£5k (ish) Budget, 4WD and not a tank!
Discussion
Long time lurker, first time poster here. I need some thoughts and advice.
I currently have a 64 plate BMW 325d GT on a PCP deal but I've decided that I really could use the silly amount of money it costs for other things, like saving for a house. In a few months I'll be able to do a voluntary termination of my agreement and hand it back having paid 50% of the total amount payable. Recently I also moved to rural Devon and I find myself wincing about scratching paintwork on the narrow roads and some passing places are mud traps. As a result, I've decided to spend no more than £5k and buy something I can run into the ground. I'm not hugely worried about fuel economy as mostly I'll be driving for work (anywhere from 30 miles a day upwards) and therefore I get mileage allowance for it (45p/mile for the first 10k etc), but I'd like to not go below 30mpg stated average if possible. Thanks to the fairly frequently flooded roads and mud traps I'm thinking AWD would be useful, but I've been tempted by other things too. What I don't want is a Shogun/Landie/That sort of thing because I really don't want a mahoosive, and likely underpowered, tank (although in fantasy land I'd be buying a newish pick up truck!). I was thinking I should avoid premium brands because when something fails it will inevitably cost a fortune but I suppose I shouldn't rule these out. I'm quite happy to put an Android head unit and aftermarket DAB in so not too bothered about that stuff but good specs are always nice. I don't want to lose too much power either (GT is ~218bhp). Most of my driving is A roads and motorway but a fair bit of the country lanes too.
As a result, my shortlist consists of a whole host of stuff, largely with fairly big miles on it but I'm wondering what people's thoughts are on AWD and then 2WD choices and any potential pitfalls for each that I should think about:
AWD:
A6 Allroad 2.7/3.0 diesel. Likely 2006-2008 but with anything up to 160k+ on it already. I know they can have some issues.
BMW X3 3.0d. Likely around the 2006 mark again but with perhaps 100-125k on it
BMW X5 3.0d. Again, same sort of age and miles
Volvo XC90 2.4d (185bhp). Probably a 2006+ model with 120k+ on it. Manual if I can get it since the auto box is hateful.
Subaru Outback (not a diesel - too awful). 05 or 06 3l do-able with ~100k albeit with hideous VED and somewhat comedy mpg but they are cheap.
Lexus RX400h. 06ish, 140k+ but I'm worried about battery packs and the like and possible repair bills. And they're pretty ugly.
VW Passat 4Motion 3.2 V6. Bit on the thirsty side at 28mpg and I doubt I'd ever see that.
Toyota RAV4 T180 diesel. 2007 ~100k or under.
Audio 30d Quattro A4/A6/A8. Probably high miles, no extra ground clearance. Saw a 4.0 V8 diesel for 5.5k with 120k on it
Comedy options:
2003 Porsche Cayenne v8. Not sure I could stand mpg quite that low! And it is the size of Belgium.
VW Touareg 5.0 V10 diesel. The V6 is thirsty as hell so you might as well go the whole hog. Ditto on size.
2WD:
Modeo 2.5t. 2006ish (although saw a fully loaded 2007 for well under 5k)
Focus ST3. 06/07 or thereabouts, anywhere from 60k-100k depending on price. Obviously the most fun.
Lexus IS250. Not sure on age and miles but its RWD, cheap and, one assumes, reliable. Albeit rubbish on muddy bits.
I really fancy the Mondeo as they are comfy but have a bit of poke but I just can't help thinking AWD is going to come in handy on the steep, wet, icy, muddy roads round us. Help! What have I not considered and/or what would be your pick on that list, why and what should I look out for?
I currently have a 64 plate BMW 325d GT on a PCP deal but I've decided that I really could use the silly amount of money it costs for other things, like saving for a house. In a few months I'll be able to do a voluntary termination of my agreement and hand it back having paid 50% of the total amount payable. Recently I also moved to rural Devon and I find myself wincing about scratching paintwork on the narrow roads and some passing places are mud traps. As a result, I've decided to spend no more than £5k and buy something I can run into the ground. I'm not hugely worried about fuel economy as mostly I'll be driving for work (anywhere from 30 miles a day upwards) and therefore I get mileage allowance for it (45p/mile for the first 10k etc), but I'd like to not go below 30mpg stated average if possible. Thanks to the fairly frequently flooded roads and mud traps I'm thinking AWD would be useful, but I've been tempted by other things too. What I don't want is a Shogun/Landie/That sort of thing because I really don't want a mahoosive, and likely underpowered, tank (although in fantasy land I'd be buying a newish pick up truck!). I was thinking I should avoid premium brands because when something fails it will inevitably cost a fortune but I suppose I shouldn't rule these out. I'm quite happy to put an Android head unit and aftermarket DAB in so not too bothered about that stuff but good specs are always nice. I don't want to lose too much power either (GT is ~218bhp). Most of my driving is A roads and motorway but a fair bit of the country lanes too.
As a result, my shortlist consists of a whole host of stuff, largely with fairly big miles on it but I'm wondering what people's thoughts are on AWD and then 2WD choices and any potential pitfalls for each that I should think about:
AWD:
A6 Allroad 2.7/3.0 diesel. Likely 2006-2008 but with anything up to 160k+ on it already. I know they can have some issues.
