Shifting circumstance

I have a Freelander TD4 HSE on a 55 registration and have been very pleased with it. Months ago I had an accident indoors, and as a result of this had my foot and ankle in a cast for six weeks. I have had physio for several weeks. The problem I now have with the car is that the clutch is quite hard and is causing great pain when I change gear. I may need to change cars and wonder what you would suggest as a replacement. I am a widow and my car needs are quite varied. My requirements are: four wheel drive as I live at the top of a hill plus space for two children's car seats for my 2 and 5 year old granddaughters onboard. Large boot needed for Great Dane.

Asked on 8 August 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

The latest Freelander II is available as a diesel automatic. So now is the Toyota RAV-4. But that is also available as a petrol Valvematic CVT auto with 4WD, which is actually lower emission and more economical than the diesel auto. The side hinged rear door leads to a low load deck ideal for the dog to jump into.

Tags: automatics buying diesels new cars 4x4s

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

Similar questions

Perturboed

I currently possess a BMW320D auto purchased from new in 2002, now has 86,000 miles and turbo replaced at 73,000. I am concerned other expensive repairs may be needed in future (e.g. autobox, common rail...

Auts and crosses

I currently drive a 51 Mondeo, which I am looking to replace with something of comparable size. I have a budget of about £15,000 all in and the new car needs to be an automatic. I expect to be doing a...

Buying a used MPV,Crossover,4x4. What would you recommend?

Can you please point me in the right direction? Looking to buy a 2-3 year old MPV, Crossover or 4x4. Preferably automatic and preferably disesel (chain drive?), but petrol considered. Reliability is important...