Choice of 4 x4 - probably daft question

GAILEY

Thank you all for your posts, which have been very helpful - it's always good to hear other people's opinions - which ensure I haven't missed anything obvious and help me clarify matters in my own mind.

I've placed an order for the volvo today.

As for the 4 x 4 situation - I feel we need one to tow our large caravan - I certainly woudn't be buying one to drive around in otherwise - I intend to still use my Peugeot to travel the high work mileage I do, and if if were at home IT would be used for the normal transport runs...though my daughter always walked to primary school, and now she's at Grammar 3 miles down the road she catches the bus;)

I don't agree, however, with the suggestion that speeding ect should be increased for 4 x 4 owners....the punishment should fit the crime...not the vehicle used to commit the crime

Thanks again:D

bennybroadbean

Bit of a difference between a Kia & Volvo!
My friend used to work for Kia and he said the Sorento was a proper pain, they were coming back alot with problems.

bennybroadbean

Where did you end up getting the Volvo from?

DKLS

Rallydriver wrote: »

While I have nothing against 4x4s in particular, I do think they should only be used by people who actually need their abilities. i.e for offroad, smallholders tractor, heavy tow cars etc.

They shouldn't be used by school run Mums as Chelsea Tractors. The main reason isn't environmental but safety. A 4x4 has a much greater potential to inflict serious injury on others in normal cars, vulnerable road users and pedestrians, a fact which most 4x4 owners seem oblivious to as they roar around in them. (I'm not saying the OP is like this).

I have nothing against them when they are driven with regard to this fact. Perhaps 4x4s should be limited to 60mph. You aren't allowed to tow over that speed anyway and you'll never do that off road either. And speeding fines and punishments should be doubled for 4x4s.

Its posts like this that make me want my next car to be a 4x4.

BillScarab

GAILEY wrote: »

Thanks - I did look at the Skoda - and was all excited until I saw that it didn't have the towing capacity we need...otherwise it would certainly have been a contender...if it could park itself it would get my vote, being a girlie

The Yeti is a pretty small vehcile and as you say isn't up to towing the weight you want. It can park itself though!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-6AWYLuQiE

GAILEY

DKLS:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Got the volvo from drive the deal ...spoke to them today and they hope delivery in Dec....and obviously I hope that too, because of the VAT situation. I thought it was a good deal - £10K off list price.

Thanks again to all for your help in my decision;)

Rallydriver

DKLS wrote: »

Its posts like this that make me want my next car to be a 4x4.

Err, Why?

Are you saying that you'd go out of your way to buy a car that isn't nice to drive, costs you lots more in VED, fuel and other running costs just to spite someone on an internet forum with a different opinion to yourself?
Go ahead then, be my guest!

BikerEd

To be honest 2000kg is overkill. I agree that you want a comfortable margin - no point having a 1200kg caravan on a 1200kg towcar as you will struggle. If you can "make do" with a 1700kg capacity then I would advise you to take a look at the Subaru Legacy diesel. There is a brand new model just launched so you'll get some fantastic deals on the old model. My wife's Subaru did 120K miles with the only failure being a mass air sensor. Only trouble was its eye-watering fuel consumption, but the diesel would be much, much better.

jeannieblue

Rallydriver wrote: »

Err, Why?

Are you saying that you'd go out of your way to buy a car that isn't nice to drive, costs you lots more in VED, fuel and other running costs just to spite someone on an internet forum with a different opinion to yourself?
Go ahead then, be my guest!

You have listed some of the reasons why I would like a Land Cruiser. I guess you would prefer that I go get an Aygo or some silly little 'green' car.

It would be a very boring world if we all rushed out and bought small green cars or the Toyota pious....

Would you find it acceptable if the OP had chosen an RX400h? I like the shape and size of them but I dislike the hybrid side and it spoils the ride.

I am not keen on those that criticise people that want big cars for good reasons, or generally tell people what they can and can't do - the rebellious teenager comes out in me.. :rotfl:

Having said that......... the school run mums do my head in big time.... :eek:

emmell

Rallydriver wrote: »

Err, Why?

Are you saying that you'd go out of your way to buy a car that isn't nice to drive, costs you lots more in VED, fuel and other running costs just to spite someone on an internet forum with a different opinion to yourself?
Go ahead then, be my guest!

I used to love driving our range rover sport, stuck to the road like glue, could see well ahead of the traffic and cornered like it was on rails. The Lexus RX400h that jeannie mentions is terrible to drive and dangerous when it's going slow ( where you expect children to be), as it doesn't make any noise and people just walk in front of us. It's not very economical either, as for being green, don't make me laugh.
Rallydrivers don't usually drive child friendly green cars either, so what do you drive Rallydriver?
ML.