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I put several posts on here asking for advice on whcih 4x4 but still cant make uo my mind.  So here's my last chance!

Im looking at swapping my rover 75 CDT for a 4x4.  Several reasons, my wife has MS and finds it easier getting into "higher" cars as oposed to crouching low.  2 kids, nightmare again going low to put car seats in, also the rover 75 doesnt have the biggest rear cabin. 

My next issue is cost, I will need to p/x my rover plus Ive goty about 1000.00, these are the cars I have looked at:

Discovery - fpound Nreg with 160k on clock

Freelander - very high milegaes - reliability an issue?

Jeep Cherokee and Grand cherokee - more around in my price range

MPV (espace/picaso)  - cant find many of these in my prioce range

The car will be used for my  8 mile round rrip to work daily but also to tow our van.  Alothouigh we only have a small van at present we are looking at upsizing in the next 2 months.

Any help on pros and cons of each or whcih is best to go for, let me know!

Thanks

Out of the cars you have listed, I have only owned a Cherokee SE Limited 4.0 L Auto. That would take any caravan anywhere. We had it for three years and could not fault it in any way except for fuel consumption. Driving solo like a Nun, you will be lucky to get 18 mpg. If you do buy one ensure that it's got both Full-Time and Part-Time 4WD, if I remember right it was only on the SE Limited version.

160k is seems a little much for an N reg discovery, but the tdi engine is pretty bulletprof even if only marginally maintained. An N reg should also have the later R380 gearbox if a manual. If an Auto demand a gearbox service as part of the sale (assuming its from a dealer).

for under 3k the only real choice for me would be a discovery, 30+mpg solo (for a diesel) will happily tow any size van you can legally tow, cheap parts from plenty independant suppliers, as they grow up a little kids will love that the rear seats in a disco sit higher than the fronts giving them a better view. Heck I have written a lot about 4x4s on here being a keen off road driver, just search for posts by me :)

Hi Whippy1710,

Have you considered a Toyota Landcruiser, I've had mine for about 3 years, it's an "R" reg. 3.0ltr Turbo diesel Colorado with 125K on the clock and I pull a twin axle Ace Supreme Globestar. I can easily achieve 29-30mpg around town and can get 25-26mpg when towing.

It is an excellent towing vehicle and takes every hill in it's stride without having to drop a gear too often. I have had very little problems with it, just the usual brakes, servicing etc. and is very, very reliable. I am considering upgrading either later this year or, early next year and plan to buy the new version which, I am assured can achieve 35-36mpg.

Well worth considering, good luck.

Jamsie

Hi

We are selling our Toyota Landcruiser 3ltr turbo diesel, we used it to tow our twin axel caravan which we have now sold.

The Toyota has 8 seats, air conditioning, central locking, new tyres, 6 months MOT, also fitted with a tow bar.

Let me know if this is of any interrest

Kia sorento, check its spec then decide.

Bryan

bcam,

Been looking at the specifications on the Sorento and they seem impressive. My only concern is the 2.5 ltr engine, my Landcruiser is 3.0 ltr turbo diesel and I wouldn't like to loose any power, especially when going up long/steep hills where the Landcruiser takes it easily in it's stride.

To be fair though, you do see a lot of Sorento's pulling big vans so they MUST be good. I might have a look at some over the weekend.

Jamsie 

We have a 1997 2.7 TD Maverick LWB (7 Seater).  Get 33-35 solo and not much less when towing.  Very stable and will pull anything.

The Maverick is the same as the Terranno II so as Nissan it can be pricey to repair.

whippy1710

Kia Sorento

Best Towcar awarded by the Caravan Club + Voted best 4x4 in JD Power 2005 Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Top Gear Best/Worst In Class Link Below:

http://www.topgear.com/content/carsurvey/2006/features/07/1.html

Quote: SUV
It's another victory for Lexus in the 4x4 category, with owners exalting the RX300's combination of bullet-proof build quality and on-road manners. Second place for the Kia Sorento is a great result for a model aimed at the budget end of the SUV market. Mercedes manages to avoid the wooden spoon in this category, but only just - the utilitarian Jeep Cherokee proving even worse than the M-Class.