B5 S4 Avant to SUV/4x4, but which one?
Discussion
Looking to change my much-loved B5 S4 Avant for a higher-riding SUV, mainly to make transporting our son easier - my wife and I have wrecked our backs by carrying him around over the past 18 months.
We don't do huge mileage, so not bothered either way petrol vs diesel (unless particuarly agricultural-sounding) but I'd like something which is fast(ish) and can cruise comfortably and quietly on the motorway.
We're been looking at the following, for a budget of £11k:
BMW X5 - either 3l petrol or diesel. Love them, but slightly scared by the potential for huge bills (higher than the S4?)
Mazda CX-7 - petrol, turbo and 260bhp make this a good contender.
Lexus RX300 - well-equipped and ultra-reliable from what I've read.
Honda CRV - wife likes them. I remain unconvinced.
We simply can't decide - anyone care to chip in with experiences of any of the above?
We don't do huge mileage, so not bothered either way petrol vs diesel (unless particuarly agricultural-sounding) but I'd like something which is fast(ish) and can cruise comfortably and quietly on the motorway.
We're been looking at the following, for a budget of £11k:
BMW X5 - either 3l petrol or diesel. Love them, but slightly scared by the potential for huge bills (higher than the S4?)
Mazda CX-7 - petrol, turbo and 260bhp make this a good contender.
Lexus RX300 - well-equipped and ultra-reliable from what I've read.
Honda CRV - wife likes them. I remain unconvinced.
We simply can't decide - anyone care to chip in with experiences of any of the above?
Couple of alternatives:
SUBARU TRIBECA B9 Estate 3.0 S5 5dr Auto 2008 (2008)
17,463 miles £11,373
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2212816.htm

Grand Cherokee 4.7 Limited (2005)
63,339 miles £10,890
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2439599.htm

SUBARU TRIBECA B9 Estate 3.0 S5 5dr Auto 2008 (2008)
17,463 miles £11,373
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2212816.htm

Grand Cherokee 4.7 Limited (2005)
63,339 miles £10,890
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2439599.htm

Bill said:
option click said:
my wife and I have wrecked our backs by carrying him around over the past 18 months.
He's on the cusp of getting in and out of the car on his own so I'd stick with what you have.option click said:
That was my initial thought, as I'd prefer not to sell the S4, however there is another consideration in that the S4 (petrol aside) is an expensive car to run and I'd like to lower my costs - hence why I'm nervous about the X5 proposition.
Cost to change is the biggest factor in this IMO unless you downgrade substantially.BlueMR2 said:
Seriously?! Would I make it more than two miles up the road before it blew up/split in two?!option click said:
BlueMR2 said:
Seriously?! Would I make it more than two miles up the road before it blew up/split in two?!1 owner and just under 20,000 miles....
2003 BMW X5 3.0i Sport 5dr Auto Estate
Trade Seller: londoncarcentre
19,700 miles, BMW X5 3. 0 Sport Auto Tip 2003(03) Diamond Black,Black Leather,Xenons,CD Changer,Side Steps, 1 Private Owner 19700 Miles ONLY,Full BMW History, Electric Memory Seats,Multi Function Steering,Electric Steering Coloumn,Cruise,Completely Original. £11,995.

2003 BMW X5 3.0i Sport 5dr Auto Estate
Trade Seller: londoncarcentre
19,700 miles, BMW X5 3. 0 Sport Auto Tip 2003(03) Diamond Black,Black Leather,Xenons,CD Changer,Side Steps, 1 Private Owner 19700 Miles ONLY,Full BMW History, Electric Memory Seats,Multi Function Steering,Electric Steering Coloumn,Cruise,Completely Original. £11,995.
2003 BMW X5 3.0i Sport 5dr Auto Estate
Private Seller
39,900 miles, BMW X5 3. 0 Sport Petrol, Auto Tip 2003(Sept), Xenons, 6 CD Changer, Side Steps, Full Service History (just serviced inc frnt pads), Alloys (Inc unused spare) Tax & MOT, Isofix, Beige Lthr, A/C, Electric Memory Seats, Multi Function Steering Wheel & Power Steering, Electric Steering Column Adjust, Cruise Control, Park Distance Control, Roof Rail, Twin Exhuasts, Completely Original & ready to drive away. £11,795 No canvassers or agencies.


Private Seller
39,900 miles, BMW X5 3. 0 Sport Petrol, Auto Tip 2003(Sept), Xenons, 6 CD Changer, Side Steps, Full Service History (just serviced inc frnt pads), Alloys (Inc unused spare) Tax & MOT, Isofix, Beige Lthr, A/C, Electric Memory Seats, Multi Function Steering Wheel & Power Steering, Electric Steering Column Adjust, Cruise Control, Park Distance Control, Roof Rail, Twin Exhuasts, Completely Original & ready to drive away. £11,795 No canvassers or agencies.
We went from a B7 2.0T Avant as our family car to a CR-V. It was between that, the Q5 and Volvo XC60. Although it is pig slow (diesel automatic
), it is quite nice to mooch around in and has lots of toys. I don't imagine it can generate the kind of bills some of the larger, prestige cars can, though I'm sure someone will come along and correct me on that. The CX-7 is another one which gives you a lot for your money.

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