The Xten is kicking on a bit mileage wise and starting to cost a few £60s every month, so after so much deliberation and more test drives than I can count I pick up a brand new car tomorrow.
Based on my recent car history and the cars I test drove, what do you think I went for in the end ? (answer tomorrow with some pics when I pick it up in the forecast torrential rain and sleet !)
Audi S4 avant
Freelander 2014 2.2 HSE
Discovery 4
Forester 2.0 D
Forester 2.0 xt
Levorg 1.6gt with Sti splitter etc etc
Outback 2.0d Premium
Outback 2.5 Premium
WRX Sti
Obviously the freelander isn't made now so I'll count an older unregistered one as new for the purpose of this
Some really good choices of cars to test. The Disco 4 is something I've been considering recently, so whether or not that's it, I'd be interested in your opinion and what factors swung it for you.
I'm going to discount the S4 and Levorg on the basis of ground clearance (I'm sure you've mentioned taking the Foz on some rough tracks).
Xten is coming up for 74k Gareth, spent a fortune making it right after initial hesitation issues and stiffening things up a bit, so will be genuinely sad to see it go.
My FSTi is shortly to reach 77k. I always swore I'd sell before it got into the 70s, but I've just got too much of a soft spot for it.
There are a few signs of age now, particularly the suspension. It's still okay, but definitely not as good as it was, so I'll have to look into my options for a refresh in the spring.
Next year could end up being expensive as its cambelt, new summer tyres and whatever the suspension needs. I'm in that dilemma that I guess you had... spend the money and hope you're set for a few years or pass it on to a new and enthusiastic owner to enjoy and give something else a go.
An uneducated guess..........XT. If you have opted for a L.R, I sincerely hope it's a good one, my brother in law has a 4 year old one and it's been a monster where reliability is concerned, he kept it as part of his retirement package.
His previous Disco had ( wait of it)..... 21k of warranty work in 3 years.
I've had several discoveries, the worst by far was a disco 2 td5. Major issues every time you turned the key. They are great vehicles when working though, just make sure you need all its ability...
As for the rest of your lost I'm not sure. 2012 wrx sti would be my choice but I'm wondering if it maybe an Outback you've gone for?
The Disco Sport was only available in my price range (set myself. £32k limit and was determined to stick within it) nearly a year old with the 2.2 engine which is awful for the car. The new 2.0 which replaced it 6 months ago is excellent though. I also wanted high spec and HSE was coming in around 40-42k new.
I completely agree about 74k being just run in and I'm certain that gearbox and engine would go on easily for another 100k, but rattles are now evident, small rust spots appearing here and there, stiffening ip front and rear ARB seems to be putting stress on all other suspension bits and it's staring to tell. I'm replacing drop links on an all too regular basis (even uprated and mounts), and the car is generally starting to feel a bit loose suspension wise. It was in at SW motorsport every month getting things replaced or adjusted as it gets quite a hard time from me.
Shredded A/C belts, a few electrical gremlins with wing mirrors moving themselves, pads and discs needed for Forthcomjng MOT and yet more rattles...!
Stiffening things up sends rattles through the whole car on my local Scottish roads and it was simply time to go for something newwith many toys.
I know getting somethings new costs a lot more than frequent repairs but I'm simply getting bored fixing things constantly and driving around with new things rattling daily
I can completely understand your point of view Si.
I have yet to find the right replacement, but I know that day must be close now. I've set my budget a bit lower than you, owing to needing some cash for work in our house, but even still you can get some very interesting metal for your money.
All that being said, I'm contemplating stretching the budget for a RS Focus once some more rigorous test information is available!
I actually bought the 2.0d outback last Saturday and then woke in a sweat at the thought of a 9.9 sec 0-60 diesel on Sunday morning and went to the garage and changed the paperwork to the XT.
Early impressions.......awesome through today's snow and floods. Seats lack support but we'll see how we get on.
Keep you all updated and looking forward to it loosening up soon.
I thought that you'd end up with the XT. Just couldn't see the others quite being right. If it hadn't been a ground clearance issue I'd have guessed Levorg.
Look forward to seeing some more pictures and hearing how you get on.
Excellent... ! Not bad for an uneducated guess on my part. I drove an XT around the off road course at Lowther Park and was blown away by it's capability. Enjoy !
No eyesight on the Foz......would have lost the sunglasses holder and I couldn't have that ......but I tried it on the outback premium and it brought it to a complete stop.
Nice motor Si. Looking forward to updates and what direction you go... Standard or mapped etc?
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