Four wheel drive and fuel efficiency.

jm2926

Hiya,

I'm looking for a car to do about 50 miles a day (mostly motorway), but suitable to travel through snow quite a bit in the winter. With the distance I'm keen to keep the fuel costs down, but the concern of safety in snow is also a consideration, so will most likely get winter tires and would like a 4 wheel drive model.

Been looking at Subaru Legacy, either the diesel or petrol with LPG conversion, wondered if anyone had any other ideas?

Thanks

Hammyman

Seriously, the amount of snow we normally get in the UK does not warrant buying a 4x4 specifically just to cater for those times.

Subaru Legacies are OK-ish but not as economical as a 2WD. One thing you've completely overlooked is the fact that a 4WD eats through tyres faster than a 2WD if it is a permanent 4WD system.

Hintza

Panda 4x4 Cross

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/230157/fiat_panda_cross.html

Kilty_2

Hintza wrote: »

Panda 4x4 Cross

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/230157/fiat_panda_cross.html

Never see them but I love this - mental yet frugal :rotfl:

JQ.

Why not just get a normal frugal car and invest in a cheap set of steel wheels with winter/snow tyres attached - I'm sure they'll be cheaper to buy over the summer. Far far cheaper to run than a 4x4.

Many of my wife's family live in Iceland, they seem to get around quite hapilly in their Toyota Yaris' and Ford Focus' - all they do is make sure they have the appropriate tyres for the conditions. Unless you're planning on driving through deep snow drifts then a normal 2wd car with appropriate tyres on will outperform a 4wd car with inappropriate tyres on.

harveybobbles

Buy a set of 2nd hand wheelsa and fit winter tyres to them and keep in garage/shed until req'd.

Much cheaper than running a 4x4.

However, a good car is the Octavia 4x4 TDi... Decent enough as a car, just a little bit higher and has 4WD...