SUV type recommendation for my dad please.

Framed10

My Dad has been picking my brains re changing his car and I'm not too sure what the best option would be for him. So any thoughts are most welcome

He currently has a Mazda 3 diesel saloon which has served him well.
Hes always bought Japanese or German in the past.

His main criteria for changing is to go with something higher up. After being a passenger in a few SUVs in the last year and at an age (a few years retired) where he feels he has a better view and feel for the road when higher up he'd like to buy an SUV type.

He's a bit old school in his assessment of a modern car.
Doesnt do big mileage daily, spins around town but would sometimes do a long run West, to Dublin or Northern Irl.

He is set on Diesel & Manual. Always had diesel. (though Ive mentioned the new petrol and automatics being much better than 10 years ago)

He doesnt like the button handbrakes at all!
A decent boot size, reversing assist camera would be preferred.

He would some times tow a trailer and will add a hitch. This need puts him off hybrids and automatics.

He has a budget of about 11-12k with a trade in worth 4-5k

He has driven a Kia Sportage which he liked but felt it too big for him alone.
He drove the Peugeot 2008 but had that button handbrake.
He''s driving a Toyota Rav tomorrow.

Any other SUVs come to mind re reliability and easy to handle that have a higher clear view than a regular car.
thanks if you've take the time to read this

biko

Yeah, a used Rav4 is probably a good bet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bsgHGjjGw0

bazz26

Skoda Yeti?

Ludo

I know you said German of Japanese, but a Ford Kuga (2016ish) matches other criteria. Good boot size and non-button handbrake. The wife has one and it is a lovely car.

Framed10

bazz26 wrote: »

Skoda Yeti?

Thanks, hadn't thought of that.
Though wouldnt win too many awards in the handsome stakes. Ill put it on the list.

I had a quick search online. There doesn't seem to be too many available. Are they only available in diesel 2L?

DJIMI TRARORE

Duke/Quashqi should be suitable for him

peasant

I know it looks ridiculously small, but it ticks all the boxes

sitting high up
movable rear seats make a decent size boot (and seats fold of course)
proper handbrake
reversing camera
tows up to 1t braked
dirt cheap to run
brilliant around town
much more spacious inside than you'd think

If there's one anywhere near you, it's certainly worth a closer look

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/suzuki-ignis-dualjet-sz-t-31-per-week/23944786

Framed10

peasant wrote: »

I know it looks ridiculously small, but it ticks all the boxes

sitting high up
movable rear seats make a decent size boot (and seats fold of course)
proper handbrake
reversing camera
tows up to 1t braked
dirt cheap to run
brilliant around town
much more spacious inside than you'd think

If there's one anywhere near you, it's certainly worth a closer look

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/suzuki-ignis-dualjet-sz-t-31-per-week/23944786

thanks.
does the Vitara offer similar? Dont know too much about Suzuki

bazz26

Framed10 wrote: »

Thanks, hadn't thought of that.
Though wouldnt win too many awards in the handsome stakes. Ill put it on the list.

I had a quick search online. There doesn't seem to be too many available. Are they only available in diesel 2L?

The Rav4 is no oil painting either. And yes diesel Yeti is 2.0 litre but so is the Rav4. The reason I suggested the Yeti is because of it's more compact size while still maintaining the high driving position which might suit your dad.

Another one to look at is the Honda CRV but they are thin on the ground and pricey.

peasant

Framed10 wrote: »

thanks.
does the Vitara offer similar? Dont know too much about Suzuki

Don't know the intricate details of the Vitara (I drive the Ignis)...I could only look them up, same as you.
But I think that a reversing camera for example would be only a very recent addition, which probably could put the car out of budget