please help me choose.

[upup]

I must buy a car.

I spend 85% on tar road.
10% on gravel road.
5% on bad road. [Ground clearance needed here]

I also want good fuel economy.
I also wanted cruise control, but can also add it later

Was looking at 3 models so far.
Subaru Forrestor [not turbo] [2008/2009 model]
Nissan Qashqai II 2 liter. [2010/2011 model]
Was also looking at a Daihatsu Terios, but it seems, this one don't have much power over 100.
I fancy the Renault Koleos, but this one with all its electronics might not be a good idea.

I plan to keep the car for long.
Any positive ideas will be appreciated.

 

[Quantum Theory]

I bought a demo Jeep Patriot recently... Maybe have a look at one. Quite capable off the beaten track. Tried and tested

 

[Hamster]

I love the Quasquai, except for the fact that it come with almost no storage space other than what you can fit in the boot and the back seat. If you can live with that it is a very capable car even on rougher roads (not extreme 4x4'ing). I am referring to the 2 litre diesel model though which I assume you are looking at as well.

EDIT: it has a stiff body so it kinda feels sporty. I've driven one at high speeds and didn't feel like I was "going to die any second", if you catch my drift. It feels very safe

 

[upup]

I bought a demo Jeep Patriot recently... Maybe have a look at one. Quite capable off the beaten track. Tried and tested

I am looking at everything, and; the jeep cherokee was not good or build for a tar road. Parts are expensive. [they blame mercedes or the importers for it.]
what cc is your Patriot and what is fuel consumption like.

 

[Quantum Theory]

It's a 2.4L petrol 4x4 with a CVT box... Very good on the tar and off.

Currently 10.5L/100km after 4100 km's tracked on Fuelly.com. This is with a commute from Cape Town's northern suburbs to the city. During a long weekend to Oudtshoorn this month I got 9.2L/100km. I'm quite happy with the consumption.

 

[Joker]

Kia Sportage CRDI 6.4
VW Tiguan 6.7
Mazda CX5 6.8

 

[Quantum Theory]

Kia Sportage CRDI 6.4
VW Tiguan 6.7
Mazda CX5 6.8

Claimed or real world? On Fuelly.com the diesel Sportage seems to be getting around 8.2L/100km. Tiguans are in the 9.5 range, depending on which engine... CX-5 seems to be around 8.2. The figures you claim are rather optimistic.

 

[Joker]

Claimed or real world? On Fuelly.com the diesel Sportage seems to be getting around 8.2L/100km. Tiguans are in the 9.5 range, depending on which engine... CX-5 seems to be around 8.2. The figures you claim are rather optimistic.

Correct, those are just the claimed averages.

 

[sanimoyo]

I would go with the Nissan Qashqai.

 

[Priester]

Have you considered the Toyota Fortuner 3.0d4d? Its not expensive to maintain, good fuel economy,good off the track, good on the track, they are quite expensive 2nd hand, good re sale value.....

 

[upup]

Have you considered the Toyota Fortuner 3.0d4d? Its not expensive to maintain, good fuel economy,good off the track, good on the track, they are quite expensive 2nd hand, good re sale value.....

Too expensive for me to buy.

 

[MFour]

I would also recommend the Jeep Patriot, very stable vehicle with a brilliant traction control vehicle. If you buy new with a service/maintenance plan included you have nothing to worry about. Have a look at the maintenance costs of that Renault, I don't think it will be very cheap and parts also a problem.

Also look at (as stated) the Kia Sportage, Hyundai IX35 for "bang for your buck". The Nissans, VW's, Subaru are all way over priced in my opinion and not really worth the money. Not saying the Koreans are not over priced, but maybe a bit less so. With regard to the Jeep, I think they have some sort of a deal on new Jeep Patriots at the moment, definitely worth looking at.

Best advise really is for you to go and drive them all, and then decide.

 

[patrick]

That list, the nissan. I also quite like the suzuki sx4.

 

[upup]

That list, the nissan. I also quite like the suzuki sx4.

boot to small. otherwise perfect.

 

[chrisc]

VW Jetta. Sturdy suspension parts and rugged sub-frame

I have got a Subaru Forester myself, very good but not cheap. A bit heavy on petrol, diesel is better

 

[Haldex]

Why do you want cruise control?

 

[upup]

Why do you want cruise control?

traveling far, enable cruise control, forget about traffic cops.
When I look at that meter, its to high again.

 

[upup]

VW Jetta. Sturdy suspension parts and rugged sub-frame

I have got a Subaru Forester myself, very good but not cheap. A bit heavy on petrol, diesel is better

drove a insurance polo, the softest car on gravel road, I ever drove.
Will look at ground clearances.

 

[upup]

VW Jetta. Sturdy suspension parts and rugged sub-frame

I have got a Subaru Forester myself, very good but not cheap. A bit heavy on petrol, diesel is better

What is your petrol consumption. Turbo/ non turbo.