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A(nother) new car suggestions thread...

surprisingskoda Probably posted too much Posts: 10,934	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... surprisingskoda @surprisingskoda
	Oct 2, 2016 1:51:02 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	My mum is moving to the Highlands of Scotland in a month. Right up to Sutherland and Caithness to take on a new job that has a catchment area of the entire east to west extremity of Sutherland. So, given the weather, given how far she'll be from me (and anyone else that can rescue her), and her being a little bit nervous about the roads, distances, reliability, safety, security, serviceability etc etc etc - she is need of a new vehicle. I've been tasked with finding and preparing something suitable. I don't mind travelling for the right piece of kit. The criteria are thus: 1. Has to be reliable. 2. Has to be easily serviceable for if it does break. Nothing oddball. There is only one or two local garages and parts supply for a specific part for a rare model or make might be troublesome. 3. Needs to be a proper 4x4. Not a 2wd SUV. 4. Big enough to carry stuff. No tiny 3-doors. 5. Blue. My mum: says shes still 21 (mid 50s in reality) and not mechanically minded. Shes not strong enough to lift a 33" AT wheel & tyre for example. She's had, over the last few years, a 2.8 LWB Shogun, diesel E39, 206 hdi, and now a 1.0 Arosa and E39 528i touring. So she can drive most stuff, once she's used to it. She's used to having two cars as her job usually requires definite availability, so breakdowns are considered utterly tragic. So she will need impeccable reliability. The 4x4 is for surety. Does not want to be stuck on any of the tracks or lanes she might be on, and power to handle the ascents and descents such an area might pose. With proper ground clearance, so rule out 4x4 cars like the Octavia 4x4/Scout range. No preference given to petrol or diesel. Or auto or manual. Or permanent or selectable 4wd. Cruise would be a bonus, and I suspect I'd get a nicer Christmas card if it had heated armchairs. Newer the better as well, not looking at made-in-the-90s stuff. Budget is £3k for the base vehicle. I will use up to £500 more to service it, replace all the tyres and buy a spare spare wheel, as well as fit it out with every essential and survival supply kit conceivable. It might sound silly doing that, but shes paranoid about being stuck, and she'll be on her own (with my teenage sister) so she wants to feel safe and self-supportive, and I want her to be so as well. Obviously in time she will build up contacts and friends there but the winter is coming and she'll be starting the job on the cusp of that season. So, suggestions? I have a few, would definitely appreciate any advice or insider knowledge... www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-XC90-7-Seater-2-4-D5-Diesel-auto-2004-AWD-SatNav-Parrott-Bluetooth-/182294813326?hash=item2a719e1a8e:g:g3EAAOSwPCVX6n11 Volvo XC90. I thought this was a brainwave, reliable? in budget? well specced? www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUBARU-LEGACY-OUTBACK-AWD-2-5-AUTOMATIC-GREEN-GREY-/142116602481?hash=item2116cf4271:g:9goAAOSwGtRX2Cp7 