Big 4x4/pickup.... but Petrol!

Big 4x4/pickup.... but Petrol!

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Discussion

ChemicalChaos

Original Poster:

10,401 posts

161 months

Saturday 8th July 2017
quotequote all
Hi all,
In the next few months I might look to replace my 2005 Range Rover V8 if it keeps misbehaving.

I'm looking for the following qualities in a replacement:
2008 or newer, available for 15k (maybe 20 at a push)
3.5 Ton towing capacity
Seats 5 in good comfort
Nice interior
Roomy loadspace
Big enough to sleep inside
Can hold its own off road on muddy fields and uneven greenlanes
If automatic, a shift lock would be nice
Air suspension would be nice but not a dealbreaker
Good parts supply at a reasonable cost

All catered for by a host of Japanese pickups, but here's the issue. I absolutely will not have a diesel (no arguments please). I'm after a big petrol I can put on lpg, like I currently have.

Ordinarily I'd go for a newer L322 shape RR or a Disco 4, but the post 2005 Jaguar engines can't handle lpg due to soft valve seats.

Something left field like a VW T5 crew cab van did spring to mind, but they lack the ground clearance.

The only option I keep coming back to is a Dodge Ram, which opens up its own can of worms in terms of sheer size and being lhd.

Can anyone please suggest any other alternatives?

ChemicalChaos

Original Poster:

10,401 posts

161 months

Saturday 8th July 2017
quotequote all
Thanks, as said I was erring to something America. However I should also stipulate being able to park in reasonable spaces in the UK - whicj sadly rules out an F150 raptor and means even a Ram 1500 is about on the limit

ChemicalChaos

Original Poster:

10,401 posts

161 months

Saturday 8th July 2017
quotequote all
The ram is, I think, 2in wider and something like 20in longer than the RR.
The F150 and GM 1500 are, I believe, somewhat lardier and approaching a foot wider, which is the killer in UK parking spaces. I suspect this is why there's a good selection of Rams on UK ebay but very few, if any, Ford or GM offerings

ChemicalChaos

Original Poster:

10,401 posts

161 months

Thursday 20th July 2017
quotequote all
Thanks chaps,
I'm seriously considering a Commander 5.7, are they any better in terms of reliability reputation than a similar age Range Rover? Does the 5.7 have the cylinder deactivation for better economy?
The only thing I'm struggling to get over with is the way they look like a melted Hummer.......

ChemicalChaos

Original Poster:

10,401 posts

161 months

Friday 21st July 2017
quotequote all
Put a holding deposit on a Hemi Commander last night until I can get down to see it. Low mileage and looks clean, even has lpg already fitted.
What's the best forum to join, 300? I seem to recall joining one called "jeepey" many years ago when I was considering an XJ that I ended up not buying.

ChemicalChaos

Original Poster:

10,401 posts

161 months

Tuesday 25th July 2017
quotequote all
The deed is done (much to the consternation of my many diehard Land Rover fan friends....)