Crossover or SUV opinions please

greatgimpo

I have to do a small amount of driving down unmade roads and farm tracks. So far my aging Mondeo has had 3 front springs and 2 shock absorbers - perhaps it's trying to tell me something!

I'm considering buying a secondhand crossover but am perturbed by comments that they're not really designed to do any off tarmac stuff despite the raised suspension etc.

I really want to avoid a full-blown SUV as my off-road mileage doesn't really warrant me buying a lumbering, heavy, thirsty tank. Fuel, road tax, tyres, service intervals are all to be considered - what could I expect to buy for £10-12,000?

Any opinions anybody about what I should consider, what to avoid?

Wh05apk

A very nice Hyundai Santa fe, probably about 2 yrs old low mileage?

alx33277

Wh05apk wrote: »

A very nice Hyundai Santa fe, probably about 2 yrs old low mileage?

+1

or a Kia Sportage of similar vintage

or Skoda Yeti / Octavia 4x4 if you're not bothered by badge snobbery

or Nissan Qashqai

greatgimpo

The Yeti is too far out of my price range. Two votes for the Santa Fe - I'm on the case. Thanks

UncleZen

I'd be interested to know what the definition of a "crossover" is.

greatgimpo

I interpret it as being a heftier body and fittings (suspension etc) mounted on a car frame as opposed to mounted on a van/truck frame - a full SUV.

wba31

Honda CRV?

Hammyman

greatgimpo wrote: »

I have to do a small amount of driving down unmade roads and farm tracks. So far my aging Mondeo has had 3 front springs and 2 shock absorbers - perhaps it's trying to tell me something!

Yes. You are driving too fast down it.

greatgimpo

Hammyman wrote: »

Yes. You are driving too fast down it.

No, I have to go below walking pace on most of them... literally walking pace and the car is bouncing up and down. There's one property I go to and it's a better route across a field rather than use their unmade road.

Gloomendoom

greatgimpo wrote: »

No, I have to go below walking pace on most of them... literally walking pace and the car is bouncing up and down. There's one property I go to and it's a better route across a field rather than use their unmade road.

I think you must live near us. We've managed up to now on unmade roads and across the occasional field with an ordinary front wheel drive hatchback. After 12 years of abuse the poor thing has started to protest so Mrs G is replacing it with a 2WD Kia Sportage. Time will tell if it is up to it.