Pre 10 Sorento versus Range Rover P38

[Phil_374415381]

In 18mths I think I've answered or left comment on only a few posts, but I now need a bit of constructive comment. I currently tow our Avondale Rialto 480 with our Alfa Romeo 159 SW 2.0 JTDm, which is a fantastic match, unfortunately the Alfa is unable to tow many of the caravans we are currently looking at that have a fixed bed and end washroom. Therefore we are looking at chopping in my good lady's Grande Punto plus a bit of cash and go for either a 53/04 plate Sorento 2.5 diesel or an ealier full spec Range Rover P38 4.0 with LPG conversion.
I would love to know the thoughts of the collective.....

Regards

Phil

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Phil
I've had my Sorie for 5 years now and 90k on she's running fine . touch wood.

"Whilst I don't entirely believe the press the JD Power survey has the Sorie way up the top and the Range Rover near the bottom. Get's his ears boxed by the Landie gentry.

I noticed again on my travels this year the high number of Sorie's towing large TAs.
Purely on value for money and imo proven reliability I have ben very happy with the Sorie.

 

[xtrailman]

When a LPG conversion needs repairs a specialise is required, should other parts of the RR need replacing they have a reputation for being expensive, especially if a dealer visit is needed.

So i would only go for the RR if you like DIY and have deep pockets.
Off cause you may have absolutely no problems with the RR, and they do have more prestige than the sorento.

Your choice but i would go for the 2.5 sorento, some models seem to have poor economy, but i can't see the RR being any better?
But if you are going for the really heavy caravans then a RR may be the best option.

 

[OmOnWeelz]

We've lived the Land Rover Discovery dream, two disco 3 and then disco 4. Three nightmares and I've never been more relieved when hubby told the dealers where they could shove the last beastly car. Sorento all the way.
Ros

 

[drsorento]

Sorento all the way.
The J D Powers survey positions for these two cars I can quite belive as they take into accouunt several things such as reliability, value for money running costs etc and dealership customer service. having dealings with RR customer service in the past, putting up with the expence of parts for the RR and the poor reliability I can understand the outcome of the survey.
As said above gas conversions if needing attention will need specialist attention and as its fitted to a RR then you have a double money pit.

 

[HenryB1]

I have no experience of a RR but we had a manual Discovery, worst car I have ever owned, unreliable and expensive to service. We followed this with an automatic Terrano. Well built and reliable but lacked pulling power for larger caravans. For the last two years we have had a Sorento automatic following recommendations from five ralliers that we know that have them. We have never regretted the change, the Sorento is a great car, handles our Pegasus with ease and has plenty of power if you need to overtake on the motorway.

 

[Phil_374415381]

Hi All,
Many thanks for the replies so far....as I expected a resonding YES for the Sorrento, best I take the plunge and give a couple a test drive then.

If anyone else has any other thoughts keep them coming

Many thanks
Phil

 

[ChrisUK]

Hi All,
Many thanks for the replies so far....as I expected a resonding YES for the Sorrento, best I take the plunge and give a couple a test drive then.

If anyone else has any other thoughts keep them coming
Test drive a Santa Fe back to back. The Santa Fe is a more car like drive. No low ratio though. I found the Sorrento a bit wallowy in comparison.
Many thanks
Phil

 

[otherclive]

Hi,

I think you have hit the right decision. We bought an 04 Sorento auto which has been fault free and not expensive to service. Prior to the Sorento we had a Disco 2 which had to go when it came out of warranty as whilst I enjoyed driving it and its load capacity was great it was unreliable and not cheapt to repair. A RR would probably be worse. The Sorento is also good off road if fitted with AT tyres.

 

[seth1]

Phil,you say the alfa can't tow many off the vans you've looked at.So presumable it can tow a select few?Why not settle on one of these?As said one thing you will notice is the higher fuel consumption with the larger vehicles.Another problem with lpg as RAY stated is the problem of repairs and finding a suitible repairer.