What small 4x4 for the wife?

[Turn7]

MrsT7 has a different commute since we moved .

It’s now predominantly country B roads , so poorly
Surfaced and poorly lit. Also extremely likely to have
Random livestock on the road at any time.


I’m thinking something like a RAV4, Jimny or similar.

Good lighting, reliable and ideally about £7k.

Her current Yaris isn’t quite living up to the usual reputation sadly, and I’d like peace of mind that she’s in something safe , particularly during the crap weather months.

[anonymous-user]

Dacia Duster, you will get a well specced car for that money. The 2wd versions are also very capable cars and cheaper that the 4wd versions

[A500leroy]

Panda

[Dan W.]

Suzuki SX4
Panda 4x4
Jimny all great shouts small and plod on forever

[Zetec-S]

Careful, you'll get the anti-SUV brigade coming on here saying she doesn't need a 4x4...

How about a Dacia Duster or Nissan X-Trail? (maybe too big?)

If it's just the raised position you're after then something like a Ford Ecosport might offer more refinement?

[InitialDave]

Jimny if you need to go actually off road.

Panda 4x4 if you need to deal with poor roads/farm tracks.

[33q]

Skoda Yeti?

[croyde]

I have a Dacia Duster, it's brilliant. Only front wheel drive but a very capable soft roader, load lugger and distance driver.

Bought in Feb and been all over the UK in it as well as doing the London commute.

[Turn7]

4wd for the icy conditions primarily .

It also should be able to bounce a muntjac off the bonnet without any issues…..

Not sure about Dacia long term ?

I’d love the new Jimny but it’s way over budget.

SX is worth a look , cheers.

[Castrol for a knave]

Kuga and a set of winters.

[croyde]

Had to look up Muntjac

Not sure any modern ish car would do well if it collides with a deer because of the way they are designed to crumple to minimise forces to the occupants.

A long time ago a mate of mine's Austin Princess was written off when he hit a badger one dark night.

I'd imagine an old Landy should do ok hitting large animals.

[alfabeat]

A set of winter tyres will give far more security and safety than 4x4 in potential icy conditions.

[anonymous-user]

Turn7 said:

4wd for the icy conditions primarily .

It also should be able to bounce a muntjac off the bonnet without any issues…..

Not sure about Dacia long term ?

I’d love the new Jimny but it’s way over budget.

SX is worth a look , cheers.

tyres are more important than driven wheels when the road conditions are poor, winter tyres on a 2wd are generally better than summer tyres on a 4wd.
Absolutely nothing wrong with a Dacia long term.
All the magazines rate them very highly (often best) as a small crossover/suv. Definitely worth a serious look compared to the others you are considering

[InitialDave]

Winter tyres can be fitted to 4x4s too, remember.

It's not a choice of one or the other.

[anonymous-user]

InitialDave said:

Winter tyres can be fitted to 4x4s too, remember.

It's not a choice of one or the other.

not sure anyone has suggested that to be the case?

[InitialDave]

MonkeyMatt said:

Not sure anyone has suggested that to be the case?

Because "winter tyres on a 2wd are generally better than summer tyres on a 4wd" carries the important omission that winter tyres on a 4wd are generally better than both.

[Turn7]

InitialDave said:

MonkeyMatt said:

Not sure anyone has suggested that to be the case?

Because "winter tyres on a 2wd are generally better than summer tyres on a 4wd" carries the important omission that winter tyres on a 4wd are generally better than both.

Good point well made

[Turn7]

Just looked, and I think the Duster will be a little to big.

Regarding Land Rovers, its a possibilty, as we have had 4 Defenders over the years.

[Tyre Smoke]

Turn7 said:

Just looked, and I think the Duster will be a little to big.

Regarding Land Rovers, its a possibilty, as we have had 4 Defenders over the years.

Right. So a Duster is too big, but a Defender isn't?

[anonymous-user]

InitialDave said:

MonkeyMatt said:

Not sure anyone has suggested that to be the case?

Because "winter tyres on a 2wd are generally better than summer tyres on a 4wd" carries the important omission that winter tyres on a 4wd are generally better than both.

I'd have though that was pretty obvious, I've heard plenty of non car folk that think 4wd is better than 2wd and don't understand the importance of the correct tyres