Two problems: 2nd hand SUV choice (250k) and a wife

[Slobbers]

I've got to final stage of pulling the pin on a purchase.
My history with things off-road.

• Toyota Landcruiser 60-ish series diesel, EMU shocks, long-range etc - drove without a purpose up to Uganda and back down the coast for 6 months. Lekker....
• Lived in London - Oyster Cards and Rail passes don't get you off-road much. Not so lekker
• Back in SA (2010)- Nissan X-Trail 2,5 petrol 2004: between bicycles, building,kids,road trips, and the odd bush/Moz trip - bits are falling off.

Criteria for purchase:

• Looking to spend between R200-R300k (probably R250k).
• Sunroof
• All of the stuff we did with the X-trail we'd keep on doing (but no building...)
• 4x4 for Moz - we don't play in dunes, but for the last 10-20km to get to beach sites
• I'm not the best at keeping a car scratch-free and clean.
• Bicycles on tow bar mounted bike rack
• Reasonable packing space
• Automatic: we use it daily...
• Low-ish consumption (for comparatives...)
• NOT a Double-Cab
• Age is a factor for SUV's, but not so much for bullet proof's (Cruiser etc)
• We have a Thule Rooftop box- very rarely used, and not a big fan, but it's there...

Wife problem: She likes a bit of space and to feel high. Tested the new-ish Forester (2013) - converted her from an "absolute no-way" to a that's quite nice but it's a bit small and feels "car-y" (like a car - not an SUV in her opinion, and our friend has a very old one which has planted a seed about the car look).

An X-Trail would appease the wife, but we've lost some plastic in the Moz sand on current model, and the departure angle seems poor as the exhaust (silencer) is really low
Also - with bikes on bike rack (85% of holidays) and fully packed, the Xtrail seems very low at the back (hence aforementioned plastic loss in Moz....).

My choice: 2013 Subaru Forester XS premium (sunroof and slightly taller version): This will stretch budget (2011/2012 versions are slightly lower in height and cost)
Wife's choice: 2012/2013 X-Trail LE: Safe bet, but I'm worried about bottoming out on middle-mannetjies on sand when laden + bikes.
Has departure angle improved in newer generation (from 2004 version)?

What I've considered (apart from X-Trail and Forester) :

• Prado: older version, but too much juice for daily use
• Rav4: I cannot bring myself to buy one... Ever... Change the name please!
• Suzuki Grand Vitara: seems smaller version of X-Trail with higher consumption
• Pajero Sport 2.5d - budget
• Kia Sorento - VERY average off-road capabilites (although 7 seat option nice)
• Captiva - non-existant approach angle
• Fortuner - budget and fuel consumption
• Honda CRV, Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage all appear to plastic
• Jeep: looks like a brick, fuel consumption and never been a fan
• Audi Q-5: older version - not sure of off-road ability (looks too nice... and I will scratch it)
• LandRover anything: you didn't read my first line about driving a LC for six months... no way!

I think that's about it....
So I've narrowed it down to Forester and X-Trail but my two problems to be solved by the wise members of this forum are:

1. Which should I chose based on the above?
2. How to convince the wife to go Subaru (if that's the answer)?

[MThompson]

Pajero, pajero sport or the forester. That will be my choice.

I drove a 2002 LWB pajero. Awesome vehicles. Loads of packing space. Very reliable and very very capable. I will own one again one day.

Pajero sport is a bit more affordable than the pajero. Also an awesome vehicle and also very capable. The newer 2.5 engine has better fuel consumption. I love the look of both pajero's.

Forester.....We did about 300km sand driving in Dec and had no issues at all. Packing space is limited if you're use to a big suv like the pajero. Consumption is better on my petrol forester than what i got on the diesel pajero.

I would recommend any of these three vehicles. Very pleasurable drive.

[Reenen]

2.5 parhfinder.
10 km/liter
R250 000 shouldve enough

If your wife liked the xtrail, she would love the pathy

[Slobbers]

Pajero, pajero sport or the forester. That will be my choice.

I drove a 2002 LWB pajero. Awesome vehicles. Loads of packing space. Very reliable and very very capable. I will own one again one day.

