What Off-roader would you suggest ...

[Picard]

... for a middle-aged lady who wants to have something to commute in but also something that isn't useless off-road.

Her price range is about R300 000 - R350 000.

I've seen Toyota RAV models and Toyota Fortuner 4x2 models in this price range. She mentioned an interest in the RAV but I wonder if the Fortuner might not be a better deal.

 

[ALFAHOLIC]

Buy an Escalade with 24's on and air ride suspension!

Sorry, there's nothing I can add here, never really understood why people would want to off road, maybe Is hould try it one day.

 

[alpine]

http://www.subaru.co.za/

outback

 

[blaaislaai]

Landrover

 

[thedutchman]

Buy an Escalade with 24's on and air ride suspension!

Sorry, there's nothing I can add here, never really understood why people would want to off road, maybe Is hould try it one day.

you are just peeed off because alfa dont make off roaders

 

[HapticSimian]

I'll second the Outback, or a Honda CRV... both brilliant.

 

[rurapente]

Renault Koleos. and buy me one too!

 

[rabbiddog]

Have a look in Leisure wheels to get an idea of the off road capabilities. Some "off road" cars cant handle much more than a sand road.

 

[Messugga]

Landrover

Biggest mistake you can make, I don't care what people say. The in-law's Discovery blew its diff with 30 000km on the clock and most of that was long distance with precious little time being spent offroad.

 

[ALFAHOLIC]

you are just peeed off because alfa dont make off roaders

Errrm...I don't get why you'd insinuate I'm P'd off?:erm:

Actually...Alfa planned on bringing out the Alfa Kamal, an ugly looking SUV...

http://www.italiancar.net/pilot/art062.htm

But this was years ago...the "talks" of this SUV has since died same as the talks about the 159GTA and the MiTo GTA...shame realy!

 

[Naks]

... for a middle-aged lady who wants to have something to commute in but also something that isn't useless off-road.

Her price range is about R300 000 - R350 000.

I've seen Toyota RAV models and Toyota Fortuner 4x2 models in this price range. She mentioned an interest in the RAV but I wonder if the Fortuner might not be a better deal.

Stay away from the Rolltuner - for the driver you described, the probability of rolling on the first gravel road she encounters is extremely high!

For what you mention, you cannot go wrong with a Freelander2. That thing has the best gravel road-holding I have experienced and the diesel auto is a dream to drive.

You should be able to pick up a very decent 2nd hand one with low mileage and lots left on the maintenance plan.

If you want something with more off-road performance, then go for the Discovery3. With the D4 having been released, you should be able to pick up a very recent D3 with very low mileage. Again, the Diesel is the one to go for.

But whatever you do, STAY AWAY from the Fortuner!

 

[Naks]

Sorry, there's nothing I can add here, never really understood why people would want to off road, maybe Is hould try it one day.

because you can't get there in a platkar?

 

[ALFAHOLIC]

Stay away from the Rolltuner - for the driver you described, the probability of rolling on the first gravel road she encounters is extremely high!

For what you mention, you cannot go wrong with a Freelander2. That thing has the best gravel road-holding I have experienced and the diesel auto is a dream to drive.

You should be able to pick up a very decent 2nd hand one with low mileage and lots left on the maintenance plan.

If you want something with more off-road performance, then go for the Discovery3. With the D4 having been released, you should be able to pick up a very recent D3 with very low mileage. Again, the Diesel is the one to go for.

But whatever you do, STAY AWAY from the Fortuner!

Agreed, did you see the ride height and proportions of the Rolltuner???ANd those FAT tyres? That thing is a prime suspect for tipping...lol Car Tippin!

 

[blaaislaai]

Biggest mistake you can make, I don't care what people say. The in-law's Discovery blew its diff with 30 000km on the clock and most of that was long distance with precious little time being spent offroad.

They probably just had a bad batch

How about the landcruiser?

Im just suggesting cars, i personally like onroad cars and will never own an offroad

 

[ALFAHOLIC]

If you go by Jeremy's assumptions...he suggests the Range Rover Sport...for on and off road.

 

[Naks]

Agreed, did you see the ride height and proportions of the Rolltuner???ANd those FAT tyres? That thing is a prime suspect for tipping...lol Car Tippin!

that's not the reason why the first gen Fortuner was prone to rolling. It's something to do with the location of the panhard rod on the rear axle combined with the OEM shocks and something other. All very technical, beyond my understanding

People who have Fortuners must spend in excess of R15K to put aftermarket shocks & tyres to get a decent vehicle.

 

[ALFAHOLIC]

damn...X5?

 

[Naks]

If you go by Jeremy's assumptions...he suggests the Range Rover Sport...for on and off road.

jah. Do you know how much an offroad tyre for a size 19" rim will cost you? not to mention the buckled rim itself when you hit a rock/pothole at the wrong angle!

And if you pop a tyre in the Kalahari? Where will the nearest stockist of 19" Goodyear MTR be (this is about the only offroad tyre in that size in SA).

 

[Naks]

damn...X5?

only if you want to get stuck on wet grass in your garden

 

[alpine]

If you go by Jeremy's assumptions...he suggests the Range Rover Sport...for on and off road.

True ... but hamster approved the outback