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Can you suggest an alternative to the Mercedes-Benz R-Class?

My son's 2003 BMW 3 Series 3-litre 6-cylinder has been a delight but needs to be replaced. With three teenagers and increasingly long trips on the cards, a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class diesel automatic looks the most suitable to aim for. Could you suggest any alternatives?

Asked on 8 April 2012 by VE, Aston by Stone

Answered by Honest John
An R-Class is a colossal American built lump of a car and, despite the four-wheel drive, it drives like one. It came second bottom in Warranty Direct's analysis of its 2011/2012 warranty claims. You'd be far better off with something like a Ford S-Max, either with one of the diesel engines or with Ford's 240PS 2.0 litre Ecoboost. Tested here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/ford/ford-s-max-20.../
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