Which small 4X4 to buy

[janmolby]

I'm looking to buy a small 4X4 as our estate is on a hill & during winter it can be a disaster to get out off in our current car so was wondering if anyone had any suggestions?

I was thinking something along the lines of a Toyota Rav4 or a Suzuki Grand Vitara but open to suggestions otherwise. It's going to be our only car so needs to be big enough for 2 adults & 2 young children.

On a seperate but related note, how do you know if you buy a car now that the company won't release an updated version a few months later? Is there a website that lists upcoming new car releases?

 

[Naybrains]

Not sure about release dates for new models, usually if you search the net and check-out some of the Petrolhead forums specific to a certain make of car they usually know more than your local garage know or are likely to tell you about forthcoming model changes.

We got a New Freelander at Christmas and its superb, cant fault it. Quite pricey compared with what your looking at but maybe you could consider a deasant used one.

 

[bluewolf]

Have had an 03 X Trail from new and its just hit 100k. Never had a minutes problem from it despite treating it like a fat kid treats salad. Loads of room and the MPG isn't too bad.. Will probably keep it for another few years it's that good...
Danny

 

[Wildrover]

I've just got a Skoda Yeti for similar reasons to the OP. It's brilliant, capable as a 4x4 yet still economical and comfortable, as per the TopGear test.

 

[haplesshacker]

Fiat Panda 4x4!!
Volvo XC70?

My mother in law has a Honda CRV of the later model variety. It goes alright, but all wheel drive is only activated if it thinks it needs it. Boot is quite small compared to my V70. Clubs only go in diagonally! Big car and small boot seems to be the norm with alot of these soft roaders.

 

[Smiffy]

I'm looking to buy a small 4X4

Have had an 03 X Trail from new

Errr....he said "small" Danny

 

[RichardC]

Get some decent winter tyres. You will be amazed how much they help.

 

[Alex1975]

BMW X1 comming out soon!

 

[brendy]

I think it depends more on your budget, if you had say, 10k to spend, Id rather buy something bigger (older too but better quality) with higher clearance like a disco or x5. Our x5 was very good in the last spate of really deep snow, saying that, my impreza didnt find a road it couldnt get up easily enough.
An aftermarket warranty would be a handy thing to have too as all 4wd motors can be expensive to repair.

 

[janmolby]

Well we're looking for a small 4X4 as if it's too big my wife won't drive it, that's why I was looking for something around the size of a Rav4 or Gand Vitara, the X Trail looks to be too big as does the Volvo XC70 & the Skoda Yeti just doesn't float my boat.

It would have to be second hand as the money limit would be £15K or there abouts.

 

[bluewolf]

I'm looking to buy a small 4X4

Have had an 03 X Trail from new

Errr....he said "small" Danny

Wel it's not exactly a bloody Hummer is it? Avoid the X3 - Even the Germans won't drive it as it's built in America (I think). The smaller Audi Q5 is lovely but holds it's price. The Fiat Panda (as previously mentioned) gets good reviews...
Danny

 

[sev112]

Anyone got any experience of the Nissan Note - saw one when the missus was looking at Micras yesterday ?