Suggestions for a daily replacement

[Oversize]

I need to replace my AU FG V8 as she’s sadly past her prime & fulfilled her tour of duty.

Requirements:

Budget under $20k,
Reliable,
Not too costly to run or maintain (tyres & fuel),
Large enough to tow a 8x5 trailer,
Space for tool boxes & car parts,
Not too low to the ground for access,
Quickish,
Don’t want to be a Grand Theft Auto target,
Must cope with being outside a bit,
I don’t want a truck to park or a Ute.

Head says:

Ford Territory,
VW Touareg V6 petrol,
Porsche Cayenne V6/V8.

Heart says VW R36 wagon or Porsche Cayenne TT V8!!!

Known issues with any of these? Anything recommended or to avoid at all costs? Money pits?

 

[Michel]

You know Mercedes well, why mess with costly Porsches and VW?
A decent GL would do everything you want.

 

[BenzBoy]

There are some really nice Cayennes around at reasonable price but unless you find one that has full Prsche service history the repair costs can be eye-watering. The same applies to Benz ML and GL models. The diesel versions often need the O rings replaced between the oil cooler (which is water cooled) and the turbo charger. That requires at least 2 days of work but the parts are less than $200 and it needs to be done about every 10 years.
The real issue with any of these models is having access to the electronic equipment to diagnose issues and to flash the memory to the latest operating system. If you do have access, then diagnosis and remedy is not a problem.
Regards,
Brian

 

[c107]

I would avoid the VW, I have a friend with a similar model which needed pistons and rings due to a mfg fault and multiple trans repairs. He was lucky as the original owner VW paid some years after warranty.

Porsche would be expensive too.

If you want European maybe a w210 e430?

in reality for a reliable cost effective daily can’t go past a Toyota!

 

[Patrick_R]

I’d be looking for a low k Holden wagon , VE or VF, Vy or possibly V8 in that budget.

Unfortunately, any exotic higher k European for that budget would be fraught with danger.

Unless a lowish k, looked after diesel ML like Brian has just found.

 

[c107]

Holden wagon is a good idea.

 

[Michel]

I still think a GL… or an ML if you don’t want to spend big money.

 

[Oversize]

I’ve decided on a Ford Territory Titanium 2WD for the following reasons:

I prefer Ford’s manufacturing techniques,
I6 ease of repair,
Easy access to get in/out,
Parts availability,
Parts prices,
Tyre prices,
Fuel economy,
91 RON compatibility,
Space,
Roof strength,
Ergonomics,
Enough bells without too many,
Less chance of theft,
Suited to the harsh Aussie environment,
Towing ability.

I could just imagine the pain trying to source turbo parts for a Cayenne or a transmission for a VW!! Much easier for a common Ford.

Note that my heart would prefer a turbo version or FPV F6X but my head says no!

I think the choice for the following car will be even harder since most of the good stuff will be long gone & only the fragile imports will remain....

 

[Oversize]

I do like the GL but it’s more of a truck & harder to park. Diesel prices are still very high compared to petrol. Seems the reduction in gov excise didn’t apply to diesel?? And it appears like Europe are moving away from diesels in passenger vehicles so their future is a little uncertain? Plus I’ve heard some horror stories about repair bills for diesel engines. And of course there’s picking up that smelly, greasy diesel pump......

 

[Oversize]

Oh plus it’s probably much easier to install a Kenwood head unit with Apple CarPlay in a Territory than most of the European vehicles...

 

[Michel]

Oh plus it’s probably much easier to install a Kenwood head unit with Apple CarPlay in a Territory than most of the European vehicles...

Same cost… the unit, plus a kit for $100 or so.
I have a Kenwood in my CLK430 and in the R230 SL

 

[Styria]

I would have chosen an Isuzu MU/X - Japanese made, bullet proof 6 cylinder Diesel Truck engine - from snippets that I have heard, out in the scrub the only ones to get, AND one sees in numbers, , are the Toyotas and Isuzus. Personally, just about most things from Volkswagen is fraught with danger, and Porsche spare parts prices are mouth and eye watering. There is also the Mercedes GL model that takes a caning on the internet. If in doubt, ask Scotty ! - Sorry boys, I know you guys don't like him.

