Reliable/Cheap SUV Shedding....can it be done?
Discussion
...or is it a fruitless plot?
I'm in need of something that can lug around a baby of a few months, all the 'kit' needed to lug around said child, and still have room for trips to shops/holidays/other people.
Using the Panda at the moment, and although it is actually suprisingly practical (Isofix, adults in back comfortably, boot big enough for travel system & bags), it hits its limit when you actually want to go out somewhere with all the kid stuff, and possibly a suitcase (for example). I can see how it'd be no sweat for a 2nd car in a young family, but no so much as an only car.
Because of this, I started to consider a different motor. Even though the Panda is, in modern terms, quite tiny, it's shocking how people are still managing to park right up against the door, leave dings and the usual inconsiderate car ownership quandries. (For context, you can park a Panda in a normal sized bay and still have a good 1/2' to 1' perhaps either side, which means that other cars then seem to park right on the white line either side
)
Anyway, it's a bit unfortunate that it comes to it, but it puts me off borrowing money on something, as I'll just worry about it getting knocked anytime I leave it anywhere. I've had it happen before, and it's just not worth the stress.
So, long story cut short, is there such thing as 'cheap SUV-ing'? By cheap, we're talking up to £2k (which is what I have budgeted up to in purchase cost alone).
There are plenty of options, but none that I perceive as 'reliable'. Case in point, you can get an ML for around a grand, but I have it in my mind (probably from being around Benz clubs with previous other model ownership) that it is an absolute donkey of a vehicle, and cheap for a reason. Similarly, leggy XC90's are found now around £2k, with seemingly good ad write ups, but I have swirl flaps and CAN-BUS issues in my mind. There's then the usual Cherokee, but 4.0 engines with 18mpg aren't ever going to be a winner. I wouldn't mind a Frontera, despite reports of awful build quality, but for the fact they seem to have jumped up in price all of a sudden. The list goes on (P38 Rangeys can be a money pit, etc.).
So, the question is, is there such thing as cheap SUV shedding? No too concerned about a bit of maintenance, but not keen on going for anything that will effectively be a ticking time bomb waiting to effectively write itself off with issues.
I'm in need of something that can lug around a baby of a few months, all the 'kit' needed to lug around said child, and still have room for trips to shops/holidays/other people.
Using the Panda at the moment, and although it is actually suprisingly practical (Isofix, adults in back comfortably, boot big enough for travel system & bags), it hits its limit when you actually want to go out somewhere with all the kid stuff, and possibly a suitcase (for example). I can see how it'd be no sweat for a 2nd car in a young family, but no so much as an only car.
Because of this, I started to consider a different motor. Even though the Panda is, in modern terms, quite tiny, it's shocking how people are still managing to park right up against the door, leave dings and the usual inconsiderate car ownership quandries. (For context, you can park a Panda in a normal sized bay and still have a good 1/2' to 1' perhaps either side, which means that other cars then seem to park right on the white line either side
)Anyway, it's a bit unfortunate that it comes to it, but it puts me off borrowing money on something, as I'll just worry about it getting knocked anytime I leave it anywhere. I've had it happen before, and it's just not worth the stress.
So, long story cut short, is there such thing as 'cheap SUV-ing'? By cheap, we're talking up to £2k (which is what I have budgeted up to in purchase cost alone).
There are plenty of options, but none that I perceive as 'reliable'. Case in point, you can get an ML for around a grand, but I have it in my mind (probably from being around Benz clubs with previous other model ownership) that it is an absolute donkey of a vehicle, and cheap for a reason. Similarly, leggy XC90's are found now around £2k, with seemingly good ad write ups, but I have swirl flaps and CAN-BUS issues in my mind. There's then the usual Cherokee, but 4.0 engines with 18mpg aren't ever going to be a winner. I wouldn't mind a Frontera, despite reports of awful build quality, but for the fact they seem to have jumped up in price all of a sudden. The list goes on (P38 Rangeys can be a money pit, etc.).
So, the question is, is there such thing as cheap SUV shedding? No too concerned about a bit of maintenance, but not keen on going for anything that will effectively be a ticking time bomb waiting to effectively write itself off with issues.
The list is pretty endless to be honest.
