4X4 Ski Car Needed
Discussion
Hi all,
I am looking for any ideas on a 4x4 that can be used every day but will mainly be there for snow use. I drive down to Switzerland / France twice a year for skiing and fancy something a bit more sure footed than the BMW.
I’ve just got back from a weeks skiing and whilst the BMW is ok, being rwd (even with snow tyres on) it can be interesting in deep snow; I’d also like a bit more space.
Obviously whatever I get, a full set of winter tyres will go on it (as per the BMW) but I like the idea of increased grip plus potentially extra space to get all our kit in.
So far I have been thinking more along the lines of cars rather than full on off roaders, I have narrowed it down to these two:
Audi Allroad
Subaru Forester Turbo
Does anyone have any experience of either of these cars or any ideas of alternatives?
Ideally these are the key requirements:
- More luggage room then a 3 series BMW
- 4 or All Wheel Drive
- Relatively economical – I need to drive it to work each day (60 mile round trip) and 2 return trips to the Geneva region each year so I don’t want to be factoring in £ ‘00’s for fuel bills; I’d rather spend it on ski passes.
- No big alloys, I need a good clearance between tyre and wheel arch so I can put snow socks on if conditions are really bad (currently have to jack up the BM –not good in a blizzard!).
- Need to get the ski’s in or on it
- Budget around £5 - £14k (Can’t really make up my mind on this, for instance I can get a really nice Audi for my top end but could save almost £10k and settle for a good condition Subaru; given its going to be a work horse do I really care that much……).
Any suggestions gratefully received, I have also given thought to the following but don’t know much about them:
Freelander TD4 HSE
Volvo XC70
I am looking for any ideas on a 4x4 that can be used every day but will mainly be there for snow use. I drive down to Switzerland / France twice a year for skiing and fancy something a bit more sure footed than the BMW.
I’ve just got back from a weeks skiing and whilst the BMW is ok, being rwd (even with snow tyres on) it can be interesting in deep snow; I’d also like a bit more space.
Obviously whatever I get, a full set of winter tyres will go on it (as per the BMW) but I like the idea of increased grip plus potentially extra space to get all our kit in.
So far I have been thinking more along the lines of cars rather than full on off roaders, I have narrowed it down to these two:
Audi Allroad
Subaru Forester Turbo
Does anyone have any experience of either of these cars or any ideas of alternatives?
Ideally these are the key requirements:
- More luggage room then a 3 series BMW
- 4 or All Wheel Drive
- Relatively economical – I need to drive it to work each day (60 mile round trip) and 2 return trips to the Geneva region each year so I don’t want to be factoring in £ ‘00’s for fuel bills; I’d rather spend it on ski passes.
- No big alloys, I need a good clearance between tyre and wheel arch so I can put snow socks on if conditions are really bad (currently have to jack up the BM –not good in a blizzard!).
- Need to get the ski’s in or on it
- Budget around £5 - £14k (Can’t really make up my mind on this, for instance I can get a really nice Audi for my top end but could save almost £10k and settle for a good condition Subaru; given its going to be a work horse do I really care that much……).
Any suggestions gratefully received, I have also given thought to the following but don’t know much about them:
Freelander TD4 HSE
Volvo XC70
Thanks or all the replies guys, a couple of questions though:
- Is a Subaru Forester really that thirsty? I thought that as it was ‘just’ a 2ltr turbo it would be reasonably economical, say around 30+ mpg on a long run?
- Does anyone have any experience of the Freelander with the TD4 engine, I presume the 1.8 petrol should be avoided?
- Is a Subaru Forester really that thirsty? I thought that as it was ‘just’ a 2ltr turbo it would be reasonably economical, say around 30+ mpg on a long run?
- Does anyone have any experience of the Freelander with the TD4 engine, I presume the 1.8 petrol should be avoided?
Highway Star said:
Another one for the Octavia Scout, or indeed the Octavia 4x4. I'm picking one up this very weekend, though I was buying at the bottom of your budget range, it seems to tick all your requirements.
