Mid-range 4x4 options

SmartKit

SmartKit

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Hi all

I'm considering purchasing a 4x4, whilst at the same time reducing car repayments. I'm looking at the following:

Jeep Cherokee
Land Rover Freelander 2
Toyota Fortuner
Ford Everest
Nissan X-trail

What I need is something that I can drive easily and comfortably in town, but is more than capable as a 4x4 when the time comes. What I don't want is something that pulls off like a tank and needs to be refueled twice on the way to the office. Diesel is probably the way forward.

Obviously their big brothers would be a better option, but I'm trying to cut back on expenses whilst still having a nice holiday vehicle.

Comments on these vehicles and your experiences, as well as other suggestions are welcome!

Cheers
 
Well if you want to cut back on expenses on every one of those, why aren't you looking at a Subaru Forester?

:confused:
 
I drive a Freelander 2. Awesome vehicle with loads of power and light on diesel. Get about 8.5l/100km. Very comfortable. Not sure if you are looking to buy new in which case I would wait as they are being discontinued and a "baby discovery" is going to take its place. Jeeps are HEAVY vehicles generally speaking as I test drove the Cherokee before deciding on the landrover. Definite tank that.
 
Fazda said:
Well if you want to cut back on expenses on every one of those, why aren't you looking at a Subaru Forester?

:confused:
Click to expand...

I'm open to ideas. I'll definitely take a look at the very least, maybe have a test drive.
 
kdub said:
I drive a Freelander 2. Awesome vehicle with loads of power and light on diesel. Get about 8.5l/100km. Very comfortable. Not sure if you are looking to buy new in which case I would wait as they are being discontinued and a "baby discovery" is going to take its place. Jeeps are HEAVY vehicles generally speaking as I test drove the Cherokee before deciding on the landrover. Definite tank that.
Click to expand...

Look, I must say my first pick would be a Discovery - unfortunately it comes with a hefty price tag.
 
Where does a Q5 / X3 / XC60 fall with pricing?
 
I bought a Freelander 2 last year and drive it every day. It is an awesome vehicle! :) I have taken it off-road a few times as well as gone through the off-road course offered by Land Rover themselves, it is very capable and impressed even the Defender drivers of the group.
I test drove the X-trail, but it was sluggish and very boring. I love driving the Freelander, and the only other vehicle I came close to buying was the Forester which I also test drove, but at the time the CVT model wasn't available yet.
The Fortuner is classified as a "high risk" vehicle by some insurance companies (mine included) so I would be careful about that if you are looking at cutting back on expenses.

As mentioned above though, the Freelander will most likely be replaced soon as Land Rover re-brand all their vehicles, although it could mean some great deals on the current model.
 
I'm actually in the very same mind set as you are (cut back on some expense but still need something capable), I've test driven a number of different vehicles and so far, the best bet seems to be a Freelander 2 - ticks all the blocks and seems to be a darn good all rounder :) Currently busy with financing on one now...
 
Fazda said:
Well if you want to cut back on expenses on every one of those, why aren't you looking at a Subaru Forester?

:confused:
Click to expand...

I'd truly go with this, look at it. Fantastic.. Also, from what I've seen Fazda do with these things, I doubt you've got any concern in terms of off-roading - plus, reduced insurance cause no-one wants to steal these things*
Subaru-Forester_2014_photo_01.jpg

*just a tongue in cheek comment, not being serious, nor do I have any facts backing it up.
 
kdub said:
I drive a Freelander 2. Awesome vehicle with loads of power and light on diesel. Get about 8.5l/100km. Very comfortable. Not sure if you are looking to buy new in which case I would wait as they are being discontinued and a "baby discovery" is going to take its place. Jeeps are HEAVY vehicles generally speaking as I test drove the Cherokee before deciding on the landrover. Definite tank that.
Click to expand...

Bull dust my man. Freelander 2 is heavier than the Cherokee.

Source: http://www.otodata.com/compare.php?car1=93245&car2=87677
 
Does it really have to be 4x4 ??? You end up paying so much more for it compared to the 2x4 options that are more than adequate at doing your usual dirt roads. Reason I'm asking is because I've owned a 4x4 before and only really used it for that purpose 3 - 4 times.

If you considering 2x4 your options are so much more attractive :D
 
TehStranger said:
Because he wants:



:p

Ok seriously OP, what is your budget and are you looking at new/used?
Click to expand...

That is precisely why I said Forester! The ONLY one of that group that feels "normal" on a tar road, but can do Sani or the beach with ease. :)
 
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