AdamSouthEast Posted May 21, 2015 Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 Hi guys, similar topic to fat_jay's "5 Grand" topic, but didn't want to hijack his thread too much. Basically me and my girlfriend both commute by train to work now so don't need a commuting car anymore (C-Class Merc). So we're selling it and buying a much much cheaper 4x4 as the only journeys the Merc does at the moment is to Morrisons and to the clay ground where I end up doing donuts in the muddy field carpark, damn RW Drive! We've got the cash in the bank, ready to go shopping this weekend so just after a bit of last minute advice from the PW crew. Our max-max limit is £5k but I'd prefer to keep it in the 2.5k-4k mark so that narrows it down to 8yr+ old Japanese motors. We're looking at things like: Toyota Rav 4, Suzuki GV, Honda CRV, Nissan X Trail, Nissan Terrano etc. Any feedback of these cars people can contribute or ideas for other models of cars we should look at is much appreciated! What kind of mileage should we be looking for/fuel efficiency/tax etc.? Thanks guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardo Posted May 21, 2015 Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 there's a lot of good threads on most of those vehicles is you do a forum search Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted May 21, 2015 Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 If the Merc is running ok, then I'd say to stay with it. Why buy a 8+ yr old car with (potentially) expensive problems on the horizon ? Terrano, you be very lucky to see anything over 30 mpg. X-trails, Rav 4, etc are more like 40 mpg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southeastpete Posted May 21, 2015 Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 Subaru forester. Look for an unmolested non turbo model. Far better off road than the likes of a crv Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamSouthEast Posted May 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 (edited) If the Merc is running ok, then I'd say to stay with it. Why buy a 8+ yr old car with (potentially) expensive problems on the horizon ? Terrano, you be very lucky to see anything over 30 mpg. X-trails, Rav 4, etc are more like 40 mpg. The Merc is on some ripoff finance deal that costs us £400 a month, so ditching it to save money. An old, reliable Japanese 4x4 will save us money in the long run. Thanks for replies guys. Edit - A Lot of seemingly nice looking Jeeps fall into our price range, do they have reliability or expensive running costs that force them to go on the cheap? Edited May 21, 2015 by AdamSouthEast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andypaint Posted May 21, 2015 Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 Hyundai tuscon Hyundai santa fe Kia sportage I've had all of the above and very good cars and good value Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowStandards Posted May 21, 2015 Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 (edited) Pajero, land cruiser etc You are looking at soft roaders, why buy a compromise? Edited May 21, 2015 by LowStandards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamSouthEast Posted May 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 Pajero, land cruiser etc You are looking at soft roaders, why buy a compromise? Yeah a softroader is the idea really. Simply because things like the Land Cruiser in my price range have done 200k miles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardo Posted May 21, 2015 Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 i have an Xtrail currently - superb all round motor, BUT the turbos are prone to blow (and it's bloody expensive to replace - i speak from recent experience) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamSouthEast Posted May 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 i have an Xtrail currently - superb all round motor, BUT the turbos are prone to blow (and it's bloody expensive to replace - i speak from recent experience) I really like the X-Trail, presumably a petrol engine would get around this particular issue then? Thanks for the advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardo Posted May 21, 2015 Report Share Posted May 21, 2015 the 2.0 petrol is underpowered that's the main problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowStandards Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 Yeah a softroader is the idea really. Simply because things like the Land Cruiser in my price range have done 200k miles. Forester then I reckon, good value, good drivetrains etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Boggy Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 If you are looking for a softroader then as previously mentioned a Hyundai Tucson would fit the bill. I had one from new for five years and had no problems whatsoever and when sold it had 130k on the clock. Used to get 40+ mpg. Plenty of room, particularly with the back seats down. The Tucson is no longer made, therefore second hand prices have fallen so should be in your price range for a later model. Try to avoid anything earlier than 2005 as they only had 5 gears and were a lot more thirsty ( later ones had 6 gears). Regarding the Sante Fe, two friends had these and both had trouble with the diffs whilst towing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loriusgarrulus Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 (edited) If you don't need a big car have a look at the Suzuki Jimny. There are many threads on here sing their praises. http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/topic/306803-finally-got-my-jimny-d/page-1 Edited May 22, 2015 by loriusgarrulus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalahari Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 I moved from a Jimny (Which I loved and would go anywhere but the lack of leg room was crippling me, I am 6' 2") to a grand vitara two door. I got the petrol one because I don't dpf problems and the renault diesel has a bit of a reputation for losing oil, very pleased with it. The 2.4 engine means you get low ratio and diff lock which means I don't have many problems getting to most places I want. (Allowing for my appalling skill levels) The five door has a lot more room but is a bit more expensive. David. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamSouthEast Posted May 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 (edited) Thanks for the suggestions guys! I'll have a look at some Tucsons, Foresters and Jimneys too. Edited May 22, 2015 by AdamSouthEast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinchesterDave Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 Love my Jimny. .. it's my first car and it's a super little thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davyo Posted May 22, 2015 Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 I have just gone from a grand vitara to a jimny and its brilliant, It's a quad bike with a roof will go anywhere.Just fitted some nice leather from a Alfa so it's extra comfy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted May 23, 2015 Report Share Posted May 23, 2015 I had a Jimny and would buy another tomorrow but for the poor MPG, lack of room in the back for kit (storing a gun is awkward unless it's upright) and small petrol tank that constantly needs filling. They're a bit iffy at speed too. I went to look at a new Grand Vitara yesterday but the cheaper versions are only 2wd now, to get 4wd the price tag is 20k so I walked out of the dealership. Could have swallowed 15k but you have to draw the line somewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cambsman Posted May 24, 2015 Report Share Posted May 24, 2015 For goodness sake. If you don't need a daily driver then man up and do the decent thing. Buy a Landy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39TDS Posted May 24, 2015 Report Share Posted May 24, 2015 I very much like the Terranos. I have had quite a few now and I am impressed with their reliability, their off road capabilities and the running costs. Fuel economy isn't great but if that is what you are after you are looking in the wrong place. Having said that, they compare favourably with similar makes. There are a few common problems but in general these are both cheap and easy to fix. I also have an Xtrail. This is my first one and I promise it is my last. Reliability is completely zero. I have an Xtrail for best and a Terrano for work. The Terrano cost less than half the price of the Xtrail, is in equal or better condition than the Xtrail and has never broken compared to the permanently broken Xtrail. The Terrano is 10 years older than the Xtrail too. So far I have spent more fixing the Xtrail than the purchase price of the Terrano. Seriously, do not buy an Xtrail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Croc Posted May 25, 2015 Report Share Posted May 25, 2015 I very much like the Terranos. I have had quite a few now and I am impressed with their reliability, their off road capabilities and the running costs. Fuel economy isn't great but if that is what you are after you are looking in the wrong place. Having said that, they compare favourably with similar makes. There are a few common problems but in general these are both cheap and easy to fix. I also have an Xtrail. This is my first one and I promise it is my last. Reliability is completely zero. I have an Xtrail for best and a Terrano for work. The Terrano cost less than half the price of the Xtrail, is in equal or better condition than the Xtrail and has never broken compared to the permanently broken Xtrail. The Terrano is 10 years older than the Xtrail too. So far I have spent more fixing the Xtrail than the purchase price of the Terrano. Seriously, do not buy an Xtrail. I've just bought a Terrano, love it, as for MPG, it just seems to be sipping it, not guzzling, really happy. Was going to get an X Trail, but didn't like the look of the 2 I went to see, looks like a lucky escape (crosses fingers) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sishyplops Posted May 25, 2015 Report Share Posted May 25, 2015 Pick up , L200 or a ranger you'll get a good one for your money Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferguson_tom Posted May 26, 2015 Report Share Posted May 26, 2015 We had a similar budget last year and went for a Kia Sorento. We went for the 2.5 CRDI Auto XS, the XS is the step up from the base model but has quite a few extras inc leather seats. My wife uses the Kia during the week and loves it, it is very easy to drive and long journeys are comfortable. We mainly bought it for its towing abilities but have been impressed by how well it is a day to day car. We have had a few 4x4s, Freelander, Terrano, Discovery and for the money the Sorento is by far the best all rounder. Reliability wise it has been great, there is a known issue with the fuel tanks but this was replaced FOC by Kia (the car is 12 years old) apart from that it has been 100% reliable. Fuel wise we get high 20s which for a heavy auto 4x4 is not bad going considering I do not drive like a grandad. Others have suggested the Terrano. I had one for a year or so and my dad had it off me and still going strong with no problems 2 years later. They are a great truck and you get a lot for your money however they are very agricultural and I would not like one as my only car especially if coming from a C Class merc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamSouthEast Posted May 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2015 So much great advice, thanks guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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