Small 4x4s that are best avoided

[John F]

OK... we all know how annoying "What car should I get?" threads are, so here's a different take on the issue.

 

A mate has got several reasons (excuses) for wanting a small 4x4 plus a couple of limiting factors, see below:

 

1. His driveway is quite steep, his current standard VW Bora grounds out at the breakover point - ground clearance required

2. His housing estate is hilly & can be hard going in winter after snowfall - 4-wheel drive required

3. The 4x4 needs to fit in his normal-sized single garage as overnight garaging is a requirement of his insurance - can't be too tall

4. It will ideally return approximately 30 mpg

 

Obviously I suggested a Lada Niva and a Suzuki X90. The Lada is a possibility but the X90 was rejected as being "too hairdresser" as well as having no luggage space.

 

I'd reject the Suzuki Jimny because they're twitchy & that's apparently 'normal'.

 

What else can be rejected?

[purplebargeken]

A Hummer.

 

Can't he just level his drive bump off a bit. Raise the suspension and fit winter tyres?*

 

*Not all of those suggestions could be considered sensible.

[dave21478]

Daihatsu sportrak - rides like a pogo stick. Rusty.
Niva - bad fuel economy from the carb versions. cant comment in injection or diesel. Rusty.

Freelander - fragile transmission requires a bit of mechanical sympathy.

swb Frontera. - bouncy ride on the early ones (leaf spring rear) later ones are on coils. Rusty and thirsty.

 

on the other hand I have owned all of the above and loved them all.

 

 

 

 

After recent antics, I would recommend a Honda HRV.

[Tamworthbay]

Bet dat Bora is slamd to the deck innit, fit proper springs, job sorted or buy an old HRV two door, covers all the points needed except possibly mpg.

[Tamworthbay]

Darn beaten to the HRV, but as we are not suggesting cars, Makes a winna!

[Split_Pin]

A few housebricks and some sturdy planks at the end of the drive could be the best solution!

[leakingstrut]

Kangoo 4x4? No idea on the borkablness of those though.

 

Old Subaru Justy? Always thought they were cool but they have probably all rusted away. There is a grand total of one eBay right now "Suitable for parts only, Failed MOT on body" lol

[holbeck]

I quite liked my Vitara, 30 mpg just about possible (mine was a 1.6 pez auto).

 

Would fit in a garage and fine as a daily commuter weapon.

 

Although Bizarrely this is the best pic I could find

[John F]

Ta for the suggestions, folks! I'll pass on the list of what not to get (and add the HRV and Vitara to the list of possibles along with a BRAND NEW Niva).

 

I'd already discounted the Freelander because of the fragile 4x4 set-up, turbo problems, everything.

 

BTW the Bora isn't slammed, my mate isn't a yoof

[John F]

Can't he just level his drive bump off a bit.

 

I did suggest that

[skattrd]

Daihatsu Terios

Umm

Actually don't avoid these as they're ace.

 

Scenic RX4 - Can't comment on these, except I want one.

[John F]

Ooo yes, Terios added to the list. I'd forgotten about them.

 

French cars are being excluded as it's likely I'll have to spanner whatever gets purchased

 

EDIT: unless it's a Matra Ranchero... yes, I know they're only 2wd but I won't tell matey...

[Lacquer Peel]

Two wheel drive car with decent ground clearance and winter or good all weather tyres. Streetwise.

Barely anybody 'needs' a 4x4.

[stripped fred]

Panda 4x4?

[colino]

If you can still find a Daihatsu Sportrak with the adjustable suspension and removable back section, they are just about unbeatable; everyday users, small footprint and big towing capacity.

[skattrd]

Two wheel drive car with decent ground clearance and winter or good all weather tyres. Streetwise.

Barely anybody 'needs' a 4x4.

 

A mate who used to live down a very rough farm track reckoned Lada Samaras had good ground clearance for a standard car.

[Lacquer Peel]

Will Cabbage is selling his I think.

[dollywobbler]

Streetwise, as LP mentions, is the obvious Autoshite choice. Subaru Legacy Outback stands no chance of 30mpg, but ticks the boxes.

[twosmoke300]

Berlingo type cars/ vans have good ground clearance and aren't too big

[Negative Creep]

Subaru Outback or Forester?

[For Fiats Sake]

Jimny's deffo avoid.  Fish tailed off a roundabout during a test drive, felt like something was broken.  Awful.

. 

Despite growing up on a farm I have no love for actually driving series land rovers, look good, zero comfort but better than riding in the back of a trailer (but less fun).

 

Avoid mk3 panda unless you like slow and small cars, feel solid and good ground clearance but not as good as a standard car for everyday driving..

 

The best 4x4 I've ever driven (and excluding tractors this list is it) is the last of the proper Range Rovers the P38.  Fitted with knobbly tires it was a fantastic vehicle truly go anywhere.  Dad regretted not getting a petrol and LPG conversion on his.  Should just fit in a garage though you may have to climb out the tailgate.

[tapir]

Will a 3 door rav 4 fit in the garage?

[Asimo]

Avoid anything without permanent 4WD.

Why?

Because if you are going to have 4WD it is good to be able to use it all of the time and it DOES make for a better road car.

Avoid anything with the spare wheel screwed to the outside of the back door.

Why?

Because it is a bloody silly place for a spare wheel.

Avoid anything with a 4 cylinder Diesel engine.

Why?

Because I did 200 miserable miles of grinding, hateful, modern, 4cyl. Diesel yesterday. Aaargh.

Avoid anything reasonably small with 5 doors.

Why?

Because the front doors are never long enough for good access and the three door versions always look better.

 

So Mk1 Range Rover V8 it is then?

[Tamworthbay]

Two wheel drive car with decent ground clearance and winter or good all weather tyres. Streetwise.

Barely anybody 'needs' a 4x4.

good point, a Xantia would be perfect and there is one for sale on this very site.

[3VOM]

1. His driveway is quite steep, his current standard VW Bora grounds out at the breakover point - ground clearance required

Air suspension on the Bora - problem solved.

[Lacquer Peel]

My mum lives in the middle of the Scottish Highlands, her house has a steep driveway and she commutes to work on back roads that aren't always well treated. What gets her to work without fail throughout winter? A 14 year old Honda Accord rolling on a set of secondhand steel wheels and part worn winter tyres.
 NEED A 4X4 FOR WINTER THO!!!

 

IATO Fuoristrada.

[mouseflakes]

Small 4x4 you say?...

 

[egg]

Fiat sedici?

[twosmoke300]

Anything but a VW will prob be fine - every VAG car I drive or work on seems to be stupidly easy to catch the underside on .

[andrew e]

30 mpg out of a Vitara? Did you go above 15 mph? 22 all day long in our GV! As the others said, crossover on snow tyres, or move to the south of England.

 

Anyway it gives me a chance to post this picture from my daughters official HMSO theory test practice book:

 

nn