Which Car Question
 

Hi,

Hubby insisting on buying a showy car (BMW/Merc/Audi/Lexus/ Other) whereas I would personally like something that can comfortably accommodate 4 adults and 3 kids and more practical for shopping and school runs.

In past places, I have tended to buy cars that are low maintenance and where the service centres come highly recommended so that problems are fixed easily and with least embarrassment, bother, or cost.

Also, looking to buy something pre-owned, but fairly new (like 6-10 months old).


Would love your opinions.

Truth be told, I am more into safety and features (I like my ipod ports!) rather than logos.

Cheers,

Re: Which Car Question
 

For me, you cant go wrong with a Dodge Durango. Owned 2 of them now in this part of the world. You'll be able to pick up a 6-10 months old Limited or R/T, if you are feeling sporty, with the maintenance package included, for anywhere from 130K to 170K...

Ive had 4 adults and 3 kids, 2 of them in car seats, comfortably seated, and with the specs above, you;ll have ports for you and hubby up front, whilst those in the back can have their own listening pleasure..

Re: Which Car Question
 

Thanks TGFKASE - I dont want to sound like a wimp but the Dodge has always looked very intimidating to me.... Kinda like a tank. But I guess its a good option to take it offroading in Oman (in my dreams?!?!?!)

Re: Which Car Question
 

Is it your first time driving over here?

Re: Which Car Question
 

Get the Prado.

Enough prestige to satisfy your husband, but dull and safe enough to satisfy you. Fantastic resale. Very reliable. Stick with Japanese all the way through. I wouldn't touch European or American in this part of the world.

Re: Which Car Question
 

First time I have seen the words Prado and prestige so close together.... Christ, there is more space in the dictionary..!!!

I always associate Prado's with sub-continent drivers who dream, maybe one day, of driving a LandCruiser. In the meantime, they tend to drive the same way a local drives a LandCruiser... And I honestly believe it is those same sub-continent drivers who keep the residual value up on these. You would, of course, have to keep the shipping stickers on the windshield, the blue foam transport 'rubber' stick-ons attached, and the plastic sheeting all over the interior to get top dollar for a used one..

Re: Which Car Question
 

I have been driving for over a decade but never in an aggressive environment.

I was a bit worried about Asian vehicles as I have heard (maybe not true) that they are not as sturdy as their European counterparts. And that for safety reasons, European car-makers are the best even though they lack in customer focused design (read cool features - auto headlights and the like).


Anyways, I'm just a gal so will wait for the tough guys on the forum to educate me. ;)

Re: Which Car Question
 

I don't disagree with you. The Prado is overvalued and overdesired. But there's more than quite a few westerners driving Prados too. Not just Indians. The same can be said about the Pajeros. Some people mock the Pajeros but tons of Westerners drive them too.

If you don't really care about cars, as the OP doesn't seem to, it's hard to fault the Prado. Big enough for a family. Very reliable. Excellent safety and maintenance record, and when the time comes, fantastic resale. Probably the best resale of any car in the UAE. Even a 7-8 year old Prado goes for more than 50% of original sale price. That's all a non-car person is looking for.

Re: Which Car Question
 

Whilst you may think, right now, the Durango is a tank, believe me that, once you are driving here, you will quickly realise you need to be seen to ensure that you are not driven off the road by less well-trained drivers...

PS. I dont work for Al Futtaim......:p

Re: Which Car Question
 

Ah yes, the Pajero...

Can never see myself driving a Mitsubishi 'Wanker'..... Of course, in Spain the dont call it a Pajero, the call it a Montero, which I like to amend to Colmo Montero....

Re: Which Car Question
 

Not sure why you were told that. Japanese cars (not talking about any Chinese crap) easily outlast their European counterparts. I have no particular bias but there's a reason for why Jap cars are so popular.

Euro cars are generally more customer focused if you're talking about fancy features. As for safety it comes down more to the model. Volvos are very safe.

Look, this is what you will find waiting outside school gates in Dubai:

Prado. Prado. Prado. Prado. Pajers. Pajero. Pajero. Pajero. Prado. Prado. Prado. Pajero. Pajero. Pajero. And a couple big Audis and Mercs and Land Cruisers and Tauregs and Explorers. But a solid half of the cars will be Prados or Pajeros. And these are western mums like you driving those cars.

Are you only getting one car? Why not get a Pajero and let your husband get the sporty / fancy car of his dreams?

Re: Which Car Question
 

Would concur with earlier comments - stick with Japanese cars - Toyota, Nissan or Mitsubishi. Avoid American cars ( cheaper to buy, cheaper parts, but truly dreadful machines ).

