When the snow started to fall on the South of England last weekend, the 4x4 drivers were looking pretty smug. As a boy, my Dad had a tractor, so snow drifts were never a problem for us. But for everyone who had always thought a little city car was more than enough, it occurred to me, it can be handy to have some heavy machinery in the garage.
But who can really afford a 4x4 at the moment? Well if you look at 8 year old cars, lots of people. It’s amazing what £3,000 will buy you.
Land Rover Freelander
Good on and off road compromise. Better than some lightweight 4 x 4s and the Land Rover badge keeps values firm. Early car s need caution though.
Most economical: 2.0 Td4 37.2 mpg
Best used buy: Station Wagon GS second generation 1.8.
Used Car Expert checks: 12
Used Car Expert magazine guide price: A year 2000 1.8 petrol with 73,000 average miles will be around £3,400.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Large luxurious and good value. Plenty of equipment and space V8 engines are the least wanted especially pre '99 left hand drive examples.
Most economical: 2.7CRD 29.1 mpg
Best used buy: 2.7 CRD Limited
Used Car Expert checks: 17
Used Car Expert magazine guide price: A year 2000 2.7 CRD with 74,000 average miles is just £4,100.
Isuzu Trooper
Tough very able great off road. A proper 4 x 4 which isn't so great on road but because it is not so fashionable it tends to be more affordable.
Most economical: 3.0 TD 27 mpg
Best used buy: 3.0 TD 27 mpg
Used Car Expert checks: 6
Used Car Expert magazine guide price: A year 2000 3.0 TD with 95,000 average miles is just £3,600.