SUV Ratings

dedaw

Hi all,
Any comments, ratings you can give on SUV's on the market at the moment. It needs to be 4x4 (we live at the side of a mountain!!!), would prefer 2.0L diesel max, and probably looking at 2008 for tax incentive.

Have seen comments on the Sportage, Grand Vitara, but would like some more and wider info.
How about the Qashqai (is it 4x4?), Opel Antara, Rav4, Freelander, Santa Fe? And any others you can think of?

Anyone any dealings with "Jeep Compass"? I have seen one which looks good but not sure. Also looking at possibility of bringing something in from UK.
I want to be ready for the snow this year!

Thanks all.

Eric Cartman

2.0 diesel and 4x4 dont normally play nice ,

the hyundai santa fe is a good bet its a 2.2 or a subrau forrester
in the kia id see can you strech out to a 2.5 , the sorento is an excellent machine and they go for cheap money even loaded with spec (auto , leather etc..)

id say leave the opel well alone and the jeep somebody else can comment but if its anything like their previous models I wouldnt be betting on it.

the quashqai , while available in 4x4 nobody ever bought one here so youd have to order one new and deal with the horrific depreciation as youd be selling it back for the same money as a boggo spec 2wd model
the rav4 is alright but for the same money you could get the likes of a sorento which is a bigger car with more spec

colm_mcm

What's the most you'll pay in tax?

TheAnswer

There's really only one worth considering, the Skoda Yeti. Ignore it at your peril.

colm_mcm

Yeah, a friend of my uncles didn't buy a yeti. He's dead now.

Anan1

The snow bit is easy, any awd (and probably most 2wd cars) with winter tyres will manage that. What else do you need from the car?

TheAnswer

colm_mcm wrote: »

Yeah, a friend of my uncles didn't buy a yeti. He's dead now.

See what I mean? That poor person might still be alive if only they'd bought a Yeti.

Absurdum

TheAnswer wrote: »

See what I mean? That poor person might still be alive if only they'd bought a Yeti.

If it's any consolation, he's buried in the boot of an Octavia VRS TeeDiddlyEye.

EPM

Absurdum wrote: »

If it's any consolation, he's buried in the boot of an Octavia VRS TeeDiddlyEye.

The black superb estate was a fitting hearse I thought.

Zubeneschamali

I'd look at the Subaru Forester. It has a good mix of on-road manners with enough 4x4 ability to handle snow or the odd muddy field without weighing 10 tonnes. The Legacy and Outback estates are also good.

Henry Ford III

Ford Kuga?

Absurdum

EPM wrote: »

The black superb estate was a fitting hearse I thought.

They actually parked the Octy in there!

dedaw

Thanks for the info all.
sorry to hear about your uncle's friend!!!
So, the sorento and Subaru models are recommended.
Any others?
Really not looking too high horse power to reduce tax costs and keep fuel consumption down, a bit at least.
Anyone know anything about the jeep compass?
Vitara, freeLander?
Keep them coming lads!

dedaw

Forgot to mention, don't think I can stretch to the kuga.

Absurdum

I believe the Compass is a heap of junk, personally I wouldn't go near a Freelander, and iirc the Vitara 1.9 diesel is Renault-sourced and has had problems.

Have you considered a Honda CRV?

-Chris-

What's your budget dedaw?

langdang

Absurdum wrote: »

Have you considered a Honda CRV?

I'll second that, altho a Subaru Forester or Legacy Outback would be on my list too...

coolbeans

Anan1 wrote: »

The snow bit is easy, any awd (and probably most 2wd cars) with winter tyres will manage that. What else do you need from the car?

I dunno about that. I saw an XC90 earlier this year and it was struggling badly in the snow. It couldn't get any power down at all and seemed never to leave front wheel drive. Not once did the rear wheels spin and this was supposedly in an all wheel drive car. I'd have very little faith in these semi mechanical AWD/4WD systems, the manufacturers seem to be betting on the likelihood that drivers will never use them.
Subaru excepted of course.

E39MSport

Amazon. Mountain muncher.

