SUV suggestions?

[pzkpfw]

With the passing of my Mother 10 days ago, we're thinking about how to care for and spend more time with my Father. Part of that might be an upgrade of vehicle (the kind with a roof and more than 2 seats) so we can take him on trips comfortably.

I was thinking about a Mitsubishi Pajero - the cheap Field Days one that's now on "spring sale" - but wasn't all that impressed once I got up close and sat in it.

Any suggestions? Looking for something "roomy" for 4 adults plus me, and if 7 seater the 6th and 7th seats can't be for midget contortionists packed in small boxes.

Towing/launching a boat is good, possibly away from major centres, so 4x4/Awd is actually a useful feature; but off-road performance isn't the major requirement.

Looking for experienced opinions. (I've got enough brand prejudice and uninformed ideas of my own).

Cheers,

[awayatc]

had a landrover disco diesel for many years....

despite what people say....it was very reliable, comfortable and economical.

loads of space, with dicky seats in back.

loved it...best 4wd wagon I have owned

[Laava]

How long is a piece of string? Hyundai make some great SUVs but so do the jap 4 and as above, landrover. Have fun shopping.

[FLUB]

Had three diesel disco's and put 150k on each with no problems. I'd definitely recommend and it is also seriously good off road.

[EJK]

How about a 2013+ Toyota Rav4 or a Highlander? My work gave me a brand new Rav4 to take around on a business trip. I covered over 3,000kms before handing over the keys. They are very comfortable with all the necessary techs (including central lock, keyless start and entry, bluetooth, rear view sensor/ camera etc). Fuel consumption wasn't that bad for a 2.5l either (7.5-9.0l/ 100kms avg). With 7 speed avaliable the car was able to utilise every hp out of that 2.5l engine.

The catch for you, however, would be the space. Only 5 seater, and not quite convinced an adult would fit comfortably in the middle seat.

Consider a Toyota. Depends on money, a Highlander could be an alternative.

[Winston001]

Toyota Prado. The perfect SUV.

[avgas]

Mazda CX9 I drove was great. But you will spend your $ at the pump. 12-20mpg or about 5 km per L

[Akzle]

pajero means wanker in portugese or some shit. I always snigger.
Quashqai.

[mashman]

Got a mate with a Dodge Journey and he feckin loves it (he tried out the others and bang for buck the Dodge was his choice). 7 seats etc... but he particularly likes the built in ice trays :blip:

[5150]

pajero means wanker in portugese or some shit. I always snigger.
Quashqai.

Why did I somehow knew, you will soon come along and stick your 10c in. :lol:

[Akzle]

Why did I somehow knew, you will soon come along and stick your 10c in. :lol:

mmmmmbbbecause that's what i do... frequently.

[nodrog]

How about a 2013+ Toyota Rav4 or a Highlander? My work gave me a brand new Rav4 to take around on a business trip. I covered over 3,000kms before handing over the keys. They are very comfortable with all the necessary techs (including central lock, keyless start and entry, bluetooth, rear view sensor/ camera etc). Fuel consumption wasn't that bad for a 2.5l either (7.5-9.0l/ 100kms avg). With 7 speed avaliable the car was able to utilise every hp out of that 2.5l engine.

The catch for you, however, would be the space. Only 5 seater, and not quite convinced an adult would fit comfortably in the middle seat.

Consider a Toyota. Depends on money, a Highlander could be an alternative.

You crazy Asian, when did keyless start become a necessity?

Talk about taking a simple task and turning it into Multiple tasks.

[EJK]

You crazy Asian, when did keyless start become a necessity?

Petty peasant, you wouldn't understand!

[Blackbird]

+1 on the RAV 4. My wife has a sports car so my car had to be able to launch the boat and double as a family vehicle for multiple people. Most genuine 4x4 off-roaders are quite harsh rides on the seal and reasonably thirsty so the RAV was a compromise but I have no regrets after 4 years of ownership. Fitted 80/20 tyres to cope with occasional off-road trips in our area but otherwise, it's bog standard. Suits our purpose perfectly.

[Akzle]

+1 on the RAV 4. My wife has a sports car so my car had to be able to launch the boat and double as a family vehicle for multiple people. Most genuine 4x4 off-roaders are quite harsh rides on the seal and reasonably thirsty so the RAV was a compromise but I have no regrets after 4 years of ownership. Fitted 80/20 tyres to cope with occasional off-road trips in our area but otherwise, it's bog standard. Suits our purpose perfectly.

funny. m'uncles rav4 spun up on the ramp launching m' 18ft 'toon. this is the boat regularly launched by a FWD station wagon with no drama.
not to mention they're just shit.

[imdying]

If he's elderly, make sure he can actually get up into an SUV.

