Pondering and would welcome advice.

JEZ.S320L

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First of all, this Forum has never let me down in the past, hence I'm asking for some advice.

I am considering replacing the S-Class.

I now need a 7-seater and REFUSE to go down the 'Euro People Carrier' - spit! - route. What is needed is a 4WD, no ifs or buts, which is roomy when all seats are occupied.

Fuel consumption is not a consideration as I don't do huge mileages like I used to do in the UK. Long, high-speed distances on (almost) empty roads are the norm, so again city/town driving mpg is not a concern. Nor are twisty road roadholding qualities. A quiet, comfortable, relaxed motorway cruiser is what I'm looking for.

Price? 25-30K is the budget.

NOW, here comes the interesting point. For THAT kind of money, I can get a 2 year-old LHD, fully-loaded, all singing and dancing with all the bells and whistles - Cadillac Escalade.

BUT, and it's a BIG BUT - it's not a Mercedes..!! :(

GL? Escalade?

I need advise. Please?

Thanks in advance.
 
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television

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Never heard of it :rolleyes: I only have eyes for MB
 

Retired

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I have a GL in which I regularly drive 700 miles to Germany. A phrase I have heard used about the GL is ‘ an S class in waders’. This sums up it’s long distance ability perfectly. The seats are comfortable, the ride is excellent, noise levels are low and stability truly impressive. Cruising at 100+ (Germany) is relaxed. My door to door journey, all motorway apart from about 10 miles, usually takes about 10 to 11hrs and I feel fine at the end of it. The 100 litre tank gives excellent range.

This past weekend I spent some time driving M3 /M27 during the high winds. Directional stability of a high order, could hear the wind gusts but not feel them. Other cars were clearly badly affected as they were having difficulty staying in one lane.

Can’t really comment on the Escalade as I’ve never been in one but would assume from my experience of American cars ( having lived there) that it will have all the toys, have been built down to a price and have been poorly assembled. Will rattle and squeak at mileages that the GL will still feel like a new car. Ride handling will be like a ship. As I say, this is assumption based on some experience of American cars and a little prejudice.
 

The Hooded Claw

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I've driven (all be it briefly) an escalade .........HORRID far too much "Body Roll" springs are far too soft & you get a "Wishy Washy" feeling on cornering

have a look at a GMC Yukon Denali ....1000% better
 

rovingHawk

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I don't do huge mileages .............. Long, high-speed distances on (almost) empty roads are the norm........ A quiet, comfortable, relaxed motorway cruiser is what I'm looking for.
You seem to contradict yourself there.

RH
 

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You seem to contradict yourself there.

RH

Constructive post.

Suspect huge mileages relates to annual mileage. Three or four 2000mile round trips a year wouldn't count as a huge mileage.
 

wakefield

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It may not be an obvious choice but what about a Jeep Commander?

It has 7 useable seats, is roomy and suprisingly comfortable on long motorway runs. Equipment is pretty good as standard if you go for the Limited (Leather, climate, electric seats, park sensors, etc, etc).

It isn't great around town but you say that isn't a priority for you.

If you go for the diesel you get the 3 litre Mercedes unit in it.

Best of all you could get one which is a couple of years old for under £15k (in the UK).
 

Retired

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Prior to the GL I had a Disco3 TDV6. Comfortable cruiser, not as good as the GL but did similar 10 hour journeys without discomfort.

Real issue for me was the performance, or rather a severe lack of it.

The was a petrol v8 version with much better performance amd much worse fuel consumption. But if you're not worried about that it might be worth a look.

Third row seats OK for adults for shortish journeys and fine for kids.
 

Blobcat

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Probably get a good deal on an R Class, although they may only be 6 seats. I wouldn't go near am Escalade unless you wish to look like a wrapper or pharmacist
 

Frontstep

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Whats a wrapper is that a freudian slip or is there some new "street culture" that I am as usual unaware of, I suppose it could be a dealer selling wraps,
and the Escalade is guided round here by footballers or their wags.
 

Alex M Grieve

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Prior to the GL I had a Disco3 TDV6. Comfortable cruiser, not as good as the GL but did similar 10 hour journeys without discomfort.

Real issue for me was the performance, or rather a severe lack of it.

The was a petrol v8 version with much better performance amd much worse fuel consumption. But if you're not worried about that it might be worth a look.

Third row seats OK for adults for shortish journeys and fine for kids.

Good point. If fuel economy is not critical, V8 Land Rovers (Disco, Range Rover) can be bought for exceptionally low prices, given the value they represent.
 
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JEZ.S320L

JEZ.S320L

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  • Thread Starter
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Good point. If fuel economy is not critical, V8 Land Rovers (Disco, Range Rover) can be bought for exceptionally low prices, given the value they represent.

Thanks Alex.

I have owned RR's in the past and would certainly consider them as a contender - BUT they don't come with an extra row of seats, do they?
 

Alex M Grieve

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Thanks Alex.

I have owned RR's in the past and would certainly consider them as a contender - BUT they don't come with an extra row of seats, do they?

Drat! Nothings perfect, unfortunately.

GL must be a contender then. Certainly big and comfy. Rear seats seem to need a bit of a training course to master - more complicated that the other estate seats (and A & B Class) to fold.
 

television

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What is wrong with one of these
 

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