Crossover/SUV time

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Jeeves

301 posts

Ultimate Geek

#249252 2-May-2019 16:46

First off - yes I know there is another similar recent thread :) But my requirements are different enough I feel to warrant its own thread.

With that said! Wife and I are for various reasons going to combine two cars into one, so we want something pretty decent. Here's the spec sheet:

Fulltime 4WD
Crossover or SUV as we will be driving ski field access roads regularly. I'd rather a station wagon really, but they'd bottom out on some of these roads.
Less than 10 years old
Less than 100k km
Not CVT (As we will be towing things)
Powerful - I absolutely do not want a sewing machine.
Diesel or Petrol, I don't mind (But see above).
Budget of $23-$25k

So far I've sort of whittled down to this list:

Subaru Outback (Ruled out cause CVT and manual's are basically non-existant)

VW Tiguan (Very plasticy)

Volvo XC60 T6 (Preferably R-Design)

Nissan X Trail (Bit underpowered with max HP of 170..and CVT)

The Volvo is the current front runner, but little worried about potential reliability and repair costs - esp as the nearest authorised dealer will be a few hundred km away (Sth island).

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1687 posts

Uber Geek

#2229562 2-May-2019 16:51

I don't like CVT transmissions as much as the next guy, but the new Subie CVTs are pretty nice really and apparently pretty reliable. The new legacy are rated to tow 1.8t with the CVT.

An Outback would be perfect for what you've described.

The Volvo will be absolutely lovely up until the point that it's not, then you'll be feeling very sorry as you limp to Archibalds with your tail between your legs and your wallet open.

VW - same as the volvo but a lot less lovely in the first instance.

Nissan - yuck.

Would a newer Pajero Sport be in your price range? Probably not, think the 2015 and newer and still around 35k. What about a Toyota Highlander?

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/toyota/auction-1948258195.htm?rsqid=110fc0de5c3c4873b77415be74b7eb40-001

ShinyChrome

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#2229567 2-May-2019 16:58

I would suggest a 2010 onwards Toyota Highlander would fit square in your requirements, such as this dude here. Find your nearest Toyota dealer and give one a sample.

Real thirsty on gas, but smooth, powerful, and reliable motor. Rides well for a bigger 4WD SUV. Good build quality, and parts are cheap and easily available in NZ. 7 seater, so room for ... activities!

alasta

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#2229568 2-May-2019 16:59

If you are buying second hand then I would suggest avoiding the European options.

Is there any reason you've ruled out the Tucson, Sportage or CX-5 diesels? None of these have a CVT transmission.

Jeeves

301 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2229575 2-May-2019 17:08

Highlander is a bit big for our liking - we're more favouring crossover sort of size.

Quick look at Tucsons - don't seem to be in our budget really.

Sportage - possible... pretty ugly, but will look into it a bit more.

CX5.. Might look into it more, bit first impressions are underwhelming.

Right, hometime - will check in tomorrow thanks everyone ;)

Dingbatt

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#2229621 2-May-2019 18:01

I get confused between Full Time 4WD and AWD. And then there’s On-Demand or Smart 4WD.
From what I can tell a lot of Soft-Roaders or Crossovers fall into the OD category. I’m thinking mainly of the Sportage, CX5, RAV4, Escape, etc. Okay for grass sports fields and ski field roads but shouldn’t be taken ‘Offroad’.
Nissan CVTs have a dire reputation, particularly if used for towing, and I would be careful with ones at the older end of your age range.
Isn’t the Subaru Outback All Wheel Drive?

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kiwiace

54 posts

Master Geek

#2229672 2-May-2019 19:08

Sportage here. Pretty sure it's almost identical to the Tuscon mechanically (or was in 2010).

Ours was about 27k brand new in 2010 (end of a line), and hasn't really missed a beat since. It seemed a better deal than a second hand Mazda 6 or something.

But it's 2WD and definitely a 'sewing machine'. Haven't driven the more powerful or 4WD versions.