A close family member owns a ten year old (approx.) Ford Ghia Turbo Territory - much to my surprise, that's been a fantastic and ultra reliable car. According to the owner, the brakes still haven't been touched after about 130K. kms - not sure if he is telling fibs, but I will concede that the car has regular maintenance and oil changes, irrespective of, every six months. Perhaps that is the answer if one is looking for reliability. Regards Styria

N.B. It's the procedure that I follow with the Honda Jazz and my Holden Captiva. It is now up to 216K. kms, and the engine is still super quiet. The little Honda is up to 110K. kms, and in nine years not a single item has failed. Again, every six months - religiously.

 

[Styria]

I have just looked at second hand prices for the Isuzu on Car Sales - my God, the figures are quite mind boggling. I am still shaking my head. Regards Styria

 

[Patrick_R]

You are spot on Styria.
I bought a one owner manual Mazda 2 for my eldest great niece 2 years ago, and it cost $3700 with 120k on the clock.
I can’t find one now that is half decent for under $5500.
Used car prices are just eye watering.

 

[Oversize]

I finally bought a new(er) car a few weeks ago now. Not perfect & need of a little TLC. Most finishes & surfaces are rather delicateso you have to treat them well.

Late 2012 Ford Territory Titanium petrol 2WD. Strangely no GPS fitted but has factory DVD & other bells. So many cup holders & storage areas. Very adaptable with a tow bar & I’ll buy a roof rack if I see a need. Best part is there lots of spare parts available since many were made, unlike a rare & exotic Euro car.

Initial fuel consumption figures are heavy at around 11.7L/100km or bw 500-700kms to a tank of 91RON, depending on metro or hwy driving & heavy/light right foot. The AWDs must’ve been worse. Turbos nasty & equal to a V8 in consumption. FPV FGX must’ve been epic with equally epic consumption & a reason why they were discontinued early.

First leather clean & treatment was a fail so I’ll have another go. Cut n polish yet to be done with paint correction & touch ups.

Just sold the old AU for $2k with 534000km on the clock.

 

[Oversize]

Very similar colour to the old girl (Maroon) this one is called ‘Vanish’ (code VN). Perhaps a slightly lighter shade of navy blue (my fav colour). Currently sitting at the Avalon International Airshow waiting for the fun to begin....

I’m hoping the Gliptone range will give a better finish than Autoglym, which initially made the leather seats look amazing & well hydrated, but drier than before treatment the following day!

 

[Patrick_R]

I finally bought a new(er) car a few weeks ago now. Not perfect & need of a little TLC. Most finishes & surfaces are rather delicateso you have to treat them well.

Late 2012 Ford Territory Titanium petrol 2WD. Strangely no GPS fitted but has factory DVD & other bells. So many cup holders & storage areas. Very adaptable with a tow bar & I’ll buy a roof rack if I see a need. Best part is there lots of spare parts available since many were made, unlike a rare & exotic Euro car.

Initial fuel consumption figures are heavy at around 11.7L/100km or bw 500-700kms to a tank of 91RON, depending on metro or hwy driving & heavy/light right foot. The AWDs must’ve been worse. Turbos nasty & equal to a V8 in consumption. FPV FGX must’ve been epic with equally epic consumption & a reason why they were discontinued early.

First leather clean & treatment was a fail so I’ll have another go. Cut n polish yet to be done with paint correction & touch ups.

Just sold the old AU for $2k with 534000km on the clock.
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A beautiful car for $2k.
Terrific buy for the new owner.

 

[Patrick_R]

That’s a terrific looking territory mate.
Bloody good SUV.
Can’t go wrong with this.

 

[c107]

After the terrific service of your AU, I can see why you would go with something built on a similar platform. Enjoying the new car so far?

 

[Oversize]

Yes I really like it but I’m still not a fan of the way it handles. It gets very unsettled over bumps & cornering is very upright. Speed humps at low speed are harsh even after I discovered the tyre pressure on one front tyre was about 40PSI. I’d like to think I could upgrade the struts for improvement but the new BMW X5 isn’t much better. Must be a SUV vs sedan thing....