Family SUV

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nadeem_k

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 1, 2009
Messages
755
Hi Guys,

I need some advice and ideally first-hand experience.

I am trying to decide on a family SUV. Hoping to keep the car for a long time ~10 years so I need something that will go the distance.

I have narrowed it down to the following, which are all a couple of years old and lowish mileage:

  • Subaru Forester- Worried that the car isn't that common so getting parts over the long term may be an issue
  • Nissan X-trail- Read that reliability isn't as good as before with the CVT gearbox susceptible to failure
  • Honda CR-V
  • Toyota RAV 4
  • VW Tiguan

Reading the Kinsey report, it seems the X-trail is the cheapest to service with the RAV and CR-V being more on the high side.

Any advice?
 
H

handyman007

Expert Member
Joined
Mar 1, 2017
Messages
1,060
nadeem_k said:
Hi Guys,

I need some advice and ideally first-hand experience.

I am trying to decide on a family SUV. Hoping to keep the car for a long time ~10 years so I need something that will go the distance.

I have narrowed it down to the following, which are all a couple of years old and lowish mileage:

  • Subaru Forester- Worried that the car isn't that common so getting parts over the long term may be an issue
  • Nissan X-trail- Read that reliability isn't as good as before with the CVT gearbox susceptible to failure
  • Honda CR-V
  • Toyota RAV 4
  • VW Tiguan

Reading the Kinsey report, it seems the X-trail is the cheapest to service with the RAV and CR-V being more on the high side.

Any advice?
Click to expand...
No chance of test driving a double cab bakkie?
 
The_MAC

The_MAC

Executive Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2012
Messages
8,204
Does it have to have offroad capabilities?

How many occupants?
 
Neuk_

Neuk_

Executive Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2018
Messages
7,995
VW Tiguan would be my first choice but I am somewhat biased and have a good network of parts suppliers and friends that can work on all manner of VW's and Audi's. The Subaru is a great car but maintenance costs can be high, even when using an independent workshop, I do have a good friend that works on them though. I have never driven any of the Japanese options but they come highly recommended in terms of reliability and running costs although I have been told they drive like appliances.
 
SHL

SHL

Expert Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2012
Messages
2,508
Go for the model that doesn't have a CVT transmission.
 
X

XPD

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2014
Messages
293
If you just need an appliance with some space and good fuel economy check out the Renault duster diesel, auto. Proven engine and epic economy.
 
D

deweyzeph

Honorary Master
Joined
Apr 17, 2009
Messages
10,543
Try the Hyundai Tucson 2.0l diesel automatic. Bought one 2 years ago and very happy with it. Loads of torque and it flies like the wind when travelling long distance. Lots of space.
 
Neuk_

Neuk_

Executive Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2018
Messages
7,995
nadeem_k said:
Thats upward of R600k
Click to expand...

If that was the budget, I would look at something like my Touareg, more than enough space, a cracker of an engine, historically shown to be reliable and reasonably cost effective to maintain for it's price.
 
Luke7777

Luke7777

Executive Member
Joined
Apr 22, 2004
Messages
8,730
I'm driving a 2018 CR-V. Coming from a 4tuner at the time, my only requirement was to be able to fit 3-4 golf bags in the back, without removing clubs or letting the seats down. Vehicle passed that test with flying colours. The CVT took some getting used to, firstly because it was my 1st automatic and secondly it seemed to have a mind of its own sometimes :) 3 years later 'm still very happy

Added a Thule roofrack at the time... still hanging unused in my garage :)
 
Last edited:
G

GMAN03

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2011
Messages
501
Personally I'd go Forester, parts aren't as bad as one would think and luckily they don't need parts often (unless you get in an accident). CR-V is absolutely mega in terms of space and practicality but just feels so meh to drive. Stay away from Nissan CVTs, still looks like they haven't resolved that. RAV4 is a great but oh so expensive for what you get. Tiguan feels the most premium but I know too many people that have had major issues on the longer term.
 
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