I believe there's a very well looked after one going up for sale tomorrow

Absurdum

coolbeans wrote: »

I dunno about that. I saw an XC90 earlier this year and it was struggling badly in the snow. It couldn't get any power down at all and seemed never to leave front wheel drive. Not once did the rear wheels spin and this was supposedly in an all wheel drive car. I'd have very little faith in these semi mechanical AWD/4WD systems, the manufacturers seem to be betting on the likelihood that drivers will never use them.
Subaru excepted of course.

sounds like an idiot driver with summer tyres tbh

I had to tow a Porsche Cayenne on like 22" rims up a hill last December :pac:

Anan1

coolbeans wrote: »

I dunno about that. I saw an XC90 earlier this year and it was struggling badly in the snow. It couldn't get any power down at all and seemed never to leave front wheel drive. Not once did the rear wheels spin and this was supposedly in an all wheel drive car. I'd have very little faith in these semi mechanical AWD/4WD systems, the manufacturers seem to be betting on the likelihood that drivers will never use them.
Subaru excepted of course.

I think you may be right that the Volvo awd system isn't up to much - I saw a clip of an XC70 online and it was exactly as you describe. That said, i'm not sure that the OP realizes that the correct tyres will make more of a difference than awd. We tend to get a lot of people on here thinking they need an SUV so as not to get stuck in the snow, whereas in many cases they'd actually be better off putting the right tyres on the car they have.

coolbeans

Anan1 wrote: »

I think you may be right that the Volvo awd system isn't up to much - I saw a clip of an XC70 online and it was exactly as you describe. That said, i'm not sure that the OP realizes that the correct tyres will make more of a difference than awd. We tend to get a lot of people on here thinking they need an SUV so as not to get stuck in the snow, whereas in many cases they'd actually be better off putting the right tyres on the car they have.

The Touareg/Cayenne twins have a proper 4WD system AFAIK. The likes of the XC90, CRV, Yeti etc do not.

Zubeneschamali

A pro-Subaru youtube video making the point about the various 4WD systems in use:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooQRxlChvMw

coolbeans

dedaw wrote: »

Hi all,
Any comments, ratings you can give on SUV's on the market at the moment. It needs to be 4x4 (we live at the side of a mountain!!!), would prefer 2.0L diesel max, and probably looking at 2008 for tax incentive.

Have seen comments on the Sportage, Grand Vitara, but would like some more and wider info.
How about the Qashqai (is it 4x4?), Opel Antara, Rav4, Freelander, Santa Fe? And any others you can think of?

Anyone any dealings with "Jeep Compass"? I have seen one which looks good but not sure. Also looking at possibility of bringing something in from UK.
I want to be ready for the snow this year!

Thanks all.

Just get a Subaru Legacy wagon. It'll do everything you need and more and be much better in muddy conditions and snow than any of the faux 4X4s you mention. To be honest I wonder whether winter tyres on a two wheel drive would do the job for you...

dedaw

As I said in my original question, I live on the side of a mountain almost. We are 15 mins from the nearest town on a clear day, live on a road which has never been cleared by the council.
In fact, the road can have depths of up to a foot of snow/ice/compacted everything. So, when tracks are eventually formed by tractors and the like, a car on snow tyres will just have the undercarriage ripped to shreds.
I lost 2 weeks annual leave this year due to the weather and even had to move out to save the rest of my hols.
So, my request for info is not just for a "yummy mummy" or anything like that. But I would like some comfort in the SUV, it won't be just parked up waiting for the flakes to fall.
Top price of 15k, prefer 2.0, 2.2L.
Cheers guys.

Anan1

Do you do much mileage?

dedaw

Hi,

I reckon it would be about 15k a year. There abouts.

Anan1

I'd been thinking of a petrol Subaru Forester or Outback, as they're way cheaper than the diesels to buy, but they are hard on petrol - at 15k miles annually you'd notice it. It's a shame, as they're otherwise perfect for your needs - utterly reliable, great handling, sophisticated awd, and 8" of ground clearance. They're pretty much standard issue around ski resorts. Both Forester and Outback are available in 2.0 diesel, but only post-2008 - I don't think you'd get one within budget.

pburns

I was gonna suggest this but it wouldn't have the ground clearance you say you need:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201121202525563

Del2005

coolbeans wrote: »

The Touareg/Cayenne twins have a proper 4WD system AFAIK. The likes of the XC90, CRV, Yeti etc do not.

It doesn't mater what type of 4x4 system is fitted if you're got the wrong tyres and a big right boot anything can get stuck.

dedaw wrote: »

As I said in my original question, I live on the side of a mountain almost. We are 15 mins from the nearest town on a clear day, live on a road which has never been cleared by the council.
In fact, the road can have depths of up to a foot of snow/ice/compacted everything. So, when tracks are eventually formed by tractors and the like, a car on snow tyres will just have the undercarriage ripped to shreds.
I lost 2 weeks annual leave this year due to the weather and even had to move out to save the rest of my hols.
So, my request for info is not just for a "yummy mummy" or anything like that. But I would like some comfort in the SUV, it won't be just parked up waiting for the flakes to fall.
Top price of 15k, prefer 2.0, 2.2L.
Cheers guys.

