30-40k SUV decision

[Zippee]

Just after thoughts for alternatives around 30-40k for a RR Velar?
My wife currently has an Evoque she’s owned from new in 2014 but is wanting a bit more space (Evoque boot for example is tiny).
The Evoque has been totally reliable over 64’000 miles despite the usual horror stories, not sure about the Velar, she loves this and a used one is in budget.
This would obviously be a used/ex-demo type purchase, no more than 2 years old. I like the current Volvo XC60 and 90 but according to her, shes not old enough for a Volvo – despite the fact I personally think they’re actually really nice now.
She wants to not ‘downgrade’ from the image of a RR so no Mazda, Ford Edge etc. Also hates the X3 and X5 with a passion. I also quite like the Tiguan but shes again, not a fan.
What are the current crop of Lexus and Mercedes like? Especially hybrids in a bid to future proof a little.
She also loved my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee (now gone) but that is an expensive beast in terms of running costs compared to the Evoque.

Any other thoughts, in particular owners/drivers experiences?

[dmsims]

I'd have thought any make would be an upgrade in terms of image (whatever that is)

[neil-c]

Not sure a hybrid future proofs much, if anything the tech is likely to be outdated quicker than petrol/diesel which will be around for a while.

Other suggestions would be Jaguar F-pace, Cupra Formentor (left field choice), Audi Q5, Alfa Stelvio. You should really have a look at an Audi Allroad though (A4 or A6 depending on space needs). Your budget would see you in a new/very nearly new model.

[Zippee]

dmsims said:

I'd have thought any make would be an upgrade in terms of image (whatever that is)

Hilarious...

[ZX10R NIN]

Whatever you buy will be future proofed due to them being Euro6.

GLC 350d you'll get a nice low mileage one & should be able to extend the Manufacturers Warranty:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011116...

GLE 500e

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008112...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102118...

Maserati Levatnte very good reliable cars & smart looking too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008062...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009123...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010084...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010215...

Grand Cherokee Overland good robust & reliable they also come with a 5 year warranty which means you'll still have 3 years left.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101228...

SRT maybe not the most sensible choice but they're a bloody good SUV

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011196...

Cayenne S e

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101298...

With little bit of a budget stretch & haggling you can get the new SQ5 the drivetrain is a peach & I think your OH will see it as a nice sidestep. You'll also have a years warranty left plus the year you'll get on an AUC vehicle.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011146...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103019...

[Zippee]

Thanks both

[russy01]

My wife went from an evoque to 2018 X5 40d.

Drove everything else and this was by far the best to drive. Makes the Evoque feel like a toy car...

All depends what you’re after, but we both like to “drive” and the gearbox and 3.0d from BMW were by far the best combo for us.

V8 Cayenne was a massive disappointment, RR Sport a tank, Touareg was pretty good to be fair. Mercs felt underpowered and inside was old hat, Volvo nearly sent us to sleep.

Good luck.

[Mattt]

Had a Lexus RX, now upgraded to RX L - I’d recommend going and taking a look when you can.

We didn’t want diesel due to low miles and the probability of them being banned retrospectively in future from towns etc.

Comes top of owners surveys for a reason.

[cerb4.5lee]

Covered 80k miles in a Mercedes GLC350d and have been happy with it. Not the most exciting thing to drive but it does the comfortable cruising bit very well. It feels pretty punchy(0 to 60 in 6.2) and the torque from the V6 diesel suits the car well I reckon.

If Mercedes still did a 6 cylinder diesel in the GLC I'd have swapped it for another one, they don't now though(only 4 cylinder diesels now) so I will be hanging onto it.

[loskie]

don't know how it compares to Evoque but Q5 not big.

[cerb4.5lee]

loskie said:

don't know how it compares to Evoque but Q5 not big.

I had a test drive in a SQ5(diesel version) and I really liked it. It was punchy and it drove really nicely I thought. A nice size for a SUV as well(not too big and not too small).

[Zippee]

cerb4.5lee said:

I had a test drive in a SQ5(diesel version) and I really liked it. It was punchy and it drove really nicely I thought. A nice size for a SUV as well(not too big and not too small).

That's a car we hadn't considered so may look closer into one of those.

[loskie]

Should clarify I have Q5 (base spec Sport derv) it's lovely but not at all spacious.

But there's only me and the dog.

[hajaba123]

Zippee said:

the Velar, she loves this and a used one is in budget.

Here’s your issue, get the Velar

[loskie]

it's a good job you sit in them and don't have to look at them! They look god awful.

[cerb4.5lee]

I really like the way that the Velar looks. It is so subjective for sure.

[shiversaint]

Same, I think the Velar is one of the best looking cars on the road right now.

[Zippee]

shiversaint said:

Same, I think the Velar is one of the best looking cars on the road right now.

I do agree just looking at other options.
Worry is more around reliability, but then again we had the same with the Evoque and its been faultless.

[Cold]

The Velar is a good shout, especially as a secondhand purchase, but it's worth knowing that the RRS is available in the supercharged V8 500bhp form for your budget.