Buying a new SUV - what do you recommend?

I have owned Subaru Foresters for the past 15 years. The old adage of "Subarus don't break", has proved very true in my case. The Audi Q5 is on my short list as a replacement and I drive mostly on rural roads and cover about 7000 miles per year. For these reasons I have opted for petrol engines rather than diesel. The Audi Q5 gives me the petrol option, although I am open to advice. Would the Audi Q5 be a good alternative or do you have any other suggestions?

Asked on 15 November 2013 by Peter Hammond

Answered by Honest John
It's a lovely car and confers plenty of status in the driver. I like the 2.0TFSI engine, but there have been reports of excessive oil consumption. Generally Subarus tend to be more reliable than Audis. I'd also consider a BMW F25 X3, and the larger KIA Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. The Sorento K2 is currently very well priced at £2000 off, so £28,000, with a seven year warranty.
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