Honda CRV, either petrol or diesel. (Prob my choice)
Rav4,
Suzuki Grand Vitara,
Subaru Forester
You could also consider a Renault Grand / Scenic. (Prob go with the 1.9 diesel on that one)
One of my favorite MPV was always the Mazda Premacy - must be as cheap as chips now, and so reliable. (Just seen on ebay, about £500),
I've run a Frontera for 4 years or so, and it's very slow, but been very reliable - not put a foot wrong.
An estate is also an option?
Honda CRV, either petrol or diesel. (Prob my choice)
Rav4,
Suzuki Grand Vitara,
Subaru Forester
You could also consider a Renault Grand / Scenic. (Prob go with the 1.9 diesel on that one)
One of my favorite MPV was always the Mazda Premacy - must be as cheap as chips now, and so reliable. (Just seen on ebay, about £500),
I've run a Frontera for 4 years or so, and it's very slow, but been very reliable - not put a foot wrong.
An estate is also an option?
golf r estate lease? 6k for 2 yrs
But at 2k you really want a Saab 9-5 estate preferably 2.3HOT manual or the best E39 wagon you can find
I'd prefer a 2.3 but this seems bargaintastic for you (Saab) http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Or an e39 http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
both a bit under budget so leaves some room to fix a few things..
but yeah, something like that should be big enough.
Otherwise the first gen x5 is apparently less hassle than some of the others in it's class.
But at 2k you really want a Saab 9-5 estate preferably 2.3HOT manual or the best E39 wagon you can find
I'd prefer a 2.3 but this seems bargaintastic for you (Saab) http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Or an e39 http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
both a bit under budget so leaves some room to fix a few things..
but yeah, something like that should be big enough.
Otherwise the first gen x5 is apparently less hassle than some of the others in it's class.
Edited by User33678888 on Monday 10th April 00:25
I'd considered Renault, but they're just too awful.
Most I've seen for sale are "low mileage" (circa 50k), but on the MOT history they have been 50k three different occasions in the history due to Renaults build quality!
Then there's the electric window issues, amongst a huge list of potential problems ??
When I looked at Saab's, the consensus seemed to be that they were terrible on fuel and performance, and for some reason now quite expensive for even a tatty 9-3/9-5. The one in the link looks clean, but I'm not sure I'd go estate unless it was perhaps an A4 Avant or something that carried it off a little more subtly (the o/h is quite fussy about estates).
I'm assuming the older Mavericks aren't worth a look?
Most I've seen for sale are "low mileage" (circa 50k), but on the MOT history they have been 50k three different occasions in the history due to Renaults build quality!
Then there's the electric window issues, amongst a huge list of potential problems ??
When I looked at Saab's, the consensus seemed to be that they were terrible on fuel and performance, and for some reason now quite expensive for even a tatty 9-3/9-5. The one in the link looks clean, but I'm not sure I'd go estate unless it was perhaps an A4 Avant or something that carried it off a little more subtly (the o/h is quite fussy about estates).
I'm assuming the older Mavericks aren't worth a look?
Edited by cj2013 on Monday 10th April 07:14
Frankthered said:
Agree with the Japanese suggestions and would add the Nissan X-Trail and maybe older Kia Sportage to the list.
How about a Mazda 5 or a Corolla Verso or a Honda FRV - dull options but should be reliable ...
I like the FRV (especially the 3x3 layout) but £2k will scrape you a knacker. How about a Mazda 5 or a Corolla Verso or a Honda FRV - dull options but should be reliable ...
As you say, the '5' is a bit bland, and I wouldn't go Toyota as I was massively put off the brand a while back - they're just not the same level of build quality you used to get in the 90s.
I guess what I'd like is something that will do the job, but will still make me look back after parking. I could see that in a Shogun Sport, but they don't have ISOFIX (dealbreaker) or an A4 Avant sport, but there's the risk of buying a leggy one of those, too.
It's quite surprising how little ISOFIX compatibility there is with some brands, especially Japanese, considering the likes of Vauxhall and FIAT have had them on everything for donkeys years
A Shogun is goddam awful to drive. It's designed on a ladder chassis, and while that's great for much stuff like towing, and carrying heavy loads, it 'aint so clever at nipping along nicely, and taking the odd corner. CRV get around that by using the more normal body structure,and no chassis. I think you'll be really disappointed with a shogun.
I've actually got a Cherokee, and that's not too bad to drive, but the tax is awful, and the fuel consumption is pretty poor too. It doesn't compare to the Saab someone linked to. That Saab looks pretty tidy actually.
