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[Closed] Another "what car" thread - posh SUV?

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It's time to replace my ageing Honda. 15 years old, had it from new.

Never had a posh car, but we have worked hard over the last few years and are in the fortunate position to be able to get something posh. Looking for 2-3 year old, but also possibly new if a decent PCP deal can be worked out.

Wifey has been desperate for an Evoque! To be fair they do look good, and they are lush inside. A test drive showed it was a nice place to be. But I have been warning her about the reliability issues, and I've just managed to sway her to at least look at sometching else, after showing her forums with posts about oil dilution on the ingenious diesels. She now wants to look at petrol ones!

I didn't like the new Honda CR-V inside. To be honest, although it was clearly muuuuch better than my current one it had that Honda "familiarity" and didn't feel enough like a new (different) car. There was still lots of plastic - did I mention that we had been spoiled by the evoque's non-plasticky interior?!

Volvo XC60, possibly xc90, and Audi Q5, possibly q7, are currently at the top of the list as alternatives, and both seem to rate highly on spec and reliability.

Any views, any alternatives to consider? We have been looking at evoque's in the £25k - £30k region, but could squeeze new if we get a decent PCP deal (£40+k) Jesus I can't believe I'm even thinking of spending that much on a car.

We have just dropped from 25,000 miles a year mainly on rural roads (hence keeping the Honda and an old diesel Astra) to about 10,000 miles per year, so can also now consider petrol to fall in with the anti-diesel vibe. We do a 40mile each way trip to the train station at least once per week, so a diesel would get regular decent runs, plus a bit of domestic knocking about and a querterly longer trip of 150 ish miles each way to visit family etc.

We are off to Cardiffs car dealers on Saturday (see other "where to eat thread") so any suggestions of what to look at, what you got/had that was good and reliable?


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:36 am
 Drac
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All very nice cars but also very expensive so unless you have a real need get a much more luxurious car.

Oh and keep away from Land Rover unless you like repairs.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:40 am
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Volvo. I want one, XC90 preferably. They are lovely things. Get the V8 petrol hybrid thing. I'd have a poster of one in my bedroom if I was still a teenager 🙂


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:41 am
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Not posh but left field suggestion... Kia Sportage GT Line?


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:46 am
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Wifey has been desperate for an Evoque!

Ha, s****s. You’ve not read much about these shit heaps then?

Ok, your budget doesn’t stretch to a vehicle I recommend.. but here goes..


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:48 am
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Any views, any alternatives to consider? We have been looking at evoque’s in the £25k – £30k region, but could squeeze new if we get a decent PCP deal (£40+k) Jesus I can’t believe I’m even thinking of spending that much on a car.

I understand when people spend a lot of money on a car because it has a genuine functional benefit for them - a camper maybe or a 4x4 if you live somewhere it'll make sense even - but I'm baffled as to why you'd want to throw £30K at something because it's 'posh' or 'nice'.

I get there's a certain pleasure in owning something that's well made and flash or whatever, a 911 perhaps, but a bloated SUV?

I'd maybe ask yourself if you really can't think of anything better to do with that sort of money than spend it on a car. And by better, i kind of mean something that would bring you more pleasure. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but the very fact that you're saying you can't believe you're even thinking of spending that much on a car suggests that deep down you kind of know it's madness. Who's idea was it?

Why not just buy a perfectly good used car for £10K or so and keep the rest for something awesome like big travel, a mint Honda RC30 or whatever else floats your boat.

Or as geex would say, I bought the Aldi SUV for a fiver and it's every bit as good as other vehicles which have passed an MOT.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:55 am
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I'm a big fan of Volvo interiors so XC60 would get my vote (XC90 is huge), that said Volvo also don't do well in reliability surveys.
I wouldn't touch an old Evoque, lots of issues and with the new model coming in they'll probably depreciate a fair bit more. Then again I'd probably lease in your situation rather than PCP.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:55 am
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Wifey has been desperate for an Evoque!

I'd also consider replacing your wife 😉


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:56 am
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Just been through similar, started off wanting a posh SUV, ended up at the relatively budget end of the spectrum.

