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After encountering numerous problems with our Freelander TD4 we are trading it in and getting a new (second hand) 4X4.  After months of looking we are tempted by a Shogun, we like the fact it has a large boot area when the seats are folded up (we have a German Shepherd) and it seems as though you can get a pretty high spec shogun (leather, sat nav, etc) for less money than what you get in a LR Defender for example (another choice we've been looking at - but we are reluctant with another LR).  Looking at spending about £8k approx, not worried about fuel consumption as this is our 2nd car.

Any thoughts or comments on a Shogun (good or bad!).

Thankyou.

We like ours, cost £8k last January (03 plate but had only 21000 miles on the clock).

Anne

Quote: Originally posted by pinkfloyd on 28/3/2010

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We had a 2.8 T.Diesel Pajero which is the imported version of the Shogun. We had a Lunar Delta caravan at the time which weighed in in at approx 1580kgs and it managed it very comfortably. We changed the caravan to a Coachman which was almost 200kg heavier and have to say it struggled with it. It was an Automatic and regardless of how we changed the load, it was still difficult for it to tow the Coachman comfortably. We then asked on here which was the best 4X4 and ultimatley we changed the Pajero for a Manual drive Toyota Landcruiser. The difference was amazing and we have again changed the van now for a Bessacarr Cameo 625 which is just under 1900kg and tows it effortlessly. I am not by any means saying the Shogun is rubbish,they are not, in fact these 4X4s have a lot going for them. All I am saying is they are very capable towing vehicles for caravans up to around 1650kgs max. (Maybe the 3.2 Diesel Shogun is much better), However,I would recommend  avioding  the 2.8 TD if your caravan is heavier than 1650Kgs.....

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We have the Toyota Landcruiser Colorado (the 90 series) 3.0 TD Auto, it tows very well.

My previous tow car was a 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero 2.8 TD the imported Shogun, and it also towed superbly, the only reason we changed it was that it was geting a little tired (15 yrs old) and the Lancruiser is a little more refined.

We tried many 4x4's before buying a 3.0 D4-D Auto Landcruiser - a Colorado first and now an LC3. We thought the Mitsubishi was a bit 'agricultural' whereas the LC drives and feels more like a car. MPG towing with old Colorado was 25 & 30 solo. LC3 is 1mpg better - both were Auto.

HTH & good luck with your search.

Thankyou so much for all your advice!

OH's second choice is the Landcruiser but I'm a bit reluctant as they are so huge and I may have to drive it one day if our other small car breaks down/goes for service.  Will show him this thread on all your feedback.  Much appreciated.

The huge Landcruiser is the Amazon - 4890mm long, 1940mm wide.

Colorado & LC3,4,5's - 4850mm long [or 4715mm with underbody spare wheel], 1875mm wide.

My wife [pensioner] is happy to drive our 'Elsie'.

Please try and arrange a Landcruiser test drive before you buy any other 4x4, you won't be disappointed.