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Original poster

Range Rover is bankrupting us! Not a 4x4 discussion so please don't make it a 4x4 bashing!

22 replies

FayCorgasm · 15/02/2013 20:39

I love my Range Rover but it is so inefficient. I still want a 4x4 ( I know, I know) so does anyone have any good suggestions with first hand experience. We've already ruled out the Discovery, Porsche and X5. We also need a big 4x4 for our rather large family.

Thanks for your help!

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 15/02/2013 20:44

How about a people carrier? Like the Zafira? The parts for range rovers et al are always going to be a shed load more expensive than a mass produced bog standard car.

Original poster
FayCorgasm · 15/02/2013 20:47

That's a good point but I've got really used to being higher up and being able to see further ahead on the road. I also find 4x4 easier to park as you can see better. Thanks for the suggestion.

OP posts:
celebmum · 15/02/2013 20:50

VW tiguan!? i think thats how its spelt! Grin lovely cars..

DeepRedBetty · 15/02/2013 20:54

I'm using a Renault Espace now, still get the driving height and the capacity (in fact the capacity for things like children, dogs, children's crap, camping kit, other people's children's crap etc is considerably better) but don't have the mahoosive fuel bills and vomit-inducing replacement costs for things like tyres.

BlueberryHill · 15/02/2013 20:56

Volvo XC90, seven seats, high up and good clearance. We get loads in the back with the five seat layout.

PureQuintessence · 15/02/2013 20:57

But do you need 4x4 (in as Are you rural) or do you just need a tall car to compensate for parking incompetence in-confidence?

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 15/02/2013 20:58

Just how big is your family?

What about the qashqai +2

Wallace · 15/02/2013 21:06

I think what you really need is a VW Caravelle. 8 or 9 seats, high up, and great visibility. Mine is fantastic in the snow with its winter tyres on.

WMittens · 15/02/2013 21:35

If you want a 4x4, brick-like aerodynamics and the extra power losses from 4WD is part and parcel. If you have to stick with a 4x4 and want better fuel economy, try something like a diesel XC90 (as has been mentioned).

Alternatively, go for a faux by 4 with 2WD and a small diesel engine.

If you need space for your big family, a 4x4 is not normally the best idea, especially at the luxury end of the market such as RR; 4x4 drive train reduces the space in the cabin, and space, luxury and gizmos in a RR means less space for practicalities.

Parking is easier in a big car because you can see better? You'll love how easy it is to park a car with an extra 6" of space on every side.

Roseformeplease · 15/02/2013 21:37

Volvo XC90 -love mine.

recall · 15/02/2013 21:37

How about a VW Touareg, and then getting it converted to LPG to reduce the fuel costs ?

recall · 15/02/2013 21:38

<a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=vw+touareg&hl=en&tbo=d&biw=1280&bih=722&tbm=isch&tbnid=U2GADaLWInpSwM:&imgrefurl=www.netcarshow.com/volkswagen/2007-touareg/&docid=Asn05LFs6NaulM&imgurl=www.netcarshow.com/Volkswagen-Touareg-2007-wallpaper.jpg&w=1600&h=1200&ei=uqoeUcXXK-fQ4QSduoDIDA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:27,s:0,i:238&iact=rc&dur=1766&sig=114770922112729794693&page=2&tbnh=183&tbnw=244&start=15&ndsp=20&tx=146&ty=114" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">touareg

Wallace · 15/02/2013 21:39

Forgot do mention my Caravelle is LPG. But I think the newer diesels are more efficient.

hermioneweasley · 15/02/2013 21:39

Lexus rx? As a hybrid it's more fuel efficient than other 4x4s.

Original poster
FayCorgasm · 15/02/2013 23:51

Yes - need a 4x4 as live in the sticks and have 3 DCs and two dogs. We go away each year l

OP posts:
Original poster
FayCorgasm · 15/02/2013 23:52

Oops! Long distance in the car and have a roof box. I'm quite capable of parking - the RR is much easier than DH's summer sports car which is just as wide but so low you can't see any corners! I think I'll look into the Volvo and the VW mentioned - thanks!

OP posts:
JumpHerWho · 15/02/2013 23:53

I want a 4x4... so badly... DH is a green freak and is aware we'd be judged so I'm not allowed Sad

Original poster
FayCorgasm · 15/02/2013 23:54

Looked at the Lexus but I'm not keen on the fact that hybrids are almost silent when working for the electric engine. I think it's really DS versus for children (or any pedestrian in fact). A shame as they would be a good car otherwise.

OP posts:
BlueberryHill · 16/02/2013 17:49

How old are your children? I can fit two proper child seats in please the middle seat lifts up to act as a booster. So I fit three in the second row behind me, great for long journeys. I have a diesel Volvo XC90.

workingonitagain · 18/02/2013 20:18

hi Op i have a xc90 which is lovely to drive and very comfy but have the same problem as you. find it incredibly expensive. i blame it all on dp who got me to buy one as they are big and comfy but eating my monthly budget away so badly :(. living in the middle of town so hardly ever go for long distance. so im now thinking of looking at a people carrier as planning the dc3

Katz · 18/02/2013 20:22

We have a mercedes r class 4x4 and 6/7 seats depending on the model you choose, we love it, thinking of trading ours in for a new one. Plus the newer ones so 0-60 in 7.7secs

NaturalBaby · 18/02/2013 20:23

I'm in the same boat - £20 last week lasted 4 days just doing the school run. Dh had an old RR with an LPG tank but I need boot space now.
I'm going to have to get a people carrier.

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