Cheap 4x4

vax2002

The renault rx4 dci is a very economical 4x4 soft roader and has a cracking intelligent 4x4 sytem that runs 2wd until something slips then it moves power to the wheels with most grip.
But make sure the propshaft is connected as many remove them.
a very able 4x4 used by many ambulance services in the hey day and a family car in 1.
I had one myself for 3 years with no major problems and my mpg was 42 town and 61 on a run.

Lagopus

Thanks for your suggestions, mileage will be low but with occasional longer runs which puts Series Landrovers out of the equation. I used to have a 110 Defender for work which was great but now have a 2 seater Freelander commercial - OK for me but no good for the family. We used to have a Suzuki SJ which was great but there aren't any around now, Jimnys look OK but boot space is minimal.

The Honda HRV has some good reviews and the V-tec engines are strong - any reasons why not to get one?

vax2002

CRV and HRV come in 2wd and 4wd versions ASFAIK ? so make sure any you look at are indeed 4x4 vehicles.

Wh05apk

For £1,000 for a 4x4 I cannot see you getting anything that will be too reliable, surely you would do better saving your money and getting a spare set of wheels/winter tyres? To buy a second car just for a few weeks a year seems an extravagence, as Tax/mot's/servicing/insurance will surely be at least another £500pa?

Lagopus

Its worth thinking about - our main problem is that once at the end of the unsalted road there are 2 steep hills in either direction. My wife also does some work that involves driving up moorland tracks with pot holes and raised central ridges - the family estate might need some expensive repairs if we use it off road.

Why would anyone want a 2WD SUV?

Gloomendoom

Wh05apk wrote: »

For £1,000 for a 4x4 I cannot see you getting anything that will be too reliable, surely you would do better saving your money and getting a spare set of wheels/winter tyres? To buy a second car just for a few weeks a year seems an extravagence, as Tax/mot's/servicing/insurance will surely be at least another £500pa?

I agree. Just buy a set of winter tyres for your current car. If you can't afford that buy a set of chains. Chances are, if you have them with you, you will never need them.

Gloomendoom

Lagopus wrote: »

Why would anyone want a 2WD SUV?

Ha ha! Lower purchase price and running costs? My wife has just ordered one. We thought long and hard about buying the 4x4 version but all we needed was the raised ground clearance and better approach/departure angles. Up to now we have coped perfectly well with a 2wd hatchback driving on unsurfaced dirt roads and, on occasions, across fields. The only problem is that it has taken a heavy toll on the front bumper which is a bit low to the ground.
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Strider590

Lagopus wrote: »

Why would anyone want a 2WD SUV?

Good point..... But why would anyone want a cheap 4x4?
Surely the whole point of a 4x4 is to be big/new/shiney and able to mount a kerb stone whilst carrying 1 child and a PE kit :rotfl:

Lum

Strider590 wrote: »

Surely the whole point of a 4x4 is to be big/new/shiney and able to mount a kerb stone whilst carrying 1 child and a PE kit :rotfl:

You just described the target market for a 2WD SUV.

fivetide

Even cheaper than winter tyres - the ability to drive properly.

Last winter i ran round in a rear drive Merc with no traction control and regular Barum (budget Continental) tyres on and didn't get stuck once. Weight in the boot and a bit of commonsense sorted me.

You hear a lot of people on Scooby forums moaning the car isn't good in the snow - usually they think "yay 4x4 I can drive like normal" No you can't. I could powerslide my Scooby, do donuts and then drive off fine in the snow even with standard tyres on and 300bhp under the right foot. The conditions need to be really bad to stop a Scoob.

That said, I'd look at maybe a Forester. Should be cheaper to insure and has the same engines etc (assuming you want to go Subaru)

5t.