dominoman

What car would you buy if you were me?

I'm newly arrived in Abu Dhabi

I walk to work (less than 5 mins so even in Summer should be OK), so car is for trips and shopping only. Wife doesnt work for now and we have a baby on the way.

I do plan on doing desert trips occasionally

I like big cars

I've always bought used cars in the past and cant imagine I would want to buy new now

I want a hassle free car - without spending the premium to buy brand new.

I don't have a specific budget in mind. Could afford to spend on a decent car (I get a free car loan at work) - but on the other hand no point spending more than I need for a car I wont use so much.

What would you get?

weasel decentral

This one

mission

mission

you gotta be a little more specific - how 'big' of a car are we talking and what would be your budget?

mission

i'm betting my bottom dollar most in the this forum will say get a Toyota FJ - i think they are hideous

Millhouse

nah, despite owning one (and thinking it is fantastic), the best all rounder family wagon in my opinion is the 4l V6 Fortuner at around a year old.

Good onroad, bulky, good vision, good off-road, doesn't depreciate, faster than a pajero and cheaper than a prado.

The Pajero is also a decent family car, but it's painfully slow and you will rip the rear bumper off in the desert.

mission

to be honest i am not very clued up when it comes to big a$$ cars like SUV's/4x4 - not into the whole 'off road' driving thing and don't have any family out here to warrant a 'big' car

Millhouse

The FJ is a great car and almost all owners love them (including myself). But the suicide doors, small rear windows and terrible rear vision means it's a pain in the arse with kids.

mission

i just don't like the look/shape of them

Millhouse

eh, well I think it's a personal choice - most big SUVs in that class look horrible (jeep, FJ, Pathfinder, Patrol etc). Although the FJ is truly marmite - although I will say that after about 10 years they do need an update (which isn't going to happen).

I covered mine in stickers to make it... well, even more twatish.

scot47

Lots in Saudi go for a GMC. The "Mutawwamobile" beloved of the bearded ones for its capacity. Brits go for them because back home they could never afford the petrol for such a gas-guzzler.


My personal choice was the taxi.

scrubbedexpat141

Buy something different or stupid. Hummer, Hemi-engined Jeep, FJ Cruiser etc.

dominoman

Thanks for the ideas.

FJ Cruiser is out. I don't like the look of them much and it has to work for wife to drive too.

I was considering: newish Pajero (cheap but a bit dull), a 5 year old Patrol (could have been caned to death though), Mitsubishi Outlander (good reviews but a bit boring).

Hard to justify spending a fortune for a car that I wont use much.

I definitely like the idea of something big and stupid or different.

The 4l V6 Fortuner does seem a good option. Or maybe the Nissan Armada for the ridiculousness of its size.

Would be nice to have something I could take into the desert though

Millhouse

Don't get the outlander.

Over the years I've had an FJ, Patrol (3 door), Pajero, Fortuner (2006 / 2013) and really felt the Fortuner was the best - although it is basic inside. The Pajero is a good second and probably more comfortable. It was just the sluggishness that annoyed me.

I drove a pathfinder the other day, it's no longer an offroader but it is a decent smooth family ride.

dominoman

Thanks Millhouse. Good to know.

I'll go and have a look at a couple of used Nissan Pathfinders and Toyota Fortuners.

Anyone have any experience of the Nissan Armada. Could it be taken off road?