BMW X3 3.0d. Likely around the 2006 mark again but with perhaps 100-125k on it
BMW X5 3.0d. Again, same sort of age and miles
Volvo XC90 2.4d (185bhp). Probably a 2006+ model with 120k+ on it. Manual if I can get it since the auto box is hateful.
Subaru Outback (not a diesel - too awful). 05 or 06 3l do-able with ~100k albeit with hideous VED and somewhat comedy mpg but they are cheap.
Lexus RX400h. 06ish, 140k+ but I'm worried about battery packs and the like and possible repair bills. And they're pretty ugly.
VW Passat 4Motion 3.2 V6. Bit on the thirsty side at 28mpg and I doubt I'd ever see that.
Toyota RAV4 T180 diesel. 2007 ~100k or under.
Audio 30d Quattro A4/A6/A8. Probably high miles, no extra ground clearance. Saw a 4.0 V8 diesel for 5.5k with 120k on it
Comedy options:
2003 Porsche Cayenne v8. Not sure I could stand mpg quite that low! And it is the size of Belgium.
VW Touareg 5.0 V10 diesel. The V6 is thirsty as hell so you might as well go the whole hog. Ditto on size.
2WD:
Modeo 2.5t. 2006ish (although saw a fully loaded 2007 for well under 5k)
Focus ST3. 06/07 or thereabouts, anywhere from 60k-100k depending on price. Obviously the most fun.
Lexus IS250. Not sure on age and miles but its RWD, cheap and, one assumes, reliable. Albeit rubbish on muddy bits.
I really fancy the Mondeo as they are comfy but have a bit of poke but I just can't help thinking AWD is going to come in handy on the steep, wet, icy, muddy roads round us. Help! What have I not considered and/or what would be your pick on that list, why and what should I look out for?
Did wonder about the MPS but I suspect I'd struggle to get 27mpg and I'm sure I read they have a host of problems but I'm damned if I can remember where I read that so it might be rubbish. I know you get a load of toys in them and they look tidy so I think it goes on the list as that example has a hell of a lot less miles on than anything else I'm looking at.
Edited by spettifer on Sunday 22 January 18:07
Avoid the RAV4 T180 diesel lots of problems with that engine ( carbon build up ) also it's a dreadful harsh noisy engine.
Subaru petrol 2.0 turbo would be my choice for £5k rugged 4 wd ability Jap reliability and if you chose the right model great to drive unlike the bloated 4wd Suv's which are dire to drive.
Subaru petrol 2.0 turbo would be my choice for £5k rugged 4 wd ability Jap reliability and if you chose the right model great to drive unlike the bloated 4wd Suv's which are dire to drive.
Felt they were a bit underpowered for their size (CRV) which would just annoy me in the long run.
Actually, I could stretch to a 170bhp X Trail with 120k on it. Don't know if that's wise or not!
I thought about the 2.0 turbo Subarus but I really hate the noise of those boxer engines - I'm in my 40's and don't wear baseball caps so I'd feel a right berk in one. I know that sounds daft since the ST3 is on the list but I've always had a soft spot for the Focus.
Good to know about the RAV4 - it's off the list!
Actually, I could stretch to a 170bhp X Trail with 120k on it. Don't know if that's wise or not!
I thought about the 2.0 turbo Subarus but I really hate the noise of those boxer engines - I'm in my 40's and don't wear baseball caps so I'd feel a right berk in one. I know that sounds daft since the ST3 is on the list but I've always had a soft spot for the Focus.
Good to know about the RAV4 - it's off the list!
Edited by spettifer on Sunday 22 January 18:28
Edited by spettifer on Sunday 22 January 18:28
XC70 is just too ugly. Tried to convince myself but I just can't stand it. XC60, yes but nothing in the price range. Forester I quite like and looked into it but they tend to all be quite high miles which worries me (and it's a bit underpowered). The turbo is interesting but thirsty. Drove one years ago and it was very capable but its a bit tired now.
On the subject of the XC60, I can get a 2011 D5 S (202bhp version) but with 170k miles for just over £6.5k. But I've heard the later models aren't as well built as the old 163bhp/180bhp versions. I can get those older ones with less miles but I'd need to get to 8 grand to find one. Again, should I be wary of 170k miles on cars like this? Am i opening myself to big bills for suspension work or clutches etc?
How about a 2006- Honda Legend 3.5 V6?
Can be had for less than budget and all the toys in the world, Honda reliability and 297bhp!
example
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Can be had for less than budget and all the toys in the world, Honda reliability and 297bhp!
example
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
I'm in this same market at some point as a replacement for my wife's car.
Fellow PH-er SilverSixer has persuaded me to go down the Volvo XC70 route, must say they tick a lot of boxes for us.
I'm a 45yo father of a toddler, we do a lot of musc festivals/camping and want something that will carry a decent payload, but also be reasonably economical on summer/winter trips to France but not dog slow.