Certainly would not want spend big money on one but a few thousand I could deal with as I would be buying a work horse. What sort of condition / price are we talking about?ProfessorPeach said:
Good call but just too old for me; if only they still made them I'd have one in a shot.Am semi interested in an XC70 and am now looking into the Honda CR-V and perhaps Nissan X-Trail.
duncansaunders said:
Watched it at work with the sound off so no idea what they were saying but it looks as if that Audi Allroad stormed through - disappointed with the XC7o though 
Mind you its not likley I would drive on solid snow and if I did get stuck I'd put chains on.
addyman said:
So A car for the Alps,
driving there several times a year in snow, chrisso, half term, easter etc, on my 2wd Volvo V70 I had snow tyres so no probs, now I drive a Subaru Outback 3.0 with standard tyres which are very grippy in snow and have never , yet needed chains even in the deepest snow.
It passses XC90s, Nissan X-Trails, Quasqais, Audis 4x4 on the mountain roads struggling for grip as their tyres are rubbish.
All down to tyres. The local postwomen in her 2wd Renault van leaves everyone for dead as she has the best snow tyres on it.
4wd is ok, though one needs the grip to go with it, so a deep cut tread is preferable.
Look at my old VOlvo tyres....proper snow ones.....i passed many an English 4wd struggling and having to put chains on.....made me smile...
The Subaru Outback has Geolander G900 tyres which are a crossover tyre and fab in snow, fun as well.
Remember it is not just the 4wd, think tyres too....
Out of interest what sort of fuel economy do you get from the 3.0 Outback, I am presuming it isn't great? Just asking as I do fancy one as it has the 4x4 capability I was looking for combined with the extra space I need as well but had overlooked it as I fear I would be forever filling it up.driving there several times a year in snow, chrisso, half term, easter etc, on my 2wd Volvo V70 I had snow tyres so no probs, now I drive a Subaru Outback 3.0 with standard tyres which are very grippy in snow and have never , yet needed chains even in the deepest snow.
It passses XC90s, Nissan X-Trails, Quasqais, Audis 4x4 on the mountain roads struggling for grip as their tyres are rubbish.
All down to tyres. The local postwomen in her 2wd Renault van leaves everyone for dead as she has the best snow tyres on it.
4wd is ok, though one needs the grip to go with it, so a deep cut tread is preferable.
Look at my old VOlvo tyres....proper snow ones.....i passed many an English 4wd struggling and having to put chains on.....made me smile...
The Subaru Outback has Geolander G900 tyres which are a crossover tyre and fab in snow, fun as well.
Remember it is not just the 4wd, think tyres too....
Edited by addyman on Friday 29th January 10:15
addyman said:
Outback does 27-30mpg on motorways long journeys, 14-18 round town, though my old T5 did 9 yes nine round town.
What you loose on economy you really gain on purchase price as they very good value for performance, reliability and equipment......ignoring the stereo, replace the speakers adn you have a very very good car, that is compfy, goes anywjere adn can carry and tow loads....
tried hyper-miling once and you cna just get 32mpg if you go 55mpg and are gentle....
Neighbours Merc-G Wagon Snow Tyres....
tyres.....wether 2wd or 4wd, get some snow tyres, save the pain of chains and damn good laugh in the snow....plus they brilliant in muddy fields and wet weather....etc.....
Thanks for the info, there is an immaculate 3.0 H6 near me so if I can conivnce the other half I may go and have a look. Re snow tyres, I know how good they are I have been running a set on my BM for the past few years but in severe snow it can still be 'interesting' to dive, so given I want more space a 4x4 on snow tyres should fit the bill for me perfectly......provided I can convince the other half.What you loose on economy you really gain on purchase price as they very good value for performance, reliability and equipment......ignoring the stereo, replace the speakers adn you have a very very good car, that is compfy, goes anywjere adn can carry and tow loads....
tried hyper-miling once and you cna just get 32mpg if you go 55mpg and are gentle....
Neighbours Merc-G Wagon Snow Tyres....
tyres.....wether 2wd or 4wd, get some snow tyres, save the pain of chains and damn good laugh in the snow....plus they brilliant in muddy fields and wet weather....etc.....
Edited by addyman on Friday 29th January 17:31
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