Run around, cheap 4WD

[MsGee]

Hope you can help with this, I seem to be getting nowhere.

DH and I currently drive a Subaru Impreza (his choice) but I am not the greatest at parking and its now a bit scratched, bodywork dented etc. (nothing major).

He wants to sell it and buy another Subaru for himself and a 'run around' for me. I only drive locally (nursery run, shopping) and have 1 DD aged 2(although hope to have another ...). We live on an estate which is slightly cut off from the rest of the town from a steep hill and in the snow this year we really needed the 4WD to get out of our street - we are at the end of a long cul de sac which was an ice rink, as were parts of the hill (which has lots of sharp turns and ice, just for fun). I think that I need 4WD to deal with the snow (will not be allowed to drive new Subaru!)but we are struggling to find an econominal smallish car with 4WD. DH mentioned Fiat Panda 4x4 but there aren't many for sale and I'd like another option! I'm not too fussed about how it looks, just need it to be safe and easy to drive.

Any help much appreciated. (other than to learn how to park!)

well, I wonder if we live in the same place as your description of your street sounds the same as mine! Anyway, I drive an old Honda CRV, now it may not be fabulous on petrol, BUT, it is more than 10 years old, it has never never not started, it is the most reliable car I have ever had. In the snow and ice it was fabulous, the 4wd bit only kicks in when needed. I'm afraid I was waving at everyone else in their new sporty cars in a very smug way as I got up the hill and off the ice rink very easily and they went sideways. Mine has done 150,000 and the bodywork is going (bit like me) but it has always passed its MOT, I love my car, worth a look for a reliable car......

thanks - will look at that - I live in Hertfordshire - is that the same sort of area??

Am looking at autotrader and it looks great - are they very big though?

Hi, no Northamptonshire and yes it is quite big, I have two DDs and two dogs to fit in, but it has quite a high seating position that I really like. Honestly test drive one you might like it....(blimey, I'm starting to sound like a Honda salesman, I'm not, I am your regular SAHM)

Hate to have your insurance bill after all these scrapes.

Suzuki?

What is cheap?

Ah, I did see a CRV recently round here and wondered ... obviously they work for the area!

In terms of cheap - am guessing about £5k? Most of the budget will be on a newer scooby for DH...

Insurance is fine - I only ever hit stationery objects like posts! Bodywork garage bill is another matter...

Will look at Suzuki.

Why do you not have a reversing camera fitted?

For £5000 you have a huge choice Rav4, Free lander, Jeep, Showgun, Outlaner, Subaru

I just (well on Friday) bought a Range Rover Auto, an R reg one £1700

i like the look of the hinda hrv, smaller than the crv but some models come with 4wd,suzuki jimny,both small 4x4's