LR Disco Sport (petrol) or Citroen C5 X hybrid for potholes?

LR Disco Sport (petrol) or Citroen C5 X hybrid for potholes?

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Discussion

FlatFloorFan

Original Poster:

6 posts

9 months

Saturday 20th April
quotequote all
I live in a semi-rural area with absolutely terrible roads (I know - don't we all?). They are covered in deep ruts, potholes, and shabby patch jobs where the council is about 10 years overdue for a full resurfacing.

Because of this, I've spent the past 5 years being rattled to the bone and have lost count of the number of low-profile tyres I've burst in my current VW Passat (at least 6).

I am sick to death of it all and I want my next car to be one which can finally stand up to the abuse our roads throw at it.

My budget is up to £22k (used). Ride quality and general toughness is my primary concern, but I would prefer something relatively modern (2018+) with under 50,000 miles. I would also strongly prefer a petrol and/or a hybrid because I don't do many long motorway trips and don't want to deal with the hassle of DPFs etc.

I've watched a lot of review videos and have shortlisted two quite different options:

1. Land Rover Discovery Sport - petrol engines only because the '16-'18 diesels are apparently littered with problems.
2. Citroen C5 X - hybrid petrol.

I have test-driven a LR and I found the air suspension impressive. I felt like it floated along rough roads nicely. The tyres look suitably big and beefy. However I am put off by LR's reputation for mechanical and engine problems, and there's no hybrid option without spending way over my budget.

I have not driven the Citroen but its suspension and ride quality are extremely well-reviewed and I like the fact that it's modern (Apple CarPlay etc.). The hybrid option would also likely save me a ton of money because I could probably run it on pure electric most of the time. But the low-profile tyres do worry me a bit, and I don't know if it would be possible to upsize them without buying smaller alloys which would be a massive pain. Also used prices are still high because it's a recent car.

Does anyone have any thoughts on which of the above would be suitable, or whether there's something else out there which could be an even better option?

I'm not married to these cars; they're just what I've read offer the best ride quality while still being practical - so I would welcome any suggestions.

Edited by FlatFloorFan on Saturday 20th April 04:29

Dashnine

1,484 posts

57 months

Saturday 20th April
quotequote all
I had a Disco Sport P240 - the DS doesn’t have air suspension but still has low profile tyres on large (20”?) vulnerable rims. Economy is pretty poor, I think I averaged 24mpg over the three years I had the car. Seats 6&7 in the boot are quite small - kids or short adults only and little boot space when in use.

FlatFloorFan

Original Poster:

6 posts

9 months

Sunday 21st April
quotequote all
Dashnine said:
I had a Disco Sport P240 - the DS doesn’t have air suspension but still has low profile tyres on large (20”?) vulnerable rims. Economy is pretty poor, I think I averaged 24mpg over the three years I had the car. Seats 6&7 in the boot are quite small - kids or short adults only and little boot space when in use.
Thanks - my mistake. I could have sworn I read air suspension was an option but obviously not. I must have confused it with the regular Discovery. Whatever its suspension setup it did feel comfortable when driving.

ZX10R NIN said:
Take a look at the Lexus NX300
It does look good. Some reviews mention a firm ride quality - have you tried it and is it comfortable?

dmsims

6,801 posts

274 months

Sunday 21st April
quotequote all
Suzuki Across (basically a RAV4) petrol plug in hybrid

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402226...

Mammasaid

4,293 posts

104 months

Sunday 21st April
quotequote all
Ride quality & practical??

Volvo V60 CC

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402056...

Dave.

7,511 posts

260 months

Sunday 21st April
quotequote all
Surely anything with smaller wheels and a decent amount of sidewall is enough?


braddo

11,226 posts

195 months

Sunday 21st April
quotequote all
Dave. said:
Surely anything with smaller wheels and a decent amount of sidewall is enough?
Exactly. OP should try SE spec E-class and 5 series on 17 inch wheels. These will almost certainly cope better than a SUV on much bigger heavier wheels.

Silvanus

6,016 posts

30 months

Sunday 21st April
quotequote all
As you are happy with a Citroen, take a look at the C5 Aircross. Tried one recently and its one of the best riding cars I've been in for a very long time. It gets good reviews in the press, the ride in particularly. You can pick up a nearly new for that budget.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/best-cars/top-1...

Another good option would be the all new Dacia Duster, you could get a brand new one with a 7 year warranty. Its likely to ride very well as Dacia have avoided the drive for cars with firm sports spec. Cars on the Current CMF-B platform are much better than previous gen Dacia's, with better build and ride and current, rather than last en tech.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/dacia-...

Worth looking at the Mazda CX-5 and Renault Koleos too.