I needed to swap my beloved Subaru for an auto (for the other half) and wanted a car that "could" tow a boat that would be knocking on 3.5 tonnes.

My company manufactures agricultural products, and sometimes I have to visit real farms, hence the need for a 4x4.

This car is a real 4x4 which is not always understood by reviewers. which means a locking centre diff and mud and snow tyres as delivered....its not a large estate car that sits high up that looks like a 4x4.

Off road it is unstoppable, and should I want to tow a boat up a slippery slip way its not going to cause a problem.

Money....It cost me well under 30K to buy a loaded ex demo example with all the toys and some, this included a tax disk/diesel and 3 years servicing.

economy....it has a 4 cylinder engine with an old school smooth auto box....I get 28 in town. 30 on a run (I don't drive like miss daisy) and have seen 33 driving like miss daisy. This is after 3000 miles so I think it will improve after 10,000 miles once the engine has loosened up.

That is an incredibly good number for a large heavy car.

The auto box is amazing. it learns how you drive and works in harmony.

seat comfort....in my opinion BETTER than my Volvo.

handling....once you've got used to the steering that turns slower than a normal car its perfectly ok, yes it rolls but it really grips, once you've got used to the steering it can be hustled along. really! It just needs a smooth driver.

ride....its firm with one man and a dog....but gets better the more weight that's carried.

Speed....off the mark its very brisk...and since it has a large engine...when you need the power it can really pick up its tails and fly. quite surprised to be honest.

The engine...yes it runs on diesel, and when its cold you can hear it...once its warm....its quiet and smooth but grunty...I only ever hear the engine when it is earning its living and the right foot is planted.

The stereo is lovely as is the sat nav...the sun roof is HUGE and this is a dog friendly car.

The voice operated blue tooth system works well, and is EASY to use...I didn't even bother with the book.

The climate control is adjustable in the rear AND in the boot, so the rear quarter lights open AND you can have cool air to keep the pooches happy.

The tax disk is £280 a year which is less than the other badges.

The best 4x4 Ive driven is a disco 4 but that would have cost double the price of the shotgun, and remember I earn my living from agriculture...land rovers are either amazing or a pain in the a***. £3000 bills are not unusual for a big service. Sadly they are not reliable.

The clever air suspension costs thousands when it packs up...£3K an axle at main s******s...

VW tuareg need a special fan to tow (really) and still eat prop shaft bearings....and most models do not have the centre diff lock.

Merc ML have other issues...

I was really in the market for a Toyota landcrusier Amazon. BUT...how much...and the new V8 variant has caused many people headaches.

So please ignore the comments about "wayward handling" and take one for a long test drive....these are reliable, rattle free cars with all the toys...and a sensible price tag.

I will update this in a year or so.

(After 2010 these were updated in terms of engine power/emissions/handling/kit)

What don't I like.

The stupid MPG computer that works out your last 4Hours MPG....this means the number on the screen is far less than it is actually doing. Please Mitsi can you make one that does an average of the current tank of liquid gold. (Like everyone else)

I brought this car from Unity in Peterborough whom I have used for ages. nice old fashioned garage that understands service.