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New motor advice please?
CAD Monkey - 28/5/07 at 08:45 PM

Hi Guys,

I'm thinking of changing the current tin top and was looking for some advice if anyone cares to help:

I currently have a V-Plate Vectra 2.0 SRi Hatchback, and I may be looking for a change.

Having struggled this weekend to get my timber for my build etc. I'm thinking about a 4x4. I don't do loads of miles, but we do trips to Wales every 2 months or so, I want an auto, with as many toys as possible and lots of space (air con is a must) - what sort of vehicles should I look at for around £2-3.5k? (I don't want another Vauxhall). The Vectra has a surprisingly huge boot, that will take 2 golf trolleys and 2 sets of clubs so I want a bigger load space - plus something that looks decent with roof bars, I also may be looking at towing when the roadster gets a bit further into the build.

I've looked at some Jeep Grand Cherokees:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JEEP-GRAND-CHEROKEE-LIMITED-LEATHER-E-SEATA-P-GLASS_W0QQitemZ270123380899QQihZ017QQcategoryZ116505QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

but there seems to be a 50/50 split in opinion - I know they are thirsty (4.0 engines tend to be), but they are supposed to be very comfortable, but some say reliability is an issue(?) with things like rear diffs etc. just packing up for no reason.

Anyone got any ideas? If I can't see anything looking good - I may have to get some bits for the Vec, but I'd rather not start adding towbars etc.

[Edited on 28/5/07 by CAD Monkey]

[Edited on 28/5/07 by CAD Monkey]


JoelP - 28/5/07 at 08:46 PM

can you get some sort of toyota land cruiser for that money?


CAD Monkey - 28/5/07 at 08:54 PM

looks like the mileage on the Landcruisers might be a bit high for my money.

I think the Jeeps are cheap due to the engine size and thirst, but are they unreliable and expensive?


ayoungman - 28/5/07 at 09:03 PM

Discovery


meany - 28/5/07 at 09:21 PM

agree with discovery.
or what about

subaru legacy....not sure on the towing weight though.


mark chandler - 28/5/07 at 09:27 PM

Discovery/range rover running in LPG, lots of toys with no noise.

Make sure its a decent injection LPG kit, not a draw through piece of rubbish.


stevebubs - 28/5/07 at 10:21 PM

quote:
I don't want another Vauxhall


And here was me about to suggest an Omega MV6 estate...


Simon - 28/5/07 at 11:04 PM

Not being one to recommend anything foreign but a friend has just reaquainted herself (after a brief foray into Volvo ownership, which she detested (sorry Sport) with a Chrysler Voyager.

Seats down it's like a van. A Transit Van!!!!! I reckon a 8'x4' sheet would lay flat.

I'm sort of toyi..... Not I'm NOT

ATB

Simon


chockymonster - 29/5/07 at 05:35 AM

I know you said no vauxhalls, but an Isuzu Trooper/Vauxhall Monterey would fit the bill.
If not then look at Mitsu Pajero/Shoguns

The Cherokee jeep does have major reliablity issues especially the older ones. Personally I wouldn't touch them with someone elses bargepole.


CAD Monkey - 29/5/07 at 06:07 AM

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll look into the suggestions


MikeRJ - 29/5/07 at 08:00 AM

Get yourself a decent Estate car and forget the crappy 4x4's unless you are going to give it a good caning around some green lanes

An Octavia Estate has a massive boot, and about 1000 times better build quality than the Vectra.


flak monkey - 29/5/07 at 08:02 AM

Focus TDCi estate (NOT a TDi or TDDi)

Get 8'x4' sheets of ali in the back of ours. It'll tow 1.25tonnes, and goes like stink. Oh and it averages 54mpg on a motorway run

[Edited on 29/5/07 by flak monkey]


02GF74 - 29/5/07 at 01:05 PM

quote:
Originally posted by MikeRJ
Get yourself a decent Estate car and forget the crappy 4x4's unless you are going to give it a good caning around some green lanes

An Octavia Estate has a massive boot, and about 1000 times better build quality than the Vectra.


he's right you know, unless it is a series land rover/defender or early range rover, the 4x4 (cayennes, toureg/BMW x5 etc) are just big cumbersome road going vehicles; not effective off road and ytou wouldn't want to scratch the paint.

For moving stuff about, there is only one choice: volvo 850 T5 :p

or a diesel if you want to sacrifice performance for economy.