Author Topic: Finding the right 4x4 (Read 5688 times)

Lancashire Smallholder · « **on:** January 12, 2022, 09:17:46 pm »

I'm looking for opinions on getting the right truck for my needs.

As well as nipping along the road to different fields I need to tow my trailers, nothing massive, and throw all sorts of rubbish, feed and dogs in the back!

My Navara has just gone as it failed it's MOT and as my wife wants to be able to use it as well... it needs to be a 4x4 not a pick up this time.

I have a great Volvo for the daily car and for work, so I don't want anything for daily use, but with a £3-4k budget my options are a little limited.

Thinking a Freelander (but might be too small for towing etc) or a Disco (probably Series 2), but interested in what other users have.

Any thoughts good or bad!?

Thanks

Bywaters · « **Reply #1 on:** January 13, 2022, 01:59:01 pm »

Our "fleet" consists of a 1959 swb land rover which manages most things, however the brakes are not as good as I would like so we limit it's towing duties, but, it's light and gets over the ground far better than our long wheelbase station wagon 1970 land rover which is too heavy and gets stuck easily
We also use a hilux which, for everything bar muddy fields and parking, is great.

Going back a few years I would say a land rover 90 would be ideal, but they are more than your budget. A disco 2 is a rot box (chassis wise ) and could cost a fortune in repairs.

Howabout a suzuki jimney ?

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2022, 02:21:34 pm »

If you can find a Daihatsu Fourtrak, there is no finer farm 4x4 imo.

You'd also get a Nissan Terrano for that money, they're decent all-rounders suitable for the work you describe. (Same as a Ford Maverick, so parts aren't too expensive, my mechanic friend tells me.)

Edited to add, I am a Volvo fan too. The Daihatsu has the same "boxy but solid' quality, if that appeals. So far I have not come across anyone who's had or has a Fourtrak that doesn't say it was a good, solid 4x4, and most of us lament that they are no longer made.

Womble · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2022, 02:37:40 pm »

Quote from: Lancashire Smallholder on January 12, 2022, 09:17:46 pm

Thinking a Freelander (but might be too small for towing etc)

So before we all name our favourite 4x4s, what weight do you need to tow? (both regularly, and maximum?)

Lancashire Smallholder · « **Reply #4 on:** January 14, 2022, 06:19:51 am »

Quote from: Womble on January 13, 2022, 02:37:40 pm

Quote from: Lancashire Smallholder on January 12, 2022, 09:17:46 pm
Thinking a Freelander (but might be too small for towing etc)
So before we all name our favourite 4x4s, what weight do you need to tow? (both regularly, and maximum?)

Regularly not much towing at all, but a max probably 1.5 to 2 tons.

Womble · « **Reply #5 on:** January 14, 2022, 08:59:11 am »

OK, in that case a Jimny or RAV4 isn't going to cut it, but a Freelander or Forester will (they're both rated up to 2 tonnes).

In practice I find our Forester doesn't handle well if towing over 1.5 tonnes though, so I tend to take two trips if that's the case.

You'd certainly get a Freelander for your budget, but what about an X-Trail? I think that's what I'd buy with that money. A Terrano would be good too, as per Sally's recommendation.

landroverroy · « **Reply #6 on:** January 15, 2022, 02:42:59 pm »

In your situation LS - I would look up on Ebay, local marketplace on Facebook etc what there was in my price range and then read the specifications and reviews of any that I fancied.

The trouble with asking on here for recommendations is that people will recommend their own personal choice, which will not necessarily match your requirements.

Glencairn · « **Reply #7 on:** January 15, 2022, 05:54:56 pm »

Just to rule out the jimny the unbraked towing weight is 350kg. (1.3T braked)

That's for the latest model, I think the numbers are similar for the third generation.