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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Driving a 4x4...

103 replies

WhereDidTheGoodTimesGo · 07/09/2023 21:45

AIBU to think if you've only driven a small car for 20 years then it's a big leap to start driving a 4x4 (even a compact SUV)?

DH thinks it's no big deal but I'm nervous. I do need a 4x4 as we've moved rurally and my old, teeny tiny Fiesta is not coping...I know it's not a big deal but it's far out my comfort zone.

Parking and manoeuvring along narrow country lanes are my biggest worries...am I overthinking? I can practice of course but I don't want to be 'that' driver, with a car too big for them...will I get used to it?

I've test driven quite a few now and it feels like the car is a HGV!

OP posts:
Original poster
WhereDidTheGoodTimesGo · 07/09/2023 23:06

AnSolas · 07/09/2023 22:58

I was just going to post about checking where your air intake is located.

Plus if you can get a switch to pull in your mirrors it adds a precious cms to squeeking by.

Show quote history

The air intake is far too low on the Fiesta, one wade through and that'll be the car killed 😓 I was blocked a few times (we had so much rain!!) and of course that's not ideal.

Switch for mirrors is a great idea thank you.

Hoping for other ideas/alternatives for smaller cars that would cope?

OP posts:
Christonskiis · 07/09/2023 23:07

I've been driving a little less than 2 years. I have an Audi A1.

Tonight I have driven me and one of my parents an hour each way on dual carriageway, A roads, city and country roads in a discovery 4.

It's fucking huge and fast but I bloody love it. My car is a manual and this one is auto as well, I'm loving it and test driving a small SUV for myself at the weekend.

WimpoleHat · 07/09/2023 23:09

I felt like that - but it’s actually easier! Because they’re higher spec cars, you have all the bells and whistles (parking cameras, sensors etc) and you sit higher, so have a better view of the road. I always said I’d never have an automatic car…..but it’s bloody great. Wouldn’t go back. Hired a Renault Clio - which I used to drive - on holiday and it was quite a shock!

TarantinoIsAMisogynist · 07/09/2023 23:13

MarshyMcMarshFace · 07/09/2023 22:40

OMG @User10932 “Personally, I’m not the most confident driver, but I do prefer 4x4s as other PPs have said, you’re higher up, can see more of the road, other cars move out of your way more etc.”

That is exactly what is infuriating about many 4x4 drivers. Drive something that takes up more than half the road in a v narrow lane but expect others in less wide cars to get out of your way. Drive something built for forging through the Atlas Mountains but expect the oncoming small Skoda to go up on the rutted bank on the side of the road.

Yep, totally agree. Anyone who likes their car because it makes other people "move out of the way more" is not someone I want to share the road with.

TMess · 07/09/2023 23:15

It takes a week or two to adjust and then it’s completely fine. I drive one of the largest SUVs produced anywhere, moved up from a fairly small car, and I felt like a bus driver for a short period of time but now it’s no more difficult.

Whyohwhyohwhy123 · 07/09/2023 23:17

I have a small holding and had to swap my Landy when I had a second child. My Skoda estate 4x4 does everything the Landy did plus it carries the kids and all the associated junk. I tow trailers across muddy fields and rough fields. It’s more reliable, more comfortable and uses less fuel.
I grew up miles down an extremely rough track and the best car we had was a Nissan sunny. Fared so much better than the 4x4 we had.
You might be better getting a mule or quad for around the farm if the budget allows and just sticking to a car for road work. Although you can manage with a decent sized ride on lawnmower if the budget is tight

Qilin · 07/09/2023 23:21

My cars always been a small city car, through preference.

Dh's car has always been a bigger, family car. Two were Land Rover Discoveries. Both were automatic and incredibly easy to drive. I have to park on fairly narrow roads for work - part of the reason I chose a small car - but once I'd been in it a few times and gushed the width even there I could parallel park it . The sensors helped.

So it is possible. I didn't drive them loads but when I did they were easy to drive. The high up position really helped with the view of the road.

StEtienne93 · 07/09/2023 23:21

I went from driving a Toyota Aygo to a Peugeot 2008. Was really concerned I'd struggle, but it wasn't the case. Had to be mindful when parking/manoeuvring for a month or so, but then absolutely fine.

CCTVcity · 07/09/2023 23:28

All4 minis are a dream! Sounds perfect for you!

Spendysis · 07/09/2023 23:31

op I missed your update of needing a higher up suv so my post was just to advise you that you can get 4wd in a smaller car bmw x drive Audi Quattro merc 4 matic if it was the 4wd you needed rather than a higher up suv

I love my sisters land rover discovery sport but she’s had so many problems with it and it’s really expensive to repair as has my neighbour his engine blew up on the motorway so maybe one to avoid

Amuseaboosh · 07/09/2023 23:32

OP, this is my current 'car', and I can honestly say it is the easiest, most comfortable, and fun car I've ever had.