I hate the Prado and hate Prado drivers. All a set of w*nkers. I guess an FJ Cruiser is out of the equation due to family requirements? If I was in the market for a motor, I'd go with a 2016 Nissan Patrol.

Re: Which Car Question
 

Get a Pajero, Prado or Fortuner. Case closed.

Re: Which Car Question
 

I'm interested to understand why you class American vehicles as truly dreadful. I have owned all 3 types of vehicle (Asian/Euro/Yank) and here are my thoughts.

15 years ago, Yank was shit. Euro was good but pricey, Asia was uninspiring but cheap.

In the intervening years, I've both lived in these areas and owned these 3 types of vehicle, usually 1 local and one of the other 2. I have to say that, for big 'trucks', the Yanks know what they are doing. For all out muscle 4dr's, they also know what they are doing. For refinement, Euro's get it, but you pay thru the nose and, for some reason, the ME has the highest parts prices I've seen for Euro cars.

Asian are... Well... Asian. Cheap, get the job done, but don't light any fires regards safety, refinement, performance etc..

I currently own a Jag for me, and a Durango for Mrs TGFKASE. More has gone wrong with the Jag than the Dodge. The mirrors wouldn't fold on the Jag, and they fixed it FOC. That's it....

Any Asian motor I've owned has been a mare from day one..

Re: Which Car Question
 

Perhaps your experience was the exception? I don't doubt there are decently made American cars just as there are poorly made Asian cars, but I base the statement on not just my own experience but what many people have shared with me over the years. And there's a pretty broad consensus on one thing, especially if you're a UAE car owner:

Want reliable and inexpensive to operate and maintain with good resale? Buy Asian. More specifically, buy Japanese. They have fantastic reliability and maintenance reputations and that doesn't come from nothing.

You're likely correct that American cars have greatly improved in the last decade and are now comparable to a number of Japanese cars in terms of reliability, out here in the UAE the downside is that the cost of maintenance and servicing tends to be quite high, which makes them a headache if you just want a reliable car to get from point A to point B.

What I'm about to say is just my own perspective on the design aesthetics of American cars. They're for fat people. Too big. The interiors are too soft and plush and filled with cheap plastic and cup holders for the American's favourite Big Gulp. I'm sure you can point out the exception but that's what I think of when I see American cars. Fat people waddling and driving 25m when they could walk instead. I guess that's my bias and it's no worse than you thinking of wankers when you see a Prado or Pajero :rofl:

Re: Which Car Question
 

I couldn't agree more - I can't stand American cars (just like I can't stand Americans).....American cars are just blah, like seriously blah.....for me personally I much prefer German cars.


I am not very up on 4x4/SUV's but if you are looking for a good, decent sports car, then I know my stuff

Re: Which Car Question
 

Reliable and inexpensive, buy Jap. I cant argue there, but you do leave out some important caveats. Boring, basic... There just isn't anything to light you up.. Hell, even they realized it and created Lexus, Acura etc.. To get something Jap that makes you either smile or coddles you, you have to go premium, which is there way of saying, if you want more than the basics, pay more.

Let's face it, the 'higher end' Jap stuff is rebadged basic with a few more frills.

I have park sensors, reversing camera, leather everywhere, rear DVD, remote start etc all with an engine that will get you out of trouble on a Yank truck that, to get Jap, would cost me twice as much.

If it was my missus, or my kids, I'm Durango all the way..

And, yes, the cup holders are big, but I don't hold that against them...

Re: Which Car Question
 

Out of interest, mission, what decent sports car would you recommend???

Re: Which Car Question
 

any of the M series - (beemer) - other than the M 1 series- that's like having the poor man's version of the Porsche ie the boxster - IF I ever made some serious moola, I'd get the M6.


Of course you have your Ferraris & Lamborghinis, but those are for the major ballers. However, for me the Aston Martin is way more classy and chic than a Ferrari.


Golf R is an awesome run around - my previous car was an R, and I was going to upgrade it to the new R, but then decided to get the M235i, which I absolutely love....bigger engine, more BHP, and much sexier looking :p


Audi has recently brought out the RS3 (not sure if it is available in the UAE yet), which in my personal opinion is probably on par with the M3. Of course you have the other RS ranges, which are all pretty sleek. Also not forgetting the ultimate sports car in the Audi range the R8.


for the serious players you have your Bugatti & Mclaren


to name but a few

Re: Which Car Question
 

I saw the RS3 the other day. I'm sorely tempted.

