10 Aug 07
As an alternative to a family saloon or an estate, even with its tax-related benefits, the L200 has its limits. It's decently quick, with 95mph coming up without too much effort, and reasonably economical, with an average of 31mpg. But there's no getting away from the fact that you feel like you're driving a truck - albeit a refined, fairly brisk truck with an automatic gearbox - which isn't my idea of fun.
What family saloons and estates don't have is the extra practicality offered by the load bed. So much depends on your way of life; some people would never make serious use of it, but others would be happy to put things on the load bed that they'd be reluctant to put into a 'proper' car.
I certainly found it useful when I needed to transport an old Mercedes engine. And if you like horses more than cars and you need to carry hay to the stables, then I would heartily recommend an L200, particularly if you can only justify owning one car that must do everything, and if you live somewhere that's rural and hilly.
