Best cheapish 4 x 4

[Notanotherturbo]

Looking for a decent 4x 4, no CRV type 4wd with the rears only in use when the fronts loose traction. Not going off road but needs to be good on hilly roads in snow and ice. Decent turn of speed, reliable and comfortable. Budget 3-4k with under 100k on. Thinking P38 RR Vogue or an early BMW RR, X5, Lexus RX. Thoughts and alternatives please :0)

[brrapp]

I recently bought a 2002 SWB Shogun for £2000. Proper 4wd, very heavy duty chassis, 3.2 litre diesel. Best 4wd banger I've ever had. Mitsubishi are still making almost exactly the same model that they introduced over 17 years ago and no plans to stop. Must be doing something right.

[Trevor555]

Notanotherturbo said:

Looking for a decent 4x 4, no CRV type 4wd with the rears only in use when the fronts loose traction. Not going off road but needs to be good on hilly roads in snow and ice

CRV's and Rav4's are actually very good on roads that are icy/snowy.

I goand visit friends in BC each year and see them doing very well when the weather makes it tricky.

[MrAverage]

We have a CRV and the missus didn't bin it in the snow so im assuming the 4 wheel drive system is alright haha.

As above a shogun is always a good answer to this question. they are very good motors, mpg isn't very good though!

Edited by MrAverage on Sunday 17th December 20:09

[mattman]

Xc90?

This is in budget - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

We had one from 70,000 miles to 150k and was brilliant - huge inside, very comfortable and 4x4 all the time

[CJG98]

Subaru Outback

[Jag_NE]

Notanotherturbo said:

Looking for a decent 4x 4, no CRV type 4wd with the rears only in use when the fronts loose traction. Not going off road but needs to be good on hilly roads in snow and ice. Decent turn of speed, reliable and comfortable. Budget 3-4k with under 100k on. Thinking P38 RR Vogue or an early BMW RR, X5, Lexus RX. Thoughts and alternatives please :0)

A 3 grand RR will be great on snow and ice.....when it’s not broken. I can’t see why a rav4 or crv wouldn’t cut the mustard on pretty much any uk road at any time of year.

[CaptainSlow]

If no load lugging is needed, non-turbo Impreza. Will out-perform and other 4x4 in the snow.

[TimmyMallett]

Isn't the only answer a Jiminy?

Edit, then saw speed and comfort, and for those reasons, I'm out.

[g7jtk]

Some of what you want relies on the tyres you have.

[48k]

X-Trail

If you are on a limited budget check the running costs of some of your choices.

[Luke.]

CJG98 said:

Subaru Outback

One of the best cars I've owned. And that includes a Cayenne Turbo.

[v8250]

Subaru Forester FXT https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Subaru-Forester-2-5-XT-...

[Roger Irrelevant]

CJG98 said:

Subaru Outback

Can confirm from today's off road outing in the North York Moors that these are indeed brilliant in snow/ice, especially on winter tyres, and I expect a £4k Outback is going to be a far better ownership proposition than a £4k X5 or Range Rover.

[skeeterm5]

Landrover Freelander TD4

[MorganP104]

You might get a BMW-era L322 Rangie for £4k, but it won't be a decent one.

If you like getting your hands dirty, and are handy with the spanners (and a laptop), then it will be a joy.

I think the answer here is something Japanese and hardy.

[Trevor555]

Trevor555 said:

Notanotherturbo said:

Looking for a decent 4x 4, no CRV type 4wd with the rears only in use when the fronts loose traction. Not going off road but needs to be good on hilly roads in snow and ice

CRV's and Rav4's are actually very good on roads that are icy/snowy.

I goand visit friends in BC each year and see them doing very well when the weather makes it tricky.

Just watch out for rust on these at that budget, they can be pretty bad underneath.

[HannsG]

Panda has to surely be up there?

[MR2_SC]

48k said:

X-Trail

If you are on a limited budget check the running costs of some of your choices.

This.

I picked up a 100k mile 2004 2.2 dci 12 months ago. It’s the last Japanese built model and lives up to the expectations of build quality.

I get 40mpg generally or 33mpg when towing the Caterham, 5 up with luggage, spare wheels etc. Full leather, heated seats, torquey engine, proper 4wd (unlike the CRV).

Not glamorous but comfy, reliable and does the job. I serviced it, replaced the tyres and rear dampers (for towing) but other than that have just driven it for 10k miles and it hasn’t put a foot wrong.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

I've got an SX4 Grip for similar use. It's been great