Opinions on buying a Preowned Electrical or Hybrid SUV (or sedan)

redspark

redspark

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Oct 12, 2012
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Hello MyBB world :)

Firstly of all, let me state that I have not done a lot of research on the pros and cons of EVs and hybrids. So, I will appreciate any advise or links / sources.

I am still happy with my LR Freelander 2 TD4 (2010, sitting at 302k km). She has been good to me.

But, in the next 1-2 years, I would like to get new wheels (well, preowned wheels). Why? Well, I do a lot of local trips (<200km/day) for work / school runs and 1 or 2 monthly a long trips (200- 300 km per round trip). Long trips are normally with a family of 5. I find that the LR is not best suited for local trips (heavy on gas!). So, I need something sensible and gas-friendly. My budget is R400k - R550k. This week, I spotted a few offerings online -
  1. BMW x5 (nice)
  2. Lexus RX / UX / NX (SO likes everything Lexus, so this will be a win-win for me :giggle:)
  3. Volvo XC90 (nice but expensive)
I like all three brands and models.

Alternatively, I can keep the LR for long trips and buy a hybrid/electrical sedan or hatchback for the local trips. I have seen the following in the market -
  1. Yaris HSD (too small)
  2. Aruis (too small)
  3. Jazz Hybrid (too small)
  4. Corolla (not bad)
  5. Pruis (no!)
  6. Honda CR-Z (retro styling, but not my taste)
  7. Lexus CT (this is not bad)
  8. Lexus GS (unsure)
  9. Lexus ES (not bad)
  10. Lexus IS (nice, but outside my budget)
  11. BMW i3 (styling is a no-no)
  12. BMW 3 Series (nice)
  13. Mini Cooper E (styling too boy'ish)
  14. Jaguar I-Pace (too expensive)
Of course, for EVs, I am worried about the power unavailability (thanks Eskom), closest servicing shops (I am based halfway between Ballito & R Bay) and also the availability of charging points for long trips. Other than that, what else should I worry about? Service? Parts? Overall reliability? Running costs?

Any advice will be welcomed.
 
Tman*

Tman*

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Jul 18, 2012
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If loadshedding continues as is, do you have an alternative charging method in mind if you go the Hybrid route?

My SO had a 2008 Freelander and everything broke after 200 000km. Sitting at 300 000km + (presumably problem free) you are very lucky indeed.

If I were in your shoes I'd probably do the following:

Option 1. Sell the Freelander, get a F25 2.5D X5 non Msport. I know a much better 3.0d is available in the F25 platform, but its going to be more expensive to buy and heavier on juice.
Non-Msport because have you seen prices of replacing 4x20inch low profile run flats? Plus ride quality will be better and you can actually drive on a gravel road.

Option 2. Keep Freelander, consider F30 320d or 330d LCI. I've owned both a 320d and 330d - cant really go wrong with either.
 
redspark

redspark

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Tman* said:
If loadshedding continues as is, do you have an alternative charging method in mind if you go the Hybrid route?

My SO had a 2008 Freelander and everything broke after 200 000km. Sitting at 300 000km + (presumably problem free) you are very lucky indeed.

If I were in your shoes I'd probably do the following:

Option 1. Sell the Freelander, get a F25 2.5D X5 non Msport. I know a much better 3.0d is available in the F25 platform, but its going to be more expensive to buy and heavier on juice.
Non-Msport because have you seen prices of replacing 4x20inch low profile run flats? Plus ride quality will be better and you can actually drive on a gravel road.

Option 2. Keep Freelander, consider F30 320d or 330d LCI. I've owned both a 320d and 330d - cant really go wrong with either.
Click to expand...
Sorry about your LR. Was yours the FL1 or FL2? FL1s had a bad reputation (Something to do with the BMW or Volvo engines?). Bought mine preowned in 2014 (103k on the clock, with larney features -> HSE model) and years later, we are still together :) Of course, not a cheap-of-own softroader. Big items were cambelt change and prop shaft.

Sensible advice for both options 1 and 2, thanks.
 
Tman*

Tman*

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FL2 black on tan leather. HSE.

Its was a lovely car when it worked.

Whats your main reason for wanting to go hybrid or parallel hybrid? If you are concerned about fuel economy just get a diesel.
If you are set on the "future" however...
 
G

Gaz{M}

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Tman* said:
If loadshedding continues as is, do you have an alternative charging method in mind if you go the Hybrid route?

My SO had a 2008 Freelander and everything broke after 200 000km. Sitting at 300 000km + (presumably problem free) you are very lucky indeed.

If I were in your shoes I'd probably do the following:

Option 1. Sell the Freelander, get a F25 2.5D X5 non Msport. I know a much better 3.0d is available in the F25 platform, but its going to be more expensive to buy and heavier on juice.
Non-Msport because have you seen prices of replacing 4x20inch low profile run flats? Plus ride quality will be better and you can actually drive on a gravel road.

Option 2. Keep Freelander, consider F30 320d or 330d LCI. I've owned both a 320d and 330d - cant really go wrong with either.
Click to expand...

Loadshedding is max 2 hours at a time with a break in between. It will never be a problem for EV's.
 
redspark

redspark

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Messages
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Tman* said:
FL2 black on tan leather. HSE.

Its was a lovely car when it worked.

Whats your main reason for wanting to go hybrid or parallel hybrid? If you are concerned about fuel economy just get a diesel.
If you are set on the "future" however...
Click to expand...
Well, I am looking at all the options (ICE, electrical, plugin hybrid, etc.). But yes, overall, I want to spend less on gas and running costs.
 
WollieVerstege

WollieVerstege

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I owned a GS450h, and it was a fantastic car. V8 performance with V6 consumption.
Then the hybrid system broke and the car had to be towed. Lexus quoted Lexus R80k to fix the problem under warranty. That was in 2010. Can only imagine what it would cost now.
That for my is the issue with hybrids, unnecessary complexity that is going to cost you dearly when it stopps working.
So from your list I would suggest a well sort 320d.
 
pinball wizard

pinball wizard

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Feb 9, 2010
Messages
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Gaz{M} said:
Loadshedding is max 2 hours at a time with a break in between. It will never be a problem for EV's.
Click to expand...
Except when the systems shits it's pants when it's switched on again and you're without power for a day or more.
 
U

unobeat

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Feb 6, 2014
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Aghori said:
Get something like this. Good for a daily runaround and it's reliable (Got an older one that's been in use for 6 years so far, 390 000km on the clock)


www.autotrader.co.za

BMW X5 M50d for sale in Durban - ID: 26274362

Used 2014 BMW X5 M50d For Sale - R 549 900 - ID: 26274362
www.autotrader.co.za
Click to expand...

Saw i think the previous model with the 3L xdrive setup and it had 315/35 R20 tyres fitted which scared me a bit thinking about how expensive the tyres are to replace.

If it was my money look for a fresh F30 320d/ 330d and you will be happy with your purchase.
 
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