Time for a change ... please assist

V

Vikki Sixx

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Hi All,

Please assist with some choices ...

I currently drive a Tuna, 2007 model. Did not give me a days headache (only the ass at Total that stuck it full of dirty diesel did !!). It is 3.0 D4D. It has 195k on the clock.

I have to change for two reasons .... car starting to depreciate rapidly, and I just want another car :D

Before the Tuna, I had a Legend 35 Hilux - also not a days hassle .... however, I do not want another Tuna or Hilux. The Hilux was stolen from me while I was having dinner in Bryanston and I was held at gunpoint while they attempted to take my Tuna (in 12:00pm daylight). Luckily (for me) they were scared off by a neighbor and all I lost was my keys (had to wait for wifey to come from Nelspruit with the spare set). So I am gat-vol of looking over my shoulder with these Hiaces in disguise !! Fortunately, I will not be leaving for Australia as I still LOVE this country and wouldn't leave after a scare ... but still do not want to loose my life because of a piece of plastic and leather wrapped in steel.

OK, so sad story over ... please help me with some choices. You will notice that these are all smaller SUVs mostly because I never really used either vehicle to their desired purpose .... never towed a caravan, never went "serious" off-roading !!

Here is what I have seen (not driven) and like so far:

1 - Kia Sportage (lots of features, looks very cool, Korean market growing - expect it to be as bold as Samsung, LG were with their products). I like the CRDi Manual.

2 - VW Tiguan (classy interior, the 2.0 TSI looks similar to my wifes GTi Spec, but is quite pricey)

3 - Subaru XV (awesome price and spec, but worried about re-sale and the fact there are no dealers in Mpumalanga?)

Please assist with these and also suggest any others I could look at

Thanks
Vic
 
My choice would be the Kia Sportage.

Looks funky, and very much on par with the VW.

And I think you get a maintenance plan till 90000 kms free with the car.

Go and take it for a test drive! The proof in the pudding is in the eating. :)
 
Drive them - easiest way to decide! I would eliminate the XV; would be so much hassle to take it for service or if anything goes wrong. Surprised there's no dealerships in Mpumalanga.
 
kingrob said:
And I think you get a maintenance plan till 90000 kms free with the car.
Click to expand...

100 000km/5 year service plan, which effectively becomes a 90 000km service plan with the 15 000km intervals. It is not a maintenance plan...

The Tiguan comes with an actual maintenance plan, but only 60 000km.

OP, of those three, if you test drive them all, I think you will choose the VW.
 
Consider a Mitsubishi ASX or Citroen C4 Aircross as well. These vehicles have lekker interiors and come at a great price.

The Subaru XV would be my choice from your list.
 
Kia would be my 1st choice, but +6 months waiting list on them, for any colour. If you want a white one, 8 months. Why not have a look at the Ford Kuga. Awesome SUV.
 
Vikki Sixx said:
Which Jeep is good value ? Are Jeeps ok in the re-sale market ?
Click to expand...

I drive a Patriot. Bought a demo model (with 8 000km) at a steal. If you buy brand new, you take the knock. Comes with 100 000km full maintenance plan. Rather capable when you go off the beaten. Economical for a 2.4L. My average consumption is sitting @ 10.8l/100km over the last year, with lots of city driving. Very comfortable. Great car, despite what some might say. For me, it was the best value of all the softroaders in that class...
 
I'd go for a Sportage, no questions asked. Only problem is the waiting period
 
How about the servicing experience on these vehicles. Not the one where "the service guy or sales guy was rude to me" .... don't care about the human factor ... rather the bad repair or vehicle was compromised after a service type complaints ....

Must say the Jeeps have a bit of a breakdown reputation - is that for real ?

KIA seems solid, and I still think if the Koreans apply themselves to vehicles like they have to consumer goods (Samsung, LG, etc), then their stuff can't be bad .... am I wrong?
 
Quantum Theory said:
In my personal experience and from reading the forums @ http://www.4x4community.co.za, they are the same or better than most other brands.
Click to expand...

I must agree here. I've owned a few Jeeps in my time. Currently driving a grand cherokee. Never had a day of trouble except a coolant temperature sensor once on a 2002 diesel. Refused to rev past 2000rpm. R750 later it was sorted.
 
Quantum Theory giving advice from personal experience in a 1 year old car. Dude, just stop. The last after sales service consumer index I saw was from 2 years back (anyone have a link to a more recent one?) and Jeep was languishing near the middle/bottom. The usual suspects were up top; Toyota, Mercedes, BMW, Honda. VW was toward the top/middle. And at the very bottom Peugeot, Citroen. I don't think the Chinese brands participated, for obvious reasons.

If you aren't going to do offroad the Sportage is probably the best bang for your buck. Did you consider the new Honda CRV (new model just got released)? I never test drove one but their reliability is legendary and goes for R299K brand new:
http://honda.co.za/en/products/cars/cr-v/20-comfort-fwd/#/model-overview/exterior/

Also not a big hi-jack risk!

Edit: O yea Subaru was rated either first or second on after sales service! But I omitted it since it would be kinda stupid to buy one if there's no dealerships nearby.
 
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