Discussion
The roads round here get worse to the point where the main one I need to use to see my son is closed and the diversion changes a 25 minute trip into 45. As my Tuesday access is only 3 hours 15 minutes this is a major issue.
Fortunately while the weather is dry I can use the farm tracks though have to go dead slow as the underside of my car scrapes and I don't wish to damage it. When it gets wet my A4 just won't do it.
I can't see the local authority repairing the road this year - the temporary speed restrictions on the other way into the village were only lifted a year ago after road was deemed unsafe four years previously. Consequently I need to start looking for something that can take regular farm track use.
It mustn't rip the track to pieces as I don't want to get stopped using the track - on good terms with the farmer sand other people in the village.
Must be reasonably safe, ideally Isofix. I don't want her using it as another excuse.
Must have decent ground clearance - I'm already straddling ruts that would strand my A4.
Ideally around 2 grand but could go more if it becomes a daily.
Obviously decent tyres will make a big difference.
I've heard horror stories about welding on the Japanese pickups and Discos though a TD5 might be quite a nice thing to own. I don't mind a bit of DIY and own a MIG welder but there are limits.
Conversely what are the RAV4s, CRVs etc like?
Panda 4X4 or Yeti with knobblies perhaps?
Fortunately while the weather is dry I can use the farm tracks though have to go dead slow as the underside of my car scrapes and I don't wish to damage it. When it gets wet my A4 just won't do it.
I can't see the local authority repairing the road this year - the temporary speed restrictions on the other way into the village were only lifted a year ago after road was deemed unsafe four years previously. Consequently I need to start looking for something that can take regular farm track use.
It mustn't rip the track to pieces as I don't want to get stopped using the track - on good terms with the farmer sand other people in the village.
Must be reasonably safe, ideally Isofix. I don't want her using it as another excuse.
Must have decent ground clearance - I'm already straddling ruts that would strand my A4.
Ideally around 2 grand but could go more if it becomes a daily.
Obviously decent tyres will make a big difference.
I've heard horror stories about welding on the Japanese pickups and Discos though a TD5 might be quite a nice thing to own. I don't mind a bit of DIY and own a MIG welder but there are limits.
Conversely what are the RAV4s, CRVs etc like?
Panda 4X4 or Yeti with knobblies perhaps?
Subaru Forester would be my choice! Albeit if Isofix is a must-have, then you may need to up your budget to say £3.5k for a 2010 onwards one. The RAV4's and CRV's and things are unlikely to have Isofix at the £2k mark, unless you go for a later model (06 onwards for the RAV4, or 07 onwards for the CRV). At this price point you'll be picking up an older / higher milage car, so condition and service history are far more important than make / model.
Skoda Octavia Scout is a good option if you can't stand the looks of the Yeti! Also might be worth considering the Suzuki Grand Vitara (lots about to choose from, and they are pretty reliable)
Skoda Octavia Scout is a good option if you can't stand the looks of the Yeti! Also might be worth considering the Suzuki Grand Vitara (lots about to choose from, and they are pretty reliable)
How old is your boy?
Reason I ask is that once you get into the car seats from 15kg or around 4yrs the isofix becomes less relevant as you would use the cars seat belt. I found isofix good for the first stage where you bolt the base in then put the seat/carrier on top. But now my lad is in a regular car seat and uses the seat belt it's not that necessary.
If you can manage without isofix I'd say a RAV4 2.0 petrol. Proper 4 wheel drive and can take some punishment.
Reason I ask is that once you get into the car seats from 15kg or around 4yrs the isofix becomes less relevant as you would use the cars seat belt. I found isofix good for the first stage where you bolt the base in then put the seat/carrier on top. But now my lad is in a regular car seat and uses the seat belt it's not that necessary.
If you can manage without isofix I'd say a RAV4 2.0 petrol. Proper 4 wheel drive and can take some punishment.
)
AceKid said:
My car would be perfect!
2008 Subaru Forester XC, 2.0 manual, uber reliable....Isofix, heated seats, panoramic roof, plenty of clearance, low range box...not too big or heavy to rut up the tracks either...job jobbed!
I have a newish Forester, xt petrol turbo....woof, as per my earlier, mine was a grand cherokee laredo....2008 Subaru Forester XC, 2.0 manual, uber reliable....Isofix, heated seats, panoramic roof, plenty of clearance, low range box...not too big or heavy to rut up the tracks either...job jobbed!
AceKid said:
My car would be perfect!
2008 Subaru Forester XC, 2.0 manual, uber reliable....Isofix, heated seats, panoramic roof, plenty of clearance, low range box...not too big or heavy to rut up the tracks either...job jobbed!
I hadn't thought of a Scoobi. Good option as it can be my daily. One of my neighbours years back had a Legacy estate which he loved. Snag is even though it was parked round the back of the house it got stolen. Latter found burnt out after two post office raids.2008 Subaru Forester XC, 2.0 manual, uber reliable....Isofix, heated seats, panoramic roof, plenty of clearance, low range box...not too big or heavy to rut up the tracks either...job jobbed!
Also thinking Hilux crew cab as it doubles up as a van and wouldn't even notice if towing a racing car. I live in a farmhouse in a "proper" farming area so ian older model wouldn't look out of place round here.
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