Reply With QuoteIf you're meaning proper small....
and cheap...
Subaru Justy... :?:
I'm determined that I won't be caught out again like I was earlier this year when it snowed. My Mercedes came close to being towed to the tip, such was my frustration at it's inability to be driven in more than 0.5mm of snow.
I'd like a small 4WD (and I mean small) as a second vehicle but they seem to be quite scarce. I've been looking at a Suzuki X-90 4WD, does anyone have any other suggestions?
Eddie
Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
If you're meaning proper small....
and cheap...
Subaru Justy... :?:
new panda 4x4
Good luck everybody. Have a good one.
Fiat Panda
Jag X-Type. 8)
Get a Quad Mr P
Only needed for emergencies and small enough not to get in the way when there's no snow on the ground.
http://www.daihatsu.co.uk/terios/
I fancy one of these, cheaper than my Paj tank to run..
A relative of mine ran a VTEC Honda CR-V without any problems for a few years, he's now got a Toyota Rav4 and seems to be running well, so I'd recommend either. You can pick up some very good Subarus with 4 wheel drive second hand too.
Did I say small? If Smart did a 4WD that would be the one.Originally Posted by Seamaster73
Eddie
Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
It's probably not what you want , but I run a 10 year old Hilux 4x4 single cab pickup as my utility/work vehicle. just an utterly fantastic vehicle in snow/rain/slush. park it anywhere, dont worry if it picks up scratches etc.
35mpg and probably worth every bit as much as I paid 4 years ago i.e about 4 grand.come winter time you appreciate the 4x4 and low range gearbox /twin high capacity batteries etc etc
Also great for trips to the tip, collecting stuff, easy to sell when the time comes
I bought it thinking I'd keep it for 6 months while doing some house improvements, but honestly, I don't know what I'd do without it .
I hear nothing but good stuff about Subaru Justy, just won't do what I want.
A Panda or Justy I should think.
theres also the suzuki ignis . used daihatsu terios looks tremendous value.
Good luck everybody. Have a good one.
Has to be a Lada Niva mate.
Suitable for all British road conditions! 8)
Now available new: http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/1 ... -in-UK.htm
Obviously, used cost buttons.
Mike.
My wifes Smart was great in the snow. I was scared to use the Beemer.Did I say small? If Smart did a 4WD that would be the one.
Eddie
It may be small but it's a proper 4x4, Suzuki Jimny
How the hell is that car running under water??
I mean, i can see the snorkels for the induction and exhaust but how do they stop the water getting into the crankcase through the breather or dipstick, also the gearbox and final drive would have breathers surely! as they warm up inside the seals would be blown otherwise :? :? :?
Used to love those Cossack 4WD's from years ago 8) 8)
John :)
I was going to suggest that, it is a proper 4x4 but that 1.3lt sewing-machine engine is pretty lame :|
Toyota RAV4?
I think that explains the white exhaust later in the film... Water contamination in the crankcase & engine oil.
As for the drivetrain, for Landrovers to "wade", all that was required was the removal of the dustcover from the drain hole in the clutch bellhousing -- I don't think a hot gearbox or differentials actually generate seal-blowing pressure, so no breathers.
Still... Can you seriously imagine doing that to ANY other car you bought!!? Hence it's the ideal "winter" car.
Mike.
Think it would fit your bill perfectly, small and very cheap to buy and run :wink:
Cheers
Simon
Ralph Waldo Emerson: We ask for long life, but 'tis deep life, or noble moments that signify. Let the measure of time be spiritual, not mechanical.
Another shout for the Daihatsu Terios. Get the older one, they can't be worth much these days..........
Faster than a 911 in the snow.
I was going to suggest that, it is a proper 4x4 but that 1.3lt sewing-machine engine is pretty lame :|
Have you considered winter tyres ?
http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/stillatt ... tyres.aspx
Diesel 4 motion Golf
Octavia 4wd
Last winter I was using a BMW 5 series with a set of the chains in the boot. I only abandoned it once, but I was regulary travelling at 5am (usual time) before the snow wasn't compacted. Eddie I'd try this as alternative:
http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?plid=m11b0s0p0
Without:
With:
As aside I had a Justy (1989 one) with the funky 4wd button on the gear shift. They rot like buggery though, and the CVT ones grenade. I'd suggest an unloved K-series Freelander (if your using it in the snow its H/G not gonna boil!) If you fancy winter tyres think about buying shortly, and look for some 15" steels on ebay (check they clear your brake calipers).
Snap!
Beware the 4 motion set up on VW's as I believe it needs tyres of equal tread or it kills the dif's (@Scorpio/Sierra fergusson 4x4) a few of the company cars were traded as such at a previous employer :wink:
+1
A friend has one - small, not very powerful but a real proposition on rough/slippery stuff. If it's a second vehicle as well you could afford to put some 'proper' tyres for the job on. Surprisingly good vehicle then. Cheap to run too.
