Buying a Frontera

[johnff]

Hi,

I am in the process of buying a Frontera. I am looking for one from Xreg to a 52reg.

I would like some info on the difference in running costs between a petrol and a diesel version, and also the approximate size of the "luggage space" in the back of the Sport version.

I will be taking the vehicle to Stage Rallies, marshalling and setting up etc, so in your expert opinions, would a LWB or a SWB be the better option, but I will not be needing to carry a lot of items in the back. I have at present a Discovery TD5, and would like to get a less expensive vehicle to do the job in, but will not be selling the Disco though.

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks,

[Steve-C]

I think you would be better off with a Sport (SWB) if you can find one. Probably one of the older versions (known as the A-Series). Bit older than you were thinking but here's why.

I have marshaled myself in the past, everything from the welsh forests and service on the RallyGB to clubman single venue events. The Sport (as I found on the recent Snowdon FOG meet) will happily carry all the luggage I needed for the weekend with the rear seats up. these can be dropped down should more space be required.

The SWB might be more bouncy off-road, but I would think the shorter lenght and turning space (not actual turning circle, think more about negotiating tight turns and parking up off the stage) would be of benefit.

The reason I am thinking of one of the older models is the higher ground clearance, although on the Snowdon meet, two later models (the age you were looking at) were present, on road tires, and easily coped with every lane. This was far more than you would ever face on a stage, even in the forests. Also the older dash is more friendly to having things placed on it which could come in handy. The reason I am thinking of an SWB is that you already have a big 4x4 in the Disco. If you need lots of space take that, least the SWB gives you as opposite an option as you can have in a 4x4.

I'm sure others will chime in with thier thoughts, we do have some who use their Fronties for running Radio posts on rallies so can give you a very informed opinion.

[bobbinsjob]

Hi mate, mine is a B series sport 2.2dti. She gives about 34mpg and runs like a dream. As for luggage space, well basically, last week i had virtually half an A series swb in the back including side steps, wings bonnet, exhaust and so on and as Steve said, even though the A series has more ground clearance, the B is still very capable and very comfy and not as much roll as a disco. Hope this helps

Ian

[I Live For FOG]

another thought here is go for a pre 2001 cheaper road tax by a few quid the lwb B series can carry everything you need check out Truggas site

he is also a marshal on rallies although his is an A series

The B series diesel is good on economy, if you compare the petrols there is not much difference on a 2.2 or 3.2 although many 3.2s are gas converted so cheaper to run

the engines:

2.2 dti derived from astra vectra Di ( cheap to service and Run)

2.2 petrol 16V derived from 2.0 ecotec

3.2 v6 isuzu engine will give miles and miles of service

[billy.mc]

Hi ya

Welcome to FOG

I hope you find the right one soon.

[johnff]

[Silver Ghost]

Well i would go for the sport all the way, i have a 1994 2l a series with 95.000 on the clock,
Its a slight choppy ride at times, tends to tram line a bit, all this adds to its charm, its a very light car to drive.

As for the space, you have reasonable boot space, then quick flick of a lever push forward and click another lever, in 5 seconds, you now have an estate car. Then on mine you have the pleasure of the moonroof in the summer.

anyway, good luck, let us know how you get on, and a few pics when you get your truck.

sean

[weave67]

[Alchamist]

[madchef]

[stu]

[fergusonclan]

Hi & welcome

[Huwwalford]

[brachunky]