Planning ahead for a winter runabout - suggestions?

[nutey]

Looking at getting a cheap 2nd car to give the C63 a rest through next winter. I'm thinking Japanese (for reliability), 5 door (for the school run), petrol, manual and 4wd with a budget of £2k.

That seems to suggest these as possibilities:

Honda CRV
Toyota RAV4
Subaru Forester, Outlander or Impreza

The CRV seems plentiful and relateively bulletproof and I've always liked Foresters but any comments on the others or have I missed any other obvious options?

[DoubleD]

Why would a Mercedes need a rest in the winter?

[trickywoo]

Vitara also.

Jimny to stick with the rwd fun but have the option of 4wd if you need.

[nutey]

DoubleD said:

Why would a Mercedes need a rest in the winter?

It doesn't really but it's wasted in the winter weather so a cheap shed keeps the miles off and makes the C63 even more fun when the weather improves...

[nutey]

trickywoo said:

Vitara also.

Jimny to stick with the rwd fun but have the option of 4wd if you need.

Forgot the Vitara. Jimmy would be fun but really want 5 doors for the school run...

[ZX10R NIN]

Subaru Legacy

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mazda CX-7

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Golf VR6 4 Motion

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Ford Maverick

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you can live with an auto:

X3 3.0i Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Nissan Murano

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[GeorgeR]

I recently bought a mk1 Honda CRV for similar reasons, my sons enjoyed using it in the last of this years snow.

Interior is immaculate, very roomy and comfortable for its age.

Gear change is agricultural and steering a little heavy but otherwise a typical Honda to drive.

Currently going through the mechanical side to ensure everything is okay.

I also like the Rav4, petrol of same age also has benefit of been chain rather than belt drive for the cam.

[nutey]

ZX10R NIN said:

Subaru Legacy

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mazda CX-7

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

That legacy looks good and always liked the CX7. Not the most economical but lots of car for the money...

[nutey]

GeorgeR said:

I also like the Rav4, petrol of same age also has benefit of been chain rather than belt drive for the cam.

Useful to know, looks like post 2002 CRV has a chain too...