Rob Day

iTrader: (78)

Hi all.

Please don't ask, but what can you guys tell me about the following:

Landrover Discovery 3 around 2005/06 model
BMW X5's around 2005 model
Porsche Cayenne, and noticed they do a Turbo model with around 450bhp

Any other large seating capacity 4x4

Rob

john banks

I'm scared off by the reliability of all of them, V8 Cayenne non turbo well known for engine problems, would consider Turbo depending on condition, but very probably not a 9 year old one.

Skoobie Dhu

iTrader: (3)

Difficult one, big 4x4's all improved pretty dramatically after the models that were around in 2005. Probably the X5, but the boot space wasn't good given its size - e70 model was better in every aspect. Disco 3 is best avoided - do a search on here, I think the outcome was it was unreliable at best and dangerous at worst (brake failure issue)

Rob Day

iTrader: (78)

Cheers guys, any sort of negative comments is what I am looking for, I don't want to be disappointed once purchased. I would only be owning one for around 5 months, then flogging it on again!

Rob

Rob Day

iTrader: (78)

Its worth noting that I was looking for a nice Forester STI, but cant find a good one for love nor money, well the right money.

This is best I have sourced recently, but even this isn't in the country yet, and I feel 10k is a lot of brass for its spec. Plus it doesn't have the seats that I could do with.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-Subar...item461b99100b


Any other suggestions for a decent 7 seater please?

Rob

moneys

iTrader: (5)

VOLVO XC90 I've got one and its fantastic, ticks every box there is, mind you i have the executive model so even has heated, cooled and massaging seats. I did a lot of research into 7 seaters and this came out on top for what i wanted

Fat Boy

Merc GL

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

Toyota Land Cruiser if you want a trouble free 5 months and to get most of your money back.

THE END.

EssexJamie

iTrader: (5)

I owned a X5 for around 11 months, there a nice place to be (mine was fully equipped) and I had remap as well so it went pretty well.
Only problems was rear airbags went (common problem and expensive) so I ditched them and converted to shock and springs.
DPF filter got blocked and there £1500 to replace so I get a delete when I had my remap (also a common problem)
Make sure you get one without the swirl flaps, and try find one that's had recent tyres, discs and pads!
There all quite expensive.

Edit also listen out for a clicking when accelerating sign of transfer box on its way out

pacenote

That Forester is being imported by Charlie at Prodrift, top bloke and always has nice cars. Went to look at a 2L GT Spec B Legacy recently

hodgy0_2

So a vote for the X5 then, lol

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

^^ ^^

SPEN555

What about a Ranger Rover FF or Sport.

A lot of parts seem quite reasonable. 20" wheels 275/45/20 upgrade from 275/40/20 give a better ride and can be had from Camskill for about £130/£140 a tyre. Compare that to BMW X5's ridiculous tyres at over £300 a time. The Brembo brakes seem to have cheap discs and pads available. Only downside seems a lot of potential for suspension costs racking up but I think that is the case with all big 4x4's.

I am tempted 5.0ltr S/C but circa 8mpg urban is a bit off putting lol. But then there is the V8 Diesel to consider.

I was worried about the whole Land Rover reliability but from what I have gathered and read they don'r seem that bad if you get a good one.

Worth a thought?

john banks

If that was the case, 8mpg would be fine. From the experience of those I know with Range Rovers, I wouldn't touch one with a bargepole. We are talking left at the roadside breakdowns which you hardly hear of nowadays.

SPEN555

I think if you want to avoid roadside breakdowns then German brands need to be excluded. Mercs/BMW/Audi seem to be as bad as Land Rover.

Japanese would be the safe bet so then need to look at Lexus, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Nissan. I think big engined leaves you with Lexus though?

john banks

The Lexus RX is a funny thing. The looks in the flesh of the late models are better than in photos, but they don't review well to drive, and as a winter car their hybrid 4x4 system has some concerns about torque distribution in the snow. Subarus are plagued by unreliable engines (diesel and 2.5 petrol, rest are slow) and Mitsubishi and Nissan are more well known for rather less refined pick up trucks.

cuprajake

iTrader: (11)

Remember anything after 56 is going to be big tax too.

The xc90 had gearbox problems.

Any top end motor will be expensive to maintain too.

john banks

Expensive running costs are one thing, but unpredictable, inconvenient and expensive four and five figure breakages are quite another.

hodgy0_2

They don't have to cost the earth to run, my Landcruiser costs peanuts (seriously nothing) - and at over 200k is barely run in

But then it is a proper 4x4 not a fashion accessory

ScoobyWon't

What a bunch of fairies. The real man's choice would be a Defender.

There are two key phrases to remember when choosing one:

- If it doesn't leak, it's not a Landy.

- In rust we trust.

Skoobie Dhu

iTrader: (3)

Looks like even the disco 4 has reliability issues...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...ntral-26486703

nik52wrx

Speaking as an ex sport owner, mine was 1yr old with 14k miles and I had several warranty claims. If reliability wasn't an issue LR wouldn't be able to justify the £1100 a year for an extended warranty.

Suspension, electrics, alternators to name a few common failings.....

moneys

iTrader: (5)

ill say it again, xc90, go post 06 and even better, the wife also has a rx400 and used to have a rx300, good quiet and comfy cars yet the xc90 is better in my opinion and also better mpg and more reliable

Oh and the above post about the rx in snow we've never ever had an issue in fact its always been awesome and surefooted

fpan

iTrader: (11)

FSTis have held their value better than equivalent MY Imprezas, I've been monitoring them for the last 5 years.

These are standard FSTi/Spec C seats, what seats are you after Rob?

They are great fun and practical cars, you will love one!

If you want a 7-seater get a diesel Verso from 2008 or thereabouts.

Rob Day

iTrader: (78)

Currently got QuasQai +2 (7seats) but looking for something else with 7 seats. It's no big thing to have 7 seats, it's more of a "nice to have". School run from my house to the village is terrible in winter, never mind with snow. So with my kids and neighbours kids in tow I thought I'd look for a seven seater. The "regular" car is doable, just cramped with three booster seats side by side.

I've not had a Fozsie yet, and I don't fancy the 5 character price tag to be fair. I was hoping to get a disco 3 for around 8k and sell on at similar cash in the late summer. It's not even essential I get another car, but working odd shifts is proving a pain. I might get a bike and leave the car to the wife.

Rob

ps - Its worth noting that I was looking for decent 4x4 mainly for the wife to drive, so although a Fozie would be nice, the chances are I wouldn't be driving it all that much.

lozgti1

Not a posh car but our x trail had one interior bulb replaced in 100k

Why are these expensive and lovely 4x4' s so rubbish?

fpan

iTrader: (11)

Cause they are german.

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

You forgot the Ozzy saying, "If you want to go to the out back go in a Land Rover, If you want to come back go in a Land Cruiser"

lozgti1

Don't want to knock them.love them all.love 4x4' s.Just never hear a good story about the above.just breakdowns and £££££'s

Seems Japanese know how to do it best

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

I nearly bought an 8 year old one a couple of months ago but changed my mind after seeing what We Buy Any Car would pay for it, I'm pleased I did after reading this