Has anyone got a 4x4?

[momof2]

We have just decided to get rid of our faithful Hippo (Nissan Micra) and branch out into the uncertain world of much larger family cars.
I have been looking at a discovery or freelander - please note all old ones not new.
Has anyone any experience of how good/bad they are please? Or any 4x4's they would recommend or MPV's
Many thanks

Children and the elderly have a 70% higher chance of ending up as a RTA mortality statistic if hit by a 4x4

I love the smell of saddle soap lockets!

Not wet dog though. Eurgh.

That will be why mine has the specially designed plastic crumple zone on the front then.

Go on HMC if you want the car and can afford it get one. It will probably last 10 years anyway

You misconstrue me MrsD, my attitude has hardened for no other reason than I have a really stubborn streak.

you don't get children or the elderly wandering around our single track country roads much. they'd be sure to get run over by the incessant tractor/milk lorry traffic around here (now I wouldn't like to get hit by one of THEM.

well lots of children on ponies but I always slow down for horses...

HMC

From your link:

Research in the United States has shown that someone struck by a 4x4 is more than twice as likely to die as someone hit by a saloon car travelling at the same speed.

A car driver is also around four times more likely to be killed if hit from the side by a 4x4 than by a saloon, according to the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

She said that parents were wrong to believe that their children would be safer in 4x4s. Figures from Churchill Insurance reveal that 4x4s are 25 per cent more likely to be involved in crashes than ordinary family cars. The alliance is calling for higher road tax for 4x4s and a ?ban on mainstream advertising?.

Ummm, nice

well that's persuaded me fimac! i'm off to buy one tomorrow wahey!

I am often nearly run down whilst out riding, in my experience it is the little cars that just dont slow down as they all think they can squeeze past!!

fimac - how is that relevent to me as I'm getting the XC90 which is equivalent to most family cars re pedestrian safety????

Estate drivers are statisticaly crap at parking.

Saloon drivers are statistically more likely to speed.

Excecutive saloon drivers are statistically likely to never have any passengers and be w*nkers.

Everyone duck sweeping statement warning!!!!

Oh I drive even faster when I see a horse.
Especially if there is an imperious armwave ordering me to slow down.

Gaaaahhhhh!!!

That's what worrys me fimac. I thought everybody knew this. They don't and they don't care.
Environmentally they are unsound and they are very dangerous. Until everyone sits up and takes notice nothing is going to change.

And I always try to clip it in the ankles too.

???

and ? ? for emphasis

Oh I know my plastic crumple zone is so dangerous to all the sheep and rabbits i pass every day.

moondog

I'll forcefeed you reheated turkey burgers if you don't wind your neck in!

Thanks MD, I take it you have never seen a horse and rider that has been hit by a car, not a pretty experience on either side

moondog now you are just being silly.

and they are called fetlocks not ankles.

HMC make sure you get it in a nice bright silver so all those pedestrians can see it and dive out of your way.

goodnight all!

But moondog, and excuse me if I am becoming too ernest, but wouldn't you slow down for your own safety not just the horse and rider.
If the horse decides he doesn't like you accelerating past him it ainst juts the horse and rider who are gonna end up in a mess!

The way this lot are going on if the rider drives a 4x4 they probably deserved it.

Sorry sorry...

Maybe I should parp and retire??