Subaru Outback. OK ground clearance, just? reliable? in budget for sure, petrol only I think? (or newer shape) www.ebay.co.uk/itm/subaru-outback-2-5-LPG-/191977431024?hash=item2cb2bf1ff0:g:oycAAOSw8oFXztxY www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-LAND-ROVER-FREELANDER-TD4-SE-S-W-GREY-/201679255514?hash=item2ef50537da:g:m2IAAOSwLF1X7Xwi maybe the safe option is just to pack her off in a Freelander? www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-5-DOOR-DIESEL-TOYOTA-RAV4-4WD-ESTATE-XT3-D4D-SILVER-MOT-3-17-1-OWNER-/222260145602?hash=item33bfbcadc2:g:bh0AAOSwmLlX5nT7 Are Rav4s any good? capable? obviously reliable as a medieval bridge. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-02-HONDA-CR-V-2-0I-VTEC-SE-SPORT-4WD-Mk-2-124k-Miles-MOT-AUG-2017-/282200665800?hash=item41b4786ec8:g:bXMAAOSwCGVX7kfl I think CRVs are a bit pansy for the job, am I wrong? www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-ML320-Auto-5-door-4-wheel-drive-petrol-estate-full-history-long-MOT-/122155009046?hash=item1c71018416:g:nz4AAOSwRjNXN39F Mercedes ML? Am I dopey? Reliable? Rusty guzzlers? I don't know... www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KIA-SPORTAGE-XE-2-0-CRDi-ACTIVE-4-WHEEL-DRIVE-DIESEL-2005-MODAL-/272389930264?hash=item3f6bb47d18:g:K1YAAOSw8oFXzx-2 Kia Sportage? www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Hyundai-Santa-Fe-2-2-CRTD-CDX-7-Seat-4WD-2-Owners-FSH-MOT-08-2017-/172349036543?hash=item2820cd97ff:g:Q5oAAOSwCGVX4YDm Hyundai Tucson? Santa Fe? Jeep Grand Cherokee? parts supply maybe an issue? www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-56-SUZUKI-GRAND-VITARA-4X4-4WD-ESTATE-1-9-DDIS-5-DOOR-128BHP-DIESEL-/172358601910?hash=item28215f8cb6:g:AaQAAOSwzaJX7aZG Vitara could definitely be in with a good shout, if they're any good? Let me answer some others before they come up: Mitsubishi L200: possibly slightly too agri. We did look at one for her years ago but maybe too big now too. Mitsubishi Shogun: refer point 1. Nissan anything: Renault DCi. refer point 1. Although shame this rules out X-trail. Mazda Tribute: too offbeat Any car with 4x4: no ground clearance, not confidence inspiring enough to settle her nerves. Includes but not limited to Octavia 4x4, X-type 4x4, Impreza, Fiat Panda, Alfa Quadrafoglios, Audi Quattros... Any BMW: point 1 just takes care of them all. Don't think a VW Tiguan can be had in the budget. Still needs to look presentable, its still a job that requires a professional presentation so much as I would have her in a lifted P38 RR, it's disallowed, and so just ignoring the Frontera, the Maverick, any of that older good stuff that would do the job ok but look too farmer. I'm sure the perfect car is out there somewhere for my mums life changing job/move, and appreciate any help, guidance, suggestions or reviews. [Sorry for modern content. People on here are good for real world knowledge though. Will fill full of 70s & 80s pickups with too many spotlights soon]
	...he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Acts 8:37 retrorides.proboards.com/thread/170153/continuous-thread-skodas-bmws-austins I drive a Subaru, ride a Ducati, race an Austin, cruise in a Chevy, and break BMWs

