Four wheel drive cars - advice on what to buy?

rubyrara · 24 February 2010 at 2:24PM

Hi everyone, I'm looking for some advice on what 4 wheel drive car to buy. I live in Aberdeen (city), commute mainly to work (also in the city) and out into the country at the weekends.

I don't really need anything that is monster offroad type thing, just something that can deal with snow and some rugged terrain (looking at buying a house in the country later in the year).

Any advice would be appreciated. I'm looking at a pre-registered or nearly new type car, probably in the region of 15-20k.

Thanks!

vikingaero · 24 February 2010 at 2:25PM

Subaru Forester/Legacy/Outback Diesel.

DKLS · 24 February 2010 at 2:36PM

vikingaero wrote: »

Subaru Forester/Legacy/Outback Diesel.

Totally agree but avoid the diesel like the plague.

vikingaero · 24 February 2010 at 2:39PM

DKLS wrote: »

Totally agree but avoid the diesel like the plague.

And why?

Hintza · 24 February 2010 at 3:03PM

Tyres, tyres and tyres would be the cheaper option.

Interestingly I'm struggling in the drifts on our lane today with the Jeep, the snow is just getting too deep with the wind.

The questions you need to ask are:-

Do I really need a 4x4 at this stage you are probably not sure.

So ask yourself:-

Do I drive off road, in fields etc?
Do I need high ground clearance? (we do for our lane, so that counts out most VAG group cars)
Will I be towing?
How well are the roads kept in the winter around you? (this will probably be the most relevant)

If you none of the above are a real issue a Quashquai, RAV4, XTrail might be best, even the 2wd ones will probably do. 4x4's cost significantly more to run.

So get some decent (winter) tyres and wait until you have moved and then you will have a better idea.

Spring is almost here why rush.

rubyrara · 24 February 2010 at 4:01PM

Thanks Hintza, I'm not sure if I will need a 4x4 you are right. Was just keeping my options open. I have winter tyres on now on my little car and they are good enough for the city but struggle on some hills out in the sticks. And not sure about ground clearance yet, but you have given me something to think about.

DKLS · 24 February 2010 at 4:43PM

vikingaero wrote: »

And why?

Diesel boxer flat 4 engine is wrong on so many levels, very loud and totally gutless put your foot down and ...........nada !!!!!! all torque.

I will stick to my petrol powered 330bhp Forester, that responds just nicely when you prod the pedal.
Admittedly the fuel economy isnt great, but the engine hasnt been mapped to the most efficient settings.:D

leveller2911 · 24 February 2010 at 5:47PM

SKODA YETI..............Exellant brand now.High spec too for the money.You will get one easily for your budget they are a decent size but not too big.......Choice of 2wd and 4wd, park assist which is excellant for the girls..(gonna get slated for that one:D),leather all round,etc etc etc .......

anewman · 24 February 2010 at 6:40PM

leveller2911 wrote: »

SKODA YETI..............Exellant brand now.

Always been an excellent brand. Only let down is since VW took them over, the VAG parts are often designed to fail and cost alot to replace.

kwaks · 25 February 2010 at 12:34PM

Subaru. Also if clearance not an issue the Impreza is AWD

almillar · 25 February 2010 at 1:45PM

Audi TT. Only joking. As above, 4wd isn't much use if the tyres can't grip. See BMW X5. Other cars for you to consider would be the Audi Allroad, Volvo V70 off road type thing (what's it called?!), Legacy/Forester/Impreza even as above. Golf R32?