Daughter is looking to buy first car soon and wants something off road capable as she goes tramping and does other outdoor activities. She wants a Suzuki escudo probably because it's the only off roader she has been in. Pros cons and other recommendations please for reliable but cheapish options? Thanks
tony9,
Jan 17, 10:12pm
She needs a Range Rover like mine (P38), it will take you anywhere.
A recent survey found that 80% of older Ranger Rovers are still on the road.
The other 20% made it home OK.
_peas,
Jan 17, 10:22pm
Pro. you've already found the best option for her. Check the cargo area under the carpet for rust. pretty common for most that I saw coming through compliance.
franc123,
Jan 17, 10:29pm
Pretty difficult to beat the Escudo, its best to look at either 1600 or 2000cc 4 cyl petrol versions, avoid the V6 and don't go near any of the diesels. Whatever you decide on get a thorough prepurchase check done, if there was any vehicle that you need to be certain that it hasn't been abused in the past, its these.
johotech,
Jan 17, 10:30pm
Usually towed behind a Landcruiser!
lesleyd3,
Jan 17, 10:37pm
So you are pro escudo?
slarty45,
Jan 17, 11:06pm
they are a "reliable but cheapish option" and she likes them
i have a 4 yr old vitara that i call teflon cos it doesn`t get stuck (yet)
golfdiver,
Jan 18, 2:04am
Short wheel base Pajero's came out tops in a 4wd test conducted a few years ago
mack77,
Jan 18, 2:35am
Unfortunately the Suzuki Escudo has a dreadfully low safety rating (in the lowest group possible) as you can see from the "2014 Used Car Safety Ratings" for Australia and NZ. I wouldn't even let my dog travel in one.
mack77,
Jan 18, 3:26am
The cheapest safe and most reliable vehicles that I could recommend for you daughter would be: 1997 to 2001 Honda CRV AWD and then 1997 to 2002 Subaru Forester AWD. Both of these will take you into the "second most safe" rating group which is a hell of lot better than being in the lowest group (commonly referred to as suicide vehicles).
lesleyd3,
Jan 18, 5:01pm
Thanks for your suggestions. A bit more research to be done I think
ceebee2,
Aug 4, 1:50am
+1
And the Escudos have issues with cylinder head problems due to exhaust manifold blockages.
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