Which compact SUV to buy?

[XR Martin]

Current Xtrail is garbage, we've got a few at work and the quality is woeful. Theres ones with 20k kms on it and it rattles more than my EL with 15x the kms :

I reckon the Jeep Compass would be worth a look, its a rebaged Outlander but you can get a Diesel. Economy is 6.5L/100kms so nothing comes close in comparison.
Diesel Santa Fe would be a good choice too

[SpoolMan]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

I reckon the Jeep Compass would be worth a look, its a rebaged Outlander but you can get a Diesel. Economy is 6.5L/100kms so nothing comes close in comparison.

From Car Advice website: caradvice.com.au

"It's our most complained about brand," Alborz Fallah of the website caradvice.com.au said. He claimed he received more complaints about Jeeps than any other make, but the complaints did not stay on the website for long.

"From what our readers tell us, once Jeep finally actually agree to fix the car, they tell the customer they have to contact us and get us to remove the complaint as part of the deal to actually fix the car," Mr Fallah said.

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by SpoolMan

From Car Advice website: caradvice.com.au

"It's our most complained about brand," Alborz Fallah of the website caradvice.com.au said. He claimed he received more complaints about Jeeps than any other make, but the complaints did not stay on the website for long.

"From what our readers tell us, once Jeep finally actually agree to fix the car, they tell the customer they have to contact us and get us to remove the complaint as part of the deal to actually fix the car," Mr Fallah said.

You must of missed the part where i said its a rebadged Outlander.

Its also rebaged as a Peugeot and Citroen in Europe.

The Diesel is also a Volkswagon unit.

[SpoolMan]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

You must of missed the part where i said its a rebadged Outlander.

Its also rebaged as a Peugeot and Citroen in Europe.

No I didn't regardless of who makes it, it cops the most flack with feedback through caradvice.com.au...
Or the SUV with the jeep badge cops the most trouble with complaints with dealers not wanting to fix the problems.

The other car companies must be happy to fix it before the customer complains.

[charles_wif_xf]

I wouldn't pick any one of those "SUV's". They are all wannabe 4WD's. If you are in the market for something small and don't have an actual need for all four wheels to be powered, then get a Focus or an Astra. The half assed 4WD systems in them will get you into serious strife if you decide to punt one of those monstrosities through the sort of terrain real 4WD's (Landcruisers, Patrol's and the like) eat up for brekkie.

Unless it has a gear driven transfer case and selectable 2WD/4WD with low and high range, then it ain't worth a frogs ar$e in my book.

[AU-MUSTD]

Originally Posted by charles_wif_xf

I wouldn't pick any one of those "SUV's". They are all wannabe 4WD's. If you are in the market for something small and don't have an actual need for all four wheels to be powered, then get a Focus or an Astra. The half assed 4WD systems in them will get you into serious strife if you decide to punt one of those monstrosities through the sort of terrain real 4WD's (Landcruisers, Patrol's and the like) eat up for brekkie.

Unless it has a gear driven transfer case and selectable 2WD/4WD with low and high range, then it ain't worth a frogs ar$e in my book.

This aint hard core 4wd.com buddy and no one's claiming there suv's can go rock hopping over mountain's. What's your point of posting in regards to suv buying???? You wont get 7 seats or a pram with decent luggage space in a focus.
Plus my captiva has been everywere my brothers "hardcore"pathfinder has so these "soft roaders" arnt all bad for what they are intended.

[JBomb3000]

Originally Posted by SpoolMan

Has anyone looked at the Nissan new Xtrail 2.5L there was one thing that let this car down having the speedo in the centre of the dash instead of directly in front of you makes it hard to look at.
I am surprised its allowed to be there to me its not safe, it turned us off the the car all together.
I have been told they do this so they can use the same dash board on the left hand drive Country's.

That the old model, the new model has the dash back where it should be
http://www.4wdcentral.com.au/xtrailnews.htm

[Twinpiston]

Also have a look at the Dodge Nitro, awsome exterior and interior plus has a diesel option.

CX-7 = thirsty machine, TT gets better economy than that and it is a 2.3T v's 4.0T

[pb02]

Out of the list I picked the Outlander. I'm looking at changing my pursuit for a Triton, during one of my many visits to a Mitsubishi dealer I had a chance to really look through it. As someone else mentioned, it was packed with features. I thought it was very well laid out and comfortable. I haven't taken a test drive but that would be the difference with me. Narrow it down to three or four and take them all out on test drives.

[SpoolMan]

Originally Posted by JBomb3000

That the old model, the new model has the dash back where it should be

The model with the dash in the centre is the current 2007 model that's on sale in Australia atm.
We did test drive it.
Scroll half way down, nissan website.
http://www.nissan.com.au/xtrail/interior.asp

[paulie0735]

If your actually serious about a purchase than test drive the Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel.

