New Car Opinions please

[MudRat]

Right, two choices,

CRV, 06/56 plate, 2,2d executive (top of the range etc) approx 11k, 270 quid per month for 3/4 years, full ownership after that time.

Or

Freelander ES (one below the HSE) approx 290 quid per month over 3 years, they agree a fixed buyback, say 8k after 3 years, if at the end of three years its worth 9k, i get 1k back or if its worth less i just hand the car over and walk away.

Not sure what to do?

[V8MoneyPit]

The CRV won't break down.... the Freelander.... well, it's a Land Rover  ;) :lol:

But these buy back deals are quite good in the current climate. The chances are the vehicle value will plummet like a stone which *might* make the walk away option worthwhile.

[ChrisV8]

CRV is horrible Freebie will break down !!!

Go get a Jeep !!! My Patriot willl do everything those do has VW reliability and you can get reet cheap deals, I pay less than that for a new one !!!!

A mates daughter just got an 08 plate with 8k on the clock for £11K.

[robert francis]

sorry i wouldnt buy either, if i had that money id buy 1 of those nissans or hi lux twin cab things or a landcruser they more reliable and hold money better, but then i wont have the money unless i win the lottery, spend to much on my discovery its a love hate thing with my landy lol

[carbore]

I was lookign at that sector and unless you need any real off road ability (then its the freelander) a X3 is the best. Much better boot space, interior space, ride, economy, Low C02 and feels v.qucik on the road. I was very dismissive of the X3 as a wannbe X5 until at the request of the misses, took one for a test drive. Purchase price is high but likely to depreciate less than the rest of that group.

Genrall "soft roaders" are falling out of favour due to the BBC, gordon Brown Tax and the fact that no one really needed one to take the kids to school (well maybe a few of us) so the market is saturated.

Cant stand the look of the current CRV so out of the two id go Freelander (assume its a F2) HoweverFreelander has very poor economy and C02 so check how much road tax you would pay (which also affects resale)

However I agree that pickups are worth a look. if the pickup can carry +1ton then its commercial and you only pay £180 road tax regardless of if you are a busines or private owner. The New Nirvara is v.nice indeed and very well specced in top models holds its value well (currently) new L200 is nice but load area is reduced in favour of rear passengers.

Odler models then L200 is good and you can pick your price form about 3k to 9k depending on Spec and Miles.   

We are going for an older L200 unelss I pursade the misses to sell her S2000 which looks like a barn find and has not turned a wheel for a year!

[MudRat]

Thanks for the opinions, not considered the jeep option, pick ups are too big for the missus to drive, will look at the nissan x trail as well. the buy back option looks good, but not sure what to do?

[carbore]

My concern about buy back is you said "IF its worth"  buy back is graet if they guarantee the pice in advacne, but if not they just guarantee to byu it back a "market rate" (e.g low trade rate) you could be looking at a loss/difference to pay, especially as you can pretty much guarantee all 4x4 prices will drop fater than the general car market for issues already mentioned.

That said if you can stand the running costs Disco3's are good value for money when you think how much they cost new and how much a 3yr old one is worth now. And 3 yr old Range Rovers even better!!!! (till they go wrong)

[MudRat]

My concern about buy back is you said "IF its worth"  buy back is graet if they guarantee the pice in advacne, but if not they just guarantee to byu it back a "market rate" (e.g low trade rate) you could be looking at a loss/difference to pay, especially as you can pretty much guarantee all 4x4 prices will drop fater than the general car market for issues already mentioned.

They guarantee the buyback price, they wont lose on it, but it means that you can have a nicer car for the same money, but you dont have the collateral at the end to then use against a new car.

Just looked at the x trail which are a good price and the jeeps look excellent value.

[V8MoneyPit]

If we ever sold our Freelander, we would take a look at the baby Jeep. I think it looks good, is likely to have adequate off road ability for our use, would tow fine and is great value.

