Spec me something with 4WD

[TW]Fox;17499911 said:
To be fair though most people in the UK now consider snow a 'regular problem' simply because we had two consecutive, freak winters. If it happens again this year it might be time to rethink whats normal, but unless it does..
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We don't know where the OP lives, but I agree it does seem like a bit of an overreaction.
 
[TW]Fox;17499911 said:
To be fair though most people in the UK now consider snow a 'regular problem' simply because we had two consecutive, freak winters. If it happens again this year it might be time to rethink whats normal, but unless it does..
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It'll be funny if it happens again this year :p
 
Joe T said:
It'll be funny if it happens again this year :p
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Even if it does, the reason why other countries are so much better at it than us and mandate the use of proper tyres suited the conditions is because snow to them arrives in November and melts again in March-May. Therefore its completely worth the effort of having a fleet of plows, multiple sets of wheels and tyres, etc etc.

Over here, even in our 'freak winter' we had 3 weeks of incessent whinging as if the world had ended and then it went away months before the snow cleared in proper countries.
 
Is this going to be the only car e.g. replace the BMW entirely or is it going to simply be a car for the lady? That may affect the choices.

A Jeep Cherokee should be available within the budget and is reasonably competent off-road. Isuzu Troopers are pretty competent off-road but not the most luxurious of vehicles and fuel economy may well be laughable.

If you wanted something that's more car-like then something from Subaru is probably a better bet I'd have thought.
 
What about an Audi A6 2.8 V6 Quattro*? Closest thing to an E39 with 4wd assuming we ignore the X5 :p

*Assuming 'get a grip (no pun intended) is off the table as a suggestion :p
 
pick up something AWD like a subaru and stick some A/T tires on it. Ive found the worst thing about driving in snowy or icy conditions, are the muppets coming the other way or behind you on hills.
 
I'm considering getting some steelies and snow tyres for the winter this year, I have moved to the top of a 1.2 mile long 18% incline with some fairly tasty drops (with no barriers bar a kerb) on the corners if you do get it wrong. Also, having lived in the general area for a 5 years, there hasnt been a single year where it hasnt been ~6" of snow for at least a fortnight on 2-3 occassions, and really icey for most of the winter when the snow wasn't there. There was about a 10 week run last year of consistant snowy-ness, but luckily was out of the area at the time.

I think some steelies and decent tyres are worth a punt first off.
 
Ok, some more details. The run is through Cravendale near Skipton/Harrogate. The roads can be a nightmare and are twisty - she uses the A59 which has already closed this week due to landslip and there are regular quarry trucks leaving crap over the road. Snow is regular as it gets fairly high - last year the main road was closed even with the gritting and snow/ice can be an issue. If the A59 closes from snow or landslip, roads become significantly worse from there. No it's not the cairngorms or such-like but 4wd seems a sensible idea. Plus, part of the problem is getting max grip to get moving or out of deeper snow etc. add in that on these roads there is nothing for miles and a snap of weather can be a major issue.

The gf isn't into girly cars which is a good thing so 4x4s are no issue. 2k includes a decent set of boots. Fiat panda or anything small and gash is out - I also have to drive it and neither of us are into the shopping kart market.

So, is there any point in getting a 4wd car like the legacy and how does stuff like a landy perform compared? Plus, what is good for £2k?
 
You need to decide if you want a traditional 4x4 or a 4x4 car really.
 
4x4 octavia is the car for you, and well within budget to leave money spare for a second set of wheels with snow tyres, too :)
 
[TW]Fox;17499911 said:
To be fair though most people in the UK now consider snow a 'regular problem' simply because we had two consecutive, freak winters. If it happens again this year it might be time to rethink whats normal, but unless it does..
Click to expand...

I hope it does happen again this year, but only so i can enjoy the snow with my nieces and gf's daughter :) need to beat last years 4ft snowman!
 
DiamondMark said:
Thats a good suggestion.
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I agree. A bloke at my old work used to have one for getting up mountains in the snow because he has a ski chalet in Chamonix, then going back a bit longer a guy I used to work with when I was doing TV stuff used to have a totally knackered one and it used to come in handy for dragging all sorts of stuff around when we were filming in fields etc.
 
[TW]Fox;17501747 said:
Wow only £180 each for a wheel and tyre. Nearly £800. Money well spent :D
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Totally agree it is well spent if they allows the driver to continue driving safely during the winter months.

Have you been north of the Watford Gap services in the winter months? I really get the impression you believe the weather in Plymouth is a good representation of the weather throughout the UK.

I'm considering changing my tyres in November not because it is sub freezing every day but because I drive sufficient miles off the motorways that I want to be safe when it does. Try driving a RWD car in summer tyres on the Yorkshire Moors of on the Pennines when you get a sudden downpour of snow... or come off the M6 due to an accident late at night when it is sub zero down country lanes which haven't been gritted ... personally I would rather buy some tyres then maybe end up in a hedge. It is a maybe ... it might not happen but I value my life enough to invest.
 
How about a Subaru Forester? For your budget you should be able to get one. No personal experience of the car but I do see a few farmers around these parts using them, can't be complete tosh can they?
 
Pyscho_Si said:
Have you been north of the Watford Gap services in the winter months? I really get the impression you believe the weather in Plymouth is a good representation of the weather throughout the UK.
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Lol, and most of Kent where it snows most years :D
 
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