I think of all the 'posh' brands (eg, audi,bmw,volvo, land rover, range rover), you just pick the one you like the most and pay the price, they all seem much of a muchness. I had a bit of a no range rovers or land rovers rule though as I've heard anecdotal evidence of them being pretty poor for reliability over the medium/longer term (not an issue if you are PCP'ing new and only keeping for 3 years, but we were buying to keep for 10+ years).

Anyway, after starting with BMW's, audi, volvo, LR, RR etc, we decided it was far too much money for us, so we started moving down the price range, looking at VW,Skoda,Seat, Ford,Nissan,Honda.

Ended up with a 1 year old Ford Kuga - reasons were price, plentiful availability, decent spec etc etc. It seems fine, will do the job.

stating the obvious here - There's no doubt the BMW,audi ,RR,lR etc are better (better inside, better spec ), but you do pay for it .


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:59 am
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Alfa Stelvio


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:59 am
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Merc E Class All Terrain Estate.

[img] [/img]

Volvo V90 XC Estate.

[img] ?itok=hA3jtkmj[/img]

Luxurious but not crass.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:15 am
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We've had an Evoque (15 plate) from new and it's been faultless. It's done about 50k in that time and other than routine services it's never been back to Land Rover.

That said, it is rather style over substance. It's not very big inside, boot is tiny and the performance is nothing to write home about but if you like them (as my wife does) then why not? As mentioned, there is a new one coming out soon which carries over a few of design elements from the Velar so I'm sure there would be some deals to be done on old models.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:15 am
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There's not a huge choice of luxury SUVs but the X5 and Q5 are apparently up there for reliability (which is a bit of a surprise considering the general reliability of those brands).

Down market from there, the suggestion above are good. I'd add the Mazda CX-5 to the list as well. New version just out and has been well received.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:22 am
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I had an XC 60 for an extended test ( previous to the new model ) ..I will take on board all the positives other folks have written about them ..with the only negative I could find and that was the auto box was ****in awful ..I'm not sure if that has been improved any on the new model but it was enough to put me off ..
Why do you need an SUV ?
Have you considered an estate with 4 wheel drive capability ..?
You should be able to get a good deal on an A6 Allroad with the imminent arrival of the new model ( unveiling at the Geneva Motorshow ) ..but if it is an SUV you hanker for ..then a very good suggestion was made earlier in the thread in respect of the Kia Sportage ..which has every toy you can think of in terms of tech ..looks good and drives really well ..according to my mate who has one ..

Ps ..just to cloud the issue even more ..my daughter drives an Evoque 2.2 l diesel 4x4 ...and loves it !😎😁


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:24 am
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Porsche Macan? I've been in a couple & been impressed with the build quality over the Evoque I drove.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:26 am
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but I’m baffled as to why you’d want to throw £30K at something because it’s ‘posh’ or ‘nice’.

Same could be said for many things in life but the OP wants to do it so it isn't for others to judge.

TBF, by comparison to a top end bike, £30k on a car seems reasonable. £8,250 on a push-iron anyone?


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:26 am
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Wifey has been desperate for an Evoque!

I’d also consider replacing your wife

An unexpected but rather sporting offer from BWD there!


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:32 am
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Kuga, Qashqai and X-Trial are other options - not sure if the Kuga has many petrol's - like hens teeth - my brother and BIL have the ST Line and Titanium X models - plenty of kit in those. We have a first gen (facelift) Qashqai and it's a nice car to be in.

Top end models are all leather, heated seats etc. etc. Stay away from JRL, they aren't worth the premium for a 'worse quality' car.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:35 am
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If you are uswd to an old crv you will be very disappointed in space in many of the others. We’re runnng a mark 3 after the fantastic mark 2. The newest mark 4 is too car like and will struggle to take a bike upright.

My next suv, if the current crv ever dies, will be a hybrid, but it has to take the bike and trike inside (wheels on) that rules out the new crv hybrid as the roof is very low compared with the mighty mark 2.

