Smallish 4x4 - Page 2

John Kennett · 29 March 2012, 06:24

OK, that's the Freelander wiped off my list!

horacebat · 29 March 2012, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

I've got a Jeep Wrangler at the moment and the price of parts is eyewatering. I assume the Cherokee would be the same, so not likely to be on my list.

John - we've also got a 4.0 Wrangler Sport, and whilst the price of somethings can be more expensive than say a LR (also have one of them!), reliability of the Wrangler has been excellent. We've had it for 7 years now, and it's as good as the day we bought it, apart from a new set of Tyres and general servicing parts, we've had no main issues apart from the immobiliser which is a right PITA!

Also if you shop around and speak to the Jeep Club theres options on how to get cheaper spares. I'm also lucky enough to have a friend that lives in the US and comes over, so if I'm in need, she brings it across for us!

whisper · 29 March 2012, 09:38

I know you're looking for a smallish 4x4 but have you considered a Discovery?

It seams to me that they are a lot of car for the money and within budget too.

Here's a few that have sold recently:

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

2001 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY TD5 7 SEATER GS AUTO BLUE | eBay

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

I don't know much about the Disco 2, but worth a look if it isn't too big

red · 29 March 2012, 12:35

I can recommend a Landrover Defender, my own one being a pick up. Great for towing, 28 mpg, great visibility, easy to fix and much admired. Stay clear of hairdressers......

Downhilldai · 29 March 2012, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by red

I can recommend a Landrover Defender......

I can't see Lanky fitting in one of them too well

Nos4r2 · 29 March 2012, 19:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

I can't see Lanky fitting in one of them too well

No...I'm 6'3". I used to drive a Defender 110 at work and I could only drive it with the window wide open. I couldn't steer it otherwise.

Leapy · 29 March 2012, 20:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

No...I'm 6'3". I used to drive a Defender 110 at work and I could only drive it with the window wide open. I couldn't steer it otherwise.

The memories come flooding back

Searider · 29 March 2012, 22:46

What about a 4x4 car?

Volvo XC70 - we've got a 2.4 Diesel (2005) and get 50mpg on a run. 35 round town. Not for £3k though, but an earlier one might be available for your budget.

Audi Allroad - possibly a bit expensive to run (repair)

BogMonster · 30 March 2012, 00:20

If you get a Defender without a bulkhead behind the seats (newish 90 station wagon, or a 110 station wagon) you can fit a set of Mud Rails to the seats and get as much leg and arm room as you'll ever need. I have them in my 110 and I can barely reach the pedals with the seat right back! Doesn't do much for rear seat legroom but I don't sit there, so I don't care. Still nowhere to put your elbows though.

Downhilldai · 30 March 2012, 01:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

If you get a Defender without a bulkhead behind the seats (newish 90 station wagon, or a 110 station wagon) you can fit a set of Mud Rails to the seats and get as much leg and arm room as you'll ever need. I have them in my 110 and I can barely reach the pedals with the seat right back! Doesn't do much for rear seat legroom but I don't sit there, so I don't care. Still nowhere to put your elbows though.

Suppose it would need to be a station wagon, to be able to see out the side.

Tim M · 30 March 2012, 09:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Suppose it would need to be a station wagon, to be able to see out the side.

And to avoid Boris's LEZ charge. Friend of mine had an old series 3 Landy (van style) and Boris wanted £100 a day to take it inside the M25!

Chris Caton · 30 March 2012, 15:44

you'll get more motor for your dosh with a disco than a freelander, and there's loads of 2nd hand bits about to keep it going too

i've got a defender 90 hardtop with the seat rails in and i've cut the bulkhead down, so seat goes back and it fit me just right, but landrover elbow is something you have to grow up with

Chris · 31 March 2012, 07:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

OK, that's the Freelander wiped off my list!

Why don't you consider looking out for an Audi All-Road...

The early ones with a manual gearbox are reliable and now can go for as little as 3.5k and you could then use it as a main car as well. No need to run 2 cars

Good move on the Freelander !

Nos4r2 · 31 March 2012, 17:12

I'm not sure a Disco comes under the heading 'smallish' 4x4...

Chris Caton · 31 March 2012, 17:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

I'm not sure a Disco comes under the heading 'smallish' 4x4...

depends wot you're comparing it too

John Kennett · 31 March 2012, 22:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Why don't you consider looking out for an Audi All-Road...

The early ones with a manual gearbox are reliable and now can go for as little as 3.5k and you could then use it as a main car as well. No need to run 2 cars

I don't think it quite has the capacity of my main car, which is a LWB VW Transporter. I do need something with enough ground clearance to manage some ruts too. Liking the mog though!

Maybe a Disco would be worth considering, but at that price it's verging on project territory.

Has anyone tried a Shogun Pinin?

mick · 31 March 2012, 23:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

I don't think it quite has the capacity of my main car, which is a LWB VW Transporter. I do need something with enough ground clearance to manage some ruts too. Liking the mog though!

Maybe a Disco would be worth considering, but at that price it's verging on project territory.

Has anyone tried a Shogun Pinin?

I would go Suzuki John if you don't want to spend a lot

John Kennett · 31 March 2012, 23:24

Vitara or Jimny?

mick · 31 March 2012, 23:58

Vitara only going on what some of my customers have no experience myself but they say good for what they are good in snow etc

chewy · 01 April 2012, 03:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

If you are over 6' you simply won't fit in a Freelander 1 and be comfortable. It's got no legroom if you have long legs, and if your altitude is mostly in the body your head will brush the rooflining unless you recline the seat right back so you can't reach the steering wheel. And, as described, you'll bang your head getting out. A lot. And getting back in again.

Td4 is a good little car but only for 5'10" and below! I had one, and sold it after six months because it can't tow anything compared to a real 4x4, there wasn't enough space for me in the front and there isn't enough space to fit suitcases in the back. I replaced it in 2002 with the Discovery I still have

F2 is a different story, much more room and a great vehicle.

I've got a 54 plate TD4 commercial and am 6', I have loads of leg room and need to have the seat pulled forward a little bit.
I can't get more than 30mpg out of it but then it has a tuning box and a remap plus autobox.
I paid £4500 with 70000 on it, heated seats, air con, heated front screen etc, not had any problems in the 9 months I've owned it.