Reply to: Big car recommendations

[ladymuck]

The Torygraph has an article about SUV's under 5k if that's of any interest?

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/adv...s-volvo-honda/

[vwdan]

Not sure if the rear seats would quite fit the bill, though it's a wide car - I adored my Jag XF Estate (Sportbrake).

One of the best cars I've owned, fantastically comfy

[malvolio]

I was going to say, that's basically a half truck no? in London!?

Also, aren't all Rovers (land / range, whatever) fairly failure prone?

I agree. Brilliant cars but unreliable and utterly pointless in any big city.

[dsc]

The later Discovery 4s are great if you can find a good one.
HSE is a 7 seater. The 3.0L engine is sufficient (get it chipped anyway). Get all season tyres fitted (better still some A/T ones) for a go pretty much anywhere vehicle that's completely unsuited to London driving.

I was going to say, that's basically a half truck no? in London!?

Also, aren't all Rovers (land / range, whatever) fairly failure prone?

[NigelJK]

Jag XJ. Either X350 or last model. X350 with sensible mileage go for £6K. 4.2L V8 get around 30mpg in town, 35 on a jaunt.

[Paddy]

Indeed, be prepared to put £2k per month aside for repairs.

Not that bad but with any Merc Auto, when stopped, apply the parking brake first then engage park. If you put it in park first it will eventually jam the selector. The dealer will charge £1k to refit a £5 part 20 mins work.

[Zigenare]

now that is a lot of car for not a lot of money

Indeed, be prepared to put £2k per month aside for repairs.

[courtg9000]

now that is a lot of car for not a lot of money

The S500 is fast as f*** too

[Lance]

Mercedes S Class from 2003 are ULEZ complaint, from £6k

now that is a lot of car for not a lot of money

[Paddy]

No... not a parody thread.....

I'm just about to get slammed with the new ULEZ charge, and have given up on the idea of a small fun car to shuttle the boy back and forward across London to school. I want to replace my Ford Galaxy with something newer.

1) Must meet ULEZ restrictions
2) Must have at least 3 full size passenger seats in the back (I have 3 full size kids 16, 13 and 10).
3) Must have a decent engine. A fully loaded car with 5 passengers and luggage feels completely gutless with a 150bhp engine.

Any other recommended options beyond S-MAX and Galaxy?

Mercedes S Class from 2003 are ULEZ complaint, from £6k

[courtg9000]

Newer Galaxy probably a good move.
Discovery has been covered - good idea
Have a look at the Mercedes GLE/GLS series too
After that I think you might be into van territory Ford Torneo Custom/VW Transporter etc

[malvolio]

Future proof. Get a recent Lexus 350 hybrid. Equally two mates have the big Mitsubishi PHEV and both loves them.

Utterly pointless looking at diesels, they'll be taxed out of existence before much longer. Big petrol engines in London will do about 5 mpg in reality. At least a hybrid will save the charges and plug in EVs for your sort of driving won't use petrol anyway.

And you get to wear a big smug grin by being as green as your idiot mayor! (In fact greener, given he uses an armoured Range Rover...)

[Lance]

Land Rover Discovery 3.0D HSE Lux - if you can stretch to it go for a later model engine.

The later Discovery 4s are great if you can find a good one.
HSE is a 7 seater. The 3.0L engine is sufficient (get it chipped anyway). Get all season tyres fitted (better still some A/T ones) for a go pretty much anywhere vehicle that's completely unsuited to London driving.

[Zigenare]

Land Rover Discovery 3.0D HSE Lux - if you can stretch to it go for a later model engine.

[ladymuck]

ULEZ compliant is surprisingly easy to achieve. My 04 350z is compliant, for example.

One key thing you've omitted is your budget and whether you're selling / px'ing your Galaxy to help fund it.

Friend of mine swears by her Chelsea tractor (Range Rover) and has fitted in three boys in the back with no fuss.