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by charles_wif_xf

I wouldn't pick any one of those "SUV's". They are all wannabe 4WD's. If you are in the market for something small and don't have an actual need for all four wheels to be powered, then get a Focus or an Astra. The half assed 4WD systems in them will get you into serious strife if you decide to punt one of those monstrosities through the sort of terrain real 4WD's (Landcruisers, Patrol's and the like) eat up for brekkie.

Unless it has a gear driven transfer case and selectable 2WD/4WD with low and high range, then it ain't worth a frogs ar$e in my book.

You are absolutely correct. That's why the 2WD Territory is such a big seller - because sensible people don't want "pretend" offroad gear in a car that's essentially for onroad use.

Originally Posted by au3 chaser

Rav4's roll to easy. Not just my opinion, but NRMA's, and experience from 3 mates who rolled theirs (well, one of them was their parents car). I don't see why the Territory is too big... Half of these cars (listed) are the same size...

That was the previous model RAV. Toyota got to work on it after litigation and bad press in US for rollovers. The current model didn't perform too badly in the Wheels WASP test. Just poor design, cramped front seat space.

As a rough guide you should also look at the NRMA's vehicle operating cost figures. The weekly cost under this guide of operating a RWD Territory TX is $234.44. A number of small SUVs (including several RAV models) actually have a higher operating cost than this.
http://www.mynrma.com.au/cps/rde/xch...768EC-26DE47E5

[Eaturbo]

When i drove the CX 7 it was averaging 9l per 100 at 100. I think that the fuel consumption issue has been blown out a bit. The car tests might say 17per100 average but keep in mind that the car would be a low km demo not run in, and it would be driven fairly hard. At 100 its only doing 2000rpm with is 6 spd auto.

[paulie0735]

Originally Posted by new2ford

- because sensible people don't want "pretend" offroad gear in a car that's essentially for onroad use.

........and exactly when did AWD become the exclusive right of off-road vehicles????? : BTW would you please explain to me where the 'pretend' offroad gear is, I must have missed something on the spec sheet!

Oh and for the record, mine is EXACTLY what I need and suits my intended purpose perfectly.

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by paulie0735

........and exactly when did AWD become the exclusive right of off-road vehicles????? : BTW would you please explain to me where the 'pretend' offroad gear is, I must have missed something on the spec sheet!

Oh and for the record, mine is EXACTLY what I need and suits my intended purpose perfectly.

1. Was I talking about AWD? No I wasn't.
2. Pretend in the sense explained by charles_wif_xf. They don't have the full range of gear for offroad work. A bit dangerous because all the marketing hype leads those with less knowledge to believe they can do the same work. Some years ago a lady took her RAV4 into the WA desert, nearly perished when the car failed and had to be rescued - she thought.....

Full time AWD is excellent of course. Ford had this to say when the Territory came out (Wheels Territory booklet): "on demand systems which only switch from 2WD to 4WD when the need is perceived. Some of these are so ineffectual they're almost useless. The Territory's AWD system, in contrast, in truly full time."

What would I do without you to question my every move paulie
:

[paulie0735]

Originally Posted by new2ford

What would I do without you to question my every move paulie
:

LOL, well if ya gunna say it........ than ya gotta be prepared to back ya self up my learned friend.

Your eagerness to agree with this rubbish did surprise me though.

Originally Posted by charles_wif_xf

I wouldn't pick any one of those "SUV's". They are all wannabe 4WD's. If you are in the market for something small and don't have an actual need for all four wheels to be powered, then get a Focus or an Astra. The half assed 4WD systems in them will get you into serious strife if you decide to punt one of those monstrosities through the sort of terrain real 4WD's (Landcruisers, Patrol's and the like) eat up for brekkie.

Unless it has a gear driven transfer case and selectable 2WD/4WD with low and high range, then it ain't worth a frogs ar$e in my book.

I don't know anybody who thinks they have a genuine off road vehicle in the shape of cross over SUV. People often talk about the case of the inexperienced person getting themselves into trouble with a SUV by attempting to take it where it wasn’t designed to go, but I don’t accept for one second that for every fool in a soft-roader there is at least one in a 4WD. Fools are born and bred, it has nothing to do with the cars they drive!!!!!!!!

[stupa]

Personally I wouldnt bother with any of the toys on that list, if you want small go look at a defender or discovery, rag top wranglers are nice but the ones Ive driven have shocking body roll. other than that go for a patrol or landcruiser. dont bother with anything with a 4cl or a small 6 as they are generally underpowered.

'SUV's' are a soccer mums car. 4wd's get dirty

[naddis01]

Just saw a pic of the next gen kluger on carpoint. :

Same goes for the Rav4, CRV and next gen Xtrail.

