SUV : Used Freelander 2 or new Subaru Forester ( or else ?) ?

[Fazda]

Try the Sante Fe, mid spec (executive). Has everything you want and more (except the rear camera, which is only on the top spec).
The 2.2 diesel on this SUV is very powerful and coupled to a six speed auto, a real pleasure to drive anywhere - especially on the open road.

Santa Fe isn't half the off road vehicle that a Forester is - emphasis in decent to drive on the "open road" - God help you when you reach Botswana

 

[Fazda]

Just got off the phone with Subaru, no diesel engine for the Forester, not in 2015 anyway.

I have heard that a diesel Forester is being / has been launched in Australia. But it seems not here.

Looks as if I am just going to have to refurbish my Discover S1.

No, I have known that all along.

The 2.5 is not bad on fuel consumption ( long trip will definitely have you in the 8's per 100) Why are you limiting yourself to diesel?

 

[OrbitalDawn]

Just got off the phone with Subaru, no diesel engine for the Forester, not in 2015 anyway.

I have heard that a diesel Forester is being / has been launched in Australia. But it seems not here.

Looks as if I am just going to have to refurbish my Discover S1.

http://www.autotrader.co.za/used-ca.../hyundai/model/santa-fe/caryearrangeszar/2013

http://www.autotrader.co.za/used-ca.../hyundai/model/santa-fe/caryearrangeszar/2013

At least give these a shot. I'd rather have one of them than a FL.

 

[Fazda]

If I buy a used FL2 it should have 3 years left on the service plan (looking for late 2013 model).

A new Subaru has a 3 year service plan.

But I hear what you say.

May still be better to refurbish my Disco 1.

What I waste on petrol I will save on insurance and finance charges.

Please note, the Subaru Forester has a 3 year FULL MAINTENANCE Plan - massive difference to a Service Plan - plus you can possibly get that extended to 5 year FM as part of the deal.

 

[Fazda]

http://www.autotrader.co.za/used-ca.../hyundai/model/santa-fe/caryearrangeszar/2013

http://www.autotrader.co.za/used-ca.../hyundai/model/santa-fe/caryearrangeszar/2013

At least give these a shot. I'd rather have one of them than a FL.

Why would you want something that equates to nothing more than a saloon car on steroids, instead of a FL or Subaru??

 

[Jola]

Please note, the Subaru Forester has a 3 year FULL MAINTENANCE Plan - massive difference to a Service Plan - plus you can possibly get that extended to 5 year FM as part of the deal.

Do you think that is possible ? Maybe I should go and talk.

Yes, I saw the 8.1km/100L fuel consumption, probably the same that a FL2 SD4 does. So maybe it does not matter so much, except that a diesel gives you that low-down torque.

 

[Fazda]

Do you think that is possible ? Maybe I should go and talk.

Yes, I saw the 8.1km/100L fuel consumption, probably the same that a FL2 SD4 does. So maybe it does not matter so much, except that a diesel gives you that low-down torque.

I've lived with these cars for years - first I had 3 of them in a row - all high mileage before selling, then I was so impressed that I sold them until last year when I retired.

Long distance stuff it is easy to be in the 8's without stressing, plus the 2.5 Forester has a beautifully torquey motor - max torque kicks in just over 1800 rpm any way - I wouldn't hesitate.

 

[HBee]

What I mean with open road is that the cabin is very comfortable with practically no road noise.

The Santa fe is superb off-road. It differs from the Subaru in many ways and if they were in the same price range might even have been compared. The subaru has a few mm more ground clearance, permanent AWD, and some would argue better road manners. The Santa fe uses 4WD on demand, but you can engage 50-50 torque split manually. It also has the ability to totally shut off traction control and stability control, and has way more power than the Subaru.

They both have their strengths and having personally driven both and opted for the Santa fe, would say that the Santa fe is actually a better off-roader than the subaru.

 

[Sepeng]

OP just how much serious off roading are you planning on doing?
I ask because 400k is a very serious budget, and I know you've ticked a few options off your list but that budget gives you a host of possibilities. Things like second hand Q5/ Q3 2.0 tdi? Trailblazer? Double Cab - Ranger or Amarok?
Apologies if you've considered these already, but the higher your budget, the more choice you have!

 

[Hemi300c]

Why not a Double Cab.
Has all the luxuries and drives like a SUV but has the extra space.
Just curious.

 

[OrbitalDawn]

Why would you want something that equates to nothing more than a saloon car on steroids, instead of a FL or Subaru??

Get more car for your money, and value for money. Depends on his needs, though.

Why not a Double Cab.
Has all the luxuries and drives like a SUV but has the extra space.
Just curious.

Bakkies don't drive like SUVs...

 

[Sinbad]

Get more car for your money, and value for money. Depends on his needs, though.





Bakkies don't drive like SUVs...

Methinks he's calling a Fortuner an suv

 

[Iroiro]

Subaru all the way. Cars are rock solid and their service is amazing.

 

[Brenden_E]

Get more car for your money, and value for money. Depends on his needs, though.





Bakkies don't drive like SUVs...

The Amarok has an excellent ride and fits into his price class.

 

[OrbitalDawn]

The Amarok has an excellent ride and fits into his price class.

It does. I think he should look at it.

 

[konfab]

If you are really worried about fuel consumption, why don't you get a new Suzuki Jimny.
With your budget you could easily get the auto version, with about R170k left over.

 

[Fazda]

If you are really worried about fuel consumption, why don't you get a new Suzuki Jimny.
With your budget you could easily get the auto version, with about R170k left over.

Jimny is fantastic for short Off Road stuff, but could you personally live with it on a long trip??

 

[Jola]

Get more car for your money, and value for money. Depends on his needs, though.





Bakkies don't drive like SUVs...

Too big as well.

Went for a drive in a new Subaru Forester this afternoon.

Very nice, and good price as well - R435k.

Also went for a drive in a nice FL2 2013 SE with low miles for R400k.

Now I have to decide, the FL2 is only available until tomorrow. Hmmm.

Probably similar off-road, and FL2 more economical (diesel).

FL2 has slightly more space, but does not have reverse camera. Does have PDC.

Subaru has reverse camera but no PDC.

But Subaru is brand new, and is of course 2015 with zero miles.

Both have 3 year full maintenance contracts (ie 3 years left on the FL2 5 year contract).

 

[Brenden_E]

Too big as well.

Went for a drive in a new Subaru Forester this afternoon.

Very nice, and good price as well - R435k.

Also went for a drive in a nice FL2 2013 SE with low miles for R400k.

Now I have to decide, the FL2 is only available until tomorrow. Hmmm.

Probably similar off-road, and FL2 more economical (diesel).

FL2 has slightly more space, but does not have reverse camera. Does have PDC.

Subaru has reverse camera but no PDC.

But Subaru is brand new, and is of course 2015 with zero miles.

Both have 3 year full maintenance contracts (ie 3 years left on the FL2 5 year contract).

I'd take the new Subaru. As an everyday drive it is so much more enjoyable than the FL2. Did you notice how it goes around corners? On sand and gravel the Subaru becomes a rally car!

 

[Jola]

I'd take the new Subaru. As an everyday drive it is so much more enjoyable than the FL2. Did you notice how it goes around corners? On sand and gravel the Subaru becomes a rally car!

Yes, the other thing is the sunroof, the Subaru has a great one, ideal for photography.

The FL2 sunroof is not great, would be a mission to squeeze through.

I don't really like sunroofs, waste of money, but the Subaru one is so cool that it really impressed me.