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Vehicle advice (28 posts / 3,072 views)
phil090781
Posts: 2,335
Post #1 26 Jul 2023 20:31
0
Hi all,

I have some specific needs for a vehicle, hoping for some help from the Carpforum hive mind....

I'm looking for a vehicle that ticks the following boxes.

1. Good family sized vehicle with 5 seats and room for bedchair, barrow etc kept in boot without putting any seats down (I current have a focus estate which is great for this)
2. Half decent off road capability. A lake I want to fish has a notoriously dodgy track so I need something that will handle this and not get wrecked in the process.
3. fuel economy. I drive a fair bit for work so something that gets me 40mpg + would be the preference.
4. Not an old knacker- I need new (ish) car reliability
5. Max budget £12,000

Vehicles I've considered
Skoda Octavia scout (not sure if ground clearance is enough)
Nissan X Trail (not sure the newer versions are any good off-road?)
Subaru Forester (similar issue to the scout and not sure about fuel economy)

What have people got and would recommend?

Cheers all
karmh karmh
Posts: 1,177
Post #2 26 Jul 2023 20:37
0
In reply to Post #1
Isuzu d-max.
popcorn
Posts: 316
Post #3 26 Jul 2023 20:45
0
I've had a scout (older shape). It was a decent, but mundane car. The 4wd failed eventually, I didn't get it fixed as I was changing cars shortly after, just drove it in 2wd. I think the 4wd system is the same as other VAG cars, so not a specific problem to Skoda.
Dazjones Dazjones
Posts: 10,613
Post #4 26 Jul 2023 21:25
0
In reply to Post #1
Honda CRV, 5 seats, plenty of room and of course reliable.

Daz
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #5 26 Jul 2023 21:34
0
In reply to Post #4
Good shout
mal mal
Posts: 8,986
Post #6 26 Jul 2023 23:00
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In reply to Post #4
They're a spongy drive though...

IMO of course

I like the volvo 4wd's. You could pick up an xc60 or xc90 second hand within that budget
VLT VLT
Posts: 8,995
Post #7 26 Jul 2023 23:05
0
In reply to Post #6
I have a 2014 CRV, not spongy at all, quite the opposite. Very reliable car with a fair bit of room.
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #8 26 Jul 2023 23:12
0
In reply to Post #6
Unless volvo have changed the discs and pads on the xc60 and xc90 I wouldn't touch them as they eat them.It was a big fault on them at one point,also I think the xc90 had a fault with the emergency braking system
mal mal
Posts: 8,986
Post #9 26 Jul 2023 23:14
0
In reply to Post #7
Fair enough 👍

And Braders.... braking is for wimps...

I like them but it's just my opinion
Tinhead Tinhead
Posts: 17,089
Post #10 26 Jul 2023 23:22
0
In reply to Post #6
Blimey Mal what are you doing promoting cars like that, where's your green eco credentials, Greta will have a fit
Cargo bikes are the way to go
mal mal
Posts: 8,986
Post #11 26 Jul 2023 23:32
0
In reply to Post #10


Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #12 27 Jul 2023 12:26
0
In reply to Post #1
VW Touraeg - older one obvs for your budget but you can pick up some decent FSH examples . . .test drove a 66 plate last weekend as have similar requirements as yourself - fully loaded / quick enough / decent ground clearance / massive boot
djstrauss281 djstrauss281
Posts: 923
Post #13 27 Jul 2023 13:53
0
In reply to Post #12
You would be lucky to get 20mpg in one of those nevermind 40mpg. My wifes old R line was more juicy than my x5m
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #14 27 Jul 2023 16:45
0
In reply to Post #13
She must have a heavy right foot! Would you rate the X5 over the Touraeg? Been looking at a X540d vs Touraeg RLine Plus 262 . . heart says BMW head says VW
djstrauss281 djstrauss281
Posts: 923
Post #15 27 Jul 2023 18:21
0
In reply to Post #14
All day every day. VW should not be mentioned in the same sentence if I am honest. The BMW has similar space but feels a lot smaller/nimbler on the road i dont know why. I have never owned the x40d but looking at the stats its faster, defo much more refined inside with infotainment etc and looking at Honest Johns for real world MPG has an real world average of 32mpg with open road driving near 40mpg.