Evoque will be too small if you are used to carrying stuff like a dog cage. Take a bike to each showroom. It’s what I did when choosing. If it doesn’t go in easily then it’s a non-starter.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:36 am
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Not “posh” but our Skoda Kodiaq has been great - plenty of space, easy to drive and a nice place to be on a long journey - Cardiff Skoda seem to have a few in stock ATM so maybe worth a look


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:43 am
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I saw a Bentayga with a towball bike rack at Seven Springs on Cannock Chase last Sunday. Not that nice looking and, according to my riding buddy, it's not as good as his Urus.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:49 am
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Chapeau @ johnners

😀


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:50 am
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Why the move to an SUV? I've been through that step and went back to an estate - it's more practical and offers a better driving experience and a few grand cheaper for a similar spec. Sure the different driving position means you can see over some stuff but when you're sat behind another SUV in traffic it doesn't make much difference.

But if it's an SUV you're after all I'll say is stay away from Mazda CX-5 diesels.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:50 am
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F- pace. Lovely.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:51 am
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but could squeeze new if we get a decent PCP deal (£40+k) Jesus I can’t believe I’m even thinking of spending that much on a car.

Well technically you're not spending that much on the car...you're paying an affordable monthly amount for the use of a £40k car. This is a far better situation I have wiht my camper, where I put £10k down (money i'll never see again), got a 7 year HP deal, but only intend to keep it for 4 or 5 years and sell and clear the finance. Hopefully i'll have a bit left over to put towards another vehicle. But in the meantime owndership of the vehicle means I have to pay for depreciation, servicing, MOT's and take the risk on anything going wrong with it and the potentially huge bills that may follow.

Nah...PCP/leasing is where it's at.

If you can stretch upto £40k then, and this is a personal thing, I like the Porsche Macan, which start at £40k. It's the only SUV i'd consider...it drives better than the competitoin and the interiors are very nice. Only problem is I think they're only available in petrol engine models...so unless you're a low mileage driver could be pricey on fuel. My dad test drove one recently and said it drove brilliantly -best of all the SUV's he drove. He didn't like the Range Rover Velar he test rode...suspension was a bit too wallowy and made him feel a bit sea sick...the salesman admitted that is feedback he gets quite alot from people who test drive Land and Range Rovers...it seems to be the cost of the more plush and comfy suspension setup, so not sure if the Evoke is the same. He didn't bother with an SUV in the end and went for an estate car.

BMW are re-vamping their X models this year I think. I quite like the X2 and a mate of mine had an X4, which was a nicer car than its sister X3, so the re-vamped model of those might be nice. I'm impressed with my wifes 1 series, nice interior, drives very well, so BMW's are now on our list which is something i'd never thought would happen.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:51 am
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LOL at BWD and johnners!

And yes, I get the "why spend so much". And I agree largely. We started off looking good at £10k motors, because why spend more, it's a tool. We've never had a "nice" car. My current Honda is the old HR-V, it doesnt even have an outside temp gauge it's that basic.

We are now in a position to have something a bit nicer, so why not, but it is largely driven by the one who wears the trousers. And fair play she dug herself out of shifty office jobs, went to uni in her late twenties, has worked her way up in her firm, and earns decent money, so why not have a nice motor? (I still think £10k but have lost the will and the battle)

SUV for the elevated driving position. The astra is quite low and where we drive on tural roads at night oncoming car lights make it difficult to see, so the higher position is desired.

We do go "offroad" from time to time, forest tracks, farm tracks etc so the extra clearance and awd will help.

And also being rural awd is required (I know those arguments too). If I get the car that she doesn't like then I will know about it every single day, and it's just not worth the fight 😀

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Keep em coming.

And gloat at my lack of manliness. Happy wife and all that 😎


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 10:27 am
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If everything Land Rover has crap reliability, does that mean Jaguars are the same?


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 10:29 am
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I do think you need to narrow down your options first - you are looking at XC60 or 90 / Q5 or Q7. They are very different cars (the latter from each manufacturer being much bigger). Don't go for the bigger car if you don't need it as they will cost more to buy, run and maintain.