I actually quite like the look of the facelifted model, but budget needs to be nearer £7k without a spaceship mileage. Just need to convine the wife that it's not too tank-like - she's coming from an Honda FR-V, which had proved to be slow, thirsty but annoyingly reliable for the last 40k of its 100k miles we have put on it.
Fellow PH-er SilverSixer has persuaded me to go down the Volvo XC70 route, must say they tick a lot of boxes for us.
I'm a 45yo father of a toddler, we do a lot of musc festivals/camping and want something that will carry a decent payload, but also be reasonably economical on summer/winter trips to France but not dog slow.
I actually quite like the look of the facelifted model, but budget needs to be nearer £7k without a spaceship mileage. Just need to convine the wife that it's not too tank-like - she's coming from an Honda FR-V, which had proved to be slow, thirsty but annoyingly reliable for the last 40k of its 100k miles we have put on it.
Edited by PurpleTurtle on Friday 27th January 16:20
Edited by PurpleTurtle on Friday 27th January 16:21
I have a 6 MPS and love it. It would suit your needs and come in considerably under budget - but youd have to cope with probably low 20's MPG. You can see 30 on a run if you take it easy.
Common issues
- Turbo oil seals fail which requires a new turbo. Luckily K04's are dirt cheap, most gor for an upgrade though.
- VVT is the other main one - there was a design flaw with the original VVT actuator which causes it to wear prematurely. Symptoms are a weird ratlle at start up that is actually the chain hitting the rocker cover. Budget £400 for parts and similar for labour. Expected anywhere from 70k on.
Try to avoid one thats tuned unless it known by the owners club. Very few people are "trusted" to tune them and even reputable places like BBR have caused them to spit the admittedly rather weak rods through the block.
There are a couple of nice examples with VVT done being advertised on the owners club currently. From around 3K up to 5K for a 36k mile example
Common issues
- Turbo oil seals fail which requires a new turbo. Luckily K04's are dirt cheap, most gor for an upgrade though.
- VVT is the other main one - there was a design flaw with the original VVT actuator which causes it to wear prematurely. Symptoms are a weird ratlle at start up that is actually the chain hitting the rocker cover. Budget £400 for parts and similar for labour. Expected anywhere from 70k on.
Try to avoid one thats tuned unless it known by the owners club. Very few people are "trusted" to tune them and even reputable places like BBR have caused them to spit the admittedly rather weak rods through the block.
There are a couple of nice examples with VVT done being advertised on the owners club currently. From around 3K up to 5K for a 36k mile example
I may actually up my budget to 7-10k now as I can reduce the miles. I know this brings a few XC60s and lots of XC70s in range. However I get the feeling that replacing the head units on those will be tricky as they look quite built in (and have those floating consoles on the newer ones) and I also hear that unless there was factory DAB preparation (a £75 option) then DAB may not be possible which is a deal breaker for me. I can get some tidy 70-80k A6 Allroads for that albeit with the 2.7 not the 3.0 TDI although there are some 3.0 versions in the range with 90-100k on them. I hear these are pretty bulletproof and that they will go on for 250k+ so they do seem mighty tempting. I could always get a remap for the 2.7 I suppose although I've never done it before and don't know what it'd do to the insurance and I wouldn't want to risk the gearbox (which will inevitably be an auto as manuals seem rarer than rocking horse turds). Anyone have any experience? I also know the air suspension can go eventually but there are kits to fix tired compressors.
What's really made me think about getting something which can up its ride height was a serious amount of rain last night - we get as much as 6 inches of mud on the road, never mind what's in the passing places! Could still go for the X Trail but the Audi is a much nicer place to be and I figure that a remapped 2.7 would be about as efficient as the X Trail claims to be but quicker.
What's really made me think about getting something which can up its ride height was a serious amount of rain last night - we get as much as 6 inches of mud on the road, never mind what's in the passing places! Could still go for the X Trail but the Audi is a much nicer place to be and I figure that a remapped 2.7 would be about as efficient as the X Trail claims to be but quicker.
No idea of local prices, but can you get a Legacy GT for your money? Yes, it has the turbo boxer engine, but is usually presented much ore subdued than in the Impreza. Otherwise, what about the 3.6 Outback? I live somewhere hilly where it rains a lot, and have grown to like the Subaru AWD system, and reliability.
spettifer said:
By 'no tanks' I mean 'No Discos/Shoguns/Range Rovers etc'.
You don't need a 4wd car to live in Devon, besides, the cars on your approved list are just that, cars, cars on stilts, but just cars.I suspect the Audi's and BMW's will come with low profile tyres that are easy to damage too and offer half of bugger all grip on mud.
If you want to ford rivers and climb mountains, you'll have to get you a Discovery or similar, not an X3.
I've worked 35 miles away from a tarmac road and the work vehicles were 2wd, during that time we'd do up and over 300miles per day on dirt roads without drive to all axles. I'll do about 1,000 engine hours off the road in 2017 and won't be owning a 4wd car any time soon. Parents still live at the farm dad ran since the early 1980's, they still don't have a 4wd car, even when they had a herd of cows, they didn't have or need a 4wd car.
You may want one though to feel like you're fitting in to country life.
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