Help needed - Buying a Small 4wd/SUV

[JAV6]

Hi to all,

I have been put in charge of purchasing a Small 4X4/SUV for my younger sister who is a school teacher being posted in the outback. This has causes considerable stress as I need to make sure its the right one to suit her needs and not be a big headache in 12 months down the track.

I need to make sure it's fuel economic and also needs to be "not to Boxxy shape" as she words it. So I thought i would ask fellow swaggers for their opinions and most importantly their experiences with smaller 4wds/SUV. I don't want this to be a Nissan Vs Toyota thread but more of an informative one as I am trying to gather as much info as possible.

Budget is $20K to $25K. I was originally looking at Rav4, Honda CR-V, and Mitsubishi Outlander. There are so many out there I am getting confused. Not sure about cost of parts for these veichles and also if there have been any issues in the past.  I also came across Mazda CX-7 probably the best looking one of all but the turbo makes me think that insurance will be dearer since she is 24yrs old.

She wont be doing 4wding as such but will be visiting a lot of properties and a bit of clearance will be needed. This is why she has gone off the Mazda 3 idea.

All info will be much appreciated and open to all suggestions.

 s

[Wandering Tassie]

I would put Subaru on your short list.

Trevor

[TheOtherLeft]

I would put Subaru on your short list.

Trevor

2nd that

[D4D]

Vitara

[Estelle]

I remember reading an article about the Mazda CX-7 and its poor fuel economy. The CX-9 is bettter, but price not as nice.

[bobnrob]

On our list was the Outlander, then Rav & something else - can't remember.
Weren't ready yet, but 2 wks ago, spotted an X-Trail...& bought it

Subaru was on our inital list, but dropped it because of on-going cost I think, things like services, parts etc. Don't throw rocks at me, they a decent car...just dearer 

Jav6, just keep in mind, any/all small 4x4 SUV aren't really 4x4's in the normal sense. They will go some places a 2wd won't, but are limited against a decent 4x4 track.

[dno]

One of my customers has a CX7 and it's a pig on fuel. Read somewhere a lota  Honda's and Rav's suffer from stone damage to the driveline.

[JAV6]

OK CX-7 Off the list... Subaru although a fantastic veichle, I have been told they are expensive to repair and parts might be an issue were she is going. Also I don't think she likes the shape much.

We have been looking at Vitaras and they are definetley in the list. My personal Choice was the Pathfinder as I am a nissan Man but as she says to "boxxy".

All the info is appreciated Thanks!!

[bullfrog]

I would also have a good look at a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Good, solid little jigger.

[Jason B]

From personal experience I would look at an x-trail. I am a Toyota man through and through so it pains me to tell you this. I bought an x-trail Turbo Diesel for work (I travel the roads from Bourke to Willcania) not expecting it to be real capable or to last to long (it was as far as the budget would stretch) but it has proven awesome. It is comfortable, economical (7.8lt per 100 driven hard), the traction control and awd system works great in the slippery black soil and it has towed my 1.5t KK with out issue.

The biggest issue you will have is getting over the boxy looking issue because......................well it looks like a box.


Regards

Jas

[sablesoft]

I would also have a good look at a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Good, solid little jigger.

X2

Ray

[Crosslander]

X2

Ray

Yep that was going to be my 2c worth.....

so x3

[morgue]

I like the Suzuki, Vitara diesel, but the big draw back is the Dealer / spare parts situation with Suzuki..in regional areas,all the SUV's are pretty much the same, high ride hight, various engines averaging 8ltrs to 10ltrs per 100km depending on engine and drive train combination.
The biggest deal breaker will be the dealer network and after sales service. Being young, she will have a small knowledge of mechanics, need a vehicle that can be easily repaired and capable of getting spare parts quickly...simple...google toyota dealers Australia locations...

