What 4x4 should I buy?

[Garry_60]

Good evening all,

I am looking to purchase a 4x4. I currently have a BMW 335d estate, and would like to buy something higher as I am finding it harder to get in and out of thanks to my bad back. I also have recently purchased a caravan, and while the BMW tows it fine it does feel like it is struggling a bit. My understanding is that towing is based on weight, so a 4x4 would probably make sense for that as well.

I like the power of the BMW, but in all honesty I don't drive very fast these days so while I would like something reasonably brisk it is not the top priority. I think a budget of around 20k would be ideal, and my main priority is reliability as I generally like to keep my cars for a long time. Fuel economy would be good too, ideally something that will do over 30mpg so no V8 petrols.

I like the look of a Volkswagen Touareg, or maybe a BMW X5. I've never driven one and I don't know anything about them so would appreciate any suggestions and guidance from yourselves.

[Jag_NE]

I wish people would just say they fancy a new car and what do people think as opposed to concocting stories like these.

Keep the 335d it will pull as well as pretty much anything and manoeuvring a caravan around will be far more stressful for your back than getting into a car.

[Garry_60]

Jag_NE said:

I wish people would just say they fancy a new car and what do people think as opposed to concocting stories like these.

Keep the 335d it will pull as well as pretty much anything and manoeuvring a caravan around will be far more stressful for your back than getting into a car.

Strange response, I am giving context to my question. The caravan has a remote control so I don't need to push it anywhere.

[fredhead]

Is it for the school run? if so you might want to black out the windows and fit some fancy wheels

[Garry_60]

fredhead said:

Is it for the school run? if so you might want to black out the windows and fit some fancy wheels

Nope, my children are all grown up! Smallest wheels possible, I changed the 19 inch ones on the 335d because the ride was harsh and tyres were very expensive.

[Odhran]

Land cruiser?

[cerb4.5lee]

I've had a 2004 X5 4.8iS and I've driven a 2016 X5 40d so they come highly recommended by me. My petrol 4.8 V8 X5 was very thirsty so I favour the diesel after that, and the 40d has plenty of torque so it will be good for towing, plus it will be much more fuel efficient too.

[abzmike]

Garry_60 said:

Good evening all,

I am looking to purchase a 4x4. I currently have a BMW 335d estate, and would like to buy something higher as I am finding it harder to get in and out of thanks to my bad back. I also have recently purchased a caravan, and while the BMW tows it fine it does feel like it is struggling a bit. My understanding is that towing is based on weight, so a 4x4 would probably make sense for that as well.

I like the power of the BMW, but in all honesty I don't drive very fast these days so while I would like something reasonably brisk it is not the top priority. I think a budget of around 20k would be ideal, and my main priority is reliability as I generally like to keep my cars for a long time. Fuel economy would be good too, ideally something that will do over 30mpg so no V8 petrols.

I like the look of a Volkswagen Touareg, or maybe a BMW X5. I've never driven one and I don't know anything about them so would appreciate any suggestions and guidance from yourselves.

I’ve got a Touareg and came from a 430d xDrive last year. I fancied a change and I really like it. It is big though, I think a bit bigger than an X5. Tall to get into, but great view when you’re there. The inside is nice. I have the touchy-feely stuff and that takes a bit of getting used to. Cabin plastics maybe not Bimmer standard but good enough. Comfortable and quick enough, actually surprisingly so in the mid range, average 39mpg mainly rural driving. Go and have a drive though, they are big.

[ZX10R NIN]

The first thing I'll say is to test drive as many options as you can as what's good for us may not work for you, also if you feel your 335d struggles with your caravan then most of these will to as they have more weight & a 4x4, you could go for an X3 sized car which will have the same drivetrain as the X5 but with less weight.

X3 35d M Sport

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

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

X5 40d

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

QX50 GT

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

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

QX70

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

Mercedes ML350 AMG Line Premium

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

Cayenne

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

Touareg R Line+ 262

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

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

Grand Cherokee Summit

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

Overland

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

Q5 S Line+

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

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

Q7 4.2d S Line +

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

3.0d

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

[anonymous-user]

I’d go with a new Defender or RR TDV8. You don’t say how much you want to spend. Disco 4 is another good option.

I’ve got no problems with Land Rover products. Problem is people try to run them on buttons. Find a decent one just out of warranty and a decent independent to look after it.

Proper 4x4s unlike the soft roaders from BMW. Will tow your caravan like it’s not even there.

[anonymous-user]

ZX10R NIN said:

The first thing I'll say is to test drive as many options as you can as what's good for us may not work for you, also if you feel your 335d struggles with your caravan then most of these will to as they have more weight & a 4x4, you could go for an X3 sized car which will have the same drivetrain as the X5 but with less weight.

How do you work that out? 335d has a towing capacity of 1800kg (750kg without brakes) whilst a Disco 4 will pull 3500kg.

[Garry_60]

Odhran said:

Land cruiser?

I hadn't thought about them, I'll take a look. Thank you.

cerb4.5lee said:

I've had a 2004 X5 4.8iS and I've driven a 2016 X5 40d so they come highly recommended by me. My petrol 4.8 V8 X5 was very thirsty so I favour the diesel after that, and the 40d has plenty of torque so it will be good for towing, plus it will be much more fuel efficient too.

