Any and all suggestions welcome (4x4 thread)
Any and all suggestions welcome (4x4 thread)
Author
Discussion

Mikey2312

Original Poster:

141 posts

107 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
Afternoon all

I’ve spoke to a few of you about a dilemma I had choosing between a Mercedes c350 and Volvo XC90.. well.. the Volvo has stuck with me a little and after reassessing my plans for the year I think a 4x4 will be more suited, I’ve trawled autotrader the last few days and thought I’d just ask the guys that have experience.. my budget is £6k, I’d ideally prefer not to travel to the end of the Earth to pick a car up and I’m looking for something that I can have peace of mind that I’ll get in, start and drive to places like wales, Scotland, etc. I appreciate all cars have issues but some do less than others.

I dive recreationally so need the space for gear. I’ve been looking at the Tiguan 2.0 TDI that seems to sit in the budget with around 80k-90k on the clock, I had a Passat previously with the same common rail engine that I ran up to 185k before stupidly trading it in (best car I’ve owned in terms of reliability) before you say “buy a passat” that’s a secondary thought as I’d like to be a bit “higher up” on the road now.

Comfort is a must for obvious reasons and any extras like parking sensors, heated seats would be a bonus.. I keep seeing various websites recommending the Dacia Duster but it reminds me of my old Citroen Saxo I had as a teen that likely would’ve imploded if you farted hard enough near it.. I’m not overly badge snobby but Vauxhall just isn’t for me ha!

The XC90 I test drove was great but it was 120k and had more vibration over 70 than my mrs underwear drawer so, although great, I feel that one in particular should be avoided and as someone made a great comment on another thread the XC90 is captain’d not driven. The XC60 D5 would be ideal but the budget doesn’t stretch far enough

Anyway hope that helps, anything you could throw my way as suggestions would be really appreciated I’m hoping to go pick one up at the weekend ideally

bqf

2,289 posts

199 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
Mikey2312 said:
Afternoon all

I’ve spoke to a few of you about a dilemma I had choosing between a Mercedes c350 and Volvo XC90.. well.. the Volvo has stuck with me a little and after reassessing my plans for the year I think a 4x4 will be more suited, I’ve trawled autotrader the last few days and thought I’d just ask the guys that have experience.. my budget is £6k, I’d ideally prefer not to travel to the end of the Earth to pick a car up and I’m looking for something that I can have peace of mind that I’ll get in, start and drive to places like wales, Scotland, etc. I appreciate all cars have issues but some do less than others.

I dive recreationally so need the space for gear. I’ve been looking at the Tiguan 2.0 TDI that seems to sit in the budget with around 80k-90k on the clock, I had a Passat previously with the same common rail engine that I ran up to 185k before stupidly trading it in (best car I’ve owned in terms of reliability) before you say “buy a passat” that’s a secondary thought as I’d like to be a bit “higher up” on the road now.

Comfort is a must for obvious reasons and any extras like parking sensors, heated seats would be a bonus.. I keep seeing various websites recommending the Dacia Duster but it reminds me of my old Citroen Saxo I had as a teen that likely would’ve imploded if you farted hard enough near it.. I’m not overly badge snobby but Vauxhall just isn’t for me ha!

The XC90 I test drove was great but it was 120k and had more vibration over 70 than my mrs underwear drawer so, although great, I feel that one in particular should be avoided and as someone made a great comment on another thread the XC90 is captain’d not driven. The XC60 D5 would be ideal but the budget doesn’t stretch far enough

Anyway hope that helps, anything you could throw my way as suggestions would be really appreciated I’m hoping to go pick one up at the weekend ideally
VW Touareg 3.0 V6 TDi. Had two from new, terrific.

Mikey2312

Original Poster:

141 posts

107 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
I’ll take a look on those, anything specific to watch out for on the V6?

bqf

2,289 posts

199 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
Mikey2312 said:
I’ll take a look on those, anything specific to watch out for on the V6?
injectors need work over 90k, check they've been done. Prop bearing depending on whether it's a Mk2/3.

