Recommend me a small 4x4 for the missus?

[Mike_C]

The missus has decided she might want to replace her 07-reg 206 CC HDi for a little 4x4 of some description. The only real requirements are it needs to be:

- Safe
- Economical (real world 45mpg+ petrol or 50mpg+ diesel - currently gets 54mpg from her 206 HDi)
- Fun (i.e. chuckable, something with a bit of character)
- Reliable

My initial thoughts were a Suzuki Jimny, Grand Vitara, possibly a second generation Rav4. Ideally it would be a 3 door car with a removable roof/rear 3/4 area for sunny weekends in the summer.

Ideally she would also like to free up some cash, so around the £5k mark would be good.

Any suggestions?

[Mike_C]

Efbe said:

I'm not sure this is possible. but it depends on what you mean by 4wd & what you need 4wd for;
something that can handle offroad- [b]NOT REALLY/b]
something for snow - YES
something for tracks - YES
something to help out in wet weather - YES
something for slightly raised verges - YES

Basically we live in the countryside, she has to get to patients in remote areas in all weathers and covers around 20k miles a year, hence the need for economy, safety and ability to cope with some abnormal weather conditions. I have a Range Rover Classic for when the beemer physically can't get out the drive and whilst her 206 is pretty good, she reckons she would feel safer in a small 4x4, which I can understand.

Countdown said:

Would be very surprised if there was any petrol SUV capable of doing 45+mpg combined.

I've been thinking of something similar for the Mrs - my choice would probably be a Mk2 RAV4. Good combination of space, reliability, and occasional snow use.

Yeah, looks like a Mk2 Rav4 or a Fiat Panda 4x4 I think! Shame the Jimny is not more economical, that looked like a fun little car!

Something like this: http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/3516373.htm (but not this one, looks rather abused!)
...or something like this: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3607464.htm

Cheers guys.

Edited by Mike_C on Monday 13th February 13:09

[Mike_C]

Haha! Is the Cross still a 4x4? If so, what's the difference between the 4x4 and the Cross?