My Kodiaq has been very reliable, economical to run, comfortable, easy to drive and the only concern was the one time I wanted 4x4 capability it failed, as the Haldex unit had not been serviced (dealer never mentioned it)

 

It was bought as I need 2.2T tow capacity and eth 190PS engine provided that with the Auto box.

At the 3 yr point when I would normally change out mileage was low, so I paid off PCP and run it on for another 2 years.   After 4.5 years it finally needed new front tyres, pretty impressive how they lasted .....  car sold on at 39,000 miles and rear tyres still have plenty of life.

Did a few jobs myself .... changed rear discs & pads, did the last 2 oil changes that were needed, all other services were as dues and performed by main dealer.

 

 

If they made a 5 seat car high spec that could tow 2.2T I would have had another, but all they could offer was base model ... and having lived with Edition model (which had everything) no way was I going back to basic.

At the last service they pointed out that in Mar there was an expensive item coming up .... as well as full service new water pump & timing chain, which is a high labour charge event (£500+ job)..... so finally decided to move on.

 

5 years is the longest I have kept any car, overall Skoda gets a sound 9 ot of 10 from me, get back to 2.2T tow capacity and I'd have another.

 

Now have a shiny New Landrover Discovery Sport D200 5 seat .... which is the model that can tow 2.5T

Nice to hear a mostly positive experience apart from the Haldex issue, unfortunetly ignorance is not always bliss, it is quite common knowledge on most forums regarding VAG and the Haldex, but the dealer can't really recommend any maintenance on it when officially there isn't any maintenance.

 

It will be interesting to hear your thoughts after 3 years with one of the most unreliable car brands, they are a really nice car though and i'm sure it will tow like a dream.

I am aware that Land Rover has an accolade as a rugged go anywhere do anything vehicle .... and drove many variants in the Army, and also thought of as an unreliable overpriced remnant of British manufacturing, now owned by an Indian company.
One thing is for sure the Discovery Sport is the highest-selling land rover in the range and has superb residuals.  https://landrover.rockar.com/blog/land-rover-tops-the-residual-values-chart?

 

Will I have a reliable car, or a pain .... yet to find out  

 

I had previously to the Kodiaq a Jeep Cherokee which was the most unreliable car I have had in my life .... 2 complete transmissions in first 12 months, and it was in the garage for 16 weeks of the first year.

Genuinely happy with my Kodiaq - and if they had the same engine (or one with equivalent tow capacity) I would have another with no hesitation.

 

 

Out of curiosity, what’s the issue with having 7 seats? You don’t have to use them all…

2 issues....    cost, and paying for something I won't use.

Secondly, 7 seat version cannot tow 2.2T its derated.

Only model that can is base level 5 seater.

3 hours ago, Sargan said:

2 issues....    cost, and paying for something I won't use.

Secondly, 7 seat version cannot tow 2.2T its derated.

Only model that can is base level 5 seater.

 

7 seater has harder rear springs. Great if there's 7 people on board. Not so good, if there's only 1 or 2 people on board.

 

If you've ever been on a fully loaded double decker bus, you will know that the ride improves a lot when fully loaded. When empty, the ride is unpleasantly hard.

 

Edited 17 January, 20233 yr by Carlston

Interesting then with stronger springs they have derated the tow capacity.

For me I need the tow capacity, not 7 seats.

6 minutes ago, Sargan said:

Interesting then with stronger springs they have derated the tow capacity.

For me I need the tow capacity, not 7 seats.

 

The derated tow capacity might be something to do with the car's ability (or inability) to tow up a steep gradient.

 

7 people weigh more than 5 people...hence the derating.

 

Also, you need to take into account the maximum train weight. If some of that weight are two extra passengers, then there will be a matching reduction in towing weight.

13 hours ago, Sargan said:

2 issues....    cost, and paying for something I won't use.

Secondly, 7 seat version cannot tow 2.2T its derated.

Only model that can is base level 5 seater.

Not true, I have 7 seater and allowed to tow 2,5T.

The manufacturers give there Max towing figures.  That is that.  Do not think that is just about what the vehicle is capable of towing up a hill.  What goes up must come down.  Weight and reducing speed and being in control does matter.   Some interesting places to tow what ever in the UK.   Scary even, but there is the world as your oyster and sometimes a limit needs setting.    A Suzuki Jimny has quite a good max towing limit.  Put 4 adults in and a caravan on and come down or even just go up Cairn I Mount and you will have a squeeky bum moment.  

Edited 18 January, 20233 yr by toot