Do big 4x4s get an unfair press? Pilloried as un-ecofriendly many deliver the same or better MPG than big family cars, which slip under the radar. Plus, in the case of Land Rover, they have a carbon off-set programme.
So if you feel a high driving position is what you need. Or 7 seats are a must and MPVS no fun. Don’t worry, you can have any of these three and according to Used Car Expert’s latest depreciation index, there are some bargains to be had too.
Land Rover Discovery
Huge improvement over old Disco which routinely seats seven in a well finished cabin. Good off road obviously but also very good on with lots of safety kit. Not cheap.
Most economical: 2.7 TD V6
Best used buy: 2.7 TD V6
UsedCarExpert.com fault checks: 11
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2007 2.7 Discovery with 27,000 average miles will be around £21,000.
Hyundai Sante Fe
A capable 4x4 and MPV alternative in 7-seat format. Luxury, reliability and now – from 2006 - good looks. All at great prices.
Most economical: 2.2 VGT
Best used buy: 2.2 VGT
UsedCarExpert.com fault checks: 10
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2007 2.2 VGT with 12,000 average miles will be around £16,000.
Nissan Pathfinder
Look like Jack Bauer in this enormous and most manly of 4x4s. Comfortable and effective but not really that refined. Relatively cheap to run though.
Most economical: 2.5 DCI
Best used buy: 2.5 DCI
UsedCarExpert.com fault checks: 8
Used Car Expert magazine price: A 2006 2.5 DCI with 30,000 average miles will be around £13,000.