[ChrisV8]

I bought the Jeep mainly because of the poor treatment from the sales pillock at the LR Dealer, arrogant git basically told me if i sold my PT Bruiser he would sell me a new Freelander 2 with no discount etc.  :roll: :roll: [-X [-X

That was back in March this year, the Jeep Dealer by contrast gave me a good trade in, low finance and instant delivery, a mate got a Freebie 2 at the same time, his has been back for numerous repairs, only gets 27mpg but he is tied to three years useage. Mine has been back for service only, has got 42mpg all the while and does everything I need, including getting over Wrynose and Hardknott passes last week when all around were turning back because of the ice etc.

Don't discount them they have as much pedigree as LR, the 4wd system is well proven and I for one will probably be going back on the basis of this one.

[MudRat]

how good is the patriot compared to the x trail? ratings say the engine is a bit rough and the interior bland? i will try them both this weekend, there are doubts over the x trail turbos.

[discowoman]

the buy back schemes are a bit of a con really, you pay for a vehicle for 3 years - and then IF you want it at the end - you pay a hefty wedge on top of what you have already paid..and as for guarenteed value - check what they reckon it'll be worth and then price one up..
I'd be tempted by one of the foreign brands, as they are usualy as compentant 'off' road - and because they arent seen as a 'proper' 4x4 are usually cheaper and better spec'd..The Hyundai's now have a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty so could be a god buy.

[ChrisV8]

how good is the patriot compared to the x trail? ratings say the engine is a bit rough and the interior bland? i will try them both this weekend, there are doubts over the x trail turbos.

In my opinion it compares OK, a neighbour had an X trail and had no end of bother, cam chains, turbo etc, he now drives a Mini Clubman !! The interior plastics are probably not quite as good as some but they clean up OK when the dogs been in, the engine is typically VW a bit gruff but it pulls like a train with exceptional fuel economy. I have done 12k in mine since April and have had nothing go wrong at all !!!

[LiftedDisco]

Lee

Come and have a mooch round Niki's Freelander 2 - she reckons it's the best thing she's ever had.

Let me know when and I'll get the kettle on...

Rob

[landroverkeith]

if the offer a tea still stand if i just wanna a brew? lol

[LiftedDisco]

But of course...  :D

[ChrisV8]

Lee

Come and have a mooch round Niki's Freelander 2 - she reckons it's the best thing she's ever had.

Rob

What's the fuel consumption, my mate struggles to get 30mpg out of his  :roll:

[LiftedDisco]

Low 30's for sure, so some way adrift from LR's promised consumption...

... however, she does have two speeds.... stationary and as fast as it damn well goes!

Added to this, we have children who think that leaving for school before a) the bell has gone or b) Mummy's late for work is just sissy and when not tearing around at panel warping speed, she's towing a horse trailer or has it loaded to the roof with shavings and other such stuff...

[Range Rover Blues]

Heart says LR,
Head says the CRV is better.

therfore I'd buy something else, I just don't like the CRV and I've heard they depreciate like a stone.

[MudRat]

Thanks for all the advice, service at Nissan, ford  and Honda dealers was cr*p. no interest etc, so went to a huyandai garage, excellent customer service and new shape Tucson, 2.2cdti full leather, cruise etc, easily as good as the Ford Kuga, just over 10k for a 57 plate. Rude not to take it at that price, 4 years left on the warranty as well. also i am 6'3 and the missus is 5' so we can both drive it.

[ChrisV8]

 :D :D Great stuff, shows if you shop around there are bargains, but what's all the drivel about Car Dealers being in trouble, the sales staff just aren't bothered in some places so I am glad someone lese did what I did and walked out, I heard a tale yesterday of a certain LR Dealer hasn't sold a thing since the New Year :-# :-#

[3laner]

i've heard some pretty good opinions of the hyundai including a game keeper who runs one on mud terrians!

[MudRat]

thansk, the hyundais get good write ups, some of dealers are awful, spent 20 mins on the phone to the sales manager of honda today moaning about his staff, hopefully a couple of them should have a b*ll*cking today, serves them right for the poor attitude.