Second hand SUV for a girly girl?

baby builder

Evening!

Well - after destroying my car last night in the floods - I've decided that enough is enough and I should get a 4 wheel drive. (obviously I'll take a good dose of cop on and learn to drive properly in flood conditions next time while I'm at it!)

First off - I'm living in the country. I travel a 20 mile round trip to work and 15 of those miles are on country roads. I've two small fairies so lots of random stuff - and I don't want anything with a crazy size engine.

My budget is 12K max.....any ideas??!!

p.s. I like things that look pretty (Honda CR-Vs do not look pretty):p

wiger toods

BMW X5

drunkmonkey

How about an Bmw X3,

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201136204351037

It's even got a baby blind:)

166man

drunkmonkey wrote: »

How about an Bmw X3,

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201136204351037

It's even got a baby blind:)

The OP asked for something pretty. The BMW X3 is about as pretty as Joan Burton..

Expensive too.

baby builder

I broke my BMW 520D.

I was kind of half thinking about a RAV4 Maybe one like this ....
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201140204893762

Cookie_Monster

baby builder wrote: »

I've two small fairies

can they not fly you places instead?

bazz26

Suzuki Grand Vitara:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201140204812677

uptowngirly

bazz26 wrote: »

Suzuki Grand Vitara:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201140204812677

Love it!!

What kind of price should I realistically go for on this with a car dealer and what warranty should I ask for?

Thanks a million!!!

101sean

I agree, Vitara or Grand Vitara is probably what you are looking for. Do a bit of research on Donedeal and the like, they've been around for a long time so price will depend on age and condition. Non main dealer spares support is good too.

Subaru Forester regularly gets a thumbs upon here as well.

BMW X series are for drug dealers, pimps and people with no taste

STForSale

Worth mentioning that the boot in most of these is on the small side.
With two kids things could get tight.
Rav4 is slightly bigger (deeper) than most as the spare wheel is on the back door but coming from a 520....

Fey!

How about a Kia Sorento? Or a Freelander?

OP; some of the 4x4 looking cars some in either 4wd or 2wd.

wiseguy

101sean wrote: »

BMW X series are for drug dealers, pimps and people with no taste

FFS :rolleyes: stereotype much? I am neither of those

I love my 330hp 4.4l x5
works great in floods and potholes out on country roads, was a lifesaver last winter with the ice, is bloody fun to drive


@OP you should be able to pickup plenty of 4x4s on the cheap nowadays courtesy of recession and builders going bust, here in motors some people have a hangup about 4x4s but mostly due to jealousy, not having a need for once hence thinking they are useless, or simply never driving them.

Lex Luthor

baby builder wrote: »

I broke my BMW 520D.

I was kind of half thinking about a RAV4 Maybe one like this ....
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201140204893762

you'll be going back to petrol from a very frugal diesel car. However you are only doing a 20 mile round trip a day so a diesel is hardly worth the premium

Mr Benevolent

wiseguy wrote: »

FFS :rolleyes: stereotype much? I am neither of those

I love my 330hp 4.4l x5
works great in floods and potholes out on country roads, was a lifesaver last winter with the ice, is bloody fun to drive


@OP you should be able to pickup plenty of 4x4s on the cheap nowadays courtesy of recession and builders going bust, here in motors some people have a hangup about 4x4s but mostly due to jealousy, not having a need for once hence thinking they are useless, or simply never driving them.

What kind of MPG are you getting?

listermint

Confab wrote: »

What kind of MPG are you getting?

AYO!!!!

Bandara

wiseguy wrote: »

FFS :rolleyes: stereotype much? I am neither of those

I love my 330hp 4.4l x5

My dream customer



swooonnn

wiseguy

Confab wrote: »

What kind of MPG are you getting?

21mpg says the meter, tho could be getting more if I actually stayed within speed limits and accelerated less (0-60 in 6s is fun)

@OP the diesel versions should be getting much better mileage if you dont want the thrills and expense of the sports versions (tho tax is only 280 or so a year if you willing part with rear seats and have company)

My dream customer



swooonnn

Aye no recession here in IT so going thru various big engine cars over the years, looking out for 4.8 x5 or a 750ish now

101sean

Wiseguy, sorry about the remarks (I am a bit biased when it comes to 4x4s :rolleyes:), at least you are showing a bit of taste with a nice big petrol engine

Freelander got a mention, only look at late Td4s, I don't think the budget will run to Freelander 2 which are trouble free apart from appalling dealer service.

