I am in desparate need of yout thoughts.

I am a photographer/artist mostly photographing and selling through galleries on the west of Ireland ( although I live in Blackpool-N.W.England).

I used to have a Subaru Forester 2.0 AWP which I loved & was perfect for the 'interesting' roads in Connemara & Donnegal, although a bit heavy on fuel.

At the end of 2005 I found I had Diabetes and took the instant decision to retire, so no more need of a 4x4 and bought an Octavia 2.0 tdi-dsg with leather, Zennon lights Mp3 6 cd changer in Silver (Fabulous, comfotable cruiser & 45 MPG ).

The trouble was I got horribly bored, and lying on a beach for the 3rd time last year decided to retire from being retired.

Now everything is taking off, big time again, in Ireland.

So my problem is ground clearance

1) Do I keep the Octavia and be very very careful on the bumpy roads.

2) Do I fit a sump guard to it. (If it will fit with the DSG box.

or

3) having got used to the torque of the Octavia, buy a 2nd hand Subaru Forester but with the 2.5 turbo engine and live with the 20 MPG as I only do about 7,000 miles per year, not toooo big a problem & the huge drop in value a dealer would offer me for the Octavia in part-Ex.

My brain has been spinning for days.

Yours thoughts would be much appreciated.

Ric O'Reilly

http://www.ricoreilly.com

Ric

Had you thought about the new Scout? 4x4 sort of soft roader.

Hi Stu.

Yes I was discussing it with Simpson's in Preston.

A) it's not due for a couple of months.

It doesn't come with an Auto option ( Yet)

C) the ride-height, although better than the hatchback, is not as good as the Forester.

& C) Having worked in the motor trade, many years ago, I am 'wobbly' about buying the first of a new breed of car. i.e. let someone else find the bugs.

I may well go down that route in a couple of years, especially as dealers may be doing deals by that time which they won't on a new model.

It's nearly there, but hey-Ho as I said my head is spinning.

Thanks, Ric