[Doug.b]

I would also have a good look at a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Good, solid little jigger.

x3 I have gv and they are great 4wd and it the only small suv that has high and low lock like the other 4wds

[Black Diamond]

x3 I have gv and they are great 4wd and it the only small suv that has high and low lock like the other 4wds

And a great looking car at that 

Suzuki's are legendary for their reliability as well which above all is most important in the outback

[Crosslander]

x3 I have gv and they are great 4wd and it the only small suv that has high and low lock like the other 4wds

we are up to x4  

[gazza66]

I wouldnt buy the Outlander for one reason, the spare tyre is a space saver tyre. ARE THEY SERIOUS!!

[Matto]

we are up to x4  

Make that x5 - another vote for the Grand Vitara. Friends of ours have the Prestige version with leather, etc, and it's a wonderfully comfy car. As the others have said, they are built tough enough for offroad work should she need it.

I'd also second the Xtrail, especially now you can get the TDI motor in them. My boss has had one of the first gen ones since new, and loves it to death. I'd like one as a second, round-town car, they're just a useful shape.

Good luck finding a non-boxy car though - You could always buy our little impreza and put a 2" lift under it if you'd rather go rally-style!

Thanks!
Matto

[Redback]

I like the Suzuki, Vitara diesel, but the big draw back is the Dealer / spare parts situation with Suzuki..in regional areas,all the SUV's are pretty much the same, high ride hight, various engines averaging 8ltrs to 10ltrs per 100km depending on engine and drive train combination.
The biggest deal breaker will be the dealer network and after sales service. Being young, she will have a small knowledge of mechanics, need a vehicle that can be easily repaired and capable of getting spare parts quickly...simple...google toyota dealers Australia locations...

Getting parts for any vehicle is hard these days, gone are the off the shelf bits and pieces, if a mechanic can't fix multipal makes of vehicles, then he ain't much of a mechanic and if your a rural mechanic and you blame the vehicals modern electrics that's a cop out, you should learn, because all modern vehicls have them, should be no excuses these days.

X6 for the Vitara by the way.

Baz.

[davidy61]

X 7 for the Grand Vitara.  We have a 2010 3.2 V6 White Auto Prestige and love it.  It's been lifted 2" with bash plates under it.  Tows our CT easily.  Gets about 13l/100kms around the city and down to 10l/100kms on the open road.

[schmik]

x8.   My wife has a 2008.   Great little car. Great fun to drive and pretty well built.

Just tell her to get a 4 door. The 3 doors are pretty short and the tiny wheelbase can make them a bit unstable. ''


mike

[JAV6]

Looks like Vitara are at the top of the List.
We test drove a Jimni today, although very small I like them. 3 link susension /coil springs. 1.3l ,7.1l  per 100km + all the warranty re assurance.. Top model all for $25K
They are a fraction to small so we are going to give them a miss. On the look for a Vitara now, maybe 3-4 years old for under 25K. Will go car shopping on the weekend. Hopefully find something soon

Thanks for the opinions fellas.

[POD]

I certainly think the GV is the go. One other to look at - Mitsu Challenger. VERY capable off road, comfortable AND, can lay the seats down and sleep in the back. I have done so in my Bro's Challenger and was very comfortable. I think this is a big plus if she wants to go "camping" or to a B&S or rodeo or something similar and be safe. Just a consideration.

[campergirl]

I dont know absolutely nothing about cars  but  have a Holden Captiva as a personal car, currently a Mazda CX6 for a work car and before the Mazda a Suburu Forrester.  I loved the Suburu Forrester, it took me 14,000kms from Gunnedah to Menindee Lakes, Coober Pedy up to Darwin, Mt Isa, Kurumba and back down through Central QLD via Iffley Station towing a Customline CT, it was an absolute workhorse.  I had it for a couple of years and replaced nothing but the tyres and had it serviced.  The Mazda is nice and it looks good, but isnt very big across the back seat, not sure about fuel consumption because its a company car I dont take that much notice of how much it takes.  Also love my Captiva, its got clearance, I havent had any trouble with it, it tows really well and am relunctly selling it as it is being used far too much by boys who have their P's.

[Estelle]

The StupidRoo has been around for a fair while. Seems to be an OK wagon. Not for us, but...