I have the XC60 (old model) and love it - recently did a trip from Harrogate to Croydon (including driving right through the centre of London) in it and got out feeling fresh as a daisy - they are a very nice place to be. It does have the turning circle of an oil tanker though. I really fancy an XC90 next time round - mainly because it has a seven seat option and that would suit our circumstances.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 10:34 am
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The Skoda Karoq and Seat Ateca SUVs (basically the same car underneath) are great. If you want something bigger then Skoda do the Kodiaq and Seat have just released their equivalent too.

The Ateca Cupra looks great if you want performance.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 10:40 am
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Jags are as bad. One of the lads in our office has the Evoke, and it's in the garage every month - fortunately, we work a short walk from a dealers. He has the extended warranty on it.

The repairs haven't cost him, but the 'down time' must be incredibly frustrating. List of faults is massive, but electrics failing - whole systems going down, climate not working, parking sensors going off, cruise control wearing through two sets of pads (constantly braking), door handle fell off in Germany. The list goes on. He says he is on first name terms with the help line and garage now - he'll be expecting birthday cards.

You don't expect to be in a garage other than routine maintenance/MOT.

Plenty of better 'posh' options out there.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 10:40 am
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Toyota RAV4 ... I like it very much but which genius has redesigned it to look ugly for 2019?

In the far east we have rather similar version but is called Vanguard (long wheel base) as we consider them mini-Landcruiser. The V6 3.5 litre engine (if I can recall) is very powerful.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 10:51 am
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JLR - I remember thinking when I first saw the new one (the Velar) with those lovely retractible door handles 'how long until they start to fail'? And true enough - I must have noticed about ten cars with one random handle sticking out as the car is driving along.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 10:52 am
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You could get a very nice used Mercedes ML, which is a thoroughly spacious practical car and luxurious drive. Anything post 2006 avoids Mercedes unreliable period.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 10:56 am
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where we drive on tural roads at night oncoming car lights make it difficult to see, so the higher position is desired.

Sod the other standard height car drivers then!
Seriously though, I do know what you mean but the solution should be better regulation of lamps so the lights of taller vehicles don't blind others (XENON lights don't help either)


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 11:00 am
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Have a look at Lexus ux,nx,rx


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 11:06 am
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F-Pace's are a nice place to sit.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 11:12 am
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I had a Macan petrol courtesy car recently. Quite nice inside and drove OK - if you like SUV's (I don't) - in a comfy but not remotely sporty handling way. 2.0 petrol and a bit gutless for torque for something heavy like a SUV. Probably a diesel (Porsche don't sell new diesels any more) or a bigger petrol would have been better. Also had that big outside/small inside vibe. I'd probably go for a Kodiak since they seem nice inside (I've only ridden inside one) and a good size.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 11:17 am
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Have a look at Lexus ux,nx,rx

I posted a pic of my NX ^^

Beware, you can’t fit a tow bar on the NX (don’t know about the new UX or RX)

The hybrid ones at least...


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 11:21 am
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I do think the SUV trend doesn't add much functionality over a good estate. For example my move from Mitsubishi outlander to a golf estate yielded a bigger boot if you look at the figures! Driving experience is often better due to lower CoG - less roll plus less weight so can have softer springs/dampers. I will admit being up high is nice though.

Mean while MTB really is the new golf isn't it.....(eye roll)

I saw a Bentayga with a towball bike rack at Seven Springs on Cannock Chase last Sunday. Not that nice looking and, according to my riding buddy, it’s not as good as his Urus.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 11:23 am
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F-Pace’s are a nice place to sit

waiting for the recovery truck?


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 11:26 am
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I’ve just been though this and ended up with a Q5. I wanted a nice C class estate or similar, but Mrsbits put her foot down and as she drives it 95% if the time, my tastes didn’t come into it!
Looked at the range over, but the reliability put us off. Some nice mercs, the glc would have been fine but in the end, the pcp in a Q5 coupled to the fact it was white won the day!


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 11:32 am
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Just for balance, I've got a riding pal who's had two faultless Evokes and now has a Velar which hasn't broken yet. I had a Freelander 2 which did 135,000 miles and never missed a beat. Having said that though, I'd be a bit nervous if a JLR car was out of warranty, all these negative comments are bound to have an effect.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 11:34 am
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Mazda CX-5 Sport Nav?


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 11:39 am
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Throwing in a curve ball, what about a Hyundai Tuscon?

