Which SUV to buy

Wife has the 2.4 Jeep Patriot, way more capable than an X-trail or Kia (I have the 2.0l Sportage). The Patriot is very good for what it is, but not everyones cup of tea when it comes to body shape. Personally I love it. Brother in law has the older shape Forrester XT, that thing kicked serious a$$ on every sand dune thrown at it in Ponta. Huge power and unbelievable for a "Statio Wagon". But then again as ugly as a brick. 2nd hand Disco 3 or 4 would be my choice at the moment. But must admit I have always loved the Fortuna and the face lift is very good looking, damn comfortable car and the 3.0D will tow a big load.

But if you want bells & whistles at a damn good price, look at the Hyundai or Kia range (Sante Fe & Sorento). They are flippin nice and also very capable vehicles!
 
Tpex said:
Why look any further then this sexy beast?
land_rover-range_rover_evoque_2011_01.jpg

Landrover Evoque
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Because on the launch in Stellenbosch, someone hit a pavement and the 20"rim buckled. And you can't even get the tyres so LRSA is having to import then especially, which means a shortage atm.

It's a blinged up, overpriced and under-capable Freelander2. Get a Freelander2, that thing followed a bunch of Defenders up the Helderberg 4x4 trail a month ago - I couldn't believe it!
 
Forester is a gr8 vehicle and all rounder but maintanance is very high if you do pick up hassles even though they are almost bulletproof.
New Fortuner gr8 old one - I wouldn't trust it on a dirt road at anything more than 40kmph.
 
Hemi300c said:
Forester is a gr8 vehicle and all rounder but maintanance is very high if you do pick up hassles even though they are almost bulletproof.
New Fortuner gr8 old one - I wouldn't trust it on a dirt road at anything more than 40kmph.
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+1

If I wanted a softroader to use as a gravel road express, I'd go for either a Forester or a Freelander2.
 
Hemi300c said:
Forester is a gr8 vehicle and all rounder but maintanance is very high if you do pick up hassles even though they are almost bulletproof.
New Fortuner gr8 old one - I wouldn't trust it on a dirt road at anything more than 40kmph.
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I've driven approximately 20000km of gravel roads in the last 18 months with a 4x2 Fortuner without any problems. I now have a 4x4 Fortuner and it feels even more stable on gravel.

With which vehicles have you driven on gravel roads and have you driven a Fortuner on gravel?
 
My parents had to pull a Fortuner out of riversand in Kruger Park a while back ... the guy wasn't happy and didn't even want to accept help in the beginning :/

I'm not sure if it was 4x4 or 4x2 - but since then, I'm weary of their offroad capability
 
Dolby said:
My parents had to pull a Fortuner out of riversand in Kruger Park a while back ... the guy wasn't happy and didn't even want to accept help in the beginning :/

I'm not sure if it was 4x4 or 4x2 - but since then, I'm weary of their offroad capability
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That could be as much the driver as the vehicle. They are very capable off roaders AFAIK.
 
I'd recommend a CRV. The reality is that most of your driving is likely onroad in traffic where softroaders excel.

Depending on where you drive the diesel is good if you can get 50 ppm fuel. My wife has the petrol with a stick and I can highly recommend it. Good road manners


I like for fortuners as well but find them a bit unyieldly in day to day driving
 
werewolf2 said:
I'd recommend a CRV. The reality is that most of your driving is likely onroad in traffic where softroaders excel.

Depending on where you drive the diesel is good if you can get 50 ppm fuel. My wife has the petrol with a stick and I can highly recommend it. Good road manners


I like for fortuners as well but find them a bit unyieldly in day to day driving
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I would NOT recommend a CRV if you intend going off road at all - the damned thing's got B awful ground clearance and the selective 4x4 is next to useless.
 
Well with all the craziness of the weekend, I didn't get a chance to test drive any vehicles :( so I have more time to look at features :)
I'm definitely leaning towards the X-Trail, Forester and Freelander (if I can find a good deal). I do like the Fortuners, but just not sure if 3.0D is a bit overkill... i'm not looking at towing a massive yacht or skiboat :) The CRV looks good and comes with some nice features, but as Fazda said, the ground clearance seems a bit low compared to the other options I'm looking at.
Maybe I'll just wait for the "New Year Specials"...
 
Must it be a new car?
I still say the best car is one you don't owe anything on.
Maybe look at a Disco 3 (Very electronic. +-R160-270k) or even older Disco 2 (+-R50-80k).
 
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