Diesel and 4x4s....

[wiliferus]

Looking at the slightly uncertain future of diesel, where is this going to leave 4x4s and SUV vehicles.

There's another thread running for thoughts on how the future is going to look for the devils fuel. But I'm currently looking at buying a used 7 seat 4x4. At least 95% of that market is diesel.

I suspect this is partially due to the usual diesel reasons such as running costs and the like. But also arguable diesel driving characteristics suit heavy 4x4s.. lots of low down shove to shift the 2 ton+ machine.

If you consider how many 4x4 and SUV type vehicles you are... how many of those owners could afford to run them if they had a 4.0 V8 under the bonnet. I can't see these new small capacity petrol turbo units being much cop in a big Shogun type truck.

So how's this one going to pan out? And what would you do? I have the need and the lifestyle for an XC90/Pathfinder type vehicle, which would be a keeper for lots of years, but am slightly nervous about committing to diesel and getting bent over.

Thoughts?

[wiliferus]

morfmedia said:

In a similar situation myself,math inking Q7 /X5 at the moment, think the older xC90 look pretty dated against the newer models?

To a degree. I'm looking at a £15k budget, which lets me near some quite ropey Q7s which I think now look very dated and a tad chavy in the Mk1 generation.
X5s seem achievable, they're aren't that many 7 sweaters around which means finding on in my preferred spec is a bit of a challenge.
The XC90 does seem dated but to that end you do get a lot for your money. I'm currently in a V70 D5 and I can't fault it, so the XC90 does have an appeal.
The Pathfinder is my preferred option as I love the looks but the mpg is poor in comparison to the others and unless careful you can find yourself in the £505 tax band.

I won't be buying till the summer so the diesel picture may be clearer by then.