Bestest Cheapest Winter Runaround (4x4 / estate)

[pi_sjo]

Hello all

Contemplating a cheap < £2k winter runabout/beater. Must be estate. Must be proper 4wd.

On the table so far old subaru imprezas or legacys

Any other suggestions? Something typically reliable please.

Thanks

[HuntsmanPH]

Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee (if you can stomach the fuel bills)

[CaptainSlow]

n/a Impreza, not much can beat them in the snow.

[pi_sjo]

CaptainSlow said:

n/a Impreza, not much can beat them in the snow.

This was exactly my first choice. Impreza sport. Cheap as chips and fairly bullet proof from my (turbo) experience.

[Luke.]

Subaru Outback. Love em.

[spyder dryver]

Subaru Forester. More ground clearance than an Impreza and Hi-Lo gearbox too.

[CaptainSlow]

spyder dryver said:

Subaru Forester. More ground clearance than an Impreza and Hi-Lo gearbox too.

I don't think they're as good as a bit heavier. n/a Imprezas have Hi-Lo too.

[Snowboy]

A full size 4x4 is more likely to have m&s tyres on it than a 4wd road car.
If it's a winter hack you want decent tyres.

For 2k I'd suggest you just looj at everything local in your price range, and buy what looks good.

[mr_spock]

I bought a '98 Grand Cherokee 4.0 petrol for £500. Spent about £600 on front ball joints, handbrake refurb, suspension grease-up and a new MOT (no advisories). Then two new front tyres. So, it stands me at about £1300 which is a bit OTT for a shed, but it's safe and reliable (so far). Yes it's a bit juicy, but has the world's best heater and hasn't been stopped by snow or ice yet when all around me were sliding about or stuck spinning wheels. Even my wife, who I think was a bit nervous of it to start with, thinks it's a hoot now.

There is no rust at all - most of the ones I saw were like that - and it's easy to work on. Go for the '99 on WJ version and you'll even have a more modern interior, just expect to spend on suspension and brakes at that age.

[shambolic]

Mazda tribute!!!!
I'm running one just now for the dogs for the shooting and transporting us and our scuba gear. Cracking big bus!

[billzeebub]

Forester 100%. Japanese reliability and very talented with good kit. I have a 2004 XT and use it more frequently than my RR!

[The Moose]

What about a Honda CRV?!

[nagsheadwarrior]

Lpg cherokee every day for me,someone posted one for 995 on the bargain basement thread earlier,its in the ph classifieds.
Or how about a mitsubishi delica for something different?
Do they do a 4x4 legnum?

[GBSGR5]

Another vote for a Subaru Forester. I have a 2003 Forester 2.0X with the winter pack, goes anywhere and has heated seats - just what you need these mornings !

[ajh38]

It will be spring soon!

[eltax91]

Is the octavia AWD in budget yet?

[Bill]

CaptainSlow said:

n/a Imprezas have Hi-Lo too.

Really? I did not know that.

[B.J.W]

Another for Forester.

I paid 1k for a 99 V Plate 2.0 with 92,000 miles a few years ago. Great little runaround, and cheap enough for me not to be too worried when I slid it into a gate post.

[v8250]

CaptainSlow said:

n/a Impreza, not much can beat them in the snow.

OP pick up one of these in Wagon form. I have one as my winter run-around and they're unbeatable for the price. Plenty of low mileage un-hooned cars out there if you're prepaired to search a little. For info' I paid £1400 for a 2002 model with only 44,500miles on the clock and FSH. Pick up a spare set of wheels, fit winter tyres and you'll be amazed at how capable they are. I can not tell you how much fun I've had since last Thursday...they're semi-unstopable.

[pi_sjo]

Thanks for the suggestions/confirmation folks