My previous car was a Mercedes E220.

My DH drives a Tesla model Y.

My LR is an 8 seater, truly a beast, and beyond the first few miles driving it out of the showroom, I've very quickly got to grips with the dimensions. You'll be fine, take it a step at a time, and you'll amaze yourself and how fast you'll become accustomed to a 4x4.

Have fun!

Driving a 4x4...
Original poster
WhereDidTheGoodTimesGo · 07/09/2023 23:33

CCTVcity · 07/09/2023 23:28

All4 minis are a dream! Sounds perfect for you!

Frustratingly the wading depth is too low, but would have been a good option otherwise!

OP posts:
Original poster
WhereDidTheGoodTimesGo · 07/09/2023 23:36

Spendysis · 07/09/2023 23:31

op I missed your update of needing a higher up suv so my post was just to advise you that you can get 4wd in a smaller car bmw x drive Audi Quattro merc 4 matic if it was the 4wd you needed rather than a higher up suv

I love my sisters land rover discovery sport but she’s had so many problems with it and it’s really expensive to repair as has my neighbour his engine blew up on the motorway so maybe one to avoid

I've read a few negative reviews of the Disco Sport (which was on my shortlist) so that's really helpful, thanks very much.

Leaning to the Freelander, and will just have to get used to it; hopefully it won't take long!

OP posts:
Pleaseme · 07/09/2023 23:38

I drive a big car and it's easy to park as it has reversing cameras. I think you get really used to a big car quickly. I've had variety of cars from a fiat/ golf to the bigger cars nissan navarra/ toyota hilux type stuff.

CCTVcity · 07/09/2023 23:41

Ahh shame! I have an all4 paceman and it’s a dream. We are having to sell for a 4 door so it’s a sad time!

We have looked at the Vw tcross - very similar dimensions just on stilts and 4 door
Or the Volvo xc40. A bit bigger but not a full size suv.

Nat6999 · 07/09/2023 23:47

It doesn't make much difference, it is still a metal box with a wheel at each corner, if anything it is easier because you are higher up & can see better. Nowadays with all the aids like reversing cameras, parking sensors, overtaking aids most cars whatever the size are easy to drive.

Wishiwasatailor · 07/09/2023 23:53

I have an old style Suzuki jimny it fits everywhere, it’s high up so great visibility and driving position, it’s tiny so can park anywhere. Admittedly the back is small but for 2 people and stuff it’s perfect! Highly recommend.

if you go for a larger car please for the love of god this reactive practice practice reversing in lanes

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 07/09/2023 23:55

Won't take you long,I learned to drive in a Nissan Micra then straight into our 4x4.

Daffodilsandtuplips · 08/09/2023 07:12

Our freelander 1 was a 2l sport, the one with the BMW engine, it was dream to drive, it wasn’t a beast and didn’t terrify anyone. At least I don’t think so, however It had belonged to a farmer previously who’d fitted Bull bars to the front so seeing those in your rear view mirror might have been a bit scary. The wing mirrors folded in at the flick of a switch. It was the first auto I’d ever driven and I took to it straight away.
Before we decided this was the one we considered a Jimmy but to put this particular Jimmy into 4x4 mode you had to get out and manually do something to the wheels, something I didn’t fancy doing in the snow or mud.
A freelander will tow a caravan or a trailer. ( Often see freelanders and caravan set ups in caravan parks ).

mogsrus · 08/09/2023 07:17

Much easier to drive than smaller vehicles

OrlandointheWilderness · 08/09/2023 07:52

I have a freelander 2, it's a brilliant truck. Absolutely fab and you will love it.

Timeforchangeithink · 08/09/2023 07:58

Suzuki grand vitara proper 4x4 switched gearbox, good height and the short wheelbase makes it shorter than most midrange cars.

Original poster
WhereDidTheGoodTimesGo · 08/09/2023 08:13

CCTVcity · 07/09/2023 23:50

I just did the math. That’s 60cm wading!?

It’s a lot. I found this.. https://www.buyacar.co.uk/cars/1541/best-cars-for-floods-cars-that-can-drive-through-the-deepest-water

Its saying Ford EcoSport can go to 55cm and is basically a 4x4 fiesta. 🤷‍♀️

Unfortunately the Ecosport engine has known issues so that one didn't make the shortlist. Gutted as otherwise it would have been the natural choice!

OP posts:
Yeagarup · 08/09/2023 08:47

Before we decided this was the one we considered a Jimmy but to put this particular Jimmy into 4x4 mode you had to get out and manually do something to the wheels, something I didn’t fancy doing in the snow or mud

I’m driving a Jimny now and you don’t need to get out to engage 4x4. I wouldn’t recommend it for the OP’s needs because, although it is amazing off road, it is just too small to use for anything other than a local runabout. I certainly wouldn’t want to tow a caravan with it.