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composimmonite Posted a lot Posts: 4,681	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... composimmonite @composimmonite
	Oct 2, 2016 13:10:24 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I've recently scrapped my Disco and have been looking at a stop gap until Mahindra restored. Don't even consider a Freelander 1 as too many issues with 4x4 system. That means Freelander 2 from 2006 and therefore outside budget. Volvo is also going to be massive money pit if anything goes wrong - neighbour had an 09 reg and had to get rid when gearbox broke due to something like £3000+ to fix. Honda aren't a proper 4x4 - the rear wheels only engage when front loose grip. Might be OK for road use but more of a soft roader that a proper off roader. Can't remember what was wrong with Merc's but there was something that put me off. Both Kia & Hyundai good vehicles. Vitara not bad but mate has an 06 reg and is starting to get serious MOT fails / expensive repairs so Caveat Emptor I like Jeep's but can be rusty & thirsty with diesel havening poor reputation so best left alone. I know nothing about Rav 4's as never fancied one but suppose being a Toyota it'll be reasonable ! Don't underestimate Fiat Panda 4x4 - far more capable than you'd estimate and good ground clearance.


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carledo Posted a lot Posts: 1,012	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... carledo @carledo
	Oct 2, 2016 13:18:11 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Freelander and reliable is the biggest oxymoron going, a good lawn ornament and the best money pit good money can buy! The Rav4 is tiny and expensive on parts, plus for some reason, auto transmission models have a lot of trans problems. Scooby Outback is nice and can get most places. Thirsty though and will rot given half a chance. The new model is bostin, a mate bought one new in 2011 with boxer diesel, has been utterly faultless and now has 120k showing. he's thinking of chopping it in for a new one as the clutch is slipping which looks to be a VERY expensive job! But I doubt you will get one in budget. Volvo is not as good as some will have you believe. My opinion may be clouded by experience of 2 of my customers who have both poured thousands into already expensive cars. Vitara parts are shockingly expensive (£1200 for 2 front lower balljoints) they ARE quite reliable though! I have 2 suggestions to make and both make my teeth grind, 1) A good, old fashioned LR Discovery 300TDi Yes they rot, but they are very tough and simple, bits are everywhere and every mechanic (or farmer) knows how to fix one. 2) If a LWB Shogun/Pajero/L200 is too big, how about the SWB Version? A neighbour and customer has a 95 2.8 SWB diesel auto Paj with all the offroad goodies you could need including winch, he bought it like this 4 years ago for £1800 including 5 new proper offroad tyres. Since then it has only needed a new rad and routine servicing. It's a bit thirsty though. Good luck with the hunt, Steve Edit, one other possibility has just come to me, Ever seen a Shogun Pinin? It's a proper, mainly RWD with selectable 4WD/low range/diff locks - but in miniature! Comes in 2 or 3 sizes of petrol engine and a diesel. Mitzi reliability, good parts availablity (if not particularly cheap) and definitely can be had in budget. I'd go for the 2.0 GDi Petrol Auto. Not much boot space, but if you are not carrying 6 sheep and 4 hay bales, this is not an issue!
	Last Edit: Oct 2, 2016 13:36:07 GMT by carledo

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surprisingskoda Probably posted too much Posts: 10,934	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... surprisingskoda @surprisingskoda
	Oct 2, 2016 16:18:40 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Thanks. Both very full accounts, just what I was after. Mitsi stuff has a bad rep around here, she got three months of driving out of a 13 month spell owning a 2.8 lwb. So they're out regardless. Surprised by that vitara balljoints price although I did expect them to to be pricy for parts, like most of these things really. Thanks for ruling out the Toyota and Honda choices, something I just needed an excuse to do anyway. Fiat 4x4 I do know to be capable but won't give my mum the confidence she needs to travel into the sticks. Jeep choices, subaru options, still open, freelander, vitara and xc90 more dubious than before now. Korean ones would like to hear some owner stories.
	...he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Acts 8:37 retrorides.proboards.com/thread/170153/continuous-thread-skodas-bmws-austins I drive a Subaru, ride a Ducati, race an Austin, cruise in a Chevy, and break BMWs

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carledo Posted a lot Posts: 1,012	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... carledo @carledo
	Oct 2, 2016 18:21:58 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	The Vitara balljoints ARE an extreme case. But they are not available aftermarket and come with the large lower wishbones, which in turn come WITHOUT the inner bushes. By the time you have bought all you need, bushes alone are £130 for both sides, the bill is what I quoted. Been there, done that (fortunately not on my own car!) Your mum must have had the only unreliable Shogun in the world. I live in rural Shropshire and the things are like flies round here, i've had 3 myself and all have been reliable and very capable in bad weather. The most expensive one was only £600. I just get fed up with putting fuel in the things! I don't know much about the Korean stuff, save for a very unpleasant encounter with one you haven't mentioned, the Ssangyong. And my advice here is "DON'T! Just DON'T" The Scooby Forester has a pretty good rep too but get a pre 2003 turbo model. Sort of a WRX on stilts/steroids. previous comments about fuel consumption and incipient rot apply to this one too. Steve


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jaykay South East Posts: 857	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... jaykay @jaykay
	Oct 2, 2016 20:56:46 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I had a discovery td5, was a great motor which handled all i threw at it. 3k could buy a leathered up facelift one maybe?


