FabSwingers.com forum: My next car ...

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

... will definitely be a 4WD, just need to decide whether to go for a proper beefy one or a crossover.

I have about a couple of years to decide.

In the meantime I shall whimp out and work from home whenever we have the white stuff.

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By *rightonsteveMan
over a year ago

Brighton - even Hove!

"... will definitely be a 4WD, just need to decide whether to go for a proper beefy one or a crossover.

I have about a couple of years to decide.

In the meantime I shall whimp out and work from home whenever we have the white stuff.

Tell me about it. I got snowed in and had to walk to work. I'm looking at Range Rovers....

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

330ci before summer gets here

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By *ll-Knight-longMan
over a year ago

Derby/Notts(Long Eaton)

I have both a Volvo petrol/LPG front wheel drive saloon and a "beefy"Ford Ranger Diesel 4x4 .

(which is actually rear wheel drive most of the time then you select four wheel extra gears and traction control extra) I have always had a bigger sized 4x4 to pull my trailer ,boat or caravan so have also owned Land Rover discovery's , Range Rover and Mitsubishi Shoguns....i live in a village and work often takes my "off" metalised road so can justify the extra cost.

you need to ask you these questions :-

DO YOU NEED TO TRAVEL REGULAR LONG DISTANCES? as " beefy" 4x4's tend to be fuel hungry and over two litres and more, even if using LPG, like I have done on all my petrol ones the road tax is normally in the higher bracket too.

DO YOU NEED A PERMANENT FOUR WHEEL DRIVE as these wear out the expensive tyres quickly.and need expensive repairs if the gearboxes etc have problems

DO YOU NEED BIG GROUND CLEARANCE as this is really if only if going off road etc also huge clearance makes them more unstable fast around bends as they tilt over.

To be honest in this snow I have travelled over 2,000 miles this past two weeks safely in a front wheel drive car designed for use in a snow covered country as my 4x4 needed some expensive work doing again

So maybe a crossover type is worth looking out depending upon your circumstances

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Read some reviews of winter tyres. May be better with 2wd and the right rubber.

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By *isscheekychopsWoman
over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

[Removed by poster at 23/01/13 08:54:47]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Picking my new S Max up next month

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I would love an old beetle as my next car as those things seem to run for ever.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Next be same as i have now Range Rover sports. I love it and no gears to change i am up high so see whats coming and have the power if i ever need it not saying i am best driver in the world but i am sure this help being up high has saved me from being in some crashes i am sure. Just wish i new how to use half the stuff it has to offer.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I would love a jag sports car in red soft top with cream leather as a weekend car but john say i would kill myself ,

so maybe just a dream car.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

Considering that we only have snow for a short period in this country, I think I will stick to my very economical Smart car. Have only been stuck in snow ONCE in it. Have driven it in all conditions and it did very well going all the way to Krakow from Manchester the other summer, and back again.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Love my 4x4 and had no problem getting about in it while others struggle and get stuck, would definitely recommend one!

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By *ll-Knight-longMan
over a year ago

Derby/Notts(Long Eaton)

"Next be same as i have now Range Rover sports. I love it and no gears to change i am up high so see whats coming and have the power if i ever need it not saying i am best driver in the world but i am sure this help being up high has saved me from being in some crashes i am sure. Just wish i new how to use half the stuff it has to offer."

Land rover do a 4x4 driving course on the Birmingham testing ground but there are day courses available that really show you how to use the vehicle properly and great fun. I went on the Bovington tank course many years ago with a 4x4 club.

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By *oulou45Woman
over a year ago

Bucks

I only have a corsa sxi and in the 8 yrs I've had it, I've been stuck once in a snow filled carpark. I later found nobody parks there in the snow. Its always got me to work in the snow. I wouldn't swop it for the world.

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By *oulou45Woman
over a year ago

Bucks

"
bovingdon used to be good for learner drivers

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

bovingdon used to be good for learner drivers"
Well had 4/4 years just this one has stuff on .. you think if i push that i may eject from the seat , lol manuals not my thing i know i should read .Been to some horse things where land rover offer driving things .. but look scary , lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Gimme a Smart Brabus - with winter tyres! More fun, cheap to run, ridiculously easy to park... and plenty of grip...

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I shall be towing a trailer or trailer tent with my new car to go camping in UK and Europe, so it needs to be comfortable on long journeys.

Also need to be able to handle dirt/mud tracks and wet grass for certain.

Therefore, it is likely to be a crossover, like the Skoda Yeti.

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By *limBobStretchedPantsMan
over a year ago

Newcastle

I live up north in rural england and I have a Chrysler crossfire 3.6 litre V6 engine rear wheel drive and 2 seats. (Early midlife crisi) And it hasn't been a problem at all. I take my time drive sensibly in the bad weather and it gets me from A2B. You don't need all these 4x4s just take care when driving.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Considering that we only have snow for a short period in this country, I think I will stick to my very economical Smart car. Have only been stuck in snow ONCE in it. Have driven it in all conditions and it did very well going all the way to Krakow from Manchester the other summer, and back again."

is a smart car comfortable

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By *ll-Knight-longMan
over a year ago

Derby/Notts(Long Eaton)

bovingdon used to be good for learner drivers Well had 4/4 years just this one has stuff on .. you think if i push that i may eject from the seat , lol manuals not my thing i know i should read .Been to some horse things where land rover offer driving things .. but look scary , lol

"
Scared Don't be seriously the steep inclines and deep water or mud is daunting at first but they show you what you can do with the knobs( not saying you don't know what to do with knobs though

)

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By *ll-Knight-longMan
over a year ago

Derby/Notts(Long Eaton)

"I shall be towing a trailer or trailer tent with my new car to go camping in UK and Europe, so it needs to be comfortable on long journeys.

