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

Fair do's if you live in the country - spent quick a few times with our wheels stuck spinning in mud trying to reach my father in law's remote country pile.

Sick of the proliferation of them in London and waiting for an age behind people who have no idea how to reverse park them.

Enid - silly question! No, you simply are not allowed!!!! How can you even ask

It's the inept drivers of 4x4's around here who often have no need of their hulking machines and who endanger others with their cr*p driving that gets me....I am, for the very first time ever, parping myself on this as it is something that winds me up and I am hormonal and sleep deprived!

Well it's interesting to note that the Volvo XC90 which is the 4x4 that I intend to buy scores 2 stars for pedestrian safety and thus outperforms many 'small family cars' so beloved of anti 4x4 campaigners including:

Peugeot 306 = 1*
Audi A3 = 1*
Renault Megane = 1*
Vauxhall Astra = 1*
Audi A2 = 1*
Renault Kangoo = 1*

Infact the Ford Focus only gets 2* which is equivalent to the XC90

(from Euro NCAP Crash Tests)

But hey, lets not deal in hard facts eh? - wild inaccurate speculation is so much more fun

Three groups of people drive 4WD.

Those who consider themselves to be rural folk.
They bang on about 'cantri ways' (while living 20 minutes from a shopping centre) and how even quite ordinary people like plumbers and nurses hunt and shoot.
Blokes have pink faces,large bottoms and wear a lot of cord.Sexless as a Cabbage Patch Doll.
The women smell of large stinky animals and shed whisps of straw while they walk.

Aspiring upper middle class types. They are proud of their new conservatories,dream of buying a timeshare in Sap[in and consider a John Grisham or the Daily Mail editorial a challenging read.
If you went to their house for drinks,they would serve ready made Tesco dips still in the packaging and warm Jacobs Creek.

Chavs,drug dealers and low class celebriddies.
(Actually the three tend to make up one sub group.)

Ummmm...trying to fit myself into one of those categories Moondog. I may need some help

Actually I think I might buy 2 just to get everyone going. I'm quite enjoying the sport

lol moondog, tell it like it is why dontcha (as always) .

wisps of straw rather.......

"Blokes have pink faces,large bottoms and wear a lot of cord.Sexless as a Cabbage Patch Doll".

I've worked it out. I'm closest to the description above, only not a bloke, and no cords. But do have a pink face and large bottom.

Skribble I would like to know what you drive as well? Especially since it was so much cheaper than my Fiesta (my first ever new car btw). Although I do think the running costs would balance it out. It wouldn't suit me anyway I don't think - the part of my commute that isn't on country lanes is on the motorway so not great for that IMO.

I'm sure it's very shapely though hmc....

Someone round the corner from us has a massive thing called a Humza? Humva?

Why on earth they need it in London is beyond me. They look so stupid getting in it. At least it has blacked out windows so they don't look stupid in it !

That would be a Hummer. HATE those things!

Second category is upper working class an' all.

Gawd,I'm all a fluster-trying to organise my dd's birthday party has got me in a tizzy when it comes to pressing issues such as socio-economic subgroups.

aha - hummer!

What I notice with 4x4's generally is they are driven only 1 of 2 ways - expertly or crappily. It's invariably the latter round here. My FIL really knew how to drive his, but that's because he had the kind of terrain on his land which these vehicles are designed for.

Hummers are horrendous, there are a few round here....
I am sure that the vast majority of people who drive 4x4's can negotiate parking spaces and everyday driving effectively, it is just a shame that I don't live near any of them! We have, n the past few months had some awful experiences and near misses due to inept driving and in one instance someone trying to run us off the road, (our son was asleep on the side of the car that was being aimed at) and for that reason I loathe the imperious and arrogant attitude of a certain section of 4x4 drivers.
If you need one and can drive it then fine.

puff - the same can be said of any car driver - expert or crap!

I've got a hummer - wouldn't be so bad if wasn't the same bloody song over and over 'King of The Road'

Strange thing to say puff.......
I loved those 4WD buffoons on the Fast Show. Loads of high fives and fake military tough guy gear.

Hilarious..

Thing is, they're not meant to give a smooth ride. Well, the cushier types are, I suppose, b/c they're made for people who drive in teh city but think they're getting a 4x4. But an auto made to do REAL, serious 4 wheeling? On a smooth road even, it's a jouncy ride. Mine was shift on the fly, but once you got out of 4 wheel, you have to reverse it a few feet - if you could - to unlock the wheels.

And all those who think it gives you better control is adverse weather conditions - well, they don't call it '4 wheel slide' for nothing. Honestly, in icy conditions, you just as well off w/good snow tires and any car w/ABS. Gearing down works wonders, as does your neutral gear and hand brake.

4x4s are also quite high sided, so if you live in a windy area w/o many trees to break the wind, rolling is a definite possibility. In fact, they're pretty easy to roll in any weather if you don't know how to drive them properly.

morning Jools!

Lol Joolstoo!

Why did someone try to run you off the road Lizzylou

Was it completely unprovoked?

lol Jools.
But bloody hell,you'll have me at it frightening the horses...