The diesel Legacy has only come out in the last 4? years so there aren't and many good second hand deals.

Top Gear like it but they say the diesel is a bit gutless.

 

If you are going to use it to tow something, I would check the weight you need, and work backwards from there in terms of other features you want from the vehicle.

Depending on the boat and the trailer, some of the small 4x4s may not be heavy enough.

 

oddly like riding a motorbike;

You are up in the air & once you choose a line through a bend, you're committed to it.

It's all just a lot slower & a lot drier & warmer.

It's not actually not fun, though

 

I'd say a new shape Freelander if they get down to £10k

Or if you love the Audi brand then why not just find a quattro - do you really need / want the elevated driving height?

 

Rav4 or CRV

would be my choice.

or Freelander with free AA recovery included.

 

Him indoors has just bought a SWB Shogun. He was fed up with being unable to get the 123d out in the snow, or getting out and getting stuck. He wanted something with off road capability and decent ground clearance too (future proofing should horses move somewhere less accessible).

Shogun has good ground clearance, can run in RWD, 4WD on the road and then has low range 4WD settings too. So is a proper off road beastie. As a bonus she will tow up to 3 tonnes. It's got the latest diesel engine so claimed combined mpg is 34.4 - he was averaging around 30 mpg but car has only done 1,500 miles. And CO2 emissions are no longer in the £400+ VED band.

He's loving it - really surprising given cars he's had recently.

Had trouble finding a SWB one - so Freelander and Forester were next on list. I'd love a Landie sometime in the future.