Also need to be able to handle dirt/mud tracks and wet grass for certain.

Therefore, it is likely to be a crossover, like the Skoda Yeti.

For towing you need a little weight in the car so that the trailer doesn't "push" the tow car but lightweight trailer / trailer tent should be fine for something like the Yeti

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By *padger1066Man
over a year ago

Out and about

Just get some snow tyres - I have an Jag S-Type R - and have got Avon ice contact tyres on it - and they have got me anywhere I have wanted to go - and u don't look like a twat driving a land or a range rover! Lol x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I shall be towing a trailer or trailer tent with my new car to go camping in UK and Europe, so it needs to be comfortable on long journeys.

Also need to be able to handle dirt/mud tracks and wet grass for certain.

Therefore, it is likely to be a crossover, like the Skoda Yeti.

Clarkson raved about the Skoda Yeti so much, it had a 9 month waiting list within weeks.. Not sure whether Mr Clarkson's praise is a good thing or not. He slagged off the Peugeot 607 years back, which resulted in me getting a fantastic deal secondhand and one probably the best car I've ever owned, for the following four years.

Ta Jezza matey

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Even with 4/4 i hate driving in snow and ice. I hate it ... as years ago with kids had a close one on the ice ... it stayS with you ..so i get others to drive me around .. as i live in the slicks right out in country i say Norwich as most know it and boat near there.Right now here have loads of snow and ice ..

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

is a smart car comfortable"

Very - they have really supportive sports seats. I have a really bad back problem (which is why I am off work today) but never have a problem driving it distances. I did hire a Hyundai Getz in Oz a few summers ago and drove down the east coast to Airlie Beach. Bloody agony - worst seats ever.

My last Smart was only a 700cc and that got me to Paris and back. This one is a one litre - it is very comfortable to drive and park, and you can fit more into it than you think. Road tax is just £30 a year and insurance is cheap. I fill it once a week - costs around £30-35 - and I travel 10+miles to work and back every day. So I reckon I am doing a good 100+ miles a week. Really economical.

Copes well on motorways - have driven it on the autobahn too though the top speed is only 96.

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By *ll-Knight-longMan
over a year ago

Derby/Notts(Long Eaton)

"Even with 4/4 i hate driving in snow and ice. I hate it ... as years ago with kids had a close one on the ice ... it stayS with you ..so i get others to drive me around .. as i live in the slicks right out in country i say Norwich as most know it and boat near there.Right now here have loads of snow and ice .."

Forget the use of tyres and use the boat then.....oooops then we have the floods and tides

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"... will definitely be a 4WD, just need to decide whether to go for a proper beefy one or a crossover.

I have about a couple of years to decide.

In the meantime I shall whimp out and work from home whenever we have the white stuff.

Not worth it for a few days of bad weather. What you will pay out in extra fuel costs for the rest of the year you could have a few hundred quids worth of taxis and still be in pocket.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"... will definitely be a 4WD, just need to decide whether to go for a proper beefy one or a crossover.

I have about a couple of years to decide.

In the meantime I shall whimp out and work from home whenever we have the white stuff.

Not worth it for a few days of bad weather. What you will pay out in extra fuel costs for the rest of the year you could have a few hundred quids worth of taxis and still be in pocket."

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

It won't be for just a few days of bad weather a year, considering I go camping all year round.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"It won't be for just a few days of bad weather a year, considering I go camping all year round.

If it is for a fair bit of off-roading or difficult terrain in one way or another then it would make sense. Otherwise, probably not cost-effective.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I grounded my car a few years ago on dirt track and got told off by the AA recuer for taking her off reading.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"I grounded my car a few years ago on dirt track and got told off by the AA recuer for taking her off reading.

Off-reading or off-roading?

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Off roading I meant.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

Thought so!

Well, being very much a city-dweller I will stick to my city car. I couldn't afford to run a Range Rover anyway!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

With a dog and where I live and my liking for camping and cycling with him, it makes sense to get a 4WD.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"With a dog and where I live and my liking for camping and cycling with him, it makes sense to get a 4WD.

Most likely, I should imagine. It will be pricey to run though, unless you intend only using it when necessary.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I intend to keep my car for as long as it is possible, and use the 4WD if and when required.

That's the plan as I am very attached to my current car.

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"I intend to keep my car for as long as it is possible, and use the 4WD if and when required.

That's the plan as I am very attached to my current car.

Probably the smartest way of doing it.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Not if the car is costing an arm and a leg to keep!

Have to wait and see nearer the time.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My car is a disaster in the snow! Gives me an excuse not to go anywhere and work from home!

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By *B9 QueenWoman
over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"Not if the car is costing an arm and a leg to keep!

Have to wait and see nearer the time.

That's why I stick with my little Smart. Plus its fun to drive.

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By *athnBobCouple
over a year ago

sandwell

"I intend to keep my car for as long as it is possible, and use the 4WD if and when required.

That's the plan as I am very attached to my current car.

If you have to replace your current car then I would suggest a 55 plate freelander 1 (all the bugs ironed out). Ours is very sure footed on slippy stuff and handles everything apart from heavy ruts deep mud.

If it is an additional car for camping etc then go for a rufty tuffty type and join an off road club. There are a LOT of untarmaced roads in your area where you can drive legally and really get to see some untouched landscape.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have a few years left of needing a car big enough to cart 3 teenagers about then it's a mid life crisis soft top sports car for me (Z5, TT or Boxter)

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Have a day to day car and a classic landy. Land does more mpg than the car and is zero road fund license. Stick some snow chains on the land and it goes where I point it. In the summer, I take the roof off and have a 2 door convertible

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