Best Touring 4x4
Discussion
Guys, I could use some help in car choice here. A few mates and me are planning to drive over to Norway (via a few ferries) next Winter.
The plan is to drive from Oslo right up to Tromso at the top and then over a bit further if possible.
It's a long way. 2800miles if we went directly up there and back, but most likely we will take some big detours, and do around 4000 miles.
1) So, we are going to need something with as high MPG as possible.
2) The vehicle also has to have anough space for 3 people and luggage. Also potentially to carry 4 extra studded wheels.
3) It needs to be able to cope with ice and snow, though we don't really need a very capable 4x4 as we won't be leaving the roads, just something that will keep us going through most conditions.
4) Needs to be moderately reliable
5) Cheap as possible as we may well destroy it. £2kish mark would be good, but could stretch.
So far the 4x4 to beat is a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0TD. Cheap, big, low box, 40ish MPG.
The plan is to drive from Oslo right up to Tromso at the top and then over a bit further if possible.
It's a long way. 2800miles if we went directly up there and back, but most likely we will take some big detours, and do around 4000 miles.
1) So, we are going to need something with as high MPG as possible.
2) The vehicle also has to have anough space for 3 people and luggage. Also potentially to carry 4 extra studded wheels.
3) It needs to be able to cope with ice and snow, though we don't really need a very capable 4x4 as we won't be leaving the roads, just something that will keep us going through most conditions.
4) Needs to be moderately reliable
5) Cheap as possible as we may well destroy it. £2kish mark would be good, but could stretch.
So far the 4x4 to beat is a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0TD. Cheap, big, low box, 40ish MPG.
Carrying 4 extra wheels is the killer, as that takes up a hell of a lot of space. Better IMO to fit winters that'll take studs.
Then you could take something a bit more fun, although my suggestions of a turbo Impreza or a V6 X-Type (saloon only for that money) fail on the fuel efficient stakes, but they won't be that horrendous compared to a proper 4x4.
Then you could take something a bit more fun, although my suggestions of a turbo Impreza or a V6 X-Type (saloon only for that money) fail on the fuel efficient stakes, but they won't be that horrendous compared to a proper 4x4.
good suggestions thanks guys.
the legacy was going to be my first choice, but it makes 31mpg(parkers) which is a bit low.
You're right about fitting studded tyres all the way, however in reality most of the driving will be on normal motorways without any ice/snow as we make our way up there. I had presumed this would just wear the studs down very quickly so they would be ineffective when we get there.
Norway has laws about compulsory studded tyres on over winter, so there's no getting around it.
I hadn't thought of the XC70. but it certainly is the right part of the world for spares!
again with the impreza the MPG would be an issue. Petrol is also stupidly expensive over there, even more than here.
edit: can you get winters to put studs into later on? didn't know this!
the legacy was going to be my first choice, but it makes 31mpg(parkers) which is a bit low.
You're right about fitting studded tyres all the way, however in reality most of the driving will be on normal motorways without any ice/snow as we make our way up there. I had presumed this would just wear the studs down very quickly so they would be ineffective when we get there.
Norway has laws about compulsory studded tyres on over winter, so there's no getting around it.
I hadn't thought of the XC70. but it certainly is the right part of the world for spares!
again with the impreza the MPG would be an issue. Petrol is also stupidly expensive over there, even more than here.
edit: can you get winters to put studs into later on? didn't know this!
Edited by Efbe on Thursday 13th October 10:38
How's this look? Bit over budget, but maybe a deal to be done. Diesel too.
http://tinyurl.com/5vb2mrl
http://tinyurl.com/5vb2mrl
Volvo360 said:
How's this look? Bit over budget, but maybe a deal to be done. Diesel too.
http://tinyurl.com/5vb2mrl
axactly the type of car I have been looking at!http://tinyurl.com/5vb2mrl
the 1.9TDi does 48mpg, and if that seems too boring there is the 2.5 or 2.5 Quattro with mid to high 30s.
the terrano is a bit thirsty, but damn they are cheap!
also you're right about wheels on the roof, I think we will be rigging a big roof rack on there which will certainly not help with mpg, but may be essential for space
Efbe said:
Guys, I could use some help in car choice here. A few mates and me are planning to drive over to Norway (via a few ferries) next Winter.
The plan is to drive from Oslo right up to Tromso at the top and then over a bit further if possible.
It's a long way. 2800miles if we went directly up there and back, but most likely we will take some big detours, and do around 4000 miles.
1) So, we are going to need something with as high MPG as possible.
2) The vehicle also has to have anough space for 3 people and luggage. Also potentially to carry 4 extra studded wheels.
3) It needs to be able to cope with ice and snow, though we don't really need a very capable 4x4 as we won't be leaving the roads, just something that will keep us going through most conditions.
4) Needs to be moderately reliable
5) Cheap as possible as we may well destroy it. £2kish mark would be good, but could stretch.
So far the 4x4 to beat is a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0TD. Cheap, big, low box, 40ish MPG.
I think you should number crunch. Spending a bit more might get you a better more fuel efficient vehicle, so overall might be cheaper.The plan is to drive from Oslo right up to Tromso at the top and then over a bit further if possible.
It's a long way. 2800miles if we went directly up there and back, but most likely we will take some big detours, and do around 4000 miles.
1) So, we are going to need something with as high MPG as possible.
2) The vehicle also has to have anough space for 3 people and luggage. Also potentially to carry 4 extra studded wheels.
3) It needs to be able to cope with ice and snow, though we don't really need a very capable 4x4 as we won't be leaving the roads, just something that will keep us going through most conditions.