I can garuantee you the servicing would be in line with VW if not cheaper. Look it up yourself VW is one of the most expensive cars to maintain. (I can attest for that first hand)

We got rid of the VW didnt rate it. She drives a 335d touring now which is a mini beast. Most days I prefer driving that to my x5m which is a 720bhp monster
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #16 27 Jul 2023 20:08
0
In reply to Post #15
BMW fanboy (have been in 330/335d MSport Tourings for the last 4x cars) and still own one; would happily get another all day long but need to chop it for something bigger as its not the ideal fishing wagon - missus has VW Touran (140 TDI/DSG) and to be fair its been bullet proof without being looked after but I'm swopping that for a Polo so my daughter can drive it. . .

BMW tech said be careful with X5's as they can rack bills; Indie dealer said the same thing when comparing with Touraeg . . .X540d does drive a lot better and has better economy / more poke / looks etc however I'm not keen on the tailgate (looks weak) and want to ramp my loaded barrow into the boot . . .also fish rivers so Touraeg 4x4 def better! Heart vs Head!

Apols OP - David PM me if easier pls!
phil090781
Posts: 2,335
Post #17 28 Jul 2023 14:18
0
Cheers lads, some good suggestions there.
Frenzy Frenzy
Posts: 11,403
Post #18 28 Jul 2023 15:22
0
In reply to Post #8
My wife has the XC60, shes had it 4 years now, never had an issue with it
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #19 28 Jul 2023 15:51
0
In reply to Post #18
Probably doesn't drive fast enough to use the brakes too much
Frenzy Frenzy
Posts: 11,403
Post #20 28 Jul 2023 16:11
0
In reply to Post #19
she's worst than me mate with her right foot
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #21 28 Jul 2023 16:53
0
In reply to Post #20
I wish mine was,feels like it takes an eternity get anywhere
bentipping bentipping
Posts: 383
Post #22 31 Jul 2023 20:40
0
In reply to Post #1
Bit late to this but have you considered a Mitsubishi Outlander? Get a decent 2014/15 model with reasonable mileage for that budget. I would have also said Land Rover Discovery Sport but I think a bit above budget.
phil090781
Posts: 2,335
Post #23 31 Jul 2023 22:47
0
In reply to Post #22
Cheers, I had considered those actually, do you have one and how do you rate it?
finbob finbob
Posts: 3,466
Post #24 1 Aug 2023 07:44
1
In reply to Post #23
Another for Honda CRV. Had same needs -this has room, economy, very reliable, has decent ground clearance, drives OK and capable to do some off road work. Get the 1.6 diesel.
Muddy_Hi-Lux Muddy_Hi-Lux
Posts: 225
Post #25 1 Aug 2023 09:29
0
In reply to Post #23
Stay clear of anything 'Green Oval', they have reliability issues.

Japanese, go for ever.
bentipping bentipping
Posts: 383
Post #26 4 Aug 2023 09:09
0
In reply to Post #23
I had the prior version, an 09 plate and loved it. Only changed as we had a 3rd kid so needed to get 3 car seats in the back.
It's a bit more agricultural inside which you'd expect given their background with L200 etc but worked for me with dogs/fishing/kids.
Drove well and genuine off road capabilities if needed. Think I'd avoid the PHEV version unless doing lots of town driving.
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,046
Post #27 4 Aug 2023 09:20
1
In reply to Post #1
I'm afraid I sound like a broken record, but if you can cope with the looks how about a Berlingo or Teepee, maybe even a newer Rifter or Berlingo, might fall within budget soon/ now if you shop around.

I never wanted a Berlingo yet my 17 year old one, owned from new, sits on the drive next to our newer Rifter. The newer Rifter is a totally different beast and in 7 seat version I'd imagine it swallows gear for fun, it is as all types have been though a bit van looking, if you can get over that.

Noel80
Posts: 241
Post #28 6 Aug 2023 20:43
0
In reply to Post #1
Dacia Duster any good? (don't know about fuel economy)

Don't think an X Trail or Forrester will have decent MPG at all. They're old now but the Peugeot Partner Escapade was a great fishing wagon. Not AWD but a bit higher off the ground with a mud guard underneath etc. Massive boot. It was a bit basic/rough/bumpy though. Not a motorway cruiser but decent MPG considering it was a box on wheels!

I used to get 48 MPG (non motorway). Diesel

The new version is the Teepee but I don't like the design/look at all

I PX-ed mine to get a van (for work) and still miss it sometimes
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