Would you not be better off investing in proper winter tyres/wheels and chains for the 360 days of half decent weather and then buy a cheap proper 4x4 with proper winter tyres for the few days of bad snow we get.

Don't forget we've only had 2 bad winters in 20 odd years.

colm_mcm

Just get a 1.3 Jimny for €1500, tax it for 3 months in the winter and use whenever.

Anan1

Del2005 wrote: »

It doesn't mater what type of 4x4 system is fitted if you're got the wrong tyres and a big right boot anything can get stuck.



Would you not be better off investing in proper winter tyres/wheels and chains for the 360 days of half decent weather and then buy a cheap proper 4x4 with proper winter tyres for the few days of bad snow we get.

Don't forget we've only had 2 bad winters in 20 odd years.

Running a second car costs in depreciation & maintenance, even for limited use. IMO it'd make more sense to buy a petrol Subaru and a set of winter wheels and pay the extra tax & fuel bills.

dedaw

Anyone know about the Hyundai Tucson? Can get one fairly right price.
And definitely not the Antara? Thanks.

colm_mcm

Most Tucsons are 2wd, don't get a petrol, it'll eat you out of house and home.

dedaw

No, I'm looking at a confirmed 4wd and it's a 2.0L diesel. Cheers.

comanche_cor

dedaw wrote: »

As I said in my original question, I live on the side of a mountain almost. We are 15 mins from the nearest town on a clear day, live on a road which has never been cleared by the council.
In fact, the road can have depths of up to a foot of snow/ice/compacted everything. So, when tracks are eventually formed by tractors and the like, a car on snow tyres will just have the undercarriage ripped to shreds.
I lost 2 weeks annual leave this year due to the weather and even had to move out to save the rest of my hols.
So, my request for info is not just for a "yummy mummy" or anything like that. But I would like some comfort in the SUV, it won't be just parked up waiting for the flakes to fall.
Top price of 15k, prefer 2.0, 2.2L.
Cheers guys.

Would you consider keeping what you have and taxing a landrover defender or the like for 3 months of the year?

Else park and the bottom and get the ski lift up - may require installation of said ski lift

dedaw

You don't know how right you are, ski lift has 'jokingly' been proposed before! Open it and charge for the privelage

Don't really believe in having a vehicle parked up for 10 months a year, whatever I get will be used.

Cheers!

techie

I have a 2006 Kia Sportage (Based on same platform as Tucson) and it is great, mine is 4x4 also, it was great last winter in the snow, could go up hills where a lot of cars were stranded at the bottom.

It has great room inside, back seats fold fully flat at the press of a lever and also the front passenger seat folds flat too, handy for the Ikea trips (Wifes)

Mine is petrol and does approx 650km to a full tank, diesel obviously will give you more, hope this helps.

Good luck with yours if you get it.

dedaw

techie wrote: »

I have a 2006 Kia Sportage (Based on same platform as Tucson) and it is great, mine is 4x4 also, it was great last winter in the snow, could go up hills where a lot of cars were stranded at the bottom.

It has great room inside, back seats fold fully flat at the press of a lever and also the front passenger seat folds flat too, handy for the Ikea trips (Wifes)

Mine is petrol and does approx 650km to a full tank, diesel obviously will give you more, hope this helps.

Good luck with yours if you get it.

Thanks Techie, just the kind of info I need!

Looking at the Tuscon (opinions?), Sportage and Sorento. Is the Antara a no no?

techie

Well how are you getting on with the search? Did you test drive the Tucson you were posting about?

Drive On

I'd check out the reviews and comparison tests in the car mags.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-reviews/#

As has been pointed out already though, you need to have the right tyres fitted. Although that said I had little trouble getting about during the snow, in a pajero with well worn crappy Bridgstone H/T tyres, even off road during the snow wasn't a problem.

Eric Cartman

dedaw wrote: »

Thanks Techie, just the kind of info I need!