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thebaron Europe Over the river, heading out of town Posts: 1,659	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... thebaron @thebaron
	Oct 2, 2016 21:21:46 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I think your best bet here is a Subaru Forester or Legacy. I would tend to skew towards the Forester and I'd recommend a non turbo 2.0 Auto as it will not have been ragged upon. I had a 99 2.5 Legacy Auto for 6 months and it was faultless. Slow as anything but I never worried about it breaking down and I buzzed all over the country and used it to head to a variety of snowed in ski resorts. I would also say that I used to live in the mountains in Inner Switzerland for 2 years and 90% (no exaggeration) of the cars owned by the mountain dwelling locals were Legacys, Forresters, Imprezas or Justys. For sake of completion the rest were 4wd Corrollas and 4wd Suzuki Swifts. As terrain may be similar I'd suggest that's a good indicator.
	2022 Toyota GR86 - Hachi Roku - New dog, old tricks 2012 BMW 528iX Estate - Family hauler 1989 Toyota EP71 Starlet - Rally

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surprisingskoda Probably posted too much Posts: 10,934	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... surprisingskoda @surprisingskoda
	Oct 2, 2016 22:04:27 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	That's a very good point, the Swiss will be well versed in what to buy. Shogun was not a Friday special, as I had one myself with issues but got rid very quick, hers had everything, every single thing, go wrong, but it was all well documented issues when I researched before and after purchase. Personally I would still be willing to have a dalliance with both a mk1 lwb v6 in gold and a red mk2 swb v6... but my mam has been stung and will have no confidence in a mitsi.
	...he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Acts 8:37 retrorides.proboards.com/thread/170153/continuous-thread-skodas-bmws-austins I drive a Subaru, ride a Ducati, race an Austin, cruise in a Chevy, and break BMWs

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igor Posted a lot Posts: 2,694	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... igor @igor
	Oct 2, 2016 22:09:25 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Sister-in-law lived in rural Scotland for some years. She and her then husband had an elderly Landrover (she wasn't sure whether S1 or S2) and a Fiat Panda 4x4. She reckoned the Panda was superior for accessing their remote cottage in extremely wet conditions as it didn't cut the ground up as much as the Landy. She was full of praise for the Landy being very reliable apart from dodgy brakes due to mud and water getting into them a lot. Reckoned they'd do the brakes and after a few weeks of churning through the mud on the school run they'd be bad as ever again. She just drove it sensibly and used the gears to slow down so it never really became an issue. She also admitted a liking for Subarus as reliable road cars in European winter conditions.


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igor Posted a lot Posts: 2,694	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... igor @igor
	Oct 2, 2016 22:13:24 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	With regard to the L200, a neighbour here in New Zealand has an '83 4wd diesel L200 that just keeps on going. He's had it from new and works it very hard on the farm. It is very capable off road and it just won't die.


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highvoltage Part of things Posts: 685	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... highvoltage @highvoltage
	Oct 2, 2016 22:20:15 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Another vote for the Forester,very capable cars. Reliable,strong and relatively cheap to buy. They are quite thirsty,but none of the options are going to be much better. I knew someone who was a chief marshall at forest rallys and he used to run his Forester through the stages setting up marshall posts etc,never got stuck.


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gostin Part of things Posts: 84	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... gostin @gostin
	Oct 2, 2016 22:30:33 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	L400 delica ticks all the boxes
	L300 and wrangler yj.

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surprisingskoda Probably posted too much Posts: 10,934	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... surprisingskoda @surprisingskoda
	Oct 3, 2016 0:31:05 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Oct 2, 2016 22:30:33 GMT gostin said: L400 delica ticks all the boxes Except for point one, point two, and point no mitsubishis.
	...he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Acts 8:37 retrorides.proboards.com/thread/170153/continuous-thread-skodas-bmws-austins I drive a Subaru, ride a Ducati, race an Austin, cruise in a Chevy, and break BMWs