Lots of Hyundai Santa Fe around here on the school runs, more of a soft roader than a proper 4x4 though.

Cookie_Monster

bazz26 wrote: »

Suzuki Grand Vitara:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201140204812677

Mother has one. I hate it. It drives like a marshmallow, seats are not comfortable, it's surprisingly small inside, especially the back seats, radio is ****e and it has had lots of problems; fuel pump, fuel filter, several sensors have all needed to be replaced prematurely. engine light comes on periodically and never gets figured out when brought to garage, goes off by itself on restart and is fine again for a week or a month and then comes on again and yet still no issue.

Anan1

I'd happily drive a V8 X5, but there's no denying the image.:)

wiseguy

101sean wrote: »

Wiseguy, sorry about the remarks (I am a bit biased when it comes to 4x4s :rolleyes:), at least you are showing a bit of taste with a nice big petrol engine

No problems Its just in this forum need to keep head down when it comes to 4x4s since having a diesel, being fuel efficient, hyper-miling, saving kitties and the environment is in fashion now :P

Not everyone is broke at the moment or cares for price of petrol (too much),
Being safe while having a little bit of fun is more important to me whether its driving for leisure or work.

and yes some of us are trying to make the best of this recession by going thru' cars that only a few years ago would had no chance of affording

Anan1 wrote: »

I'd happily drive a V8 X5, but there's no denying the image.:)

I think the whole stereotype around X5s etc is a recent think with the RTE not helping with their gangster shows,
It never even crossed my mind when buying.
Neither have I ever been stopped by guards (except routine tax check),
tho yes you do get alot of road respect when compared to driving a small car (been there done that ) which tells more about drivers here than anything

smash

Fey! wrote: »

How about a Kia Sorento? Or a Freelander?

Seriously? You know about the K-Series engine right? If you get a Freelander you'll have nothing but issues.

Eoin

smash wrote: »

Seriously? You know about the K-Series engine right? If you get a Freelander you'll have nothing but issues.

Unless it has the BMW diesel engine (not the one with the swirl flaps issue) which is pretty solid.

smash

I think Rav4 might be the bet option

stargazer 68

smash wrote: »

I think Rav4 might be the bet option

I have always wanted a RAV4 - have driven one and they are lovely to drive. Can't afford one though!

Fey!

smash wrote: »

Seriously? You know about the K-Series engine right? If you get a Freelander you'll have nothing but issues.

Oddly enough my wife has had a '99 1.8 litre PETROL for the last 5 years, and it's been pretty cheap motoring.

Most engines will melt if you don't bother checking the coolant levels. We got the head done when we bought it, and it's been right as rain since, with just regular servicing on the mechanical side.

The only real issue we've had is the 12 year old seal on the back door, which can be a pain in the backside.

Have you ever had a car with a K series engine?

As Eoin said, the one to go for is the diesel; it's a much better engine, and should give you a bit more poke, takes less looking after, and should be a bit more frugal.

The 1.8 petrol should have the coolant level checked every couple of petrol fills (the way it's laid out makes it the easiest check on any car!). The one to absolutely avoid (apparently) is the 2.5 petrol, which is too powerful for the rest of the car.

Another candidate coule be the Renault RX4; I've seen a couple of decent reviews.

OP; do you need 4wd, or just high ground clearance?

deandean

OP, shame about your car. I saw a lovely A8 go the same way in a flood.

Please do consider this: I think I can safely say that there is no 4x4 or jeep at that price that is gonna come within a mile of a 5 Series in terms of space, comfort, economy, etc etc etc. Even if the stork comes again you'll fit three in the back seat of a 5-series.

Give yourself a few days, go and drive a few 4x4s before spending. You'll be sacrificing a lot for those extra three inches (ground clearance that is). Look at fixing what you've got. Lot less than 12K! Best of luck

smash

Fey! wrote: »

Oddly enough my wife has had a '99 1.8 litre PETROL for the last 5 years, and it's been pretty cheap motoring.

Sounds like you got a good one as my Aunt's freelander has had the head done 3 times in 4 years along with a string of other expensive issues. A friend in work got one and spent 3k trying to put it right before eventually selling it.

Fey! wrote: »

Have you ever had a car with a K series engine?

You don't need to own one to know what they're like, but I did have one before. Apart from the Freelander have a look at the earlier Elise's or MG ZR's. There's thousands of websites listing the issues.

deandean wrote: »

Please do consider this: I think I can safely say that there is no 4x4 or jeep at that price that is gonna come within a mile of a 5 Series in terms of space, comfort, economy, etc etc etc. Even if the stork comes again you'll fit three in the back seat of a 5-series.