[Big Dave]

I've got a 2G Jeep Cherokee Sports.
It features none of your requirements.
Pretty good fun though. :-)

[Motu]

I was thinking about a Mitsubishi Pajero - the cheap Field Days one that's now on "spring sale" - but wasn't all that impressed once I got up close and sat in it.

That model first came out in 2000, so well over due for a new model, or it's well sorted by now. I worked at a Mitsi dealer for over 5 years, and we had very little problems with the Pajero - driveline is bullet proof. Being modern some stuff is stupidly priced, like $2500 for a master cyl. I did an injector pump on a 2003 last year, unrepairable and unavailable - so the owner bought a brand new pump, it had to be built at the factory, took 8 weeks and cost $8,000. I find they are comfy to drive for me, independent suspn all round, so better handling and ride than an old fashioned beam axle clunker.

[Flip]

The nissan x trail look like a nice wee vehicle also. The ones in the fleet had road tyres and actually went OK off road.

I personally have a V8 Landrover which meets all my requirements perfectly and none of yours.

[Grubber]

1980 Landcruiser. Rough to ride in, look pretty average, go rusty in the sills but fuckin go anywhere.
Thats my pick!;)

[HenryDorsetCase]

With the passing of my Mother 10 days ago, we're thinking about how to care for and spend more time with my Father. Part of that might be an upgrade of vehicle (the kind with a roof and more than 2 seats) so we can take him on trips comfortably.

I was thinking about a Mitsubishi Pajero - the cheap Field Days one that's now on "spring sale" - but wasn't all that impressed once I got up close and sat in it.

Any suggestions? Looking for something "roomy" for 4 adults plus me, and if 7 seater the 6th and 7th seats can't be for midget contortionists packed in small boxes.

Towing/launching a boat is good, possibly away from major centres, so 4x4/Awd is actually a useful feature; but off-road performance isn't the major requirement.

Looking for experienced opinions. (I've got enough brand prejudice and uninformed ideas of my own).

Cheers,

Subaru Forester.

I have an XV and really like it. You need the extra room between front and rear seats and the extra boot space.


http://sales.armstrongmotorgroup.com/vehicles/subaru/forester/2-5-i-5557/?utm_source=RAM_all+emails+20140530&utm_campaign=1292ab230f-RAM_Demo_eDM_201409129_12_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8dcde5f951-1292ab230f-168370873

here you go: ex demo, $38k

[pzkpfw]

Just a thanks for all advice so far.

Some very much out of my price range (cough*Prado*cough). May need to drop my 4x4 or 7 seat preferences (or both). "Flash" model of the Ford Territory (but only the petrol RWD) is on sale right now (and reviews say the 3rd row is crap).

Will look at some of the others mentioned.

Anyone driven a Kia Sorento? Definitely cheap - but reviews seem to point to "quality" issues.

[Motu]

Anyone driven a Kia Sorento? Definitely cheap - but reviews seem to point to "quality" issues.

They have injector seal issues - I've done half a dozen now, that's all in our area...until someone else gets one. Ultimately they push carbon up past the injectors, it gets into the sump and blocks the pickup....and the turbo is the first thing to go. That was the first one I did, another with a blocked pickup, and the rest just seal jobs because we now know the problem.

[FJRider]

This is a Motorcycle Forum. Fit a sidecar to your 750.

DONE ...

[Gremlin]

Boss has an 08 X-Trail diesel that I use when needing to transport gear the bike can't. Seems pretty good to me. Only 5 seats, on demand 4WD (I believe this could be a bit expensive to service?) otherwise you get the benefit of 2WD fuel economy.

It has a lift kit to make it a bit more 4WD capable which makes it more rolly on the road and has intermediate tyres, so road tyres and road suspension would probably make it better on road. High-ish seating position and large mirrors, it's pretty good for getting into and out of spaces. Fold the rear seats flat and you've got a pretty big load space, plus 1-2 drawers under the rear floor for extra storage (you might have to buy the drawers themselves, boss has one).

Tow rating is around 1.5-2 tonne, depending on year, tow package etc.

[AllanB]

Agree you'll need some cubes if you are towing something substantial.


Dodges are on special at the mo - no idea if they are any good.

[Erelyes]

Any suggestions? Looking for something "roomy" for 4 adults plus me, and if 7 seater the 6th and 7th seats can't be for midget contortionists packed in small boxes.

Towing/launching a boat is good, possibly away from major centres, so 4x4/Awd is actually a useful feature; but off-road performance isn't the major requirement.

Subaru Outback.

:dodge: Hear me out. People hate on the Subaru name, but it's mainly due to the early 90s BGs (2.5s blew headgaskets, 2.0TT blew bearings). Subaru started getting it right with the BH, and the BP (06 on model) is fantastic.

We have owned a BG, a BH, and now have an 06 (prefacelift BP) with the 3.0 H6, and HID/7 airbag options. I can't speak for the new shape (2010 on) - I think it's an ugly looking BP with a bit more go and a bit more weight.

