Which 4x4?

angelica_99

Can anyone recommend me some makes/models of 4x4.

I have a Mazda MX5 at the moment but as I'm pregnant its becoming less practical the bigger I get !!

I want a 4x4 mainly for the extra room, with a baby, a dog and most weekends away camping with kayakes and canoes it seems to be the best option.

I would prefer a diesel and want to spend about £5-£6k. I like the look of the Land Rover Freelander but have heard that the electrics are poor, don't really like the look of the RAV4 or the Honda CVR.

I thank you !

:beer:

Idiophreak

Have you looked at the Jeep Cherokee at all? Can get some quite nice (2.5TD) ones for £5-6k and it's big enough to throw anything you want into.

angelica_99

I haven't so far - but will now - *sneeks off to look at Autotrader/Parkers*

Cheers :beer:

Markyt

Import shogun / pajero - I bought one 2 years ago, been brilliant. Its twelve years old and in better nick and cheaper than a newer Shogun built here.

dnc1781

See:
http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews-by-type.aspx?RG=8
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/usedcartests/208571/land_rover_freelander.html
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/usedcartests/205141/used_cars.html
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm

Debt_Free_Chick

Markyt wrote: »

Import shogun / pajero - I bought one 2 years ago, been brilliant. Its twelve years old and in better nick and cheaper than a newer Shogun built here.

Agreed - I bought a Pajero (2.8TD Exceed) imported from Japan 3 years ago. 1995 reg with (at that time) 70k on the clock. Cost me £8k. Not a minute's trouble with it - just a standard service at about £120 pa

Leather interior, air-con, CD player, electric windows/seats etc...... I get 30-35 mpg although I only do short trips (less than 10 miles e/w).

Insurance can be tricky as it's imported but the Pajero Owner's Club can help.

mjr600

Why a 4x4 ? The Jeep provides less space than a typical family estate, anything from Land Rover is likely to break during ownership, a 'Grey' import Shogun or Surf will be difficult and pricey to insure and your budget won't buy much else worth having in the 4X4 market.

Maybe set your sights a little more sensibly and you will get a newer, larger, more practical and better vehicle to own and drive in the likes of an Octavia estate or similar.

If your budget was double then getting into a decent 4x4 would be easier.

MrsTinks

MX5s are great fun and it's amazing what you can manage to do (like transport the dog on the passenger seat) but I suspect that like me you find it difficult to take the dog, shopping, partner AND a new baby out in a 5
We got a Santa Fe diesel but it costs a bit more than £5-6k... well worth every penny!
Sadly I'll have to start looking at selling my MX5 soon... but it was fun whilst it lasted

Hapless_2

a 'Grey' import Shogun or Surf will be difficult and pricey to insure

nope, not if you go through direct line.
Freelanders hmm, I always see these on the back of pick ups.
Are you actually going to use it either off road or in rural areas where the roads flood/get blown down trees that need towing out of the way or be towing a large trailer or horse box?
If not, get an MPV with roof bars and a tow pack.

Markyt

mjr600 wrote: »

a 'Grey' import Shogun or Surf will be difficult and pricey to insure

£300 fully comp for me, via Churchill. Had to have immobiliser fitted when I bought it.

chilli_dog

Get a Pajero, best car we have ever owned. Would not be in another car with kids, your high up and behind two tons of metal.