£10k sprog shifter - with some character - options ?

Stephen B

Stephen B

Stephen B

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time to trade the Bora TDi in for something to transport the grand children when necessay [twin boys 1 year old in 2 weeks]

I'd also like to potentially scratch a 4WD itch [never owned one]

looking for a 3-5 year old vehicle with 40k miles max, will not be doing crazy miles as other halfs place of work and kids are all local.

so far been mulling over the following 4WD options:-

Grand Vitara 2.4 petrol [5 dr]
Suzuki SX4 [2.0 model has 4WD]
Subaru Imprezza 2.0 RX
A3 Quattro fastback seems out of budget
Honda CRV
BMW X3

non 4WD options :-

A4 Avant
Golf Plus
Golf 1.4 GT TSI - removed from consideration
3 series touring - removed from consideration

what else do you think might appeal, and what should be avoided at all costs in my list ?

Would like a bit of pep in engine for when I drive so I'm thinking no less than 130 bhp in the non 4wd options

this may turn into a monster thread so probably best to strip out the runts of my list 1st :)
 
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Thought about a Nissan Murano? It's what I'm looking at for when my little one arrives.
Lots of kit and cheap to buy. Well thirsty though.
 
Rilot said:
Thought about a Nissan Murano? It's what I'm looking at for when my little one arrives.
Lots of kit and cheap to buy. Well thirsty though.
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the money spent on fuel and road tax would leave me with nothing to pay for the counselling they would require after seeing its front end :)

but appreciate the thought, was not on my radar
 
sigma said:
Are they too big for the Bora?
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not so much them as the service kit that comes with them :)

also, owned the Bora for 5 years now with 70k on clock and dont do the miles to justify a diesel so much

sad fact is, car is capable of 60mpg on a 30 mile run, we get barely over 30 with the short trips it now does
 
Most of the 4x4's you have listed will have MPG figures that will make your cry if you can only get 30 out of the Bora in your current driving run...
 
rossk26 said:
Most of the 4x4's you have listed will have MPG figures that will make your cry if you can only get 30 out of the Bora in your current driving run...
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I reckon mid 20's worst case for the Grand Vitara [based upon auto trader figures] which is acceptable
 
I'd get the CRV, it'll do everything you need without any hassle.
It wont set the world alight but it's a decent enough car
 
Really? I thought the newer shape had the 2.4 for some reason - Tbh the 2 litre struggles a bit with the weight (had the first gen for a time). It'll get the job done though
 
miniyazz said:
Golf R32? Might be pushing the budget though..
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2 hot hatches in family not a good idea.

the 4wd option is more of a security and possible off road adventure for myself thing, hence the omission of a WRX Imprezza which should be as quick as an R32 but ultimately a lot cheaper to buy

I appreciate my range of options may seem a bit bewildering
 
One of the Outlander clone trio would be in budget - Either the Mitsubishi itself, the Citroen C-Crosser or Peugeot 4007 (better engines in the French badged pair being 2.2 PSA HDi rather than the antique VW 2.0 in the Outlander). Or if petrol floats your boat there is a 2.4 Mivec version of the Outlander.

These 3 are all fantastic vehicles perefectly suited to the purpose you describe and their manually switchable 4WD system makes them extremely capable off road. The 2.2 HDi is a peach of an engine with 156bhp and a good lump of torque in the right places, they handle very well compared to many softroaders/SUV's and you won't be stuck for room for the sprogs either. We own a 4007 and it's thus far been one of the best vehicles we've owned. And character?. Well, they certainly have that and in the case of the 4007 and the Crosser to some degree, as long as you like Marmite you will be fine. :p
 
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