Other than that, pretty good.

Mikey2312

Original Poster:

141 posts

107 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
bqf said:
injectors need work over 90k, check they've been done. Prop bearing depending on whether it's a Mk2/3.

Other than that, pretty good.
I didn’t realise they were £630 a year on tax 😮😮

Terzo123

4,716 posts

236 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
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You can get decent bang for your buck with a Jeep Grand Cherokee

Tax and fuel cost can be heavy, although if you buy a pre April 2006 vehicle the tax is significantly cheaper.

I ran one for a couple of years and loved it.


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212062...


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212172...

Silenoz

961 posts

181 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
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Do you need 4 wheel drive or do you just want the high up seating and space of an SUV?

Mikey2312

Original Poster:

141 posts

107 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
Silenoz said:
Do you need 4 wheel drive or do you just want the high up seating and space of an SUV?
Don’t really need it, I won’t be off roading as such but if it comes with then I’m not too bothered

Mikey2312

Original Poster:

141 posts

107 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
Terzo123 said:
You can get decent bang for your buck with a Jeep Grand Cherokee

Tax and fuel cost can be heavy, although if you buy a pre April 2006 vehicle the tax is significantly cheaper.

I ran one for a couple of years and loved it.


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212062...


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212172...
I did look at those then saw the eye watering tax, I don’t mind having to pay that sort of money to maintain a car but for road tax.. I just can’t do it

Silenoz

961 posts

181 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
Mikey2312 said:
Silenoz said:
Do you need 4 wheel drive or do you just want the high up seating and space of an SUV?
Don’t really need it, I won’t be off roading as such but if it comes with then I’m not too bothered
Only asking as you have many more options and potentially lower running costs if you're not restricted to a 4x4.

richardxjr

7,561 posts

238 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
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Freelander 2 HSE (My 2010 has Lthr, Auto, Heated Seats, Parking sensors, DAB & Phone, Sunroof).
Facelift 2010 on is a bit nicer front, rear & dash. (SD4 is remapped TD4 up from 150 to 190bhp I think).
Has multi mode 4WD for snow, sand, mud etc.
It is Haldex though so a Haldex service @ 100k along with transmission fluids and belts ideally

Had ours 5 years, now on 93k, no problems except a couple of leccy door locks now need replacing.

Ford era so Mondeo running gear, similar/same platform as XC60 I believe.

Comfy and frugal, I can do 500 miles on a tank motorway and only need 1 comfort break.

Mikey2312

Original Poster:

141 posts

107 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
Silenoz said:
Only asking as you have many more options and potentially lower running costs if you're not restricted to a 4x4.
Ahh ok, I don’t need the 4WD capability, the D5 XC90 I test drove had it, I’ll be only on the road with it

Mikey2312

Original Poster:

141 posts

107 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
richardxjr said:
Freelander 2 HSE (My 2010 has Lthr, Auto, Heated Seats, Parking sensors, DAB & Phone, Sunroof).
Facelift 2010 on is a bit nicer front, rear & dash. (SD4 is remapped TD4 up from 150 to 190bhp I think).
Has multi mode 4WD for snow, sand, mud etc.
It is Haldex though so a Haldex service @ 100k along with transmission fluids and belts ideally

Had ours 5 years, now on 93k, no problems except a couple of leccy door locks now need replacing.

Ford era so Mondeo running gear, similar/same platform as XC60 I believe.

Comfy and frugal, I can do 500 miles on a tank motorway and only need 1 comfort break.
I was looking at the freelanders but you’re probably one of the few I’ve come across with good things to say about reliability if I’m honest, I always get turned away from them when I bring them up on forums or in convo.

