• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    No nonsense and unpretentious. Well equipped to get the job done.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    No idea!

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes athough more modern versions are more sophisticated and consequently more expensive.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Possibly a Kia Sorento, which would be cheaper to run and we could get away with running it as our only car rather than two as at present (our other car is a VW Passat estate).

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £6,000

    When did you buy the car?

    February 2006

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    A fair deal for the age and condition of the car.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    For towing a horsebox trailer.

    What was the dealer like?

    Down to earth and friendly but firm.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Very reassuring, if a bit "woolly" if you want to change direction quickly.

    What's it like to park?

    No worse than most others I drive/have driven. Although it is large, it is "square" and relatively easy to see all its corners. Its height also give you added visibility.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Yes Valve train problem requiring remachining of cylinder head. Fuel tank corrosion/leak requiring tank replacement. Most suspension and steering parts have required replacement over the last four years.

    What's most practical about your car?

    It's a workhorse - in dirty clothes and boots you get into it and can go virtually anywhere; since we live in the country that means narrow lanes, farm tracks, and sometimes fields etc.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Selectable four wheel drive and low ratio gearbox mean it can get you out of almost any difficult situation, even when towing a trailer with two horses.