Looking at the Tuscon (opinions?), Sportage and Sorento. Is the Antara a no no?

the sorento 2003-2006 model (only got an interior facelift for 2007-2009) is a lovely 4x4 to drive, nice power out of it and if your going for an automatic the 5 speed box is nice , not too bad on fuel and fairly reliable. Theres plenty about , id look for XS / XSE models as they have all the kit (leather, wood trim, climate control, headlight washers, sunroof, heated seats) on them. The seats are comfy and the driving position is nice, lots of space in them and theyre not too bouncy

dedaw

Eric Cartman wrote: »

the sorento 2003-2006 model (only got an interior facelift for 2007-2009) is a lovely 4x4 to drive, nice power out of it and if your going for an automatic the 5 speed box is nice , not too bad on fuel and fairly reliable. Theres plenty about , id look for XS / XSE models as they have all the kit (leather, wood trim, climate control, headlight washers, sunroof, heated seats) on them. The seats are comfy and the driving position is nice, lots of space in them and theyre not too bouncy

Only problem. Isn't the sorento 2.5L? So higher to tax, and run? Am i right? Cheers thou, great info.
Freelander has been recommended by a Landrover enthusiast. Reckons it is the dogs.
So, hhhhmmmmmm.....

Zubeneschamali

dedaw wrote: »

Freelander has been recommended by a Landrover enthusiast. Reckons it is the dogs.

He means the dogs dinner.

ShadowHearth

Anan1 wrote: »

I think you may be right that the Volvo awd system isn't up to much - I saw a clip of an XC70 online and it was exactly as you describe. That said, i'm not sure that the OP realizes that the correct tyres will make more of a difference than awd. We tend to get a lot of people on here thinking they need an SUV so as not to get stuck in the snow, whereas in many cases they'd actually be better off putting the right tyres on the car they have.

This. I came from country where we have deep winters with -30 temperatures. Snow and ice. Everyone using normal cars, only rich are going for awd SUVs. In some cases 4wd with summer gyres is more dangerous then 2wd car.

Op, get any normal car and order winter tyres. Or even better, a second set of wheels with winter tyres, so you can just jack up your car in driveway and put on winter/summer shoes yourself.

Too much panic with snow lads. You don't need SUVs, you just need winter or Demi-season tyres.

tk123

ShadowHearth wrote: »

This. I came from country where we have deep winters with -30 temperatures. Snow and ice. Everyone using normal cars, only rich are going for awd SUVs. In some cases 4wd with summer gyres is more dangerous then 2wd car.

Op, get any normal car and order winter tyres. Or even better, a second set of wheels with winter tyres, so you can just jack up your car in driveway and put on winter/summer shoes yourself.

Too much panic with snow lads. You don't need SUVs, you just need winter or Demi-season tyres.

Sorry to hijack but does this mean in theory if I was to switch from my old AWD RX300 to say a 2WD Tucson and get winter tyres I'd have the same grip on the ice?

E39MSport

Yup. Grip on the ice is not so much a function of number of driving wheels but what's making contact with the ice.

Of course, if you have 4 wheels driving and all wearing winter tyres than you're in a better place than 2wd.

But 2wd winter tyres on ice is better than 4wd on summer rubber.

ShadowHearth

tk123 wrote: »

Sorry to hijack but does this mean in theory if I was to switch from my old AWD RX300 to say a 2WD Tucson and get winter tyres I'd have the same grip on the ice?

like post before said: its a matter of tyres, not drivetrain.

if you dont do some extreme driving, you wount notice difference on 2wd with winter tyres and 4wd with winter tyres.

4wd with summer tyres is as useless ( if not worse ) as 2wd with summer tyres. 2wd will be atleast predictable.


Now i am saying winter tyres, but holy **** lads dont go over extreme like it was last winter on boards.ie. there were mentioned spiked tyres. we did used them back in my country, but it WAS NOT A MUST. It was handier on pure ice, but it was worse on pure snow. spiked tyres DESTROY roads, so please dont buy them for 2 days of snow per year. those tyres are illegal during summer too.

Anan1

tk123 wrote: »

Sorry to hijack but does this mean in theory if I was to switch from my old AWD RX300 to say a 2WD Tucson and get winter tyres I'd have the same grip on the ice?

Better, IMO.

tk123

Thanks guys! Sorry for hijacking OP -I'm thinking of coming down in engine size 3.0 -> 2.0ish to save some money. And a Tuscon caught my eye at the weekend but it was 2WD

finbarrk

We have a Mitsubishi Outlander, 2.0l diesel 140bhp. Would recommend. Economical to run.