor / trailer combo...

I would be considering splitting your needs and buying two cars - have one comfy but older 4x4 for the tip / dogs / shoot / etc. and then a blander reliable box for going into London / longer journeys...

If you want to fit into the Cotswolds shooting set then this is probably the ideal car (as I am sure DonkeyApple will also confirm!):



checklist:
- LandRover badge
- off-road (ish) tyres
- painted green
- full length roof-rack (ideal for tying on braces of birds)
- tow bar
- bespoke 5 litre v8 engine
- leather interior (easier to wipe down after muddy spaniels)
- air conditioning
- heated seats
- LWB so you can fit extra passengers / dogs / guns in the back (have had 13 people and 8 dogs in a RR on a shoot before now!)

and specifically for shooting in the Cotswolds (essential of course)
- 'personal' number-plate (spaced correctly and meaning nothing)
- mascot on the bonnet
- fuel consumption about the same as the farm tractors

It would of course also happily go to London and is an automatic...

I hear everything you're saying, and the idea of splitting across two cars did cross my mind. In all honesty, I can't be bothered with the headache of it all.

Rather than having two cars that are heavily compromised/specialised, I'd prefer to have one car that's slightly compromised. Does that make sense?

Agree on the subject of tyres and talent, by the way. There's no faster way around the countryside than in the passenger seat of a beater's knackered old Forester.