This is the post I'd listen to. Ask yourself do you really need a 4x4, then go look at a 5 series.

Curly Judge

Would any of you consider a Subaru Forester?

166man

Curly Judge wrote: »

Would any of you consider a Subaru Forester?

Now that's a good suggestion!Nice 2.5l petrol engine in it too!

baby builder

Thanks so much everyone!

I'm leaning towards the RAV4 - the four wheel drive is important - I'm on a farm and three miles away from the nearest main road - and to be honest, after the snow the last two years and the flooding, I think I'd be happier driving a 4WD.

I loved my BMW - and it was seriously comfortable - it had all the bells and whistles (a heated streering wheel for flip's sake!!) I brought it in from the UK two years ago as a three year old car.

The electrics powered down (water didn't come into the car but I was too far into the flood to turn around so had to keep going straight in 1st gear at 5 mph - but didn't make it) The insurance company said that it would probably be written off and had it towed yesterday. Just waiting to hear if it is a write-off and what value they're putting on it.

I like the look of the suzuki grand vitaro but am worried about reliability. Will either go for 2.0 petrol or 2.2 diesel. (have to check out motor tax and see if 2008 model worth the extra)

Any more ideas - hit me with them - google is my new best friend! Will sort out test drives over the weekend. I think I'm in for a rude awakening after the comfort of the 520D but needs must!

wiseguy

baby builder wrote: »

Thanks so much everyone!

I'm leaning towards the RAV4 - the four wheel drive is important - I'm on a farm and three miles away from the nearest main road - and to be honest, after the snow the last two years and the flooding, I think I'd be happier driving a 4WD.

I loved my BMW - and it was seriously comfortable - it had all the bells and whistles (a heated streering wheel for flip's sake!!) I brought it in from the UK two years ago as a three year old car.

The electrics powered down (water didn't come into the car but I was too far into the flood to turn around so had to keep going straight in 1st gear at 5 mph - but didn't make it) The insurance company said that it would probably be written off and had it towed yesterday. Just waiting to hear if it is a write-off and what value they're putting on it.

I like the look of the suzuki grand vitaro but am worried about reliability. Will either go for 2.0 petrol or 2.2 diesel. (have to check out motor tax and see if 2008 model worth the extra)

Any more ideas - hit me with them - google is my new best friend! Will sort out test drives over the weekend. I think I'm in for a rude awakening after the comfort of the 520D but needs must!

Well if you like your BMWs, with reliability and comforts then carzone shows 41 X5s under 12K Look out for leather seats, some even have heated leather seats which come handy in winters


edit: i had an old 530i which had to part with so I can relate

Theanswers

deandean wrote: »

OP, shame about your car. I saw a lovely A8 go the same way in a flood.

Please do consider this: I think I can safely say that there is no 4x4 or jeep at that price that is gonna come within a mile of a 5 Series in terms of space, comfort, economy, etc etc etc. Even if the stork comes again you'll fit three in the back seat of a 5-series.

Give yourself a few days, go and drive a few 4x4s before spending. You'll be sacrificing a lot for those extra three inches (ground clearance that is). Look at fixing what you've got. Lot less than 12K! Best of luck

Range Rover TD6
That's on pare if not ahead of the BMW 5 Series on everything except tight high speed cornering...

Plenty on DoneDeal for good prices...
Even a 2006 with some gearbox troubles 12000 euro, all though 1500 would sort that.

166man

How about a Lexus RX400h?

Or maybe this Subaru Forester

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2541838

101sean

That's three mentions of the Forester so far!

If you want comfort with magic carpet ride though, Range Rover (proper one, not the Sport, my derogatory comments about the X5 earlier would probably have been better aimed there ), X5 or Lexus are your main choices.

Don't hear much about the Lexus, maybe they never give trouble!

Volvo XC90 is probably in your price range too.

Anan1

Curly Judge wrote: »

Would any of you consider a Subaru Forester?

166man wrote: »

Now that's a good suggestion!Nice 2.5l petrol engine in it too!

OP 'likes things that look pretty'. A Forester may be many things, but pretty is not one of them. Mind, it does sound as though a 2.0NA would suit them in every other way.

166man

Anan1 wrote: »

OP 'likes things that look pretty'. A Forester may be many things, but pretty is not one of them. Mind, it does sound as though a 2.0NA would suit them in every other way.

There aren't too many SUV's that I can think of that are ''pretty'' to be honest. The Forester is just well proportioned and looks nice.

