which cheap 4x4 for winter?

[tsr_adi]

Been thinking about the up and coming months and how difficult it would be for me to get to work in the winter, especially if its anything like last year. Been looking at cheap 4x4s for around 500quid, which gives me the option of very thirsty and rotten disco's, broken pajero's, or a decent cherokee, or decentish frontera. Whatever I go for, would have to be a diesel, I know V8 cherokees are very nice and V8s are cheap, but thats cuz no-one can afford to run them, and that includes me! I've had a pajero SWB 2.5TD before a few years back and I loved it, although I found it slow and a bit thirsty. Anyone recommend/share your experience on any cheap 4x4s?

[leigh_harty]

Dunno if its still their but was about a week ago, on auto trader there was a passat 4mo 2.8

full heated leather etc for about £700

[golf-sib]

Fiat panda

I'll get the coat

[Diamond Hell]

This for a giggle:

http://forum.difflock.com/ads_item.php?id=14110

Or anything else from the myriad other 4x4s on Difflock. 

[tsr_adi]

I'd love something like a jacked up suzuki SJ or lada riva, but I have 3 kids so needs to be practical. Hence why a cherokee would be perfect. Never owned one, been in one before though.

[Diamond Hell]

I've just travelled to Heull in one today.

Only recommended if you like travelling by jelly.

Nip over to Germany and pick up a T25 Syncro Multivan for £1500 and sell it next spring for £5-6k. 

[tsr_adi]

something soft and bouncy is fine by me. the thing I miss most about having a truck is that NO-ONE gets in your way 

[rob.043]

I think your price range suggests a 1.6 suzuki vitara, should get a worker in that budget- and as its petrol it will always start in winter. I, however, have had a hilux surf for years now, with mud tyres on it, and always look forward to the snow.

Bear in mind however, most jap 4x4's are only part time 4 wheel drive, they wont work in 4 wheel drive mode on a tarmac road without winding up the transfer box as they dont have a central diff. its intended for use only on loose surfaces, so when its just a bit icy in places, its going to prefer 2 wheel drive, and its rear drive! So with 'regular' tyres it needs more care.

Have you considered winter tyres as a cost effective option to another vehicle? £200 for a set + steel rims

[tsr_adi]

To be honest I'd rather drive a fiat panda 4x4 than a vitara. If I had one it would have to be a fatboy, and they're probably about as practical as my mk1 cab  I know what your saying about part time 4x4, but I found pulling my caravan out of 4ft of snow one winter with my pajero easy in 2wd, and I think a lot of that was to do with the weight and the ground clearance. I just don't want to be getting stuck in the snow like last year, and 4x4 is the way to get out of the snow 

[Jay]

Been thinking about the up and coming months and how difficult it would be for me to get to work in the winter, especially if its anything like last year. Been looking at cheap 4x4s for around 500quid, which gives me the option of very thirsty and rotten disco's, broken pajero's, or a decent cherokee, or decentish frontera. Whatever I go for, would have to be a diesel, I know V8 cherokees are very nice and V8s are cheap, but thats cuz no-one can afford to run them, and that includes me! I've had a pajero SWB 2.5TD before a few years back and I loved it, although I found it slow and a bit thirsty. Anyone recommend/share your experience on any cheap 4x4s?

There is nothing decent about Fucterrors    Horrible nasty cars that should be burnt, especially oak green SWB 2.0 115's 'Sports' versions Their only saving grace is people are automatically scared of the bull bars when faced with single track roads