4) Needs to be moderately reliable
5) Cheap as possible as we may well destroy it. £2kish mark would be good, but could stretch.
So far the 4x4 to beat is a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0TD. Cheap, big, low box, 40ish MPG.
Have to say a diesel Freelander with TCS sort of sounds pretty ideal. Add a roof rack and loads of room.
As you could fab up a bracket to carry two spares on the back, 2 on the roof and maybe a roof box for additional luggage.
Driven steady they should do 46mpg. I'd probably go for the older L-Series version. But make sure it has TCS.
Remember a Freelander will be AWD when you need it without any input from the driver. The TCS is also awesome in slippery conditions.
Something like a Suzuki doesn't have a centre diff, this means it is either 2wd or locked 4wd. The latter you can only really use on lose or slippery surfaces. Sometimes you get conditions between the two, so a perm AWD vehicle will have greater ability.
Subaru Forrester or Legacy Outback would also seem sensible, although you are probably down to nearer 30mpg in them. At this mpg level I'd also consider a Tdi Discovery.
Efbe said:
also you're right about wheels on the roof, I think we will be rigging a big roof rack on there which will certainly not help with mpg, but may be essential for space
how about one of those small trailers, that they often have outside halfords - could probably get one of ebay for just a few quid, less likely to dent your mpg.Efbe said:
axactly the type of car I have been looking at!
the 1.9TDi does 48mpg, and if that seems too boring there is the 2.5 or 2.5 Quattro with mid to high 30s.
the terrano is a bit thirsty, but damn they are cheap!
also you're right about wheels on the roof, I think we will be rigging a big roof rack on there which will certainly not help with mpg, but may be essential for space
Only thing I'd say about a 4x4 over an AWD car is:the 1.9TDi does 48mpg, and if that seems too boring there is the 2.5 or 2.5 Quattro with mid to high 30s.
the terrano is a bit thirsty, but damn they are cheap!
also you're right about wheels on the roof, I think we will be rigging a big roof rack on there which will certainly not help with mpg, but may be essential for space
-you'll see more in a higher up 4x4. Hedges, fences, barriers. Makes a road trip more pleasant.
-more roomy cabin, and usually more airy. Room to stretch and move about more
-gives you the opportunity to leave the beaten track should the opportunity arise
-and lastly, are you really going just for a hoon? I doubt it, so does it matter that much if an AWD car corners slightly better? Nope, not really. You'll still enjoy hooning a 4x4 anyhow.
Another ( tho biased 
) vote for the Outback here .
I have carried a spare set of wheels in the boot sat 4-a-breast no problem with room to spare.
Another thing to keep in mind re the Outback over the Legacy/Forrester is the Outback has a limited slip diff .
Edited 'cos didn't see the 2k budget!!
) vote for the Outback here .I have carried a spare set of wheels in the boot sat 4-a-breast no problem with room to spare.
Another thing to keep in mind re the Outback over the Legacy/Forrester is the Outback has a limited slip diff .
Edited 'cos didn't see the 2k budget!!
Edited by Goldmember1 on Thursday 13th October 11:35
Efbe said:
5) Cheap as possible as we may well destroy it. £2kish mark would be good, but could stretch.
Why not buy something a bit cheaper, say around £1k and spend a few £'s on sorting anything needing done/improvements, then have a lot more budget for fuel.E.g buy a Jeep Cherokee 4.0ltr, do an oil and filter change, brake pads, new radiator (if needed) and coolant etc for £2-300.
Then have a 'spare £700 for any extra fuel costs.
4.0lt cherokee is meant to be virtually unbreakable, will have full time 4 wheel drive, reasonably comfortable for long journey with decent amount of space, plus built in roof bars for easy adding a rack/box if required.
thanks for the help guys.
the freelander is something I had thought about, though slightly worried by the reliability issues of them, especially for such a long road trip.
had a cherokee before, and loved it, but fuel bills would be crippling. would probably cost an extra £1,500 to get a 4.0 around norway and back.
a trailer is an idea, though does make it more expensive for the ferry. something I will have to look into a bit more, and would allow for a smaller estate i suppose.
as for the block heater, shouldn't be too hard to fit one, and they seem cheap enough. but thanks for reminding me - one of the issues we had thought of was freezing diesel, we will be taking additives for the colder times, and touch wood it won't drop to under 16C which could get awkward
the freelander is something I had thought about, though slightly worried by the reliability issues of them, especially for such a long road trip.
had a cherokee before, and loved it, but fuel bills would be crippling. would probably cost an extra £1,500 to get a 4.0 around norway and back.
a trailer is an idea, though does make it more expensive for the ferry. something I will have to look into a bit more, and would allow for a smaller estate i suppose.
as for the block heater, shouldn't be too hard to fit one, and they seem cheap enough. but thanks for reminding me - one of the issues we had thought of was freezing diesel, we will be taking additives for the colder times, and touch wood it won't drop to under 16C which could get awkward
Bezerk said:
Good luck driving a UK spec car up there without a block heater!
.......and doing this journey in a £2000 car. We've been to where you're planning, and further (Honningsvag) and would not like to do it in a £2000 car.Personally, if I were in your shoes, i'd fly to Norway and rent something reliable and native that has all the necessary country mods done to it.
Good luck on the trip.
Ps....the difference between 30mpg and 40mpg for you trip over 2800 miles is about £45 per person; I woulldn't let that get in your way. Given the choice i'd go for as thirsty and reliable for my £2000.00.
Edited by OdramaSwimLaden on Thursday 13th October 12:32
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