As for Lexus reliability a friend of mines dad has one, I think it's '06 but it's the RX400h and he has been delighted with it. I think there's big miles on it too, 180k km and according to him never had a problem with it unlike the other car they have a Merc ML280 CDI..

Anan1

166man wrote: »

There aren't too many SUV's that I can think of that are ''pretty'' to be honest.

Agreed, they're an ugly breed.

166man wrote: »

The Forester is just well proportioned and looks nice.

It's down to personal taste, I suppose, but I think the Forester looks a bit awkward. I say 'awkward' because I have one and I love it; truth be known I think the 06 on is a bit of a piggy to look at. The 03-05 ones are better, but not by that much. There's no arguing with their ability, though.

Lex Luthor

some good deals out there on 2.5XT Foresters at the moment
Theres a beauty of a 06 model on carsireland thats hard to beat price wise

TPM

I have recently been looking for a 4x4 also but on a slightly smaller budget.
I have been leaning towards the Grand Vitara 1.9 ddis mostly due to budget, 1.9 tax, and very good reports from a neighbor that has one.

A few things to note:
Its a renault engine
from 2006 on they changed from 4x2 to permanent 4x4 with electronic center diff lock
the diesel also has low range box.

Very bad time to be buying though, prices were creeping up with winter weather on its way :mad:
Quotes on ads like "great for the bad weather ahead" are getting very common, and the recent floods wont help prices either.

positron

Not an SUV, but it has AWD I think.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/All-Road-Quattro/2.5-TDI-/201129203452037/advert?channel=CARS

Fairly cheap too.

Woofstuff

baby builder wrote: »

Thanks so much everyone!


Any more ideas - hit me with them - google is my new best friend!

Dont forget to check out some car reviews.. this is a good site for them

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/toyota/rav4/estate-2006/

SWEETCAN2000

PM'd you

166man

positron wrote: »

Not an SUV, but it has AWD I think.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/All-Road-Quattro/2.5-TDI-/201129203452037/advert?channel=CARS

Fairly cheap too.

An 11 year old poverty spec jacked up A6 with 140k miles for nearly 8k??:eek:

The dreamers thread is this way...

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055492730&page=178

positron

lol, thought it was a bad buy alright. Newer ones are all big money (30k +).

heate

166man wrote: »

An 11 year old poverty spec jacked up A6 with 140k miles for nearly 8k??:eek:

The dreamers thread is this way...

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055492730&page=178

Manual no leather - who the hell ordered that! and with 140,000m on the clock the car is worth about 4k

SIBERIA

One of these maybe?



http://www.cbg.ie/car_detail.aspx?ID=4677069

Pique

Pah, Lexii, X5s, Range Rovers, Tuaregs...ostentatious bourgois excess.

What you want OP, is a car with ABS Brakes, Air Conditioning, Airbags, Cd/Radio, Climate Control, Electric Mirrors, Electric Windows, Front Fog Lamps, Immobiliser, Metallic Paint, Power Steering, Remote Central Locking, Traction Control, Isofix rear seats, Low mileage, and low tax.

Am I right ?

Yes I know I am, then look no further

http://www.cbg.ie/car_detail.aspx?ID=4606086
Five and a half grand

Only poor planning saw it fail to beat the mighty Rangie in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAg4DdXAp7Y

Not my car in the ad, btw, but I always had a soft spot for the little yokes.

goochy

You sound like a really annoying woman as most girly girls are , any1 who calls their kids fairies should be strung up . its plp like u who give suvs a bad name , why dont u learn how to drive a car properly 1st ??:mad:

166man

goochy wrote: »

You sound like a really annoying woman as most girly girls are , any1 who calls their kids fairies should be strung up . its plp like u who give suvs a bad name , why dont u learn how to drive a car properly 1st ??:mad:

Wow Wow...

Sound advice there for the OP..:rolleyes:

barura

goochy wrote: »

You sound like a really annoying woman as most girly girls are , any1 who calls their kids fairies should be strung up . its plp like u who give suvs a bad name , why dont u learn how to drive a car properly 1st ??:mad:

And there you were, attacking someone for no reason aside from calling their kids fairys and wanting a SUV. If your attitude is to have her 'strung up', I'd hate to see who or what you go out with can put up with someone who can't take someone calling their children something endearing. She wants an suv 'cause she wants one. And you can only 'learn how to drive' by DRIVING the vehicle you will be driving day to day.


On subject!

I like Rav4's myself, but the 4x4 version is quite thirsty I think...