Psyxologos Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 (edited) I once again ask for your help, good people of pigeonwatch. I have decided to change my mini cooper s (which I only bought two and a half months ago) as my wife and I are having our first child and need something more accommodating for a young family. I was ready to buy a Toyota Prado or a Mitsubishi Pajero (as you can see I wanted an import as oposed to a land cruiser or a shogun) for my shooting but the situation has changed. So I need a car that will be a. safe for a pregnant mother and her baby (when, God willing it comes) b. offer plenty of space c. Be reasonable off roading. Now, I am not going to be challenging the car too much off roading, after all, I only am engaging in shooting 5-10 times a year maximum. The car will be therefore used 70% on the road (this is why I want a slightly more 'sensible' car) and 30% (if that) off roading. By off roading I mean getting to and back from a pheasant shoot and the marsh (will not be taking the car in the marsh itself, just close to it). Shooting pigeons is out of the picture at the moment as I have no permission despite trying for over a year, and nobody around where I live seems to be willing to invite me. Anyone has any advice and/or knowledge of these two cars? My budget is up to £20k in total. Any ideas? Thanks in anticipation Edited September 19, 2009 by Psyxologos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spider72 Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 Go with the Shogun or Pajero (the latter has more toys and better interior) you get more car for your money. Bear in mind the new tax rules coming in soon that say any car built past 2001 will be taxed on the quoted emissions for that vehicle... so a mazda rx8 will cost around £450 to tax for 1 year.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psyxologos Posted September 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 I was going to initially (as I said) but I do not feel so secure in them on the motorway. A friend of mine owns a 1996 Pajero and put me on his insurance for a three day period (there is a website that does insurance by the day). I LOVED the way it drives off road, but the on road performance is poor and the handling was not too stable... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungler Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 Problem is, you want a car that doesn't exist. X5 good on road and round corners and fairly rubbish off road (ok for a dirt track but the tyres wouldn't get you up a wet grass bank). Land Rover Disco, pretty rubbish on road (slow and won't put a smile on your face) but great off road. Mate has an ML and it seems to be remarkably average and not worth the money. Your better getting something like an X5 and a second off roader for £1500 like an old but working and reliable Daihatsu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psyxologos Posted September 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 I knowm Mungler, I know. As I said, my first choice (and i was quite set in my mind for it) was either the prado or the Pajero (OK, Jimny was also a choice). The problem is I cannot afford a third car. If I could I would just keep the mini and buy the pajero etc. Hence, I must make a decision keeping in mind my priorities. At this stage my priorities are for my wife being safe on the 60 minutes commute to and from work, her comfort and safety. In a few months, we will have a baby to think about. So I am really stuck. What you say about the ML I have heard from others too. So you reckon an X5 will be rubbish in taking me to and from the marsh and a pheasant shoot? I know I will not be able to use it to do any serious off roading (after all, most of X5 have leather interior and loads of electronics in them) but if it decent enough to see me doing mild off roading I reckon it will suffice. I am confused... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Downie Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Just to make things evenmore difficult... have you thought about a VW Tuareg? Put some proper tyres on it and it's very capable off road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MM Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 one word mate, Volvo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr lee Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Whatever you choose check on what car's buyers reviews and see how actual owners rate the motor. We wanted a ford ranger but there were far too many horror stories of faulty ecu's and broken rear springs. Looked at range rovers and again...problems galore. Everything I like seems to have a mountain of issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr lee Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 one word mate, Volvo. Lad I work with has an XC90 and I have to admit it has been faultless on the road. Bought it new and it's been spot on. Only issue he has had is with the main dealers. (harratts) Not sure what it is like offroad as his has only ever seen well cut and dry grass so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungler Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Audi All Road or Subaru Forester? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psyxologos Posted September 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Gosh now I am confused.... Thanks guys. I shall google things tomorrow.... :look: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodeer Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Toyota Landcruiser 3.0 D4D. All the kit inside you could ever want, good resale value and superb off road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silpig5 Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 x5 is a bit of a cocks car , and merc is used on street corners to collect money , go vw toe rag every time . my mates v6 tdi puts my v8 7 series to shame on the road ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J@mes Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Range Rover sport? As good as a D3 off road but supposedly better to drive on road! I considered one but wanted the space of the D3 for when camping with the missus and the dog! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edward Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 VW toureg, disco 3 (maybe even a disco 4), range rover sport Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fleabag Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 I have had two x5s both diesel both **** in the snow, wont go anywhere on wet grass,I now have a discovery 3 and although not as good off road as my paj it does drive as nice on road as the x5, I would also say buy a cheeper x5 and also a cheep paj for playing with.if thats not an option go with an early manual lr3 but not the hse model they still have electrical issues as mine does. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungler Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 I would say fleabag is spot on. I would be interested to know how the Audi all road is as they are good money especially second hand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ME Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 with your budget a Toyota Landcruiser or a Shogun Warrior. I have just bought a 1996 Shogun for mucking around in. I smile everytime I drive it. If you get one, check it is has got aircon BEFORE taking it to be re-gassed, those monkeys in Kwitfit like a snigger ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackbart Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 with your budget a Toyota Landcruiser or a Shogun Warrior. I have just bought a 1996 Shogun for mucking around in. I smile everytime I drive it. If you get one, check it is has got aircon BEFORE taking it to be re-gassed, those monkeys in Kwitfit like a snigger ! YOU DIDN'T....... :blink: I would opt for the shogun aswell or even better a fresh import pajero. It all depends on what sort of off roading you want it for if it is for driving across stubble or along farm tracks then just about anthing with some AT tyres on will suffice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spider72 Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 I went for the Shogun option, purely on cost and reliability, I was looking at range rover or landcruiser, pajero etc.. the range rover would have had to have been a v8 (the diesel is rubbish) and the airbag suspension is suspect, landcruisers were out of my price range, pajero is an import with the attendant parts and insurance problems (although I've found out since this is not so much of an issue) but does have more toys than the shogun. The shogun performs well on road once you've got used to the handling and is brilliant off road. My dad swore by the subaru's but they just don't have the ground clearance.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psyxologos Posted September 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Many thanks everyone. Your suggestions all make sense. But my issue is that I do not want to have three cars. I already own a BMW coupe (330ci) and a mini cooper s, I was going to buy the prado or the pajero, but now with another member in the family I need to keep costs lower. Paying £400 insurance, and another £240 in tax etc for a car I will drive maybe 10 times a year are not justified anymore... :yp: I test droved the X5 today which I really liked. Is a 3 litre diesel, and I think I will buy this. My wife does not like the range rover too much (I do like it quite a bit) and since she will be the one driving an hour each way to work with it, I will let her have her way. We found out she is 3 months pregnant yesterday, which came as a surprise. A very pleasant surprise, a surprise nevertheless. As for my shooting purposes, I too think the X5 will be fine. I will not be climbing any mountains with it, just in and out of a pheasant shoot two to three times a year, and in and out of country lanes leading to the marsh another three times a year. Really, a very, very light use. As a matter of fact, I have taken my 330 ci SE (E46) down these roads (doing 10mph by the way ). I just want to be able to do more with my X5, that is all. So maybe not having to worry about potholes and a rock hitting my undercarriage, this is my worry at the moment. I cannot take my 330 there, but I want to be able to take the X5... While driving the X5 today it felt quite responsive and safe, definitely spacious and comfortable. If I get a good deal on mi mini cooper s (which I only bought two months ago) I shall seal the deal tomorrow. Otherwise I will continue looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casts_by_fly Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 I think you'll be just fine with the X5. Just keep an eye on wet grass and mud. I know BMW prides themselves on their rear wheel drive, but I think the X5 is the only one with all wheel in their line? If it is all wheel you'll be better off. If it is rear wheel just remember to keep your rear wheels on something dry and hard. Alterantively, might be worth going for a drive in the Honda CRV if it has enough room for you. I had its big brother in the US (the Pilot) and loved it. A family member in the US has the CRV and she loves it. The all wheel is very capable (she lives in Rochester NY where they get feet of snow overnight) and the engine is stingy on gas (40 MPG on a run). They drive and ride great. With the pilot, all of the rear seats folded flat so I got tons of stuff in there. Not sure if the CRV will also. And, Honda has one of the best reliability records out there. If you haven't decided just yet, might be worth a look. Thanks, Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackbart Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 I think you'll be just fine with the X5. Just keep an eye on wet grass and mud. I know BMW prides themselves on their rear wheel drive, but I think the X5 is the only one with all wheel in their line? If it is all wheel you'll be better off. If it is rear wheel just remember to keep your rear wheels on something dry and hard. Alterantively, might be worth going for a drive in the Honda CRV if it has enough room for you. I had its big brother in the US (the Pilot) and loved it. A family member in the US has the CRV and she loves it. The all wheel is very capable (she lives in Rochester NY where they get feet of snow overnight) and the engine is stingy on gas (40 MPG on a run). They drive and ride great. With the pilot, all of the rear seats folded flat so I got tons of stuff in there. Not sure if the CRV will also. And, Honda has one of the best reliability records out there. If you haven't decided just yet, might be worth a look. Thanks, Rick The x3 has constant 4wd aswell.The x3 and x5 and crv are all about in the same catagory as far as off roading goes.They will all handle mild off roading but go anywhere that is wet or boggy and you will struggle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Downie Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 I think you'll be just fine with the X5. Just keep an eye on wet grass and mud. Surely 'wet grass' is the most basic requirement of ANY vehicle that's going to be used off road, even if only infrequently??? If you're prepared to forego wet grass capability, you could pretty much buy anything at all. A Fiat 500. The X5 is a lovely bit of engineering, for sure, same as all other BMWs, but it's clearly designed for on-road posing rather than off-road use. A bit wanky if you ask me. Driven by two sorts of people - 1) women who like to feel 'safe' but don't give a **** about the safety of anyone outside of their car; and 2) blokes who didn't have the balls to buy the Hummer with chrome spinners that they really wanted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ME Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 When you need a NEW GEARBOX Mung can tell you where to get a cheap reconditioned one for an X5 for ONLY £3000 ! Both the X5 and ML get bad press for certain things, I was considering both and did my homework. I was in the same "I dont want 3 cars" situation but decided that there isnt a "do all" car and that I will just have to put up with the 3 lots of insurance and Mrs LV moaning about the front of the house looking like "a car park". Get rid of the Mini, get the missus something she wants and get yourself a third toy. If you dont, she'll only moan if you get "her car" dirty and you wont be able to get your shooting gear in it without taking out the buggy, car seat and 1000's of toys etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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