Cheapest 4x4 to buy & run ??

grumpytoo

sconieroany wrote: »

I am looking to buy a 4x4 that I can use in thye worst of the Scottish winters after last years debacle. I am looking for advice on the best 4x4 I should consider, I will consider anything even older classic types, as the main expence is liable to be the road tax, as insurance should not be too bad at my age.

I have seen pretty cheap Jeep Cherokees, Landrover defenders some ex-MOD, Rav4's and CRV's are more pricey but also good.

Any ideas folk's ?.

What do you want the 4x4 for? If you want to tow the full 3.5 tons your choice will be limited to full size monsters such as Range Rover, Isuzu Trooper, Shogun/Pajero, Nissan Patrol etc. If you just want a car that won't get stuck there is more choice. For example there is the Fiat Panda 4x4 and you won't get hounded by the "greens" for driving one of those. Several Fords have a 4x4 option so they are about. Quite a few Japanese "Kei" class vehicles can be had in 4x4 and the Russian Lada Niva has also made a comeback. Avoid the Freelander 1.8 petrol unless its engine has been "sorted" and don't pay very much even then. Whatever you do don't go towing a fully laden double horsebox as the engine won't like it. The K series engine that is fitted to Freelanders was made in 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 litre capacities and as the capacity goes up the thickness of the metal between the cylinders goes down. IMHO the 1.4 which still gives 100HP is the best one (cheaper road tax too!) Mid size 4x4s include the Toyota RAV4 but watch out for stalling caused by a dirty throttle position sensor. If you can afford it the Toyota Landcruiser is a fairly safe bet. Unfortunately used models can cost about five times as much as a Landrover product of similar age (there is a reason for that!) Very old "Series" Landrovers will go on and on for decades but they are very slow and noisy. Another snag is that there is no OEM immobiliser. Good luck!

legionare64

Best 4 x 4 by far is the big engined Lwb Toyota Landcruiser by miles ( most of Africa use these now)
Cheapest 4 x 4 by far is a tdi Discovery get one thats not to rusty and you will get over quarter of a million miles out of it no bother at approx 28 - 30 mpg.
My favourite 4 x 4 by far is Defender 90 .. they are just so good.

I have had an awfull lot of Landrovers and currentley have a 300tdi Defender and a V8 Discovery on lpg.

I would still go round the world in a Landcruiser though.

All other jap/russian etc 4 wds are fine until they rust / break .. try pricing parts for them ... And really when all is said and done Toyota Hi luxes, Landcruisers and Landrover Defenders are the choice in every country in the world for actually going off road .. the rest are great until you try and really off road them.