What 'softroader' for the missus?

[Mike_C]

OK, as I'm sure many people have thought with the recent snow, "perhaps a 4x4 is a good idea?" Thing is, the missus is a nurse and does need to be able to get out to patients come rain or shine, day or night, and whilst her 206 has coped admirably over the past week (we've had 8+ inches of snow!!) a small 4x4 would probably be a better bet.

So, what would you recommend? Can be 3 or 5 door, needs to be a diesel as she does cover a fair few miles in it a year, but nothing too sluggish, something reasonably modern with creature comforts - electric windows, mirrors, air con etc are a must, heated seats and the like a very welcome bonus.

Budget is from £5k up to say £8k ish? Would be mainly road use, I'd probably partake in some light off roading from time to time but nothing serious, and I'd also like to tow my motorbike to trackdays with it too.

I've always loved Freelanders (not the very early ones, but a 2002-on 3-door Sport would be nice) but am looking for other suggestions - any thoughts?

Cheers!

[TomHunnisett]

Hi, find myself in similar circumstances to you, although don't have to restrict myself to diesel....yet. I had thought of the Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin, which is petrol only but pretty handy off road by all accounts. Other options I'd thought of were the Subaru Outback (petrol only in the price range) and Volvo XC70 D5. Guess the Skoda Octavia 4x4 comes into that bracket too. Although with the latter three I'm encountering the question "they're quite big though aren't they?"...

I've no first hand experience I'm afraid of any of these as I've got a few months before a change of car is required, so I would be interested to see what others here think as well!

[JVaughan]

Forget the Jimny ... too harsh ( although extremely good in the Mud )..
Have a look at the new Vitara's .. with the correct choice of tyres you wont go far wrong and for your budget, you'll be looking at an almost new one with all the goodies

[Fireblade185]

Hi you could get a decent late model low mileage trooper citation fully loaded,
my misses found it very easy and capable to drive after being used to senic

[Gafferjim]

Honda CRV diesel. good fuel economy, Honda reliability. excellent softroader. Have recomended these to a couple of friends who've been in your position, they bought themselves one, and are extremely pleased with them.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2009...

Edited by Gafferjim on Wednesday 30th December 21:23

[Gafferjim]

Honda CRV diesel. good fuel economy, Honda reliability. excellent softroader. Have recomended these to a couple of friends who've been in your position, they bought themselves one, and are extremely pleased with them. electronic 4 wheel drive (just the job for lady drivers who don't want to be bothered with "another" gearstick if they go off road.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2009...

Edited by Gafferjim on Wednesday 30th December 21:25

[Rum Runner]

You will get a new shape Grand Vitara for that kind of money and it will not be to old and will have low miles . Best value mid range 4x4 and capable/ reliable.

[Emsman]

Subaru Forrester.


Quick (if thirsty) bulletproof and a better image than the 'soft' roaders

[TigerS6]

My vote is for the Pinin.
We've had ours for approaching a year, and it's been a lovely car to own, smooth, reliable, superbly behaved in the snow.
The only downside is I find the 1.8 MPI is underpowered for the car, and as a result returns poor MPG (about 23 on average).

The other problem is that my missus smashed it this morning, I haven't seen the damage yet, but does anyone know of a good breakers?! (near reading).

[Rum Runner]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1408169.htm

Plenty more in the Piston Classifieds , would go for a 5 door diesel though.Lots on the net to choose from should get a low-ish mileage 2005 on diesel 5 door for that money. Best value by far !.

Edited by Rum Runner on Monday 4th January 23:34

[TigerS6]

I paid 3k for my Pinin, 04 plate elegance model, I thought that was a complete bargain, I reckon I'd get that back even now.

[fb902350]

how about an x-trail. they get about 38mpg, not too slow, loads of space and actually not that bad offroad for this category.

she'll probably like the look if they aren't too big for her, and you can easily get one for 6.5k