4x4 advice??

daj · Nov 22, 2009

Hello,

I know its a bike forum but always lots of sensible advice on here

Girlfriend has just moved up from London and its time to change the motor (Dawoo Matiz) , Her new pad is right out in the sticks of the Cotswolds, Known for bad roads in ice and snow.

Sooooooo looking 4x4 budget up to 3-4k ??

We were looking at the Original Freelander but kinda getting the impression to stay away unless have 6-8k for post 2003 TD4? :?

Any ideas??

Cheers

Dave

Enid_Puceflange · Nov 22, 2009

You will get a mint 04 onwards
Honda CrV for that kinda money bud
Genuinely one of the best cars (4x4 type) you can sink your money into
We have one as a run around, bought it brand new on an 02, still going strong and NEVER let us down, been problem free.
(dont take my word for it though, just my opinion

)

G

legrandefromage · Nov 22, 2009

they use lots of petrol because they are heavy - you'll go from 50+ MPG from the Matiz to around 25 - 27 from the petrol 4x4 even with light use.

Consider estate cars too as they are far nicer to driver everyday:

Volvo diesel 4x4 estate cars

Subaru Forrester/ Legacy/ imprezza

Renualt Scenic 4x4

Suzuki Vitara diesels

any Audi diesel Quattro

Your missus will go on colour first, FACT.

Freelander diesels are ok but STEER CLEAR OF ANY PETROL FREELANDER

orange71 · Nov 22, 2009

Subaru Justy if you're looking for something small. My wife had one of the older ones (G-reg 1990) and it was superb in the snow

Newer ones are the same body shell as the last Suzuki Swift. Example:

Grannygrinder · Nov 22, 2009

.

If you are planning on not spending much on it after the initial outlay I wouldn't have a Subaru Legacy. Don't get me wrong, its a cracking car(2.5 outback)but bloody expensive to maintain. £130+ for a cambelt kit, £200+ for rear shocks etc,etc.
If your young lady has come from a matiz you could do worse than a fiat panda 4x4, don't laugh its a cracking car and you should be able go get an 05 if not newer.
Don't get me started on Freelanders :evil: :evil: :evil:

legrandefromage · Nov 22, 2009

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/resu ... ?logcode=s

Grannygrinder · Nov 22, 2009

.

Looks nice in silver, I had one for the wife in orange that was quite funky.
Nice if she still wants a small car but with a bit of extra grip if the going gets slippery. Alternatively you could buy a 'proper' 4x4 like a Defender

fingers · Nov 22, 2009

daj":a4fp0eaj said:
Hello,

I know its a bike forum but always lots of sensible advice on here

Girlfriend has just moved up from London and its time to change the motor (Dawoo Matiz) , Her new pad is right out in the sticks of the Cotswolds, Known for bad roads in ice and snow.

Sooooooo looking 4x4 budget up to 3-4k ??

We were looking at the Original Freelander but kinda getting the impression to stay away unless have 6-8k for post 2003 TD4? :?

Any ideas??

Cheers

Dave

As a country vet working night & day in the sticks, all year round, my advice would be -

A front wheel drive car with ESP/traction control/LSD

(and I have lived in scotland... )

If youre really concerned fit M&S tyres (mud and snow).

If the snow is so bad you need off roader clearance - well, sure everything will be closed anyway.

I once took a golf over a pennine pass in the snow, only to discover the road was closed at the other end...

daj · Nov 22, 2009

Some good advice here, thanks everyone

Mr Panda · Nov 22, 2009

subarus are very popular in rural areas for good reason :twisted:

....not just the fast ones either.

And I'm sorry to say it but avoid Land Rover unless you have mechanic skills and/or a full diagnostic unit and fat wallet :roll: Volvo est 4wd are good.

But remember 1 thing - just because you/she has 4wd - doesn't mean you can go hoorin' round icy corners and expect not to come off the road :shock: You don't stopany quicker either (sorry - 2 things)

4x4 advice??

daj

Enid_Puceflange

legrandefromage

orange71

Grannygrinder

legrandefromage

Grannygrinder

fingers

Senior Retro Guru

daj

Mr Panda

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