Land Rover Problems

The Everest has a longer list of safety features, a higher towing capacity, is more family-friendly, and drives nicer; the Prado is more refined, but feels dated, the Discovery Sport is a true off-roader with car-like road manners. The Discovery for mine. Another to try is the Toyota Fortuner.

With 2000 kg towing capacity the Discovery Sport has the towing capacity you want, it's more than the CX-5, and it's not limited to 80 km/h like the Subaru is. That's a big plus. The only criticisms we've heard about are some niggling interior fit and finish issues, and one or two electrical gremlins. The Land Rover also has more ground clearance than the CX-5 and a traction control system better set up for actual off-road work. 

There are plenty of SUV choices to look at, such as a Toyota Prado or Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both should serve your needs well.

Who told you a luxury car can't be a work car? If that's what you really want then you should go for it. You will probably turn it over faster but I've not heard anything about the Evoque that is a particular concern.

I would take the Touareg over the Discovery but the real outback towing champion is the Toyota LandCruiser — which gets a big tick from me — because of its bulletproof reliability and Toyota's service network. The badge is not as prestigious and it will cost more for a fully luxury package but the 200-Series 'Cruiser is still The King.

You could go for a Mercedes-Benz GLC with similar features and save money. My choice — perhaps surprisingly — is the Jeep. Just make sure you find a good dealer.

Land Rover spokesman James Scrimshaw has your answer: "If Mr Walford took his 2011 Range Rover Sport to an authorised Land Rover dealer, they have access to the special tools that are required to remove and replace the rear camshaft seal. The suggested time allocated for this work is approximately 3.5 hours and the body would not need to be removed from the vehicle".

The only reason to go European with that budget is to buy a badge, as the Asian cars do the job and are surprisingly classy with great warranty. Once again, I'd send you first to Kia to check out the Sportage.

The Discovery 3 was hailed as a great car when it was introduced and it has largely lived up to the hype. The fundamentals like engine, gearbox and diffs are sound, but you have to be prepared for irritating things like electrics, driveshafts, compressor on the airbag models to give trouble. It’s that when the Disco becomes expensive. On average a 2007 model will be showing 180,000 to 240,000 km on the odo, and I would be going for a newer model with fewer kays on the clock. Same goes for the Range Rover.