Re: Which Car Question
 

You call Jap cars boring and you defend American cars? They're equally boring in my mind. Fortuner or Prado versus the Durango or Explorer? What's the diff in terms of aesthetics? What makes one more interesting than the other?

Then you have all these gawdawful American sedans. You think the Camry is boring next to the Taurus?

Even the trucks aren't exciting to me. Big and obnoxious. Americans have the F-whatever on the road, the Japs have the Land Cruisers. Same same.

Re: Which Car Question
 

Ok, maybe I should have been more specific...

If you wanted a 4 dr sports car, which would you go for...

TBH, mission, that is probably the most unimaginative list of 'decent sports cars' I have seen, and VERY Euro-centric...

No LFA, Orochi (sp?).. Or we could go old-school.. I repo'd enough Evo's, 3000GT's, NSX's and GT-R's in my time...

Lets forget Asia...

SRT do anything for you, Shelby wet your whistle... Or are you a little hipster, Tesla maybe...

Each to their own, and if you limit your sights to the horizon set for you by AutoExpress or its ilk, then I'd probably have the same list as you...

But, next time, let the men talk cars...

Re: Which Car Question
 

What is it about the current crop of Bored members, that feel the need to un-contextualize quotes to make a point...

I never mentioned Yank sedans...

In fact, I never mentioned the F-word ever....

Run along. Im sure you will learn to love your PoS Prado again... Just click your heels 3 times and dream of your safe place...

Being a Prado driver, Im thinking your safe place is doing 80 in the fast lane on SZR, never indicating just to prove how strong you are....

Re: Which Car Question
 

You mean as boring as the PoS Prado driver who cut me off at 145km the other day?

Nope. Sorry, mate. Drive a boring Nissan Tiida rental. 13th monthly rental contract now and still haven't bothered to look at new cars.

In past life I have owned an Audi, a Pajero, a Golf. Driven a Volvo and Honda as well.

Conclusion: all same same. Car to get from point A to point B. Anything else is merely self-justification. Makes you happy? Go for it. But don't make yourself a fool mocking perfectly reliable and sensible cars.

Re: Which Car Question
 

Which kinda proves my point, your not a car person.

A car person does not look for reliable and sensible. A car person looks for something that puts a smile on their face.

You talk about cars the same way I talk about washing machines...

Re: Which Car Question
 

We've has a Durango, Q5 and now on a Prado.

Pick of the bunch is the Durango, reliable, plenty of room and decent interior.

The Prado feels a little more sturdier, but I'd still take the Durango over it.

Re: Which Car Question
 

Thanks guys for the lowdown and detailed discussions on the SUVs and the sports cars.

Just in terms of after sales service quality, is there a specific ranking you're willing to put out? Toyota better than VW better than Mitubishi types?

And Mission, any opinions on Medium range (Merc/ Leus/ Audi etc) 5 seater sedans with enough boot space for golf kit? Dont want to drive a truck everywhere.....

Re: Which Car Question
 

:rofl::rofl: ohhhh errrr - you asked and I responded - the one's you mentioned above mitsubishi/Nissan/Honda - not my cup of tea...way too bulky....I prefer small, compact with speed - not some tank. Clearly you luv your 'big' cars.

Re: Which Car Question
 

Without pissing on anyone's car choice i recently got a 2014 Cadillac SRX and love it, its the first car iv owned in years, its big enough to feel safe without feeling like im driving a bus.

Re: Which Car Question
 

Not a fan either.

Just like the Prado and Land Cruisers - who 'designed' the interiors? It's the bit you sit in so should be nice at least. They're awful places to be. Even my Explorer is nicer and it's utterly bang average inside.

Mid life crisis car. My boss has a golf GTI and drives like a complete knobhead everywhere in it.

Not to mention completely pointless out here. Where do you drive it with any enjoyment?

I was agreeing with a lot of your points up until the bold bit. Don't be a fool for mocking people's desires for better than basic.

Re: Which Car Question
 

Love this thread.... It pops up every year or so and everyone goes mental! Ha ha!

For me:

Pajero - does what it says on the tin. Decent machine but nothing inspiring. Reasonable price. Not bad off road, standard on it.

Prado - better than the Pajero on road, not as good off it. Expensive for what you get.

Durango - no experience of them, although I am partial to a big engine Yank mobiles (I have a 4.0L stripped out highly modified old school Jeep as a desert warrior). That said, would I buy one for the road.... unless it was a Velocoraptor..... probably not!

Landcruiser - lost its way. Too big and bulky. Not exactly a pleasant drive (reminds me being on a ferry) and shockingly enough not to well equipped either.