How about a Subaru Impreza wagon? You can get the older WRX model and have some power as well, for when there's no snow. Probably quite affordable.
i thought snow chains were illegal in the uk? those soft tyre covers seem to do the job well though
Good luck everybody. Have a good one.
No contest, although the name is deceptive.
Suzuki 3dr Grand Vitara 1.6 VVT
Mine did! The one time it bloody snowed when I had it with 10k on the clock!!!
Others have suggested the Subaru Justy. That'll have to be an older one as the new one is apparently 2wd.
we had a 1.2 Justy and it was great, no rust whatsoever.
Sorry to repeat but the answers are good, Panda 4 x 4, Suzuki Jimny.
Personally I couldn't take the Terios but i have never actaully driven one. I just ordered a Freelander after 2 weeks being cut off last winter, should be delivered in 6 weeks but i know that is one size too big for what you want.
Strangely enough my Dad was thinking along the same lines as he couldn't get out at all with either his A6 or Corsa and has been looking for a 4x4. However, he has decided, after much research, that all he really needs to do is upgrade his tyres on his Corsa to Austrian (I think they are Austrian) snow tyres with spikes at £75 each.
If you are interested I can get further information for you but apparently they do the job perfectly and are obviously cheaper than a car.
jimny - put put some decent boots on it. and when you get that stuck ring me and i'll rescue you in my defender.
Eddie,
The answer is to NOT go out when it snows.....unless you're walking to the nearest pub :)
No excuse for buying a 4WD IMO.
Paul
Nissan Qashqai 4WD
No problems for me last winter...
:)
Without trawling the thread, subaru are used when can be obtained (if one wishes to spend the cash/ credit) in various parts of N.America where there is much snow and a long winter. Great vehicles and care, from what I've heard.
Well made vehicles.
I've also bee impressed by the volvo x-country estates off-road with the selective transmission.
AP.
and when you break down, I'll pull you both home with the Hilux :wink:
Airman MLV is a nice watch to own, by the way....enjoyed mine when I had it. :mrgreen:
LOL - you're right - what i call the REAL Land Rover Experience - Hiluxes are ace too :)
You could trade in for a 4matic Mercedes.
And - as others have said in this thread, winter tyres make a world of difference. I'm living in central Illinois at the moment and people here regularly zip around on 2wd cars after heavy snow (and ice) storms. The difference is proper winter tyres. You shouldn't need chains unless you are living in the Tundra.
WRX.
Well, it's small, 4WD and not a mogadon trip like most suggestions so far.
I only need it to make sure I can still get to the post office each day in case of snow :wink: .
Eddie
Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
Big/medium 4x4 are all right for mudplugging, but when you have a couple of inches of mud/snow/slush overlying a hard surface, then the narrower the tyre, the better, we found that the old Panda 4x4 is king in this respect,outperforming all our Discos, Hilux and 90/Defenders
in fact a Metro will outperform a wide tyred 4x4 in these conditions
Eddie,
I'd have to suggest a set of steel wheels and some snow tyres...cheaper than a 4x4 and far more sensible.
Tra
Jason
The wonderful 4MATIC is not available in the silly Right hand drive format. :wink:You could trade in for a 4matic Mercedes.
And - as others have said in this thread, winter tyres make a world of difference. I'm living in central Illinois at the moment and people here regularly zip around on 2wd cars after heavy snow (and ice) storms. The difference is proper winter tyres. You shouldn't need chains unless you are living in the Tundra.
Well, check these out:I only need it to make sure I can still get to the post office each day in case of snow :wink: .
Eddie
http://www.vredestein.com/Banden_Bandgr ... dgroepID=2
These are the business and can cope with all weather conditions depending on model chosen. Well worth a look.
How about a Subaru Impreza?
Nissan Pulsar GTiR. You'll get there quicker as well! :lol:
Always remember the Top Gear Challenge to escape the Bolivian Jungle in an assortment of 4x4s and to my recollection James May's little lightweight Suzuki Jimny was the best what with its light weight, narrow tyres, unbreakable reliability and dirt cheapness.I only need it to make sure I can still get to the post office each day in case of snow :wink: .
Eddie
Just looked at Autotrader and there's a whole heap of them round your way...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/u.../sort/priceasc
I've looked at the Jimny as a serious contender but I'd really like to find a Suzuki X-90 4WD primarily because of the size. I can get the X-90 up the drive and keep it at the back of the house without having to shunt two cars around, depending which one I want to use. Besides, I rather like the quirkiness of the X-90.
Eddie
Whole chunks of my life come under the heading "it seemed like a good idea at the time".
Eddie,
Have you thought of the cheaper alternative of snow tyres (or is the decision to buy a new toy already made :D )
I run a quattro and a FWD golf, after time in Norway where winter tyres are mandatory I swear by them. The golf is better in the snow than the quattro (on so called summer tyres). Traction, braking are unbelievable.
I have seen plenty of (presumably auto as well) Mercs and Beamers this past winter and never saw one in any bother. The Norwegian members will surely confirm this.
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