Mondeo’s are a sore point for me haha I currently have one laid up on the drive needing a new turbo and clutch on 99k.. aside from wanting to be higher up and change of scenery, it’s easier for me to get another car at the minute than get mine in a garage for repairs, locally been told toward the end of Jan to get it in

richardxjr

7,561 posts

238 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
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FL2 is leagues ahead of FL1 especially in reliability!

They are not typical LR in this respect.

Mondeo running gear ... well same cheap disks and pads but I'm not sure if anything else shared.


Mikey2312

Original Poster:

141 posts

107 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
richardxjr said:
FL2 is leagues ahead of FL1 especially in reliability!

They are not typical LR in this respect.

Mondeo running gear ... well same cheap disks and pads but I'm not sure if anything else shared.
I’ll maybe have to revisit and see if there’s one within budget on reasonable miles

WelshRich

486 posts

85 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
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The Freelander 2 supposedly has better reliability than most Land Rovers but I don’t have personal experience.

I was very tempted when faced with a similar set of requirements recently but in the end went with a Honda CRV. It’s definitely a soft roader rather than a proper 4x4 and isn’t exactly exciting, but it’s comfy and well equipped and you’ll get a newer/lower mileage car for your money with the reassurance of Honda engine reliability at the expense of questionable rust-proofing!

I went with petrol because it’s likely to sit unused for weeks at a time but I want it to start when I need it to…. I wasn’t bothered about fuel efficiency but I was keen to get something where I wouldn’t have to worry about the increasing number of Low Emission zones on my travels (it replaced an old diesel VW Caravelle that fell foul of most restrictions).

The CRV is underpowered and I wouldn’t fancy using it to tow more than a camping trailer but for lazy trips to do outdoorsy things it swallows all the camping/biking/canoeing kit and I don’t care if it gets battered by the kids and the dog…

Mikey2312

Original Poster:

141 posts

107 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
WelshRich said:
The Freelander 2 supposedly has better reliability than most Land Rovers but I don’t have personal experience.

I was very tempted when faced with a similar set of requirements recently but in the end went with a Honda CRV. It’s definitely a soft roader rather than a proper 4x4 and isn’t exactly exciting, but it’s comfy and well equipped and you’ll get a newer/lower mileage car for your money with the reassurance of Honda engine reliability at the expense of questionable rust-proofing!

I went with petrol because it’s likely to sit unused for weeks at a time but I want it to start when I need it to…. I wasn’t bothered about fuel efficiency but I was keen to get something where I wouldn’t have to worry about the increasing number of Low Emission zones on my travels (it replaced an old diesel VW Caravelle that fell foul of most restrictions).

The CRV is underpowered and I wouldn’t fancy using it to tow more than a camping trailer but for lazy trips to do outdoorsy things it swallows all the camping/biking/canoeing kit and I don’t care if it gets battered by the kids and the dog…
Yea that’s what I thought regarding the freelander 2 but I always get shot down normally!

How have you found the CRV overall for comfort?

WelshRich

486 posts

85 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
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Very comfortable actually - I routinely drive from just north of Birmingham down to Poole (180 miles) and it’s not uncommon for it to take four hours+ but it’s as painless in the CRV as in any of my previous cars, including a Volvo XC60 which is renown for being a comfortable place to be…

Mikey2312

Original Poster:

141 posts

107 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
WelshRich said:
Very comfortable actually - I routinely drive from just north of Birmingham down to Poole (180 miles) and it’s not uncommon for it to take four hours+ but it’s as painless in the CRV as in any of my previous cars, including a Volvo XC60 which is renown for being a comfortable place to be…
That’s quite reassuring as comfort is a big thing for me.. any niggly things you’ve had crop up with yours? The autotrader owners reviews at 4.5/5 stars with the majority of 3/5 being complaint on fuel economy in the petrol and power

richardxjr

7,561 posts

238 months

Tuesday 3rd January 2023
quotequote all
Having had a Mk1 CRV, I was going to buy an 09 CRV derv ... but the selling garage talked me out of it saying they blow turbos?

Anyway they lost a sale there and I went FL2.