Recommend me a car/4x4 under 4k..

[1ntense]

Well Im looking to sell/part ex my astra vxr for something a bit more family orientated.

Im thinking maybe something diesel, maybe a focus or Im really liking the idea of a 4x4, maybe a freelander.

When I say under 4k btw, I dont mind spending less if I can find a bargain.

Looking for suggestions so fire away guys

[martin84]

Maybe a Focus or a Freelander?

Well at least you know exactly what sort of car you want.

[billzeebub]

get yourself a Subaru Forester

[1ntense]

My mums got a forrester as it happens, not keen on them tbh.

Im not looking to do any off road stuff btw, just fancy the idea of a 4x4, I just know absolutely nothing about them haha

[martin84]

Sounds like we need to find the OP a high riding low down SUV shaped hatchback.

How hard could it be?

[jbi]

avoid the freelanders like the plague

It honestly scares me how many people consider these things to be an option.

The best small 4x4 on the market would be a RAV-4. No contest.

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by jbi on Tuesday 19th June 06:59

[Willhook]

The newer shape vitaras are pretty well regarded, but the Jimny is definately the best 4X4

[ashleyqprw12]

Honda CR-V?

[jbi]

Willhook said:

Jimny is definately the best 4X4

It's competent off-road but not exactly a family car now is it?

[lestershaw]

fugly but a great family car - Mitsubishi Delica

[1ntense]

Whats the deal with the freelanders then, had a feeling they were poo tbh.

Rav 4 and vitaras, reasons for recommending these please?

[y2blade]

Have a look at Rav-4 or CR-V

Avoid Freelanders like the plague

[anonymous-user]

A3 Sportback Quattro or Golf 4motion

[Backtobasics]

Impreza estate

[VR46]

Honda crv's are far better than freelanders if you want the room and driving position, very strong mechanically too. A golf v6 4motion is a hatchback 4x4 with 205bhp but a bit thirsty.

Both have plenty of good examples for under 4k.

[300bhp/ton]

1ntense said:

Well Im looking to sell/part ex my astra vxr for something a bit more family orientated.

Im thinking maybe something diesel, maybe a focus or Im really liking the idea of a 4x4, maybe a freelander.

When I say under 4k btw, I dont mind spending less if I can find a bargain.

Looking for suggestions so fire away guys

A Freelander would make a great fun family wagon tbh. The early L Series diesels are nice and can be mapped and offer up 36-38mpg. The 3 door is perfectly fine for family duties as it's the same size as a 5 door inside and the front doors are massive allowing easy access to the rear seats.

Another great feature of the 3 door is the removable half roof. Most are hard backs which lift off (but you need to leave it behind) or you can buy a soft top conversion. Kids (and adults ) would simply love this and combined with the retractable rear window makes it a fun vehicle to be in.

Handling is pretty too, although it's still a 4x4. But get used to it and you can really throw them about. If equipped with TCS and HDC they are a highly capable off roader too.

The newer BMW powered TD4 should just about be in budget too. A bit faster and smoother, although an mpg or two less efficient. These can also be mapped and go very well.


Personally I think something like this could be a real hoot and a hugely brilliant family car!

[Jayho]

Surprized that "family car" is in the criteria but nobody has mentioned a Volvo. One of the Volvo Estates with all the toys and D5 engine would surely be in for a shout?

[300bhp/ton]

1ntense said:

Whats the deal with the freelanders then, had a feeling they were poo tbh.

Rav 4 and vitaras, reasons for recommending these please?

Freelander's will get slated, but often unfairly. My Mum's on her 2nd and both of my cousins have had them. The Rav4 does look appealing too mind. But I think a Freelander is a more fun proposition, plus has a huge owners and enthusiasts community in the UK.

[C.A.R.]

Sounds like you fancy the idea of something 'big and safe' rather than something off-roady, surely not making a Freelander the perfect choice?

I can see the appeal of a soft-roader / SUV-alike for the safety aspect. If I could afford to buy my girlfriend a car to ferry our baby around in, I'd get a quirky Nissan Juke in a heartbeat.

Not really sure what cars like that are inside your budget though?

[lestershaw]

Both of these were less than £4k
the fugly delica is on the left