New SUV at +-R400K

[Brenden_E]

So wife is looking at getting a new car. She constantly buys plants and has to drive on gravel and dirt roads sometimes so she wants an SUV.

Currently she drives a Tiguan, which we both thought was good, but the service from VW dealership close to us was crap. Not Peugeot crap, but not good enough. It's warranty is ending so we'll be getting rid of it and probably won't go VW again.

So as far as service goes, won't consider French of any manufacturer that's known to be dodgy in that department. I thought BMW, Mercedes, Honda or Subaru. Also need leather seats cause we have a messy baby and I don't want to clean fabric.

She likes the new Forester and given our positive experience with the brand, that's currently top of the list. Goes for R385K. Also considering the Merc GLA at R430K, and the new BMW X1, which I believe is launching Oct. She thought the CR-V was okay, but wasn't sold on it's capability vs the Subaru. I tend to agree.

Is there any reason why one would want to take the Merc or BMW and not the Subaru? We'll go for test drives over the weekend, but if you have any pointers on what to look out for would appreciate it.

 

[Archer]

The Merc and BMW mentioned have really small boots iirc

 

[Brenden_E]

The Merc and BMW mentioned have really small boots iirc

If that's the case I guess Subaru it is.
The new X1 is on a completely new platform vs the previous version. I have no idea what it will go for though(no price on the website).

 

[Archer]

Merc - 481
BMW - 505 (if I got the right model)
Forester - 505

Well I got that really wrong... Not that much in it after all

 

[TehStranger]

The only answer to this thread is for OP to get a GT86.

 

[Fazda]

If that's the case I guess Subaru it is.
The new X1 is on a completely new platform vs the previous version. I have no idea what it will go for though(no price on the website).

Oh NO!!
Don't touch a Forester!! You will regret it!!

 

[Brenden_E]

The only answer to this thread is for OP to get a GT86.

I don't think she'd appreciate a much slower car than what she currently drives.

 

[Brenden_E]

Merc - 481
BMW - 505 (if I got the right model)
Forester - 505

Well I got that really wrong... Not that much in it after all

I've seen the Mercs around in traffic, and they look small like my head will bump the ceiling.

 

[Colin62]

If you're comparing BMW boot sizes, the X3 is longer but narrower than the X5's boot. It's also a mush easier car to drive and park, being roughly the same size as a station wagon. I have a friend who had an X3, gave it to his wife when he bought the X5, and then later sold the X3 and gave the X5 to his wife. She just wants her X3 back, and does not enjoy the X5. The X1 looks pretty useful too.

From what I can work out, none of the BMWs are going to be anywhere near as capable offroad as the Subaru.

 

[Rocket-Boy]

The CR-V is a very capable car and a pretty good offroader from where I have been in them.
Comfy too.
Still Im a scooby fan, go for that one.

 

[ahoudet]

Drove the GLA220 CDI over a weekend. Was an excellent car

 

[Drifter]

Everest or Kuga

 

[Brenden_E]

Everest or Kuga

I already drive a Ford. Why would I do that to my wife as well?

 

[remus786]

Everest or Kuga

Wait for the new Ford Everest.

 

[TehStranger]

I don't think she'd appreciate a much slower car than what she currently drives.

6/10 response, you lost marks on creativity.

But serious, give the CRV a proper look. While the Forrester may be more capable offroad in absolute terms, your wife's use probably won't push the vehicle much.

 

[TEXTILE GUY]

Is there any reason why one would want to take the Merc or BMW and not the Subaru? We'll go for test drives over the weekend, but if you have any pointers on what to look out for would appreciate it.

IMHO - Aftersales - what does the maintenance plan look like - local or imported spares, good servicing and resale.

I have a Hyundai Santa Fe ... Love it. Has been good to me - the car +1, the service -1.

Hyundai - wait for spares and the mechanics are useless.

On the other hand - Merc, in our area, will go out of their way to look after you.

 

[Brenden_E]

Wait for the new Ford Everest.

I think it's coming only the end of next year? Love the new look.
Another consideration is she's a woman, and I suspect she bought her license (please, please honey don't read this). She will likely not appreciate having to negotiate the roads with a very large car.

 

[Brenden_E]

IMHO - Aftersales - what does the maintenance plan look like - local or imported spares, good servicing and resale.

I have a Hyundai Santa Fe ... Love it. Has been good to me - the car +1, the service -1.

Hyundai - wait for spares and the mechanics are useless.

On the other hand - Merc, in our area, will go out of their way to look after you.

I've seen after sales customer satisfaction surveys and both KIA and Hyundai were meh. That's why I'm not considering them.
If it's my own car I can deal with it. When her car breaks down, my life breaks down. She's the king of Drama Lamas when it comes to cars.

I haven't been able to find much about the CX5
http://www.mazda.co.za/cars/new-generation-cx-5/

Good, not good?

 

[remus786]

I think it's coming only the end of next year? Love the new look.
Another consideration is she's a woman, and I suspect she bought her license (please, please honey don't read this). She will likely not appreciate having to negotiate the roads with a very large car.

What about a Chevrolet Captiva, 7 seats are a bonus, AWD, not as big as the Trailblazer, Chevrolet will make you a sub R400k deal on the top of range LTZ, Diesel, Auto models. I only ever deal with Williams Hunt and their service is impeccable.

 

[Brenden_E]

What about a Chevrolet Captiva, 7 seats are a bonus, AWD, not as big as the Trailblazer, Chevrolet will make you a sub R400k deal on the top of range LTZ, Diesel, Auto models. I only ever deal with Williams Hunt and their service is impeccable.

Is it better than a Forester in terms of reliability and capability? Not exactly what Chevs are known for...