May not have the british/german/swedish poshness.

Macan would be nice

F-pace lovely but JLR reliability

Medium sized Merc SUV should be a very nice car but slight image problem tbh (and thats coming from a merc estate driver)

I like the E-class off road but I do think the V90 version is much nicer. The estates are more practical but I admit if you don't need the ultimate load space one of the medium sized SUVs can be quite nice with the high up position and not being quite so long as an E class or V90 (which are longer than most spaces).


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 11:45 am
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I wanted a nice C class estate or similar, but Mrsbits put her foot down and as she drives it 95% if the time, my tastes didn’t come into it!

Had a C220 diesel rental, was staggered by how efficient it was. Dirty diesel though.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 11:47 am
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Mazda CX-5 Sport Nav?

We've got one of last of the old model (registered March 2017). The new version is basically the same car with slightly better styling and an improved infotainment system.

I think ours is a great car, it handles so much better than it should for its size. It has bags of space front and back and we can comfortable fit a weeks luggage for 2 adults and 2 kids in the boot.

Spec is good with electric memory leather interior, LED headlights and BOSE sound. They appear quite expensive, but if you spec a VW Tiguan up with the equivalent kit, they look better value.

Mazda is far from a posh brand but the cabin feels premium. The big caveat is that nearly 2 years in to ownership and a few annoying rattles have started to creep in, clearly the quality of materials is not up to the standards of German premium marques. Maybe the new version has rectified this?

If money were no object, I'd probably for a Q5 or XC60 though.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 12:04 pm
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Stelvio?


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 12:05 pm
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Also, Merc aren’t giving any guaranteed future values out on PCP’s on the GLA/GLE diesel SUV’s..

I’d start checking other manufacturers PCP/GFV quotes on diesels..


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 12:28 pm
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Stelvio?

Good shout - a beautiful car.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 12:35 pm
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Yep Stelvio would be my choice - quite small looking externally I thought, in comparison to X3 sized ones.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 12:43 pm
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How about a seat? I’ve just ordered an Arona.

Interior is really nice and it’s surprising how much kit you get as standard.

They’re also doing 0% pcp for 4 years at the moment.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 12:58 pm
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Volvo XC40 prob as big inside as Evoque.

I’d have an XC40 over 60.

Mazda CX-5 lots of toys and nice but still not the same as a premium car.

I like BMW’s but not there X series


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 1:01 pm
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I understand when people spend a lot of money on a car because it has a genuine functional benefit for them – a camper maybe or a 4×4 if you live somewhere it’ll make sense even – but I’m baffled as to why you’d want to throw £30K at something because it’s ‘posh’ or ‘nice’.

Because you'd prefer to spend the next X years of your life driving in a car that offers comfort, significantly enhanced functionality compared to a £10K car, also enhances the driving experience and most likely is safer, faster and handles better.

Also maybe you'd like a warranty for 5 years... and not to have to worry about it having been in a crash, that didn't write-off the car therefore doesn't show on an HPI check, that has been repaired (perhaps badly)... etc etc.

Also, because you can?


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 1:13 pm
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As above, you need to work on your shortlist a bit before going shopping. An XC90 is a very different proposition to an Evoque - I think running costs could be almost double. Few mates and family members have ran X5s, RRs, etc. for years and some of the costs are eye-watering, especially tyres!

I'll come clean and say I'm very much in the anti-SUV camp.. especially the medium-small sized ones and especially especially the 2WD ones! For all those extra running costs what do you actually get? Smaller boot than a 'posher' estate, more body roll, poorer performance..

But, each to their own - my uncle got a new XC60 last year and it is a very nice place to be, it's still a big motor, bigger than Quashqai/Evoque/Q3 etc. but not as massive as a proper RR or XC90.

What about the Merc GLA45 AMG - should get a good one in your price range, banzai performance from the 360bhp four banger turbo, excellent brakes, autobox and it's a bit taller than the A45 and almost looks like an SUV if you squint a bit.. it's also quite posh in my view.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 1:21 pm
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GLA is not a bad shout (bar the residuals) if you just want the load space of one of these smaller SUVs or a conventional hatch which suits most people.

