Help! I need an unsnazzy workhorse of a 4x4

[LabradorsLoveSausages]

We are looking to replace our Outlander PHEV which has served us brilliantly, and is still going strong, but is leaving to enjoy its retirement with my parents in suburban Norwich.

Mitsubishi have stopped selling in the UK and we need an alternative car which can manage daily trips up and down an untarred (not hilly) track. We've had compacted snow for five days now. DH often parks on farm tracks and in muddy laybys to walk the dogs. We also drive into the High Alps three times each year to visit FIL, often on snowy mountain roads, and up a snowy single track drive.

Apart from that, it's about accommodating two teens, two Labradors and trips to and from the station (which we currently do on the electric). We really don't need anything high-end or luxury (although I love the heated seats!) as it'll be filthy inside and out most of the time.

Budget to £50k. Any ideas?

Second hand Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid will be around £50k I think?

Or a Toyota Rav4 hybrid?

Thank you. Rav4 has been my first choice. I drove Toyotas when living in Africa and they could do anything (although I can't really justify a Hilux in rural Essex!) Volvos look absolutely massive. We'd have to get another Labrador to fill the extra space.

Dacia Duster 4x4 has good reviews re off road capabilities. I fit a large German Shepherd and a Staffie in a crate in the boot. Mines not 4x4 but DH so impressed with mine he’s going to get one. Not fancy but well built.

I'm actually thinking about replacing our Mini runabout with a Duster. They get brilliant reviews. I'm a bit concerned it's too small as the main family car though. Loads of people have them where DFIL lives in the Alps.

Second vote for the XC90 plug-in I have one and it’s got a huge boot and it’s really nice to drive.

My brother had the XC90 with 2 dogs in the back. It was massive, and yes, could easily accommodate another dog

In an odd twist of lockdown he sold it back to the dealership for more than he paid for it!

The Duster is pretty big in the back, is there not somewhere can you take a look? We live at over 1000m altitude in the Alps and love OH's.

I bought a used Ssangyong Rexton last year, and got a much newer car for the price than I would have obtained with a Volvo XC90. So far, it's coped admirably with towing 2 horses, driving in snow and mud, and transporting large musical instruments. I think they also do a smaller 4x4, if you don't need a 3 tonne towing capacity. The front seats are heated, too!

A second hand Defender? I love mine.

I’d say a secondhand defender or disco. On a side note friends with a similar quest bought a CRV and have had the catalytic converter nicked three times!

The off road capabilities of the XC90 are over-rated. They haven't got much ground clearance.

I ripped the bottom engine covers off ours, driving to a remote beach, down a rough track.

Our large animal vets drive Dusters which apparently stand up well to all the muddy tracks.

However all 4 people I know who had a Defender (not the brand new fancy model) either sold it after they had parts nicked while it was parked outside overnight or had the whole vehicle stolen.

Dacias are relatively cheap, have a good reputation for reliability and a long warranty, I seem to remember.

I've got an XC90 (most recent shape) and I don't think it's that much bigger than the Outlander, is it? It is very square, so visibility all round is good, nice big windows/screens and mirrors and no lumpy bumpers or sloping body work to catch you out. Plus most models come with cameras or sensors (mine has the 360 cams), so no worries re parking. Nice roomy boot for dogs (same situation). The 4x4 capability is ok but s is so often the case, the trick is the right tyres. A cheap little fwd runaround on good quality winter tyres will be often be more sure footed than a 4wd on crappy summer tyres.

Rav 4 I think.

Possibly the first car thread where someone actually has a good reason for a 4x4, instead of the usual person who cannot walk half a mile up the north face of their local roads.

@SinnerBoy, you can raise and lower the suspension on the XC90. If you use the 'off road' drive mode in settings, it raises the suspension and increases the traction. You can also drop it a bit if you are going under a low head height barrier.

LynneBenfield

A cheap little fwd runaround on good quality winter tyres will be often be more sure footed than a 4wd on crappy summer tyres.

Yes! A few years ago, someone got their car stuck in the sand at Cullercoats Bay. Some good Samaritan said, "Don't worry, I'll soon get you out."

Shortly afterwards, his 4 WD Range Rover was stuck up to the axles. The tide came in and ruined them, they had to be pulled out by tractor, the next day.

Toyota hilux. My friend had one as a farm car… would not die.

I'm looking for a duster 4x4 at the moment so it's great to hear they are a good bet! nice price too 😀

If you're going new I would look at the Skoda kodiaq. Used I'd be looking at the Skoda Octavia Scout.

www.dacia.co.uk/warranty-and-assistance/warranty.html

3 Year / 60,000 mile warranty must be a bit of a tempter.

I seriously considered the Duster when I changed my car earlier this year. In the end, I accepted that I really didn't need that much car and went for a compact/crossover SUV instead (Seat Arona - bloody love it, in case anyone else is looking for something smaller!).

These replies are good to read though, as I wouldn't write off the idea of a Duster in the future. There is no infrastructure for EVs here and the layout of my street means I can never put in a driveway so I foresee another combustion engine in my future...!

I have a Defender, and it is a complete pleasure to drive, deals with any road surface, but is also incredibly easy to clean (no carpet, you can wash the floors). We used to have a Disco, but in the new ones there wasn't leg space in the back for 6'5 DS behind us

Ssanongyang Musso. My DO has one and it's brilliant. I've no idea how to spell it 😂