Which 4x4 for good fuel economy, reliability and space?

We are considering purchasing a 4x4 for our growing family but are not sure of the best option. Our budget is £16,000 and we are considering the Land Rover Discovery, Volkswagen Touareg, and the BMW X5. We need reliability, space and diesel to return some economy.

Asked on 9 September 2010 by Stu771

Answered by Honest John
A Disco 2.7TDV6 is not very economical at maybe 25mpg, but it has the virtue of seven seats. You will get a much newer low spec one for £16,000 than a high spec HSE, that sell for as much as £6000 more. Touaregs are less reliable and more expensive to fix. X5s are a bit old hat now, but the diesel is chain cam and can give 25 - 30mph if you are very light footed.
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