Comment above about the residuals I think especially applies to the GLE and my comments above about them not holding their value. But that does make used merc 4x4s good buys. Except for the G wagon which holds its value. Mercs have the best engines in my opinion but I am biased.

ctually it might be worth looking at the smaller GLC or GLC Coupe. The latter has the completely pointless SUV body but I do kind of like them and the BMW X6-M..which I hate to admit but they look fun without the bulk of a big estate back which I have on all my cars. Sometimes i think it would be nice to have a car where I can't carry all that crap in it and they look like a toy car.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 1:44 pm
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From out of nowhere.....


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 2:38 pm
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We've had a Kuga for ages - nice car, obviously not "luxury".

Bloke over the road has a Ford Edge - which is actually quite nice, if a bit big-looking.

All of the Fords come in a "Vignale" version which does bring up the luxury level a bit more but I think the Edge is over £40k, Kuga probably £35k


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 2:51 pm
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Evoque (note its not evoke) is actually quite a small suv, and the cheap ones are all 2wd and very slow - you can't buy something that looks like a rufty tufty off roader but only has 2wd-surely?

I liked the look of the f pace, but questionable reliability puts me off, same as land rover/range rover in that respect.

we bought an suv, but I'm definitely on the page of an estate car or even a large hatchback doing almost everything an suv can do but better, cheaper etc. It is quite nice being sat up high, but that's about the only benefit of an suv for driving on the road. I tried to convince her that an estate or hatch would be a better choice, but she wasn't having it, she wanted an suv and that was that.

She blames it on my roof mounted bike racks, she says they ruin the look of a hatch or estate, but they look OK on an suv,hence the rule was were having an suv or you never put the racks on my car again.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 3:05 pm
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you can’t buy something that looks like a rufty tufty off roader but only has 2wd-surely?

But some people buy them for the driving position, not to go all 'Club Off-Road Gripped'. In fact we got one just for that - my wife prefers the higher position. We did, though, go for the 4WD variant and it's proved invaluable over the last few winters (both in the current XC60 and our previous A6 Avant Quattro). The 2wd A6 we had before was abysmal in snow/ice.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 3:26 pm
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with the only negative I could find and that was the auto box was ****in awful ..I’m not sure if that has been improved any on the new model but it was enough to put me off ..

I had a V60 with the 6-speed Geartronic box, and you are right, it wasn't great. I now have a new-shape V60 with the 8-speed auto and it's a lot better. The new interior is also a step up from the old Ford era design, and build quality seems better too.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 3:42 pm
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The problems with 'roof racks' and a SUV is the ruddy height. That's why I still have a saloon, I can put a FS bike on the roof without needs for a step ladder.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 3:50 pm
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Our CRV has running boards for the four thule bike racks on the roof. Made life a lot easier. Even easier is the fact that road bikes and my recumbent and upright trikes will go inside the car when off to the races.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 3:57 pm
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What about the Hyundai Tucson?

A lot of SUV for the money. I know the H hasn't gained the gravitas of BMW etc. but so what.

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 4:44 pm
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The problems with ‘roof racks’ and a SUV is the ruddy height. That’s why I still have a saloon, I can put a FS bike on the roof without needs for a step ladder.

yep thats true, I bought one of these folding steps from b&Q for £6, it does the job well, and fold down flat , so takes up little space.

https://www.diy.com/departments/1-tread-plastic-step-stool-0-22m/1345854_BQ.prd?utm_source=google_cpc&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=PX_GSC_Tools_And_Hardware_+_Generic&ppc_type=shopping&ds_kids=92700029894063079&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-PjLu7OJ4AIVCZ3tCh3UyAdvEAQYASABEgL5J_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 4:57 pm
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Mazda CX-5 Sport Nav?

