I'm thinking of getting a Suzuki jimny as many here use these in the winter and seem to cope very well, however has any one else got some ideas ?

Panda?

Are you talking 4x4 jeep type only... or just 4x4 car?

Panda ? Do they do a 4x4

Yes, they did on the old model and they do on the new one too.

It's very light, so goes quite well unless you need more ground clearance and wheel articulation.

Panda 4x4. Brilliant.

They're like hens teeth second hand though.

Probably due to those that have them not wanting to change to something else.

Winter tyres on your current car, cheaper (than taxing, insuring and running / depreciation) but the main reason is its ALL down to the tyres, even a 4x4 on crap tyres will go nowhere on ice / compacted snow.

The new Panda 4x4.

http://www.topgear.c...year-2012-12-19

Panda ? Do they do a 4x4

Yep. You can get the brand new one with 4x4 or the previous model too. They even did a 4x4 version years ago (in the 80s? 90s?).

Top gear pitted it against a land rover or range rover in a muddy quarry and it did really well.

There's also the Suzuki SX4 (think that's what it's called).

Phil

^ What Gizmo said.

The SX4 is a Fiat Sedici, isn't it? I think it shares the platform with the 4x4 Panda too.

Full time 4x4 with newer Suzuki Grand Vitaras. SWB or LWB.

http://www.globalsuzuki.com/gcm/bigheart/008.html

Jimnys are Part time 4x4, Rear wheel drive on road normally.

Select 4 H or 4 L when required.

Limited in space if you are tall.

The new 4x4 Fiat Panda looks like it will be good.

or the last models if buying used.

george

Thanks fellas , Richard the panda is really good just been on YouTube never thought of the panda , if its good enough for may well must be ok

Thanks George I need to use all year so not full time 4x4 is fine

Edited 21 January, 201313 yr by seboni121

Winter tyres on your current car, cheaper (than taxing, insuring and running / depreciation) but the main reason is its ALL down to the tyres, even a 4x4 on crap tyres will go nowhere on ice / compacted snow.

We need a second car, the missus has decided she wants to work so 2 birds with 1 stone

If looking at Jimnys, i would go for an Automatic for snow use.

They have basically gone unchanged in the Bodywork Metal since 1998, only cosmetic changes.

Bumpers & interior.

Fuel economy is not great.

Engines are very different. from 1998-2013.

1298 cc SOHC 1298 cc DOHC, 1328 DOHC 1328 VVT. Manual, Autos, & Transfer box with lever or Button.

If you are visiting Fife and want to try one i can lend you for a stint.

http://www.kapsuzuki4x4.co.uk

An idea of something different.

george

We bought our Citigo (the Red one) as a back up car and runaround for work/family.

I have to say that it does not get used as much as I expected.

Part of me thinks a 4x4 Panda would have been a better option, although it does cost more. It would have got more use.

If your missus isn't going to be driving far then maybe a monster petrol 4x4. Unloved so can go pretty cheap.

I tried to persuade SWMBO to get a 5.7l V8 HEMI Grand Cherokee for her 2 mile commute since she is terrified of driving in the snow. 10 miles a week so petrol cost wasn't a issue (don't go there with bikes and walking ).

But no she bought a beemer, tell me where the logic is?

Edited 21 January, 201313 yr by Aspman

We need a second car, the missus has decided she wants to work so 2 birds with 1 stone

Which is fine and a valid point, but equally is the point I made about 4WD being no better than 2WD if you have no traction due to snow or ice.

a 4WD on winter tyres will be almost unstoppable, but a 2WD car on winter tyres will have FAR better traction than any 4WD car on summer tyres.

Buy a 4WD by all means… but fit winter tyres to it.

The good thing about the Panda 4x4 is that there's no buttons to press to engage the 4x4. It's full time and uses a simple mechanical system to transfer power around the wheels AFAIK.

Phil

Which is fine and a valid point, but equally is the point I made about 4WD being no better than 2WD if you have no traction due to snow or ice.

a 4WD on winter tyres bill be almost unstoppable, but a 2WD car on winter tyres will have FAR better traction than any 4WD car on summer tyres.

Buy a 4WD by all means… but fit winter tyres to it.

I also had the same thoughts when they announced on BBC local news about a certain road only being passable in a 4x4... I just said at the TV "you mean a 4x4 with appropriate tyres?!" I had visions of people in their Audi quattros and Volvo Allroads with summer tyres on getting stuck!

Phil

Yeah has to have winters on as I'm in the snowdonia range, the gritting gets done on main roads but our single tracks won't, it would be used daily on a 30 mile round trip, so will keep a look out for either a jimny , panda which is now on the top of the list

I like your thinking,

& maybe a diesel.

http://www.autoexpre...best-small-4x4s

Have you thought of a Yeti?

george

I can see Renault selling a lot of 4x4 Dacia Dusters right now.

If you're buying a 4x4 get it in August. You'll get your wallet nicked if you buy one now.

Jimny.

Utterley crap ON road,possibly the worst ever, coupled with dubious and choppy handling, also quite thirsty, but get one off road, and WOW, what a differnce!. Awesome., and a cracking little sewing machine of an engine.

Tend to chew wheel bearingsquite quickly if you go off roading in one.

I've had 2,, granted full off road spec, but ssssso much fun and embarrased quite a few Land Rovers whilst out greenlaning.

Pick 'em up quite cheap now too.

i miss mine tbh

Don't know what your budget is, Seb, but have you thouht about an FF. :p

I can see Renault selling a lot of 4x4 Dacia Dusters right now.

If you're buying a 4x4 get it in August. You'll get your wallet nicked if you buy one now.

over a thousand already pre-ordered in the UK.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/61032/more-1000-dacia-dusters-pre-ordered

Always wanted a Lada Niva.

I know a guy with one in Czech and he literally can get that thing anywhere. Its totally basic but great at off roading. See if I can find a coupld of videos of the stuff he gets up to.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/james-may-vs-lada-niva-2011-02-15