[Tles]

If you are after a reasonable level of allround ability including offroad then consider the Freelander2 - pricey but good and comparable to X3
Jeep Patriot when it arrives will offer similar allterrain ability
Wrangler Unlimited is a good left field choice or the new Nissan Xtrail

We have had 2 V6 and 2 2.3XLT Escapes and they are good. Territory is not as big as you would initially think and certainly doesn't steer like it.

[JBomb3000]

Originally Posted by SpoolMan

The model with the dash in the centre is the current 2007 model that's on sale in Australia atm.
We did test drive it.
Scroll half way down, nissan website.
http://www.nissan.com.au/xtrail/interior.asp

I know it's the one still currently being sold what i'm saying is it's only a few months away from being superseded by the model in my link.

[SpoolMan]

Originally Posted by JBomb3000

I know it's the one still currently being sold what i'm saying is it's only a few months away from being superseded by the model in my link.

Ok Thanks :
Its a move in the right direction, Nissan were offering some really good incentives it would have been the best value deal and the X trial drove very well, but the dash killed the whole SUV.

[meg]

Cant go past a toyota Kluger, they have good power from the V6's they have reliability and resale over most on the list, they are comfortable even with 7 adults on board and they look good. Would love to drive the rav 4 v6 when it comes out but feel it is still too small to be practical as a 4X4 soft road vehicle.

[uranium_death]

I chose the Mitsubishi because they make good 4WDs and have a decent track record. It may not be as fancy or comfortable as the CX7, but it will do the job well.

My friend's old Pajero (owned since '87 and still doing well...and it has been used offroad a hell of a lot.) is a testament to that.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by perrys

"Which compact SUV to buy?"Just wanna hear some opinions/stories from you guys (if you like SUVs). Im interested in "powerful" ones only...

I would NEVER buy an SUV.

SUV is an American word (like RIDE...ugh!) we live in OZ and call them, amongst other names, 4WD's!!

[outback_ute]

Originally Posted by Twinpiston

Also have a look at the Dodge Nitro, awsome exterior and interior plus has a diesel option.

Saw one of these on the road the other day, they are tall but very narrow bodied in between the wheel arch flares, I don't think the room inside would be very good

[chevypower]

Land Rover Freelander 2

[Quicklier]

Where's the Forester XT?
0-100 in 6.0 seconds

['63Deluxe]

I went for the Suzuki Grand Vitara V6 - Not the most powerful motor but it does the job and gets good fuel economy.

It has a descent low range(1:1.9) not just a token underdrive(1:1.2 subaru). So it is good for the occasional punt off road.

It all really comes down to how you want to use it - I looked at all sensible options last year and came up with the vehilce that suited my needs and my budget.

[JBomb3000]

Originally Posted by Quicklier

Where's the Forester XT?
0-100 in 6.0 seconds

I had a look at one yesterday when i was test driving a 3.0R Outback. Well built with excellent fit and finish but pretty trashy inside compared to the outback, not as classy outside either IMO. Only advantage to the Forester is the XT is a bit quicker than a 3.0R Outback.

[It'sTheVibe]

We've had a V6 Tribute for nearly 5 years, and it's been faultless. Too bad every Mazda dealer/service centre I've dealt has been so disappointing.

For a family with 2 young kids, it's been ideal. The access to the rear for baby seats and especially capsules is so much easier than our BA XR. Also, I'm 6'3", and have plenty of room.

The 3litre V6 is torquey enough, but the auto transmission would benefit from another gear or shorter ratios. (It pulls about 1900RPM @ 100kmh). It's 4wd system has been more than enough for our uses (snow trips, unsealed roads, etc) and that's what we expected when we bought it.

Took a CX7 for an extended test drive (was considering a trade), and it was both impressive and a disappointment. The interior was certainly a generation ahead of the Tribute, but not quite as functional. The engine had a lot more top end but you had to use it too. I think the Tribute would be quicker to 50kmh. And it was a lot thirstier - filled it back up when I returned it and it had averaged 16.2l/100km.

Hired a (non-turbo) Forester for a week in Melbourne, and it felt very ordinary. I'm sure the XT would be vastly more enjoyable.

Mum has a CRV, and it's been faultless too. The 4cylinder struggles though, although the gearbox matches the engine better than the Tribute's. Similar interior space, but the CRV is a lot darker and feels more claustrophobic.

Dad traded a Magna on a Kluger just a few months ago. He wasn't specifically looking for that type of vehicle but found it the most comfortable (my height but more rotund), best handling and responsive. Also, the Toyota dealer he dealt with was the most courteous out of about 5 he visited. With the current prices, they're great value for money, and personally I think they look better than the new model due in a few months.

I know a Territory is another size up, but it's really not that much more real estate than a Kluger or Tribute, and is also a lot of metal for the money.
You might also consider the KIA Sorento. From memory they hold their value better than any other Korean import, and now come with a 196kw 3.8l V6.

The other SUVs you mentioned I've never driven so won't pretend to know more than any actual owner's opinion or road test.