How good is your 4x4 in the snow, which one should I buy?

[SpikieMikie]

Indecision....

I bought a 2 year old Mazda MX5 at the end of March and, having had the wet weather recently, its dawned on me that its going to be dreadful in the snow and ice during winter.

Working shifts, I need something that'll cope with the bad weather... I have two options, I can sell the MX5 and lose about £2k in just 6 months... and get a 55 or 06 reg BMW X3 2.0d or 3.0d Sport without having to find too much extra money .... ( if its for keeps I think this is the only 4x4 in my price range I'd like to keep )

or....

I can get a cheap 4x4 or 4 wheel drive car, I've got £4k / £5k I could spend, buy it in Sept / Oct time and sell it again about March next year. In depreciation, I'd may be only lose £500 / £750 plus 6 months extra insurance...

If I go the latter way though, what do I get ? A 4 wheel drive car - I think the list is limited to an Audi A4 Quattro or Subaru, or a proper 4x4 like an older Toyota Rav4 or Mitsubishi Shogun ? And which is best in snow and ice ?

If you've got a 4x4 or 4 wheel drive, what have you got, how did it cope in the weather during the last winter and how reliable has it been ?... I wont be using it off road as such...

[woofgang]

Jeep cherokee its the bee's knees.

[woofgang]

NOTHING is good in ice unless you put chains or studs on it.

[maggie21]

my plimsolls are great in the snow,

[cazzz1975]

you should be able to drive any car unless the snow is above halfway on your hubcaps.

[Toureman]

Any 4x4 is no better in snow than a 4x2 if it only has road tyres fitted.

[craft1948]

My SmartCar is bloody frightening......

[dotty.]

Do you live up in the hills in Cumbria or somewhere equally as hostile and remote?

[Coobeastie]

It's how you drive that makes the difference. My wife's panda 2 wheeldrive was fine in the snow and ice. The mx5 isn't known for being a handful perhaps if you drove according to the conditions you wouldn't need a 4x4. The x3 is appalling as an off roader btw and not up to the usual bmw standards of build.

[AlBags]

Mine's great fun .. A doughnut in the blink of an eye : )

[rnchugg]

Without prejudice or argument, I own a Land Rover Discover TDI, when the snow came I spent COUNTLESS hours pulling all number of other vehicles (including numerous other 4x4 makes) out. ALL of the people I know who owned Landy's did not have a problem. Living in North Devon we have nasty roads, Hills and out-lying areas. My advive would be, take a few for a test drive, get some info and then look a the long turm option. My Landy does my all in weathers in ANY condition and personally LOVE IT! Good Luck in your search!

[ibrahim90]

Register now and take part in the Auto Wranglers Academy & Coaching Program! We don’t want you to miss this opportunity!
This program is making a huge difference for others, and we'd hate for you to miss out on what could be the one thing that finally gives you the opportunity to create freedom for you and your family.
Join now and become an Auto Wrangler! Coaching Academy.