I have a Saab too (though a 9-3, and did have a 9-5. The engine is pretty good, and not too thirsty - I get mid 30's. The diesel 9-5 got low 40's, but the boot is huge,and it's nice an comfy. Nicer image than an Audi
I've actually got a Cherokee, and that's not too bad to drive, but the tax is awful, and the fuel consumption is pretty poor too. It doesn't compare to the Saab someone linked to. That Saab looks pretty tidy actually.
I have a Saab too (though a 9-3, and did have a 9-5. The engine is pretty good, and not too thirsty - I get mid 30's. The diesel 9-5 got low 40's, but the boot is huge,and it's nice an comfy. Nicer image than an Audi
bearman68 said:
A Shogun is goddam awful to drive. It's designed on a ladder chassis, and while that's great for much stuff like towing, and carrying heavy loads, it 'aint so clever at nipping along nicely, and taking the odd corner. CRV get around that by using the more normal body structure,and no chassis. I think you'll be really disappointed with a shogun.
I've actually got a Cherokee, and that's not too bad to drive, but the tax is awful, and the fuel consumption is pretty poor too. It doesn't compare to the Saab someone linked to. That Saab looks pretty tidy actually.
I have a Saab too (though a 9-3, and did have a 9-5. The engine is pretty good, and not too thirsty - I get mid 30's. The diesel 9-5 got low 40's, but the boot is huge,and it's nice an comfy. Nicer image than an Audi
Grand Cherokees aren't too bad but for, like you infer, the massive old technology engines in them. I've actually got a Cherokee, and that's not too bad to drive, but the tax is awful, and the fuel consumption is pretty poor too. It doesn't compare to the Saab someone linked to. That Saab looks pretty tidy actually.
I have a Saab too (though a 9-3, and did have a 9-5. The engine is pretty good, and not too thirsty - I get mid 30's. The diesel 9-5 got low 40's, but the boot is huge,and it's nice an comfy. Nicer image than an Audi
Problem I have is that I have had a lot of cars, and if I get something I don't fancy, I'll get bored quite quickly. And I don't really fancy an estate unless it's one that looks like it was designed to be one - which leaves a small category of things like an Avant, or a V70.
Beyond all that, it just brings me back to the point that I fancy an SUV, rather than an estate. And maybe I can't tick all the boxes.
Newer (06ish ->) Grand Vitaras are nice looking things, but well out of budget.
My Cherokee is not a grand. 2.5td sport or something. It's been mapped to 170 odd horse,and does go quite well. It's a Fiat engine in these, so pretty good. The 2.8 has a 5 cylinder Merc. With both these engines they suffer injector seal problems, and the cam belt is a complicated thing that seems to fail early.
I would comment the boot is pretty small on mine. (And it's noisy, unrefined etc etc etc). But I do low miles in it, and predominately use it for towing. Normally get about mid to high 20's not towing.
I would comment the boot is pretty small on mine. (And it's noisy, unrefined etc etc etc). But I do low miles in it, and predominately use it for towing. Normally get about mid to high 20's not towing.
bearman68 said:
My Cherokee is not a grand. 2.5td sport or something. It's been mapped to 170 odd horse,and does go quite well. It's a Fiat engine in these, so pretty good. The 2.8 has a 5 cylinder Merc. With both these engines they suffer injector seal problems, and the cam belt is a complicated thing that seems to fail early.
I would comment the boot is pretty small on mine. (And it's noisy, unrefined etc etc etc). But I do low miles in it, and predominately use it for towing. Normally get about mid to high 20's not towing.
I have noticed that about some SUVs - they don't always have much more capacity for carrying than something like a Focus.I would comment the boot is pretty small on mine. (And it's noisy, unrefined etc etc etc). But I do low miles in it, and predominately use it for towing. Normally get about mid to high 20's not towing.
I'm quite taken by the Maverick at the moment, as I'm sure they all have ISOFIX. Based on a Trooper, which can't be a bad thing in terms of robust & reliable motoring?
I'd suggest an X-Trail or a RAV 4, if early-ish ones have isofix. My kids were in booster seats when I had my X-Trail, but they liked being up high (and the massive sunroof and chilled/heated cup-holders went down well too). I had the 2l diesel, never had any problems in nearly 80K miles, despite a reputation for turbo trouble.