Pajero sport is a bit more affordable than the pajero. Also an awesome vehicle and also very capable. The newer 2.5 engine has better fuel consumption. I love the look of both pajero's.

Forester.....We did about 300km sand driving in Dec and had no issues at all. Packing space is limited if you're use to a big suv like the pajero. Consumption is better on my petrol forester than what i got on the diesel pajero.

I would recommend any of these three vehicles. Very pleasurable drive.

Thanks - I do like the new Pajero Sport, but can't find one in my $ range. Went to Mitsibushi near Main/Will Nicol and turned it on, played with dials (it was literally straight off the truck so no test ride. Looks and feels great - but no idea of ride.
I see you sold your 3.2l - reason?

[john_ysbeer]

Buy my Cruiser for R180k,

It has oodles of space,8)
+++power 8)8)
Sunroof, 8)
Will take your Thule box and everything else in it's stride -I'll hold onto the RR
It has a drawer system,8)
dual battery system 8)
and since it is unbroken but old, you'll not worry about tiny scrathes...8)
and you can learn Japanese while working the aircon...

Then give R70K to your wife...She'll be hasppy and you'll not want to part ways with the Cruiser...
And I'll go and get myself a new|(ish) 200.. All waxed! Everyone happy!

[MThompson]

Thanks - I do like the new Pajero Sport, but can't find one in my $ range. Went to Mitsibushi near Main/Will Nicol and turned it on, played with dials (it was literally straight off the truck so no test ride. Looks and feels great - but no idea of ride.
I see you sold your 3.2l - reason?

I'm still trying to figure out why I sold. Had no true reason. Guess my gat het gejeuk.

[dirtshark]

For capability/reialibility I would go 120 Prado, Fortuner, Pajero or Pajero Sport
For everyday drive (softroader) I would go Rav, CRV, X-Trail and Forester.
Personally I would get a 120 Prado V6, all considered its probably the best you can get in that price range.

[Slobbers]

2.5 parhfinder.
10 km/liter
R250 000 shouldve enough

If your wife liked the xtrail, she would love the pathy

Looks like you're Nissan #####! Hope that's an objective opinion!

The Pathy looks good in price against the 3.2 Pajero sport (although heard avergage feedback about the 3.2). But a lot of mileage at that price range. May have to get behind a wheel this weekend.

Oringinally, the reason I didn't look at the Pathy was the review by Andrew st Pierre white in hs book and on the interweb -
But where the Pathfinder is a real disappointment is when it ventures off-road; it just hasn’t got enough clearance, and on undulating terrain doesn’t keep what little it has. In this regard it is way behind its competitors.

Is this accurate in your humble (or not so humble) opinion?

[Slobbers]

Buy my Cruiser for R180k,

This one? Land Cruiser VX 4.7l V8 1999? No problem - as long as my car is getting filled up and happy, I'm sure my kids won't mind the odd missed meal!

What's the consumption like?

[Dwayne P]

Looks like you're Nissan #####! Hope that's an objective opinion!

The Pathy looks good in price against the 3.2 Pajero sport (although heard avergage feedback about the 3.2). But a lot of mileage at that price range. May have to get behind a wheel this weekend.

Oringinally, the reason I didn't look at the Pathy was the review by Andrew st Pierre white in hs book and on the interweb -
But where the Pathfinder is a real disappointment is when it ventures off-road; it just hasn’t got enough clearance, and on undulating terrain doesn’t keep what little it has. In this regard it is way behind its competitors.

Is this accurate in your humble (or not so humble) opinion?

add a 50mm lift kit and rhino evolution front bumper.

[stevan]

When reading the heading, I thought you need to decide, either 4x4 or wife, difficult question

I can add a vote for the Pajero.

[douglash]

Still it surprises me that not once in this thread is probably the best softroader that is capable of more is not mentioned in this thread... LOL.

Freelander 2. Ticks all the boxes...