If you have any doubts about tow ability consider that my BH 3.0 towed a braked tandem trailer with a Legacy rally car on it, with my boot AND the rally car's boot full of parts and tools and shit, 4 up in my car, with the driver and codriver still in the rallycar, and didn't miss a fucking beat. :headbang:

So. If I was in your position I'd buy a facelift BP, and 7 seats be damned (SUVs are for cunts anyway and frequently their boots are no bigger than a wagon's).

Pro tip though, make sure it comes with both keys or get the dealer to cut and code a second. DAMHIK.

Oh. Videos. This one shows why Subaru 4WD isn't shit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De0RstOO_iY). And Top Gear's thoughts (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1nEr3XBbMw).

[mashman]

Dodges are on special at the mo - no idea if they are any good.

nuff said... (there's 2, :killingme)

http://wardsauto.com/site-files/wardsauto.com/files/archive/subscribers.wardsauto.com/galleries/2008/interiors-dodge-journey-03.jpg

Although it comes with built-in kid booster seats too. Nice and roomy. And leather. And a kick ass stereo that'll sync to yer phone and play yer music. Mate has no complaints... and he's from Oz.

[avgas]

pajero means wanker in portugese or some shit. I always snigger.
Quashqai.
Nomad must have already been trademarked....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qashqai_people

[avgas]

Subaru Outback.

:dodge: Hear me out. People hate on the Subaru name, but it's mainly due to the early 90s BGs (2.5s blew headgaskets, 2.0TT blew bearings). Subaru started getting it right with the BH, and the BP (06 on model) is fantastic.
I actually bought our Impreza as a "last resort" for a cheap, safe car here (long story short - car selection in US is crap on cheap end).......and I fucken love it.
Everything anyone ever tells you about a NEW Subaru is full of bullshit. Their engines are reliable, the power is good, it handles good and fuel economy is handy. (see screenshot)
300828

Also Subaru is the first car company that I know of to do the CVT is right (which is great cos their 4 speed auto was fucking horrible).

At first I was against all the computer controlled drive-line, but now I fucken love that too. You simply point and shoot. It will never lose it. I had 3 wheels spinning on snow and I was still able to drive and steer with the front right. The downside of the CVT is your 0-60 isn't the best......but throttle response is manual/DSG quick - so it works well so long as you don't floor it all the time.

I'm looking at the '14 Outback with CVT now. I drove a '11 Forester XT and the 4 speed manual killed that car, also it feels a little top heavy/bad chassis.

But as Erelyes said - take one for a test drive. Don't dis them until you try them. The Subaru of now is 100 better of the Subaru of the past (pre-2006).

[Flip]

This is my old v8 truck. It can easily seat 9 (3 in the front 6 in the back). It runs most of the time on LPG. I have a account and only pay $1 +GST for fuel, it actually costs the same as our 1.6 petrol car to drive on the road.

It has perminant 4WD (ie 3 difs) and has been fitted with dif locks which means it only stops when it runs out of dif clearance and grounds front and back at the same time. It has modern 2-3" lift parabolic springs which has softened the ride a lot and new old man emu shocks. Its low ratio is very low about double the ratio of a hi-lux in low.

I have towed a 7 pounder gun easily and a very heavy trailer with a lathe and milling machine bolted in it from Otago to the NI east cape relatively easily. It has a high density radiator fitted and it has never come off thermostat even when slogging through deep gravel on a beach. I have done 70kkm over the last 10 years mostly on hunting trips. I changed the high ratio gears up to make the gearing the same as a range rover. Its an easy job because you only have to change 2 gears in the transfer case.

Once all the military restrictors are pulled and a std v8 distributor is fitted power wise it is actually a bit fast for a leaf sprung vehicle. I have a BT50 for work and it is about as fast as that off the mark.

The front axle is a weak point, I have broken 2 in 10 years doing things that I should not have attempted. They only cost $100 and need a couple of hours work to swap out, so its not a biggie.

I filled the landy up with Vets from a RSA home last year and did the anzac parade. The truck is just a but high for oldiesto get in easily and I used a plastic step to load them.

Its noisy and a bit of a pig to drive but every time I drive it I have an grand adventure. eg, 3 times now I have had groups of drunk young women climb in it when I have been parked and say "where are we going?"


You might find this interesting Lees Valley trail bike trip with the Landy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIbeRZfK6z0&list=UUHgl02ATMORZHu2ODzNloHQ

Can you tell its pissing down and I want to be out riding?

[SMOKEU]

Fuck buying a Prado, they're extremely expensive for what you get; an outdated, high maintenance, thirsty vehicle. Better off buying something like a Touareg. There's a reason why even Toyota have resorted to using European diesels.