Do you need something that big?
We've just got a CX-3 Sport Nav.
Super car in every respect. Had 11 miles on clock so not new. Didn't worry me. Got it for less than £19k.
Arguably the best car I've ever had.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 5:20 pm
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And gloat at my lack of manliness. Happy wife and all that 😎

I'm guessing that's a no to my offer then? 😉

Meanwhile, to whoever it was who thought I was being judgemental, I mostly just picked up on the OP's own slight bafflement that he was considering spending that much money. Now that I've been rejected, I don't really care what he does. However, I would definitely rather spend the dosh on a 911 or similar 🙂


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 5:24 pm
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If you have a posh car itch that needs scratched have you considered just hiring one for the odd weekend here and there? You might quickly find that they are nice and all that but after a few days just another car then back to the £10k ideas board with £30k saved.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 5:37 pm
 DT78
Posts: 10064
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we have a sportage, like it a lot, but its not posh. Also finding its boot is quite small. family of 4 camping means roof box, the 8man inflatable tent pretty much fills the whole boot.

friend has a range rover sport. It been in for repairs 4 times in a year. We've had a low tyre pressure warning light come on, once in 2 years, pumping the tyre up sorted it.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 5:37 pm
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Some of the bigger SUVs are huge. The Q7 is the same size as my Renault Trafic - and a big chunk of that seems to be bonnet.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 6:15 pm
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next X years of your life driving in a car that offers comfort, significantly enhanced functionality compared to a £10K car, also enhances the driving experience and most likely is safer, faster and handles better.

Because of course my £8.5k V70 isn't comfy, fast, 5* crash rated or one of the finest estates money can buy...


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 6:46 pm
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Tell us more about this V70 of yours Matt, you so rarely mention it...


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 6:54 pm
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😎


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 6:59 pm
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We had 2 of the old XC90s, and now have an XC40 on PCP with all the toys. Space for 2 dogs in the back and roomy inside. If she likes the Evoque, then she will love the XC40, without attracting the hate.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 7:05 pm
Posts: 1641
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The new XC60 is quite nice. Huge car but the auto box isn't the best. Saying that, the more powerful engines versions make that a lot less of an issue. Q5s have hee haw space in the back. Better drive but that's a deal breaker for me in such a big car. I can't get over my BMW prejudice to even think about an X5. Mercs put stuff in weird places and that freaks me out; why can't they put their controls in the same place as everyone else? Finally, the F Pace. What a disappointing car. It drives like a 40 year old tractor. The interface is also 10 years out of date compared to it's competitors. Nice stitching on the leather but that's not enough to save it.

All in all, momentum spec XC60 for the win (the seats are more comfy than the r design or inscription spec models).


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 7:45 pm
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Just buy an RS6 and spend the same amount as your rental payments on monthly insurance and petrol. Should be able to source one with the 5ltr V10 easily enough


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:17 pm
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How about ePower? Kia e-Niro will be in budget new and will enable you to drive around within a huge cloud of smug superiority.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:33 pm
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Same could be said for many things in life but the OP wants to do it so it isn’t for others to judge

What kind of anti Stw devilry is this!

At our age, wafting and comfort is where it’s at. I had cause to be around a new XC60 today and cor blimey it looked nice. One of things the top marques are very good at is providing a satisfying ambience with low effort travelling (auto box, obvs). The only one I’ve not enjoyed was an Audi sq5 - it felt small an uncomfortable for what it was.


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:37 pm
 piha
Posts: 729
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I would be very very very very wary about buying any JLR product at the moment with my own hard earned dollars. PCP/Lease deals are going to reflect the resale value. Parting with your own cash could result in taking a big hit come resale time. Rumours abound regarding their future so if you are considering a dependable and solid warranty I might think again.

Given your preference and with the cash you have available I would be looking new Porsche Macan's or Volvo's. Both hold their value well and PCP/Lease type deals will reflect this. Both company's are probably looking to shift units too. Next on my list would be X5/X3,Q3,Q7 type things but can you really ignore the Korean manufacturers when its your own dollars you're spending?

Did I forget to mention to stay clear of JLR?


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 8:42 pm
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Infiniti FX/ qx70, loads of kit as standard, esp in s premium spec. Old diesels are a bit pricey on ved, better post 2013. Comfiest seats I've ever had in a car, not many around and you can get a real bargain second hand. Bose sound system is good 21 inch wheels look great. Proper quick with the 5.0 V8!


 
Posted : 25/01/2019 9:38 pm
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