Need Advice For A Second Car.
07-19-2004, 04:37 AM
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Need Advice For A Second Car.
My wife is opting out of her company car scheme and is keen to get a 4x4 since we hope to get a couple of dogs later this year. We originally were going to get the new SLK but she doesn't reckon that she will have the roof down a lot because the drive means she needs to put a hat on to get to work looking decent and because of security fears while she is alone in the car.
She won't really be going off-road in the new car so we are thinking about the HRV or CRV but the jazz is not an option. But I am also looking at the Rav4, the civic and the new seat. She doesn't like any BMW models or a saloon car of any type.
So those who own one of these cars what are your views?
What I want from her car is saftey first, space for dogs and decent motoway speed. So out of all the cars mentioned which ones are worth a test drive?
She won't really be going off-road in the new car so we are thinking about the HRV or CRV but the jazz is not an option. But I am also looking at the Rav4, the civic and the new seat. She doesn't like any BMW models or a saloon car of any type.
So those who own one of these cars what are your views?
What I want from her car is saftey first, space for dogs and decent motoway speed. So out of all the cars mentioned which ones are worth a test drive?
07-19-2004, 04:49 AM
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My Dad has a RAV4 D1-D, and I have to say it's one of the most impressive cars I've ever driven because it's totally different from what you expect from a 4X4.
5 door = loads of room - rear seats easily lift out (I have just moved flat using it!).
T diesel engine very punchy, flexible, surprising turn of speed.
Astonishing fuel consumption - my Dad regularly gets 45mpg on mixed runs (its so good he almost thought the computer was faulty until he did a manual calc).
Handles totally unlike a 4X4 - actually quite good fun to punt around the twisties, great grip on corners, although obviously rolls a bit more than a hot hatch.
Snow? - foot to the floor standing start take offs on hard packed snow is a great party trick. You can drive on snow pretty much the same as you can on tarmac, albeit with a much longer stopping distance.
Very low loading at the rear - great for my folks 3 dogs.
Excellent tyre wear - at 36k miles, the car is on it's original rear tyres, and has only just had new fronts.
Very good residuals - (pretty scarce), but make sure you get decent spec - my Dad always regrets not upgrading the steel wheels when he bought it.
Finally, ultra reliable Toyota, helpful dealer.
"rust on your steel wheels sir? no problem, we'll fit a new set under warranty". Car only ever in the garage for servicing, and its done 36k from new.
5 door = loads of room - rear seats easily lift out (I have just moved flat using it!).
T diesel engine very punchy, flexible, surprising turn of speed.
Astonishing fuel consumption - my Dad regularly gets 45mpg on mixed runs (its so good he almost thought the computer was faulty until he did a manual calc).
Handles totally unlike a 4X4 - actually quite good fun to punt around the twisties, great grip on corners, although obviously rolls a bit more than a hot hatch.
Snow? - foot to the floor standing start take offs on hard packed snow is a great party trick. You can drive on snow pretty much the same as you can on tarmac, albeit with a much longer stopping distance.
Very low loading at the rear - great for my folks 3 dogs.
Excellent tyre wear - at 36k miles, the car is on it's original rear tyres, and has only just had new fronts.
Very good residuals - (pretty scarce), but make sure you get decent spec - my Dad always regrets not upgrading the steel wheels when he bought it.
Finally, ultra reliable Toyota, helpful dealer.
"rust on your steel wheels sir? no problem, we'll fit a new set under warranty". Car only ever in the garage for servicing, and its done 36k from new.
07-19-2004, 05:02 AM
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Toyotas are let down by their cheap interiors. Other than that RAV's are fine. The CRV is like it has a V6 under the bonnet, but it is just a I-VTECH, very nice and has a good quality interior with loads of room. I borrowed one from the dealer to take my Hardtop box home and was mightly impressed.
Don't buy a Freelander, they are tiring to drive (my g/friend has one) If not go all out and by an old shape Range Rover for
Don't buy a Freelander, they are tiring to drive (my g/friend has one) If not go all out and by an old shape Range Rover for
07-19-2004, 05:39 AM
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Thanks Euan for the very informative and detailed info.
Gazzer, I can't consider the 540 since she thinks they are 'orrible! I agree with you about the freelander.
StevenM: can you explain a bit more on that please?
Gazzer, I can't consider the 540 since she thinks they are 'orrible! I agree with you about the freelander.
StevenM: can you explain a bit more on that please?
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07-19-2004, 07:59 AM
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I had a Subaru Forrester Turbo as a courtesey car when I had the Impreza. Absolutely huge and great for dogs, and handled like the Impreza, great fun 
and worth a test drive at least (even if you aren't going to buy one 
). You'll be amazed at how a big car can handle so well.
and worth a test drive at least (even if you aren't going to buy one ). You'll be amazed at how a big car can handle so well.
07-19-2004, 08:18 AM
#9
[QUOTE=Gazzer,Jul 19 2004, 01:02 PM] Toyotas are let down by their cheap interiors. Other than that RAV's are fine. The CRV is like it has a V6 under the bonnet, but it is just a I-VTECH, very nice and has a good quality interior with loads of room. I borrowed one from the dealer to take my Hardtop box home and was mightly impressed.
Don't buy a Freelander, they are tiring to drive (my g/friend has one) If not go all out and by an old shape Range Rover for
Don't buy a Freelander, they are tiring to drive (my g/friend has one) If not go all out and by an old shape Range Rover for
07-19-2004, 08:19 AM
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I had an HR-V before my S. Not a bad little car. Nippy enough (i had the Vtech 3 door) Good on the twistes. Crap offroad. And it's quite small inside. If ur thinking off having kids or got them then u cant put a baby seat in the front (passanger seat that is). And the other bad thing was my dogs badly scratched the plastic in the boot and the back bumper lip.