Which daily workhorse?
Discussion
I moved to Dubai last month and it's time I got myself a daily machine (Ford Focus hire car is massively s
t)
I've bought a KTM dirt bike (3rd day after I arrived, priorities I know
) and I need something which can tow a bike carrier on the back: e.g. http://tinyurl.com/q388xy3
I originally thought about a Land Rover Defender, but they're few and far between, only manual (which might be a pain as a daily) and seem to be over priced here from what I can see, and parts could be tricky. Next thought was a Land Rover LR4 (5.0 V8), nice but pricey and unsure how reliable they are and a half decent one 2013+ will be 150k (but they do have 5 years warranty)
The flip side is the Mitsubishi Pajero (3.8 V6 5-door). I originally discounted them as they seem a little "mum on the school run" type, even though the Shogun in the UK is the left field farmers choice. But they're decent value here, loads around with warranty etc.
Lastly is the Jeep Wrangler (5-door). Again popular here, un-sure of warranty however and it's plasticky. Different image to the Pajero but more expensive however they seem to hold better re-sale.
Ideally I don't want to spend anymore than 100k for something as a daily and that can lug my KTM around every weekend! Reason why I want 5 door is i personally think the Pajero and Jeep look better (less toy like)
Thoughts welcome (and advise!)
Cheers
t)I've bought a KTM dirt bike (3rd day after I arrived, priorities I know
) and I need something which can tow a bike carrier on the back: e.g. http://tinyurl.com/q388xy3I originally thought about a Land Rover Defender, but they're few and far between, only manual (which might be a pain as a daily) and seem to be over priced here from what I can see, and parts could be tricky. Next thought was a Land Rover LR4 (5.0 V8), nice but pricey and unsure how reliable they are and a half decent one 2013+ will be 150k (but they do have 5 years warranty)
The flip side is the Mitsubishi Pajero (3.8 V6 5-door). I originally discounted them as they seem a little "mum on the school run" type, even though the Shogun in the UK is the left field farmers choice. But they're decent value here, loads around with warranty etc.
Lastly is the Jeep Wrangler (5-door). Again popular here, un-sure of warranty however and it's plasticky. Different image to the Pajero but more expensive however they seem to hold better re-sale.
Ideally I don't want to spend anymore than 100k for something as a daily and that can lug my KTM around every weekend! Reason why I want 5 door is i personally think the Pajero and Jeep look better (less toy like)
Thoughts welcome (and advise!)
Cheers
Edited by Rich_AR on Wednesday 2nd September 14:15
I had exactly the same thoughts when I first moved here.
I needed to tow the bike (KTM 450 too, good choice!) and looked into various options.
I was toying between getting a dedicated tow vehicle, therefore a wrangler (also was only really interested in the 5 door) or a pick up of some description.
In the end, after looking at countless cars, I decided to get the RR Sport as an all rounder including a tow vehicle for the bike.
It's been very good to be fair. Nice and comfortable, supercharged V8, even been out in sand a few times with no issues.
That said, if I was to do it again, I think I would be looking to get a f150 or similar. They are perfect for a MX bike or two in the back. I find it a bit of a pain in the ass to mess around with the trailer the whole time. Also, recently there are new trailer laws in dubai. They must be registered, light board fitted too.
I haven't done this, as I only tow outside of the city, and as far as I'm aware it's only around the city that this rule applies? I'm not 100% sure though....
(Edit, just seen its a carrier you'll be getting, not a trailer... So ignore that then!)
Out of the list, I'd be swinging towards the Pajero I think. Or as a second vehicle a wrangler. I just find them too compromised for day to day driving though.
I needed to tow the bike (KTM 450 too, good choice!) and looked into various options.
I was toying between getting a dedicated tow vehicle, therefore a wrangler (also was only really interested in the 5 door) or a pick up of some description.
In the end, after looking at countless cars, I decided to get the RR Sport as an all rounder including a tow vehicle for the bike.
It's been very good to be fair. Nice and comfortable, supercharged V8, even been out in sand a few times with no issues.
That said, if I was to do it again, I think I would be looking to get a f150 or similar. They are perfect for a MX bike or two in the back. I find it a bit of a pain in the ass to mess around with the trailer the whole time. Also, recently there are new trailer laws in dubai. They must be registered, light board fitted too.
I haven't done this, as I only tow outside of the city, and as far as I'm aware it's only around the city that this rule applies? I'm not 100% sure though....
(Edit, just seen its a carrier you'll be getting, not a trailer... So ignore that then!)
Out of the list, I'd be swinging towards the Pajero I think. Or as a second vehicle a wrangler. I just find them too compromised for day to day driving though.
Edited by El Capitano on Wednesday 2nd September 14:35
El Capitano said:
I had exactly the same thoughts when I first moved here.
I needed to tow the bike (KTM 450 too, good choice!) and looked into various options.
I was toying between getting a dedicated tow vehicle, therefore a wrangler (also was only really interested in the 5 door) or a pick up of some description.
In the end, after looking at countless cars, I decided to get the RR Sport as an all rounder including a tow vehicle for the bike.
It's been very good to be fair. Nice and comfortable, supercharged V8, even been out in sand a few times with no issues.
That said, if I was to do it again, I think I would be looking to get a f150 or similar. They are perfect for a MX bike or two in the back. I find it a bit of a pain in the ass to mess around with the trailer the whole time. Also, recently there are new trailer laws in dubai. They must be registered, light board fitted too.