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rblote Posted a lot Posts: 2,074	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... rblote @rblote
	Oct 3, 2016 1:41:41 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Hi, I agree with "composimmonite". regarding the Freelander, Volvo, etc I Own a Jeep Grand Cherokee 2001 model with v8. 250.000km on the clock. I am/was not much of a Jeep fan. However over the last few weeks taking it out 4wd-ing I have to say it goes like stink, is really not that bad on fuel, is reliable and comfortable. I also had a Nissan Patrol that I loved. An awesome and reliable car but very heavy on petrol. My Holden Rodeo TD 2000 model was by far the cheapest and most reliable 4WD I have ever owned. It was slow, noisy, fairly capable 4wd-ing but really cheap to run and maintain. I think that you can't go wrong with a Rav 4 either. They are great cars. Not a real 4WD but not bad at all. Is a Suzuki Jimny/Siera to small? They are great too. Cheers


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qwerty Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 2,421 Club RR Member Number: 52	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... qwerty @qwerty Club Retro Rides Member 52
	Oct 3, 2016 6:14:43 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Isuzu Trooper? Dunno what they're like relability wise but they hadn't yet been suggested. Props to your Mum for making the move. Its something we've considered doing and chickened out of even though we have family up there! Tom
	Last Edit: Oct 3, 2016 6:17:28 GMT by qwerty Beetle Progress Thread

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pauly22 Posted a lot Posts: 1,351	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... pauly22 @pauly22
	Oct 3, 2016 6:34:29 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	What about a 4x4 saloon or must it be a proper 4x4. Skoda Octavia scout 4x4 Insignia 4x4 Saab made a 4x4 9-3 Not sure on prices for these though.
	1994 BMW 525i touring 2004 BMW Z4 sorn and broken 1977 Ford Escort 1982 Ford Capri getting restored 1999 Mazda B2500 daily driver.

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joem83 Posted hell of a lot Posts: 7,071	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... joem83 @joem83
	Oct 3, 2016 8:14:53 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I got my old CRV 2004 SE Auto, up my dads old drive in the snow on non winter tyres. His drive was steep! Surprised me, getting back down wasn't fun though. They are surprisingly capable.
	1991 Mk2 Golf 1.8t 20v - Project Modus Operandi: 2) If you haven't got something constructive to say, say nothing

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composimmonite Posted a lot Posts: 4,681	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... composimmonite @composimmonite
	Oct 3, 2016 10:21:20 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	AFAIK most of Scottish roads are now tarmacked so unless off roading or regular trips down unmade farm tracks is intended then I can't see why something like an Audi Quattro or VW 4Motion shouldn't be considered.


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Midland Performance & Retro Posted a lot Posts: 1,163 Club RR Member Number: 25	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... Midland Performance & Retro @strada Club Retro Rides Member 25
	Oct 3, 2016 10:38:46 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUBARU-Impreza-WRX-2-0-Turbo-Reg-2002-/191979057851?hash=item2cb2d7f2bb:g:I0EAAOSwMgdX15DB If that's not big enough, then a Legacy or Forester. EDIT: missed the bit ruling out Impreza, but I drive one daily and live out in the sticks and it has ample ground clearance as long as you're not proper off-roading and nothing feels as stable and secure in wet/icy/muddy conditions. Anyway, if a Legacy Outback is on the shortlist, go for one of those.
	Last Edit: Oct 3, 2016 10:42:03 GMT by Midland Performance & Retro Specialist Bodyshop & Fabrication Classic, Retro, Prestige & Custom Small Repairs to Concours Restorations Mechanical Work Vintage to Modern

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surprisingskoda Probably posted too much Posts: 10,934	A(nother) new car suggestions thread... surprisingskoda @surprisingskoda
	Oct 3, 2016 11:04:11 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	This is the kind of road she will be travelling on regularly. If the schools are open she is working, mountain or no mountain. Single track high altitude deserted roads. Two hours each way. One petrol station at each end. Lots of freezing sold lochs next to the road. I rather wish I'd not looked these up now.
	...he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Acts 8:37 retrorides.proboards.com/thread/170153/continuous-thread-skodas-bmws-austins I drive a Subaru, ride a Ducati, race an Austin, cruise in a Chevy, and break BMWs

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