What's similat to a freelander but more reliable?

niall147

Hi ,
I have a freelander which is lovely to drive but has broken my heart. I bought it as was in a car accident on a country road where I do a lot of driving and felt extra security being higher up. I want something similar but funds are low. Its a diesel 2002 and on a trade-in I am looking at maybe 2-4K. I want to spend less than 10K on top of trade in value and was looking at 2007. My requirements are that it's similar to a freelander in height and size but more relaible. Must be diesel and not too thirsty (found the freelander grest for that)
Tuscon was front runner(07 onwards as 06 no air con) but reah in honest john they are thirtsy. Also sportiva was an option due to price but he says they are thirsty also. Rav 4 small boot I hear- need a big one) C-rv nobody seems to have anything bad to say about but pricey. Are there 'cars ' out there i haven't considered that are higher up than normal or are there other suv's I should consider? I need to have 1 bought in 4 weeks so would greatly appreciate advice from you guys.
Niall

mikewest

You might be able to haggle a 08 Tuscon for your budget which with lower tax would cover an awful lot of extra diesel!

Also X-Trail is in your budget which is pretty reliable apart from erg valves and consequently turbos. Check the service history.

I wouldn't be overly confident on the Honest John views on economy etc.

bazz26

The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are the same vehicle just with different badges. They are no heavier on diesel than any other SUV of similar size and weight. The Sportage seems to be a little cheaper to buy than the Tucson.

Tucson:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201013197472548

Sportage:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201016197735328

If you are worried about fuel and don't actually need 4wd then both are available in 2wd which weighs in lighter than the 4wd version. Alternatively, a good estate car might be worth looking at too.

niall147

Thanks guys,
Appreciate the replies. Mike why do you say 08 less tax. Is the 07 a different model? Also I was under the impression that the sportage was an inferior vehicle? I have also heard from 2 sources that its thirsty.
cheers
Niall

bazz26

niall147 wrote: »

Thanks guys,
Appreciate the replies. Mike why do you say 08 less tax. Is the 07 a different model? Also I was under the impression that the sportage was an inferior vehicle? I have also heard from 2 sources that its thirsty.
cheers
Niall

Thirsty compared to what may I ask? Most SUVs of that size are a bit on the heavy side especially if they carry a 4WD drive train. If you don't need 4WD then opt for a 2WD version which is lighter. Also the Tucson and Sportage are identicle except for the badge and a few other bits and pieces so I cannot see how one is inferior to the other. Hyundai would probably have a little bit better image with Joe Public than Kia alright but both are budget brands if that label applies.

Regarding tax, from 2008 onwards the tax system changed from being based on engine size to being based on the car's emmissions. In the case of the Tucson/Sportage though the tax on a 07 or older will cost €614 whereas the tax on a 08 (184g/km) costs €630 so in this case buying a 08 costs slightly more to tax over a 07 or older.

Zubeneschamali

niall147 wrote: »

I have a freelander which is lovely to drive but has broken my heart. I bought it as was in a car accident on a country road where I do a lot of driving and felt extra security being higher up.

If you want a jeepy thing and it must be reliable, how aqbout a Toyota RAV4?
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/Rav4/2lt-D4-D/201003196622022/advert?channel=CARS

Jeepy things aren't actually safer than cars, though. Twice as likely to roll in an accident, and rollovers are about 10 times more lethal than other accidents.