Hello, we are in the market for a vehicle that will mostly be used as a daily driver in northern europe (sweden) where the fuel is more than $7 per gallon. (yep.....)
1. The vehicle will be for my mother, she is not comfortable using a manual transmission, so automatic is a must.
2. We always buy Japanese so that is preferred, but other recommendations are welcomed, so long as they are reliable long term.
3. Due to the absurd taxes on fuel here, diesel efficiency is a must.
4. 4WD is preferred, I understand it is better than AWD? (Do not understand the difference at a scientific level). We live in the countryside and do not currently own a vehicle which is 4 wheel drive, and we would like to change that.
5. Should be able to pull a travel trailer in on mountainous roads occasionally. If I was going to be driving the vehicle, I would obviously get a manual transmission, not only for pulling the trailer, but reliability's sake, but my mother will be the primary driver of this vehicle, so we need it to be automatic. Trailer will weigh 3000 pounds (1400 KG) or so.
We intend to buy a used car, which is perhaps 5 years old, maybe a little less. Budget is $23,000 USD.
We have looked at subarus but I watch scottys channel and he claims their automatic transmissions lack long term reliability.
American pickup trucks are very expensive here due to the government taxing them with some sort of extra tax, unfortunately, so that is probably not an option.
We would like to keep it for at least 10 years, without any major-repairs, such as the engine/transmission. (repairs are also very expensive in sweden).
I am capable of doing minor repairs myself, new serp belts, alternators, starter, etc, but engine/transmission is far beyond my ability.
Thank you in advance for your time and I look forward to reading your responses.
I don’t know if you have them available in your country. A diesel Toyota Land Cruiser may fit the bill. Or a Toyota 4Runner or fortuner, but I’m not sure if these come in diesel.
My first thought was a 4runner as well, and I know they make the Hi Lux Surf in Diesel, at least up to 2009. The original poster mentioned around 5 years old, for the amount he has to spend, a landcruiser will surely be out, maybe even a 4runner. Would you consider a good older one, maybe 10-12 years old? Also, what will the 4wd, awd be used for? Some terrain is better for one or the other. What about considering a bit older 4runner? Perhaps a Landcruiser Prado 120 with diesel, but again likely would have to go a bit older.
I personally would consider older ones. Assuming they check out.
I would go buy straight ahead - Skoda Octavia Scout 2.0 tdi 4x4 and just deactivate start/stop system immediately. If you prefer big SUV than Skoda Kodiaq would be second option. Tons of extras and far from being expensive cars. Very good reliability, comfort and economy.
VW tiguan if you want someting a little bit more premium and little bit more expensive.
Japanese usually have CVT automatic transmissions, they are no good for anything you need and you only love those japanese until you really need to service them.
Also I don't know if you alredy tried the difference between Japanese and European like skoda, VW etc.. the comfort and clever solutions are just on another level with europeans. I got mazda 6 2.5 petrol myself, and just recently bougth Octavia 3 2.0 diesel automatic with adaptive cruise. I have no idea why I bought mazda 4 years ago with manual transmission.
