£8k - 4x4 Runabout For Rib Launch, Long Commute & Tip Run!

[T2R31]

Morning All,

Looking for a steer on real world feedback on vehicle options......I'm internet researched out!

We currently have a lovely, original 2005 XC90 as our 'utility' vehicle......small rib launch from beach/steep natural rock slip, tip runs, kids+friends 7 seat fun drives etc....

However, as functional as it is, I never use for my long commute as it's too rough/agricultural and I don't quite have the confidence that it will get me there!

I'd like to swap it out for something a little more refined that I can also use for the long commute and throw the MTB in the back for after work jaunts.

My current shortlist (based on internet research only - no driving experience) - looks like:

- Merc M Class (circ. 2010) - won't launch the rib/not good enough off road?
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (circ. 2012) - Reliable?
- BMW X5 - older generation, perhaps too old?
- Cayenne - will be a cash burn nightmare?

Have I missed anything?

Currently leaning towards the ML in 3.0l D guise, based purely on buying prices and an assumption that they may be mildly reliable, however, I'm not sure on Off-Road credibility?

Any advice appreciated!

Thanks all,

[petery27]

Land Rover discovery 3

[Daniel T]

Dacia Duster

[Danns]

petery27 said:

Land Rover discovery 3

Yep, I’d agree with this - I use mine for the 38 mile each way commute and have done some longer (300 mile plus journeys) Relaxing comfy place to be, I opted for a manual over the usual automatic.

Also used to tow a cherry picker, no issues with the removable tow hitch. Huge inside with both rear rows of seats folded flat. I have Goodyear duratracs fitted all year round and has proven very capable off road in deep mud / snow etc.

Mines ticked over 222k miles this week as well, don’t be put off if well maintained (I service every 6 months) higher mileage examples. Disco3 website also a great wealth of information.

I’d say they have aged rather well too.

[loskie]

Long Commute.


Freelander 2 would that tow what you need to?

Edited by loskie on Tuesday 5th November 09:32

[Nicks90]

Go for a post 2012 XC90
It has more power, quieter and better fuel economy.

Which is exactly what we did when our 2005 XC90 was getting too long in the tooth. Upgraded to a 2013 XC90 and it really is a different car to drive.

Me being me, I wanted to test drive everything else as variety is the spice of life and all that - hated the Kia Sorrento, hated the BMW X5 (where did the boot space go? It's tiny!), Merc felt like a jelly blob on a plate balancing on a seesaw and all the tech scared me for a merc that's over 10yr old, jeep and i have unfortunate 'history' so that was a no, Toyota land cruiser in that price range were all knackered and agricultural.
I did fall in love with an imported range P38, but the wife absolutely refused to entertain the idea - which is probably wise.
So we went and test drove a 2013 XC90 and whilst it wasn't the best at anything, it was by far the best all rounder that we had tested and ended up buying

Between the first and second XC90 we've clocked over 100k miles and had one failure to proceed due to a snapped road spring
I'll take that for reliability thank you very much

[GreatGranny]

I would echo above re. XC90.

I have had 2 earlier ones which were 100% reliable and I test drove a later one when we were thinking of upgrading and it was a noticeable improvement.
Didn't get one in the end (wife got cheap lease car through work instead).

You may have to increase your budget slightly for a sensible mileage one.

[KGreenwood]

Having had a jeep grand cherokee. I'd say don't. Lovely jeeps, pull like a train, got my horse trailer off many a field that others failed. But anything goes wrong getting parts is a pain in the ass and never cheap!!

[Krikkit]

Newer and or nicer XC90

[hellorent]

A 4wd Skoda maybe a Superb

[scotlandtim]

Firstly - what weight do you need to tow?

Anything above 1.5T discount the Duster, great car, rubbish towing capacity.

When you say 4x4 - do you mean you want a full 4x4 - low range, diff locks, or more an AWD whihc will get a rib up a slippy causeway, through a field etc?

Budget £8k is limiting - I would discount executive cars - volov / merc, at that budget they;re usually end of life.

I was in a similar situation 6 months ago - needed to replace a worn out XC60 - need AWD (4x4) for towing horseboxes / hay etc through muddy fields, Don't need aggressive 4x4. Use it for long commute so MPG important. Have 2 big dogs, 3 teenage sons:

Ended up wiht one of these:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410165...

Kia Sorento.

Its great - gets me 45 mpg on a motorway run. Comfy and refined enough for me.

Manual tows 2.2T, auto only 2t (note this - hence why I bought Manual)

7 seats - handy with 3 large kids, fold flat when boot needed.

AWD wors well, can "lock" into all time 4wd when towing in mud, or just let the brains do its thing. Works hard for me, not got stuck yet....

[blue_haddock]

If your looking at the cayenne why not lok at the toureag which is the same underneath and actually very well rated for towing.

I know a couple of motor traders who swear by them for pulling trailers with cars on

[insanelewis21]

I have a freelander 2, just bought it before xmas,

stuck on a set of all terrains and its been pretty good off road,

we also plan to launch our humber rib with it in the summer.