I looked and the cheaper of the 4wd is only 43k sticker though, so demonstrators seem to get near your price range

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/kia/auction-1714095366.htm?rsqid=ea47411653d6415cbd3bfa698e61fc2f-002

ShinyChrome

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#2229684 2-May-2019 19:31

Dingbatt: I get confused between Full Time 4WD and AWD. And then there’s On-Demand or Smart 4WD.
From what I can tell a lot of Soft-Roaders or Crossovers fall into the OD category. I’m thinking mainly of the Sportage, CX5, RAV4, Escape, etc. Okay for grass sports fields and ski field roads but shouldn’t be taken ‘Offroad’.
Nissan CVTs have a dire reputation, particularly if used for towing, and I would be careful with ones at the older end of your age range.
Isn’t the Subaru Outback All Wheel Drive?

As I am sure you probably had guessed, a lot of it is marketing talk. Awd and 4wd are the same thing really, but people sometimes use them to describe different types :

Full-time = all wheels, all the time.
Part-time = 2WD with user selectable 4WD, usually stuff not designed to be driven 4wd all the time or on road, like utes etc
On demand = part-time, but a computer decides when to it is required to maximise handling. Usually on road/soft road vehicles.

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scuwp

3885 posts

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#2229725 2-May-2019 20:01

Diesel AWD Kia Sportage. Also make a 2.4L petrol, but the diesel is far superior. Should be able to find one a couple of years old in that price range.

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ratsun81

508 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2229925 3-May-2019 08:50

Im a fan of skodas but most are out of your price range. There is this on trademe at the moment.

The Yeti is not everyones cup of tea looks wise but having driven one as a loan car i was quite impressed with it since i normally hate SUV/Crossovers.

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/skoda/auction-2041645854.htm?rsqid=b2a0c847a502477cb4c19e92cde7ba04-003

shk292

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#2229932 3-May-2019 08:58

Skoda Octavia Scout or VW Passat Alltrack - slightly-raised wagons rather than a SUV so a better driving experience. The 140kW ones go quite well

Jeeves

301 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2229964 3-May-2019 09:45

shk292:

Skoda Octavia Scout or VW Passat Alltrack - slightly-raised wagons rather than a SUV so a better driving experience. The 140kW ones go quite well

This is what I came here for - these two were not even remotely on our radar - but the Scout could very well be on the list.

Had a look at the Kia - might squeak on to our shortlist, but I think they could be a bit under powered. Also not sure if it will pass the WAF.

trig42

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#2229969 3-May-2019 09:51

The diesel Kia has plenty of torque, and enough power to do everything I need it to (no issues passing on Open Road, or going over the Napier Taupo).

I wouldn't get the 2L petrol, 2.4 might be OK though.

Edit: Oh, and we got ours - MY2019 ex-demo for $32k - 1200k on clock.

Senecio

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#2229976 3-May-2019 09:57

Your list of requirements lists Full time 4WD. Everything you've listed except the Subarus are some form of On Demand 4WD. However you shouldn't be too concerned about this as the current generation of Haldex systems are very good, particularly for vehicles that are driven in 2WD for 99% of their driving. They are also very capable these days. I've taken my Skoda Yeti into and out of places that people with more serious off-roaders would shy away from. It has never skipped a beat.

shk292

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#2230007 3-May-2019 10:19

Jeeves:

This is what I came here for - these two were not even remotely on our radar - but the Scout could very well be on the list.

Had a look at the Kia - might squeak on to our shortlist, but I think they could be a bit under powered. Also not sure if it will pass the WAF.

I test-drove a 140kW Passat alltrack which was very good allround but didn't quite have the performance I was after. Ended up with the R-line version which has the 4WD but not the raised suspension, so depends where your priorities are. The Octavia is slightly smaller but still a good family car, and can be better value than VWs

Handsomedan

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#2230067 3-May-2019 11:51

Being a Volvo owner I'd recommend the XC60 or if you can find one, a good late model XC70.

I have an earlier XC70 Cross Country and it's absolutely brilliant.

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