Criteria for purchase:

• Looking to spend between R200-R300k (probably R250k).
• Sunroof
• All of the stuff we did with the X-trail we'd keep on doing (but no building...)
• 4x4 for Moz - we don't play in dunes, but for the last 10-20km to get to beach sites
• I'm not the best at keeping a car scratch-free and clean.
• Bicycles on tow bar mounted bike rack
• Reasonable packing space
• Automatic: we use it daily...
• Low-ish consumption (for comparatives...)
• NOT a Double-Cab
• Age is a factor for SUV's, but not so much for bullet proof's (Cruiser etc)
• We have a Thule Rooftop box- very rarely used, and not a big fan, but it's there..

[JJJ]

Toyota Landcruiser 60-ish series diesel, EMU shocks, long-range etc - drove without a purpose up to Uganda and back down the coast for 6 months. Lekker....


What I've considered (apart from X-Trail and Forester) :

• LandRover anything: you didn't read my first line about driving a LC for six months... no way!

Hi Slobbers,

I think you're confused/a contradiction in terms .

How you can compare a Land Rover anything with a Toyota LC, boggles the mind.

The category "Land Rover Anything" is too wide. Yes, there is something within the LR range that would be comparable to the Toyota LC, but the rest is just so much better .

You're making a big mistake by not considering a Freelander 2. I'm not going to sing its praises - I've done this enough - but if you do your forum homework you'll find everything here.

As background, I started with a Forester in 2001, drove it till 265k km, bought a 2004 - son drives it still - had a look at the new Forester - boxer diesel - terribly bland inside - had a Tiguan for 2 years and now a Freelander 2 for 4 years, and still, every time I get into that car I am pleased with it. Can't quite describe the feeling, but it's as if I've won a prize. A big one.

If you do come to your senses and go look at a Freelander 2, please just don't take your wife along unless you intend driving home with it. That car will comply with all listed - and more - of her requirements.

You won't be using it often yourself.

[dirtshark]

Still it surprises me that not once in this thread is probably the best softroader that is capable of more is not mentioned in this thread... LOL.

Freelander 2. Ticks all the boxes...
[/LIST]

Agree, very nice suv, the only thing against it is the LR perception and very expensive servicing and spares.

[douglash]

Agree, very nice suv, the only thing against it is the LR perception and very expensive servicing and spares.

LR perception against the most reliable LR ever built? <-- i didn't quote that, just seen it many many times.

Expensive servicing - where? Indies are not expensive if there is no motorplan and you require RMI for warranty purposes.
Spares - I'll let JJJ comment on this... they not expensive.

[willben]

Get a v8 D3

[Tiaan Esterhuizen]

review by Andrew st Pierre white in hs book and on the interweb -
But where the Pathfinder is a real disappointment is when it ventures off-road; it just hasn’t got enough clearance, and on undulating terrain doesn’t keep what little it has. In this regard it is way behind its competitors.

Use the search function to see how the forum feels about him.

Still it surprises me that not once in this thread is probably the best softroader that is capable of more is not mentioned in this thread... LOL.

Freelander 2. Ticks all the boxes...
[/LIST]

This is your answer...

[Slobbers]

Thanks all...

I appreciate all the comments...

The Pathy, old Prado and Freelander have thrown their hat into the ring, but realistically it may be the Pathy. I will look at all of them ... promise.

As an aside... One thing that sits in my head was the comment during the Forester test drive. I pulled over for the wife to drive and the dealer says 'not here, mount the pavement over there and see how easy it is...' How many dealers are that confident in their product and a brand new vehicle driven by an unknown yo-yo (me.....)

Took it SOOOOO much better than my X-Trail! Like it wasn't there.

[douglash]

How many dealers are that confident in their product and a brand new vehicle driven by an unknown yo-yo (me.....)

In ALL fairness, it's just a pavement...

[willben]

Thanks all...

I appreciate all the comments...

The Pathy, old Prado and Freelander have thrown their hat into the ring, but realistically it may be the Pathy. I will look at all of them ... promise.

As an aside... One thing that sits in my head was the comment during the Forester test drive. I pulled over for the wife to drive and the dealer says 'not here, mount the pavement over there and see how easy it is...' How many dealers are that confident in their product and a brand new vehicle driven by an unknown yo-yo (me.....)

Took it SOOOOO much better than my X-Trail! Like it wasn't there.

Based on what has been said on this Forum about maintaining used Pathfinders I wouldn't consider it.