Yes I think I will go for diesel, would have thought it would be better for towing as well. Is the 40d engine the same as the one in my 335d? If so, it is very impressive.

abzmike said:

I’ve got a Touareg and came from a 430d xDrive last year. I fancied a change and I really like it. It is big though, I think a bit bigger than an X5. Tall to get into, but great view when you’re there. The inside is nice. I have the touchy-feely stuff and that takes a bit of getting used to. Cabin plastics maybe not Bimmer standard but good enough. Comfortable and quick enough, actually surprisingly so in the mid range, average 39mpg mainly rural driving. Go and have a drive though, they are big.

I didn't realise they were bigger, I'll keep that in mind. I don't want anything massive, my friend has a Ford Ranger and it is enormous. That fuel economy sounds very reasonable, incredible what they can get from cars these days.

ZX10R NIN said:

The first thing I'll say is to test drive as many options as you can as what's good for us may not work for you, also if you feel your 335d struggles with your caravan then most of these will to as they have more weight & a 4x4, you could go for an X3 sized car which will have the same drivetrain as the X5 but with less weight.

Thank you for all of the suggestions, I have never even seen an Infiniti but they do look rather nice. I'll make sure to drive one. Do you think an X3 would be enough for a caravan? It is a big twin axle job, the 335d pulls it fine but it doesn't feel as stable or secure as I would like. I thought an X3 would be like a tall 3 series and not address the towing issue. It would be ideal if it was though.

wormus said:

I’d go with a new Defender or RR TDV8. You don’t say how much you want to spend. Disco 4 is another good option.

I’ve got no problems with Land Rover products. Problem is people try to run them on buttons. Find a decent one just out of warranty and a decent independent to look after it.

Proper 4x4s unlike the soft roaders from BMW. Will tow your caravan like it’s not even there.

I'm a bit hesitant about Land Rovers, are they not quite unreliable and expensive to fix? The 335d has been rock solid over the past 5 years so I don't want a car that is in and out of the garage all the time. If they have changed in recent years I will be sure to drive one though. Not too worried about off road ability, realistically it will never leave the tarmac.

Edit - I mentioned in the OP that I would like to spend around 20k

Edited by Garry_60 on Tuesday 2nd June 20:17

[cerb4.5lee]

Garry_60 said:

cerb4.5lee said:

I've had a 2004 X5 4.8iS and I've driven a 2016 X5 40d so they come highly recommended by me. My petrol 4.8 V8 X5 was very thirsty so I favour the diesel after that, and the 40d has plenty of torque so it will be good for towing, plus it will be much more fuel efficient too.

Yes I think I will go for diesel, would have thought it would be better for towing as well. Is the 40d engine the same as the one in my 335d? If so, it is very impressive.

Yes it is.

[anonymous-user]

Garry_60 said:

I'm a bit hesitant about Land Rovers, are they not quite unreliable and expensive to fix? The 335d has been rock solid over the past 5 years so I don't want a car that is in and out of the garage all the time. If they have changed in recent years I will be sure to drive one though. Not too worried about off road ability, realistically it will never leave the tarmac.

Edit - I mentioned in the OP that I would like to spend around 20k

Edited by Garry_60 on Tuesday 2nd June 20:17

You have to ask if they were that crap, why do so many people still buy them? I’ve owned my D4 for 5 years and a D3 for 7 years before that. The 3 was a bit iffy but never left me stranded. The D4 has been almost faultless, had a cracked intake manifold (common fault) earlier in the year but fixed in a day. Other than that nothing but consumables. Late D4 HSE or Luxury would would suit you well for your budget. Don’t believe the horror stories, most people on here have never even sat in one. Decent indie is critical for keeping your Landie in good health.


Caravaners love it too!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CUJIak5Khb8

Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 2nd June 21:09

[ZX10R NIN]

I thought you meant as in power but yes maybe a full size SUV will suit you better.

[Walter Sobchak]

If you want the most reliable,one of the most capable off road and best at holding its money get a Landcruiser, they aren’t nearly as refined as an X5 though!.
Cayenne and Touareg are both really decent imo, newer shape ML might be one to consider too?.
To be fair £20k is very close to early L405 Range Rover territory now, they do look the nicest of the lot, the interior looks amazing, but going off my last experience with an LR product I’d be apprehensive about having another, they seem to either be great and not give any trouble or a complete nightmare, if you can find one that’s in the former group though they’re brilliant.

Edited by Walter Sobchak on Tuesday 2nd June 21:22

[Walter Sobchak]

wormus said:

How do you work that out? 335d has a towing capacity of 1800kg (750kg without brakes) whilst a Disco 4 will pull 3500kg.

To be fair a D4 will pull a lot more than 3500kg but that’s the maximum it’s allowed to actually tow legally!.

[ZX10R NIN]

wormus said:

How do you work that out? 335d has a towing capacity of 1800kg (750kg without brakes) whilst a Disco 4 will pull 3500kg.

I thought he was talking about the power, so the bigger 4x4's actually have less power to weight ratio's than his 335d.

[Stuart70]

wormus said:

I’d go with a new Defender or RR TDV8. You don’t say how much you want to spend. Disco 4 is another good option.

I’ve got no problems with Land Rover products. Problem is people try to run them on buttons. Find a decent one just out of warranty and a decent independent to look after it.

Proper 4x4s unlike the soft roaders from BMW. Will tow your caravan like it’s not even there.

OP has a budget of £20k - where are you sourcing your cars?

[drmike37]

Buy a smaller caravan?