Two Cars or One

D+C_4

Thank you very much everyone for your input. It does sound as if one catch-all vehicle is going to be the way forward. I did raise a smile at a couple of the comments from people who clearly understand my situation: creepy crawlies emerging from the back of the Jimny is a recurring issue!

I won't turn this into a "What Car" thread, I really just wanted a financial overview of the implications of two cars. I will say however that I have considered the trailer idea before. The only issue is flexibility. I will be at work and find I have a sudden and immediate need to move something filthy, so if the trailer isn't on hand that could cause a problem!

The reason I hadn't considered the large 4x4s is two fold. Firstly tax, which is less of an issue with a pick up, and secondly my inability (as the wife describes it) to keep the dirt and dog hair from creeping into the main body of the car from the boot area! She feels (strongly) that an actual partition of solid metal is required between my stuff/dog and the rest of the vehicle!! I will revisit the large 4x4s though.

Many thanks again.

keith1950

I apologise to TradePro and Wh05apk if I misunderstood their posts !

Now, back to the OP ,I only bothered to post because my car has a totally flat, hard wearing load space when the rear seats are put down. Nissan did not advertise it as an SUV but a 'Station Wagon'.

I have used it to move wardrobes/settee's/beds and many other large items, there is enough space to throw a couple bikes in the back without having to resort to cycle racks.

My main experience is driving so I don't know the other features of some of the other SUV's however, as an example the Qashqui does not have a flat load area with the seats down

The old Freelander would probably be a reasonable choice as a utility vehicle however reliability would put me off and it is not the best road vehicle.

The current crop of SUV's are probably not what the OP would want, they are expensive , luxurious and he would probably not want to keep a dog in the back or carry garden rubbish etc.

What he probably needs is an all purpose utility vehicle or large estate car.

OP.... good luck with your quest , I hope you find something that matches your needs.

Weird_Nev

I would seriously evaluate your off road "needs".
Do you:
Mainly stick to tracks but go 50 yards off them to avoid a walk?
Cross muddy fields out of necessity?
Regularly need to engage low range or diff locks?
Routinely get into very remote situations with deep mud, ruts and rocks?

The problem with "proper" 4x4's is the more 4x4 ability you get, the greater the compromises for a road car become. Costs also rise: Full 4x4's are heavy, thirsty and inefficient.

From your descriptions, I think a relatively "light" 4x4 or even AWD SUV could be ideal: Refined and decent interiors for use as the every day car, with that hint of extra ground clearance and off tarmac ability to enable you to do your work.

I'm thinking along the lines of Subaru Forester, or Nissan X Trail. Even perhaps a Legacy "outback" might be sufficient. They have low range transfer boxes on some models, and surprising off road ability.

Dog guards and discipline should keep the dog stuff in the back.

The next step "up" in 4x4 ability and "down" in versatility is the Pick up, IMO. Plenty around with proper 4x4, truckman style flatbed, and decent enough on road manners.

Only you know what you really use your car for, and for what proportion of time.

(I type this as a man who runs a 3.8L V6 Auto Pajero for the creche run and shopping in the week, then hammer it into the Australian Outback on weekends away and holidays! Dunes, Powerlines tracks and riverbeds!)

Herzlos

D+C wrote: »

I won't turn this into a "What Car" thread, I really just wanted a financial overview of the implications of two cars. I will say however that I have considered the trailer idea before. The only issue is flexibility. I will be at work and find I have a sudden and immediate need to move something filthy, so if the trailer isn't on hand that could cause a problem!

Have you got somewhere at work you could keep a trailer? Bear in mind you can get older trailers for peanuts if you're mechanically savvy enough to look after them (or spot when they need welded) so it wouldn't be bank breaking to have for instance a half decent 6x4 at work (maybe £2-300) and an older 4x3 at home (easily under £80, and will store on end).

I've gone a similar route; decided to go from large estate to small hatchback + biggish trailer, which prevented me from going into pick-up territory.