SUV suggestions please.

Big Andy

Big Andy

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My previous vehicle was an 09 plate Freelander and as we had 4 year virtually trouble free years of motoring I'm considering going for another. But I don't want to overlook any other make that's in the same sort of class.
So looking for something less than 6 years old, under £12,500 petrol or diesel 2 to 2.5 litre engine with hopefully less than 100,000 on the clock.
Looked at BMW X3.
AUDI Q5.
Freelander.
VW Toureg although the engine is a bit more than I want.
Honda CRV
Mazda CX5

Any suggestions for other brands or models much appreciated. I'm not looking for the actual vehicle yet just narrowing the search down.
Thanks Andy.
 
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Look at the Mazda CX-5. I had a 2.2 Diesel and it was a lovely car. One of the best handling SUVs and very practical too. Only downside was that it was a little thirsty on fuel.
 
Big Andy said:
My previous vehicle was an 09 plate Freelander and as we had 4 year virtually trouble free years of motoring I'm considering going for another. But I don't want to overlook any other make that's in the same sort of class.
So looking for something less than 6 years old, under £12,500 petrol or diesel 2 to 2.5 litre engine with hopefully less than 100,000 on the clock.
Looked at BMW X3.
AUDI Q5.
Freelander.
VW Toureg although the engine is a bit more than I want.
Honda CRV
Mazda CX5

Any suggestions for other brands or models much appreciated. I'm not looking for the actual vehicle yet just narrowing the search down.
Thanks Andy.
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Do you mean you sold off your Freelander?

Why not go for another Freelander? It would mean that as you're familiar with it, it makes it easier to know what to do with it. For example: If something goes wrong with your next Freelander, but you remember a similar problem with your previous Freelander, you would know what to do, ie: how to repair it yourself or know if it is a garage job.
 
Major Eazy said:
Do you mean you sold off your Freelander?

Why not go for another Freelander? It would mean that as you're familiar with it, it makes it easier to know what to do with it. For example: If something goes wrong with your next Freelander, but you remember a similar problem with your previous Freelander, you would know what to do, ie: how to repair it yourself or know if it is a garage job.
Click to expand...
Yes I sold our Freelander a year ago when we left the country, but as I may be returning in a few months time I'm wondering what to buy. Another Freelander is high on the list as I was very happy with the last one but I'm still willing to check out the options from other manufacturers. As for repairing it myself those days are long gone along with the old mk1 escorts and cortinas of my youth.
 
We looked at all those options for my wife and ended up with a CX5, usefully bigger than some, nicely put together and feels like a car to drive. Just make sure you get the facelift model (2015+) as otherwise the wind noise and low rent plastics are rather bothersome, as all the reviews mention but are totally fixed on the facelift.

The nice thing about Madza is that there are three specs and if you buy the top spec you get all the toys (bar some exotic things), unlike the German versions where everything is an option (as I found out when I bought my TT). So basically get a 2015 Sportnav, we went for the bigger diesel but the smaller one is perfectly good.

Also, my preference nowadays is to go for an auto box, I know it's not trendy here in the UK but they really are rather good nowadays and with a chunky diesel work well (if you go VAG group the DSG autos are amazing - I'll never buy a manual again).
 
Have you looked at Volvo? I was looking at the XC90, although because the production run was so long it does look a little dated, even after the facelift. But everyone I know who has one loves it. I also looked at the XC60 AWD which is a little more modern. Volvo certainly seem to be more luxurious, in particular when you look at things like areas which have carpeting or soft materials (especially in the boot) which can make all the difference when it comes to cabin noise. A noisy cabin or squeaks and buzzing makes for a very tiring journey.
 
What do you want the vehicle to do. Is suv the way to go maybe a 3008 or b class Mercedes would do
 
Subaru Forester. I've had 3. Great drive and hard as nails, go for ever.
 
Nawty said:
Also, my preference nowadays is to go for an auto box, I know it's not trendy here in the UK but they really are rather good nowadays and with a chunky diesel work well (if you go VAG group the DSG autos are amazing - I'll never buy a manual again).
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Audi Q5 should be spot on. I'm tempted to get one myself.

Manual cars are self inflicted punishment. So many people in the UK seem to hate themselves so badly.
DSG is definitely working quicker and better than typical torque converter auto, but they need decent programming too. If you drive KIA you will understand that bit.
 
gman said:
Have you looked at Volvo? I was looking at the XC90, although because the production run was so long it does look a little dated, even after the facelift. But everyone I know who has one loves it. I also looked at the XC60 AWD which is a little more modern. Volvo certainly seem to be more luxurious, in particular when you look at things like areas which have carpeting or soft materials (especially in the boot) which can make all the difference when it comes to cabin noise. A noisy cabin or squeaks and buzzing makes for a very tiring journey.
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I have an XC90 and am very pleased with it. It's a 2012 model which I got when one year old. Apart from normal servicing I have only had to change brake pads in my 6 years ownership. Looking at keeping it a little longer.

Had a V70 for 8 years before. It was a brilliant car - an estate rather than SUV.
 
As others have said the Mazda CX-5 is excellent. I tow a caravan with it and it’s great. Not towing on A roads at a steady 60 I can get 50mpg. More normal is around 44mpg. The facelift model is better inside but if that doesn’t bother you later is good. I put winter wheels and tyres on and it’s been unstoppable even in the beast from the east weather!
 
lots of choices these days , look at Kia Sportage as well .
 
I'm sure I've seen an article saying that BMW X cars are the most stolen vehicles in the UK - might be worth bearing in mind.
 
Hyundai Santa Fe 2012. Comfortably carries the 5 of us, the dog and a sh** ton of stuff between here and scotland on a regular basis. I can get a good 40mpg out of it too. I do drive like miss daisy however.
 
Thanks all for the input, there are a few there I hadn't thought about or looked at. I'll read some reviews in autocar and browse around auto trader to get an idea of price and specifications. Thanks again.
 
Nod said:
May well have been the 2016 version of that story that I remember.
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I checked because I’m considering an x3 next!
 
There's also the Toyota RAV4 which are meant to be very reliable and also fairly capable with mild off-road. I think they have a centre locking diff which helps a little but only really if it can use it's electronics/braking to aid with open diff problems.
 
Stick to what you know, love my Freelander.
 
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