Lack of affordable 4x4's these days?

[300bhp/ton]

Looking about at what is available new as a rugged 4x4, something that could actually go off road. And there seems very little choice. And what there is happens to be rather pricey.

It's probably always been a niche market, but there literally is no choice at present.


Preferably something SWB and with a low ratio box.

when you can buy things like a Fiesta ST from £19k, why can't you get a few options of 4x4 for £17-24k these days?



Have I missed anything obvious?

[mrunderhill]

Dacia All-New Duster Essential SCe 115 4x4 MY18 From £13 695
https://www.dacia.co.uk/vehicles/our-range/all-new...

[Mammasaid]

I take it you're not in the market for a new Defender then!

Autocar said:

with prices tipped to range from over £45,000 to £70,000

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-land-rover-defender-spotted-short-wheelbase-form

[skyrover]

mrunderhill said:

Dacia All-New Duster Essential SCe 115 4x4 MY18 From £13 695
https://www.dacia.co.uk/vehicles/our-range/all-new...

No good off-road

[300bhp/ton]

mrunderhill said:

Dacia All-New Duster Essential SCe 115 4x4 MY18 From £13 695
https://www.dacia.co.uk/vehicles/our-range/all-new...

Sorry that is not what I'd called a rugged off roader. Don't get me wrong, I actually like them, but they are plastic fantastic -- on the outside. No real ground clearance, no suspension travel and no low ratio box. They are more akin to a crossover/SUV such as a Freelander or X-Trail (the latter they are partly based on).

[300bhp/ton]

Mammasaid said:

I take it you're not in the market for a new Defender then!

Well yes I think I should be exactly the sort of person who would want to buy one

But I simply can't afford the kind of money they look like they will be.


Fun cars like an MX-5, GT86 or even a 370z are all sub £30k new. Does a 4x4 really need to cost more than these somewhat bespoke platform vehicles.

Although nearer to £25k would be more realistic budget wise for me. I just think it's a shame there is so little choice, only the Jimny and maybe a pickup (which are a bit bigger than I want really and always end up basic spec). And we don't get the "fun" pickups like the US market does, although they are a bit more pricey to be fair.

Edited by 300bhp/ton on Friday 16th November 14:10

[anonymous-user]

IMO
- The market for vehicles that are genuinely capable and rugged off-road is small in the UK.
- List price doesnt seem to matter to many these days, how much it costs per month is where most sales are made.

[danlightbulb]

Its our crappy country thats to blame. We have no vast areas of wilderness like USA or Australia do. The tiny areas we do have are mostly just private farm tracks or lanes between nimby villages.

[warch]

danlightbulb said:

Its our crappy country thats to blame. We have no vast areas of wilderness like USA or Australia do. The tiny areas we do have are mostly just private farm tracks or lanes between nimby villages.

Yeah, which was fine until you got hordes of obnoxious city based 4x4 owners turning up mob handed and trashing them/alienating the locals/other byway users. Hence why so many got closed down or restricted.

[V8RX7]

yellowbentines said:

IMO
- The market for vehicles that are genuinely capable and rugged off-road is small in the UK.

^^^ This

[danlightbulb]

warch said:

Yeah, which was fine until you got hordes of obnoxious city based 4x4 owners turning up mob handed and trashing them/alienating the locals/other byway users. Hence why so many got closed down or restricted.

Yep can understand the locals point of view totally. But also why shouldnt everyone get the chance to explore the wilderness and enjoy the thrill of exploration? Country simply isnt big enough. We should bring back The Empire allowing new opportunties for exploration in Africa and Asia where there is plenty of room.