Fortuner - The 2.7L is bang average. Slow, poor handling and locks up waaaaay to easily approaching roundabouts etc. Probably associated with it being basically a Hilux with a car body. Cheap tho. Haven't driven the 4.0L but the 2.7L scares me under breaking so not that keen to either.

All Beemers - Great elsewhere, don't like the environment here. They're known as 'cancer' in Sharjah. Great for 3-4yrs but then expect a big bill as they start to fall apart.

Mercs - Not what they used to be in terms of quality, in fact they got overtaken by BMW.

Audi - I'm split on this. Some designs are ugly, some are awesome. The RS's are super quick but when the turbo's go bang at approx 100K you're looking at 25K minimum. Also, the plastic inside become brittle after a few years. Expensive.

Golf GTi / R - Boring! Decent car but waaaay to much like a nanny state, they look after you too much. Bought by the uninspired as its a default choice for the uninformed. Our car park is full of them. Many better hot hatches out there.

Fords - Just ewww!

American 'sports cars' - Ha ha ha!

So to conclude, if you want a sensible, well behaved, cheap to buy and run, reliable motor with decent re-sale value get a Jap car.

If you want something fun - don't!

Re: Which Car Question
 

Scamp


Mid life crisis car. My boss has a golf GTI and drives like a complete knobhead everywhere in it.

Not to mention completely pointless out here. Where do you drive it with any enjoyment?

SCAMP you do realise the R is in a different league to the GTi.


oh and trust me there are long stretches of roads all over Dubai (without cameras) where you can put your foot down - particularly when you get on the outskirts of major roads eg Jebel Ali area

Re: Which Car Question
 

Yep, don't dismiss VW's R models. Had huge fun in my R36 in AD/Dubai, and was supremely comfortable, too.

Re: Which Car Question
 

[QUOTE=jam25mack;11915972]Love this thread.... It pops up every year or so and everyone goes mental! Ha ha!


Golf GTi / R - Boring! Decent car but waaaay to much like a nanny state, they look after you too much. Bought by the uninspired as its a default choice for the uninformed. Our car park is full of them. Many better hot hatches out there.QUOTE]

oh come on - GTi i agree is usually driven by white old geazers, but the R is in a different league to the GTi - the reason you probably see many in your car park is because they are not as expensive as other sports cars with similar specs

Re: Which Car Question
 

:goodpost:

Re: Which Car Question
 

Sorry, I just lumped them all in as the same. I'll take your word for it.

But I disagree with the Dubai roads bit. It's not like the UK where, for example, my commute was 35mins of A-Roads through the new forest. In my A3, that was epic in the summer. Tunes on, windows down, flicking between 2nd - 3rd - 4th and constant bends etc. Great fun.

Re: Which Car Question
 

[QUOTE=mission;11916209]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jam25mack (Post 11915972)

Love this thread.... It pops up every year or so and everyone goes mental! Ha ha!

---

No I see so many GTi's / R's is because it fits in nicely with the Him - Engineer, Her - Teacher & 1.2 children set up. It takes zero thought or imagination. :eek:

As for them being so far apart, they so aren't when you look at them. Yeah the R is faster (0.8 sec 0-60) and also a bit more on the top end but that's about it. OK, the R is AWD while the GTi is FWD, however, the GTi is commonly thought to handle better (and is ranked higher in the Car and Driver rankings). Yeah it has approx 80BHP more but loads of that will be swallowed by the AWD and double clutch system.

Its also commonly known by folk in 'the know' that if you took a 5th of the huge cash difference between the two you could remap the ECU and make it pretty much as swift as the R........ and it would still handle better! ;)

Don't take me for a VW hater either, I got my dream VW when I first arrived..... a VW Corrado VR6.......:eek:

Re: Which Car Question
 

After some time working for a car manufacturer i can say why european cars bodies dont last in the sun, its pretty simple. EU emissions rules for factories are much tighter than the japanese. Cars are painted using water based paints, covered with a quick low voc varnish. Plastic parts Re either painted the same, or contain colour in the dough, but your have to add UV stabilisers that arent very nice environmentally so enough is added to survive EU conditions for the warranty period plus 1 day.

So, the paint fades, then peels, the plastics go grey, brittle and fall off.

Japnese cars mostly have to survive the sunny hot humid conditions in places like they have in asia. Their cars survive...

So you might ask, why do some toyotas surviva and some dont, where was yours made?

Same for nissan, in the caribbean, qashqai's self destruct after warranty, [uk made] toyota-japanese and south africa, and isuzu-thailand dont... Range rovers are a joke, they also become chicken coops after a couple of years. Ive already seen a 1 year old evoke with peeling wheels.