I haven't done this, as I only tow outside of the city, and as far as I'm aware it's only around the city that this rule applies? I'm not 100% sure though....
(Edit, just seen its a carrier you'll be getting, not a trailer... So ignore that then!)
Out of the list, I'd be swinging towards the Pajero I think. Or as a second vehicle a wrangler. I just find them too compromised for day to day driving though.
Loving the KTM 450 factory, beast of a bike and so light. Where do you ride?I needed to tow the bike (KTM 450 too, good choice!) and looked into various options.
I was toying between getting a dedicated tow vehicle, therefore a wrangler (also was only really interested in the 5 door) or a pick up of some description.
In the end, after looking at countless cars, I decided to get the RR Sport as an all rounder including a tow vehicle for the bike.
It's been very good to be fair. Nice and comfortable, supercharged V8, even been out in sand a few times with no issues.
That said, if I was to do it again, I think I would be looking to get a f150 or similar. They are perfect for a MX bike or two in the back. I find it a bit of a pain in the ass to mess around with the trailer the whole time. Also, recently there are new trailer laws in dubai. They must be registered, light board fitted too.
I haven't done this, as I only tow outside of the city, and as far as I'm aware it's only around the city that this rule applies? I'm not 100% sure though....
(Edit, just seen its a carrier you'll be getting, not a trailer... So ignore that then!)
Out of the list, I'd be swinging towards the Pajero I think. Or as a second vehicle a wrangler. I just find them too compromised for day to day driving though.
Edited by El Capitano on Wednesday 2nd September 14:35
My mate has a F150 here, but I'm a short a55 (as is he) and it's not easy rolling one into the back each time! He's looking a buying a trailer for his. It's also bloody massive, I need a ladder to get in! He mentioned the new trailer laws, but nothing really an issue he said (unlike Singapore). For me, I live in a condo, so storing a trailer isn't an option unless I rent a 2nd space.. but I want that for my 2nd car. Hence the carrier option.
Edited by Rich_AR on Wednesday 2nd September 14:52
you need to do some test drives. a wrangler isn't a great place to be sat every day and even a v6 pajero feels woefully underpowered.
prado/landcruiser not a bad shout. bland but popular for a reason and they hold their money. you can still get brand new old shape land cruisers from al awir [they still produce them for other markets]. the 4.8vtec super safari is around 120k iirc.
toyota fortuner is a capable car and cheap. based on the hilux platform so very robust and good in the sand with no mods.
if you don't plan on offloading it much, dodge durango looks a nice car and would get you in a 2013 car for the budget.
left field suggestions:
http://tnydu.biz/DOrysX
http://tnydu.biz/DOrpQz
prado/landcruiser not a bad shout. bland but popular for a reason and they hold their money. you can still get brand new old shape land cruisers from al awir [they still produce them for other markets]. the 4.8vtec super safari is around 120k iirc.
toyota fortuner is a capable car and cheap. based on the hilux platform so very robust and good in the sand with no mods.
if you don't plan on offloading it much, dodge durango looks a nice car and would get you in a 2013 car for the budget.
left field suggestions:
http://tnydu.biz/DOrysX
http://tnydu.biz/DOrpQz
shirt said:
you need to do some test drives. a wrangler isn't a great place to be sat every day and even a v6 pajero feels woefully underpowered.
prado/landcruiser not a bad shout. bland but popular for a reason and they hold their money. you can still get brand new old shape land cruisers from al awir [they still produce them for other markets]. the 4.8vtec super safari is around 120k iirc.
toyota fortuner is a capable car and cheap. based on the hilux platform so very robust and good in the sand with no mods.
if you don't plan on offloading it much, dodge durango looks a nice car and would get you in a 2013 car for the budget.
left field suggestions:
http://tnydu.biz/DOrysX
http://tnydu.biz/DOrpQz
Good shout. I will indeed be test driving as many as I can.prado/landcruiser not a bad shout. bland but popular for a reason and they hold their money. you can still get brand new old shape land cruisers from al awir [they still produce them for other markets]. the 4.8vtec super safari is around 120k iirc.
toyota fortuner is a capable car and cheap. based on the hilux platform so very robust and good in the sand with no mods.
if you don't plan on offloading it much, dodge durango looks a nice car and would get you in a 2013 car for the budget.
left field suggestions:
http://tnydu.biz/DOrysX
http://tnydu.biz/DOrpQz
Nice left field! SRT-10!
After many test drives I finally plumped for a Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE. I couldn't resist having a V8 (and the Pajero was rather dull to drive, i have to say). It's in fantastic condition, low miles and top spec (Full HSE, with heavy duty option (locking diff etc), adaptive xenons, fridge etc etc). Could be a risky problematic purchase. But most of the issues have been sorted (new air suspension, cushions, mounts, bearings etc) and FSH.
Few pics. Now I need to give it some detailing and try to keep it clean....
Few pics. Now I need to give it some detailing and try to keep it clean....
shirt said:
always nice to see heart > head
Ha indeed. Onetrackmind said:
Looks lovely and the LR3 is great value compared to the LR4. Keep us updated on maintenance.
I never thought about the LR3 until the other week, but you're right they are great value compared to the LR4, for which is basically a face lift model. Also with it been black, it keeps the huge plastics at bay (less visual and in your face as i were)Edited by Rich_AR on Tuesday 22 September 05:13
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