buying a decent sized 4x4 with good economy

We have three young children who require car seats. We live up a farm track, so need a decent off roader and we also drive a daily 30 mile commute to schools.

Fuel economy is vital, as is a decent boot. we have looked at the Suzuki XL7, Nissan X-Trail, Land Rover Freelander and Chevrolet Captiva LTX.

Our budget is £9-10k , what do you think?

Asked on 14 March 2011 by anji

Answered by Honest John
Captivas have terrible ride and handling but reasonable room for 7. Same goes for a Grand Vitara XL7, and a Terrano II 7 seater. Don't think you'll get a Santa Fe 7 seater within budget. X-Trail and Freelander are 5 seaters.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
I am struggling to find a vehicle (used or new) that meets my following simple requirements: 4x4, can fit an adult and two child seats in the back, good boot space, affordable (less than £20,000) and has...
My wife and I have just had twins and our 2003 Honda Civic is now not big enough for us. We'd like to be able to carry 3 adults and the twins but there is not room for an adult in the back of our car with...
My daughter bought a 2006 Mazda 3 (manual, petrol) from a Mazda dealer last year for £7k just after her first baby arrived. It's a very nice car and is fitted with EU-approved child-seat brackets. All...
Related models
Well equipped as standard. Seats seven reasonably comfortably. Quiet when cruising. Decent diesel engine. Improved facelifted model from 2011.
Bigger than original Freelander. 2.2-litre belt cam diesel. Incredibly good off-road. Robust interior. More fuel efficient 2WD model from 2011 with no rear diff to fail.
Excellent drive on tarmac and very competent off road, large boot, plenty of standard equipment.
 

Ask Honest John

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 10% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ10 to save on an ALA policy

See offer