Small(ish) car suitable for bumpy country roads

rich_jtg

Hi,

I recently moved out to the countryside, and my car (Fiat Panda) is finding the bumpy, pot-holed roads around here a bit of a struggle.

Is there such thing as a smallish car (supermini/small family) that can cope with such roads?

I'm guessing that something with larger wheels would be more suitable, but I've noticed that many cars these days also come with tyres that are pretty low profile. :undecided

Can anyone please suggest any models I should be looking at?

Gloomendoom

A Citroen 2CV would be ideal... if you can find one.

dodo69

Look for a good Citroen Berlingo Multi Space. Most underrated and versatile vehicle for bumpy roads!

goldspanners

fiat panda 4x4?

flyingscotno1

Forget low profile tyres

Horrible on back roads in this country.

My colleague had one car with them and hated them with a passion!

spiro

Gloomendoom wrote: »

A Citroen 2CV would be ideal... if you can find one.

Agree, they were originally designed to be able to carry a crate of eggs across a ploughed field without breaking the eggs.

Hintza

Here I go again (think Fiat should be paing me for this).

We have the Panda 2wd and it is great. If ou have ever driven in Southern Italy you will know why :eek:

Cars not to have (from experience) are any VAG group cars particularly the Golf. Tthe ride height is just too low and sumps can get expensive. You also do not want low profile tyres get the smallest wheels with the biggest profile they do.

You will have to become quite sad and dive underneath the car to check ground clearance before you look at the sporty lines it might have

rich_jtg

Thanks for your replies folks.

I have to admit that I hadn't considered any Citroens.

Although I really like my Panda (and other Fiats I've owned), I'm not sure that I want another one - mainly due to awful dealers around here - but also the feedback I've seen in Fiat forums in the past has been quite mixed with that model. :undecided

I'll head off and trawl the review sites!

a&akay

rich_jtg wrote: »

Hi,

I recently moved out to the countryside, and my car (Fiat Panda) is finding the bumpy, pot-holed roads around here a bit of a struggle.

Is there such thing as a smallish car (supermini/small family) that can cope with such roads?

I'm guessing that something with larger wheels would be more suitable, but I've noticed that many cars these days also come with tyres that are pretty low profile. :undecided

Can anyone please suggest any models I should be looking at?

I had the same situation. I spoke to the various dealers and told them I wanted a test drive. They were all quite happy to let me drive over my route to work, about 15 miles max from them. I told each that I was testing other makes and would not be drawn. I ended up with a Fox due to the high ride height and acceptable ride, though the MPG is not that great and I would always have a diesel if it had been avaialble. If buying new then go via the various brokers on this site for the best deal. If second hand at least you know the model you want, as long as the suspension spec has not changed on any newer model you may drive. If you don't have nearby dealers then find a road close to them that mirrors your poor one(s).

rev_henry

spiro wrote: »

Agree, they were originally designed to be able to carry a crate of eggs across a ploughed field without breaking the eggs.

...with 2 peasants up front wearing hats, at a certain speed and without using more than a litre of fuel iirc?

OP do you know what a 2CV is? Its not a normal Citroen by any means...

OR A MEHARI!!!

only_mee

Hintza wrote: »

Cars not to have (from experience) are any VAG group cars particularly the Golf. Tthe ride height is just too low and sumps can get expensive.

Mine as a metal sump gaurd fitted, certainly saved me a fair few times.