B5 S4 Avant to SUV/4x4, but which one?
B5 S4 Avant to SUV/4x4, but which one?
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Discussion

option click

Original Poster:

1,178 posts

243 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
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?

Bill

56,047 posts

272 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
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.

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

207 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
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

LeoSayer

7,564 posts

261 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
If your wife likes the CRV then she might also like the VW Tiguan or even Golf Plus or Seat Altea if you're not bothered about 4WD. Although like the CRV they could never be described as fast.

option click

Original Poster:

1,178 posts

243 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
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.
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.

Bill

56,047 posts

272 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
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

8,912 posts

219 months

Tyngwndwn

12,549 posts

198 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
If you like the audi ,why not have a look at the allroad avanti ,it's higher and
pretty much the same comfort you have now , WIN WIN.

option click

Original Poster:

1,178 posts

243 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
BlueMR2 said:
Seriously?! Would I make it more than two miles up the road before it blew up/split in two?!

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

207 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
option click said:
BlueMR2 said:
Seriously?! Would I make it more than two miles up the road before it blew up/split in two?!
Why should it blow up or split in half?

edo

16,699 posts

282 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
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.





edo

16,699 posts

282 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
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.




agent006

12,058 posts

281 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
You'll get a nice Merc ML for £10k. They're pretty good cars, especially the later models you'll be in at that price range.

option click

Original Poster:

1,178 posts

243 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
Why should it blow up or split in half?
Porsche Cayenne for 11k? There's just got to be something dodgy with it.


BlackMCS

173 posts

182 months

Tuesday 1st March 2011
quotequote all
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 rolleyes), 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.