Don't forget you're not going to be using the full-on baby seat for ever, it's surprising how quickly they'll move on to various different styles of car seats and booster bases, lots of which only need the seat belt anyway.
One other thought, unless you can guarantee you'll always get a parent+child parking space, I wouldn't want a full-size SUV, you'll have even less space when you're trying to get the baby in and out of the car.
Don't forget you're not going to be using the full-on baby seat for ever, it's surprising how quickly they'll move on to various different styles of car seats and booster bases, lots of which only need the seat belt anyway.
One other thought, unless you can guarantee you'll always get a parent+child parking space, I wouldn't want a full-size SUV, you'll have even less space when you're trying to get the baby in and out of the car.
OP, IMO don't go for the larger SUVs. They will be more expensive to run and fix.
You don't need anything bigger than a RAV 4, X-Trail size SUV.
It will be plenty big enough for what you need.
Lots to choose from:
CRV
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
RAV 4
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
X-Trail
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Vitara
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
You don't need anything bigger than a RAV 4, X-Trail size SUV.
It will be plenty big enough for what you need.
Lots to choose from:
CRV
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
RAV 4
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
X-Trail
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Vitara
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
kiethton said:
Does it have to be a 4x4?
Your cash would get you a far better Volvo V70 or for proper retro shedding 740. Far more practical and have more space to use
Doesn't have to be a 4x4 in drivetrain, but I'd still like an SUV. Your cash would get you a far better Volvo V70 or for proper retro shedding 740. Far more practical and have more space to use
It's mainly just for something 'different'. I've had a 440, 480, C30 and V40 in the past, the latter of which the o/h detested. I have had a T5R on my 'car bucketlist' for years, but I wouldn't live it down from the o/h for getting a "hideous old man car".
The other reason for the SUV is that they suit sedate driving more, and I might feel a little more 'chilled' about driving in the chocka traffic they have round here, as I've resorted to a stressful driving hooligan in order to cope with the sheer lack of driving ability and sense there is round my neck of the woods.
Spumfry said:
I'd suggest an X-Trail or a RAV 4, if early-ish ones have isofix. My kids were in booster seats when I had my X-Trail, but they liked being up high (and the massive sunroof and chilled/heated cup-holders went down well too). I had the 2l diesel, never had any problems in nearly 80K miles, despite a reputation for turbo trouble.
Don't forget you're not going to be using the full-on baby seat for ever, it's surprising how quickly they'll move on to various different styles of car seats and booster bases, lots of which only need the seat belt anyway.
One other thought, unless you can guarantee you'll always get a parent+child parking space, I wouldn't want a full-size SUV, you'll have even less space when you're trying to get the baby in and out of the car.
All good points - the current seat is adaptable for up to a few years I think, and we bought some expensive Isofix bases for them, so any time I mention a different type of car the first query is about Isofix. Can't reason with her on that one.Don't forget you're not going to be using the full-on baby seat for ever, it's surprising how quickly they'll move on to various different styles of car seats and booster bases, lots of which only need the seat belt anyway.
One other thought, unless you can guarantee you'll always get a parent+child parking space, I wouldn't want a full-size SUV, you'll have even less space when you're trying to get the baby in and out of the car.
All well reasoned points otherwise, but the parking issue is always going to be a pain in no matter what I get, due to the need for extra space affecting the size of the vehicle.
cj2013 said:
I have noticed that about some SUVs - they don't always have much more capacity for carrying than something like a Focus.
I'm quite taken by the Maverick at the moment, as I'm sure they all have ISOFIX. Based on a Trooper, which can't be a bad thing in terms of robust & reliable motoring?
Maverick is a Nissan Terrano. Trooper is dodgy with the 3.0 diesel before IIRC 2002 ish. Old 3.1 engine is completely bomb proof (but oh so slow).I'm quite taken by the Maverick at the moment, as I'm sure they all have ISOFIX. Based on a Trooper, which can't be a bad thing in terms of robust & reliable motoring?
Watch out for rust on the Terrano.
bearman68 said:
Maverick is a Nissan Terrano. Trooper is dodgy with the 3.0 diesel before IIRC 2002 ish. Old 3.1 engine is completely bomb proof (but oh so slow).
Watch out for rust on the Terrano.
Have done a bit of reading, and it's only the early on that's Terrano-based. The 2nd gen (2001-2003) is the same as the Mazda TributeWatch out for rust on the Terrano.
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