What 4X4 for around £3000?

[Thin White Duke]

I'll be looking for a 4X4 as my runaround in a couple of months or so.

It must be rugged enough to manage rough farm tracks, but be reasonable on the road. I want something as new as possible (under 10 years at least) and nothing too big like Discovery size.

I've been looking at 8/9 year old Rav4's but judging by reviews they are more hatchback than 4X4. My main interest has been in the Jeep Cherokee. Probably around the 2002 - 2004 mark.

As for budget it's more a case of not wanting to spend too much since I prefer to put my money into other cars.

Any recommendations and information welcome.

[Deerfoot]

First generation CR-V?

[northandy]

Something like this ?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3844081.htm

[Wigeon Incognito]

If it's a tool with basic road manners you're after how about a Kia Sorento? They tow very well and having been off road in one can confirm they're capable of the basics. They're better than you might think on road too.

The CR-V is probably less capable off road than a RAV 4. The Nissan X Trail is a little better though. I wouldn't discount a K Series or diesel Freelander at this budget either as most of the issues e.g. head gaskets on the K Series will have been resolved by now, or aren't as serious as people make out.

Edited by Wigeon Incognito on Saturday 21st July 10:08

[billzeebub]

Subaru Forrester. My brother paid just over £4k for a 2.0XT (2004 model) with 80k miles from Subaru dealer. He is out of the country at the moment and bought it purely as a car for summer camping trips. It has been very impressive so far. Well specd( leather, huge sunroof, cruise, aircon, heated seats, 3 electric sockets, cd changer) comfortable and hugely practical as well as being fantastic off-road. For the £3k budget a similar vehicle should be achievable. Maybe a lower mileage non Turbo 2.0X. I wholeheartedly recommend them