Aspman

Thats the reason. Just wait for the fiscal drag to work on it though. In 25yr you'll be paying the luxury top up tax on a Vauxhall Vivo (equivalent). First year tax on a gutsy car is - £2,175 as well. https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax-rate-tables Thats why you see a lot of adverts on new cars with "first year tax included" or youd find your new motor costing £2k more than you thought.

Apparently the Kia Sportage 4x4 does have a locking centre differential and can do 4WD not just AWD https://www.friendlykia.com/blog/does-the-kia-sportage-have-all-wheel-drive-or-four-wheel-drive/ I think Japanese cars are a bit different in general and Scoobies even more so. Most indy garages are happy to look at other nations models but not the Japanese. My make takes his to a Subaru independent Certainly my mate's Outback does everything you talk about (he doesn't tow though) he spends a bit maintaining it but it does have about 140k on the clock. 5yr warrany on Subaru. (and Jeep tbh). That tells a story, 5yr warranty on a Fiat company but only 3 on Landrover Getting the time to test drive anything it a real PITA right now. You'd think working from time you'd have all the time in the world but it's the opposite.

I'm trying to get a test drive in a Land Cruiser this week. they're like hens teeth up here.

I like this one https://www.unimogs.co.uk/our-stock/unimogs/awesome-180hp-doka-convertible-awesome-180hp-doka-convertible-b2994

Most 4x4s you can buy now are totally unsuitable for doing any 4x4 work. I supposed a scout would do 90% of it though but they are so rare. I suspect an outback would be cheaper as well remembering how well Scouts always held their money.

Mud. If it was just ground clearance they're are innumerable cars would do but I've been warned and warned about needing something that can handle mud which usually means locking diffs not just a fancy abs setup. The permanent 4x4 on the subaru makes them a lot more capable than most which is why they are so beloved by farmers. Saying all that i did do a search for a scout and they are rarer than ever. I think autotrader had one (looking nearly new). An octy 4x4 wouldn't have the ride height.

So we drove the Wrangler. We loved it. It's quirky, mental and full of character. So I'm I buying one... Nope. Loved it, it was an absolute hoot but I couldn't live with it everyday. Too many compromises. Plus it's a car with a list price of 55k but you can see squidges of glue all around the roof. I thought someone had left gum in the joins to start with. It would also need steps added (it's way tall) and the roof insulated. So onwards, also going to check out the Subaru Outback which is a bit plodding but good off road, good on road and 20k cheaper. So change for a Caterham 7.

I'll put a John Deere cap on, vest, chew gum and ask where the gun rack goes. I suspect it'll be marmite, I'll either love the car or hate it in 2 min. Or I'll realise quickly its foibles will make it too much of a pita. Tbh Shogun probably next on the list to try. Plenty around unlike the LC.

Spoke too soon. The jeep guy phoned me back at 5pm. Hopfully will get a drive tomorrow.

Mustang is good value I think at least in fun per £.

So I phoned up the local Jeep dealer this morning (not AC) and had a chat. Said I was interested in a test drive of one of their nearly new cars, and also asked about an extended test drive. He took my number, I checked it was right with him, he said he'd ask the manager about the extended test drive and get back to me. And... Nowt. Again inquiring about a +£40k car and can't make the effort to phone or record an enquery properly even to say, " 'no' you can't get it for the weekend would you still like a short test drive". I can only assume the motor trade is having a storming year since no bugger seems interested in my money.

It's ok though, they'll do some massive discounts to get them sold.... Waiting....

Actually yes, I started looking the other day and the Shogun is much cheaper than the equivalent LC. I tried to get a test drive of a LC. Phoned three garage, two didn't have one, one might have but never called back. Potential £50k sale, can't be arsed to call back during a recession. I'm gpoing to try to get a drive in a Wrangler as well. It'll be terrible on road but at least it's interesting. Lady E, you're right of course but it won't fit in the garage. I also found this... https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1153399

Oh I don't even like that blue. And I'm a blue car guy. Nope sorry, if I'm going to drop 60-80k on a car I'm afraid it'll it'll be an Aston or a Porsche.

Yep thought about one for a while, I've always liked a big barge but it's fearsome ugly.

The thing is, they're not really trying to sell to you or me any more. They are trying to sell in the far east particualrly China. And out there, subtle doesn't sell. It's got to be brash, garish and ott. To you and me it looks tasteless but out there that's the style that is wanted. Last time I went round BMW I jus couldn't see anything I could bring myself to part with money for.

Isle of Man green - sticky pub carpet green Sao Paulo yellow - **** stain yellow The poeple who would spec those interiors are 10 years old and can't afford the cars

I think that seems to be the same for any top flight sportsperson. You might think you're good, you might even be top 5% good, but then one of these guys comes out and you look like a toddler playing with toys

Those are bad greens. I'm finding the front less offensive as time goes on. But still offensive.

Well considering that in general a 50yr old Porsche is worth far more than it's purchase price I would suggest to the HP company that a 50yr 0% plan is, in fact, a safe bet so to speak. they may make you give them the car back in your will but tbh I think that might be a fair compromise.

Saw a few Disco 5's at lunctime today. God they have a fat arse on them now. Ruling that out on aesthetics. Range Rover Disco 5 Wrangler 4dr Toyota Landcruiser

Ford Wildtrak is allegedly much better to drive everyday. I've not driven a Hilux so can't compare. Pickup is out because the pickup bed just isn't practical without a fair bit spent on accessories. In my head the current list of things to try - Range Rover Disco 5 Wrangler 4dr Toyota Landcruiser This will vary from minute to minute. Also looking into A6 allroad, Merc E400 All terrain but the former is overpriced and the latter rare as hens teeth. VW Toureg was looking promising for a bit but they've gone and removed all the off-road gear from the current line up (diff locks etc)

Maybe you've already got the best compromise? you have a large comfortable capable car in your Superb and maybe you should continue to invest in the best camping gear you can afford? @Jars if you did all the conversion work on the interior pictures that's some outstanding work

If it's your dream then you shouldn't give up on it At some point the market will get saturated and prices will normalise again but they've always been expensive. They do hold their money so you would get a large portion back when you sell but it's locked up until then.

same at Ford in Edinburgh last week. Only spaces were disabled and this was 1pm on a Friday Hundreds of used cars on the forecourt though Jeep is offering 'free' redundancy insurance on new cars