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This is the one we are looking at.

It has a higher towing capacity, not that we need that, but handy for getting off of muddy campsites or out of tricky situations that we have experienced before and where we were pushing the Scenic to its limit.

Hi Lobey

I would be careful with going with a 4x4 for permanent car as you will have to live with not only the extra initial cost but also the extra running cost (mpg is always worse on 4x4 )

The 2 wheel drive versions are cheaper and probably more relevant for 99% of driving time

Although the tow weights are highish the kerb weight of the cars is not that large so what they could actually tow comfortably in real life is probably somehwat less so you may not find it that much better than your current car which I believe has a similar engine?

The do seem to offer great value on paper especially the base models at under £9k BUT they are a budget car for sure in all ways including residuals as mentioned

Have you sat in one? I went a few weeks ago, and found the seats very soft, and couldn't really get comfortable. It was also disappointing that to get a/c as standard you had to go for the very top spec... suddenly the budget car didn't seem quite so 'budget'.

Having said that I was pleasently surprised by the build quality etc - speaking to the salemans they had a Renault/Dacia/Nissan garage on the same site. They are finding that they are selling a lot of Dacias to people coming to view used Qashqai's who then realise that for the same money they can have a new Duster. 

Quote: Originally posted by scar on 01/3/2013

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I have fond memories of the horror stories from the 70"s when they were imported from Romania by a local business.
I would put my faith in a horse and cart rather than one of these.

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Quote: Originally posted by scar on 01/3/2013

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I have fond memories of the horror stories from the 70"s when they were imported from Romania by a local business.
I would put my faith in a horse and cart rather than one of these.

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Thanks Sunshinetours, We will never be towing anything heavier than the Pathfinder, but living where we do in the back of beyond where snow, flooding and other adverse weather conditions mean that you either own a tractor or you stay indoors, well the very idea that I could own a 4x4 (a Chelsea Tractor) at a reasonable price, has its own appeal.

Thanks Paul B, No we have not yet had the chance to sit in one. We are waiting for them to come to our local garage.

<<< It was also disappointing that to get a/c as standard you had to go for the very top spec... suddenly the budget car didn't seem quite so 'budget'. >>>

What is "a/c" as standard?

Oops, just worked it out, it is air conditioning. Somehow I don't think I will ever need any of that!

I have fond memories of the horror stories from the 70"s when they were imported from Romania by a local business.
I would put my faith in a horse and cart rather than one of these.

40 years ago?
Things may have changed

yeah 40yrs ago skoda were crap , anyone remember the kia pride ..... look at kia now, Skoda's come on leaps and bounds as well.........Very nearly as good as a ford now

Bessie    

Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 01/3/2013

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Thanks Sunshinetours, We will never be towing anything heavier than the Pathfinder, but living where we do in the back of beyond where snow, flooding and other adverse weather conditions mean that you either own a tractor or you stay indoors, well the very idea that I could own a 4x4 (a Chelsea Tractor) at a reasonable price, has its own appeal.

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Most 4x4s only come into AWD when necessary, its useful and I don't think it makes a huge difference to mpg.

 I expect someone will make a spreadsheet to prove me wrong

IMHO a 2wd SUV is about as much use as a chocolate fireguard, but a lot of them will never go off road.

4wd is very useful for towing, would not go back to 2wd tug.

Of course it is down to personal choice.