Hi guys,
I am considering changing my second (work) vehicle from a solid and comfortable old 97 S320 to something a bit newer and "er indoors" suggested it may be pleasant to have two vehicles which can go onto sand. Not a bad idea BUT I spend many hours on the road so need some comfort and luxury. The SWB Pajero and Patrol are out for a start
So, along with various cars which will not go off-road, I'm vaguely considering a 2004 VW Tourag and only for a milli-second, a 2003 Range Rover (probably an awful idea but a bit like the evil witch in cartoons they may look lovely but would bring bad news very quickly).
Advice gratefully accepted - as the BMW X5 and many other beasts of luxury do not work on sand, any other options on a budget of under 40K that you would suggest?
Thanks, Osprey - Jeff
VW Tourag (or Range Rover, only joking) for gentle off road drives?
- Osprey
- Rank: Senior
- Name: Jeff Evans
- Location: Shouaiba, Al Ain
- Ray1
- Rank: Junior
Post
Tuareg is nice to drive, pretty capable offroad, expensive to own here as I understand it.
Depending how off road you want to go, Subaru forester could be worth a look - decent clearance (c. 8"?), 2007-2009 model (can get fully comp insurance) for 30-40k ish and a lot nicer to drive on road than pretty much any 4x4
some manuals have low range option.
i wish my wife would trade her coupe for another 4x4, maybe one day! (she did say once that she likes soft top wranglers..)
Depending how off road you want to go, Subaru forester could be worth a look - decent clearance (c. 8"?), 2007-2009 model (can get fully comp insurance) for 30-40k ish and a lot nicer to drive on road than pretty much any 4x4

i wish my wife would trade her coupe for another 4x4, maybe one day! (she did say once that she likes soft top wranglers..)
- ScaVenger
- Crooked Beard
- Rank: Marshal
- Name: Saleh Al R
- Location: Abu Dhabi
Post
Vw toureq, great car. Had a 2006, be warned dash plastics melted with summer heat. Biggest downfall is maintanence as made extremely complicated to be fixed outside dealer for even simplest thing of changing battery or headlight lightbulb. + our version had hydraulic suspension which if failed would cost a fortune to replace. For piece of mind, a mercedes ml perhaps, or something american as easy to maintain like jap cars.
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SaLeH Al RoMaitHi. AkA ScaVenger
WARNING : Desert Addict, do not feed him any Sand!!! Will bite
050-3036494
SaLeH Al RoMaitHi. AkA ScaVenger
WARNING : Desert Addict, do not feed him any Sand!!! Will bite


050-3036494
- Osprey
- Rank: Senior
- Name: Jeff Evans
- Location: Shouaiba, Al Ain
Post
Tintin - I got a 2005 model 3.2 V6 (for 28k aed) and with the pneumatic suspension which lifts about 10cms; it goes reasonably well off road (for gentle drives). I am thinking of changing it in June with the usual ex-pat exodus and bargains available in Dubai for a 4.2 V8 for better power to weight but 95% of the time will be onroad anyway - just planning to use it for occasional camping trips. The trusty 97 land cruiser remains the vehicle of choice for off road trips. Haven't seen you for ages boyo - Hi to the family.
- tintin
- Rank: Senior
- Location: In my own little world
Post
Bloody hell mate, I forgot I had even posted on this it was so long ago. What did you end up buying, a pathfinder or commander? I'm interested in teh Hemi commander myself for the family wagon and I've seen one or two offroad which are OK for easy trips.
I ain't been around mate, well I've been in the Dhab's, just not int he sand. Daddy duties! My eldest loves my YJ though, so once I get it back on the road I may bring him for a junior trip!
I ain't been around mate, well I've been in the Dhab's, just not int he sand. Daddy duties! My eldest loves my YJ though, so once I get it back on the road I may bring him for a junior trip!

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tintin
tintin
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