READY FOR THE ROUGH STUFF?

Looking for a capable winter or off-road car? These are the best used 4x4s you can buy, says Ted Welford.

2023-01-19 -

SUZUKI VITARA

Suzuki has a great reputation when it comes to affordable off-roaders, with the Japanese manufacturer offering a fourwheel-drive model across virtually all of the cars it sells. While the Jimny is the obvious choice, you’ll get more value by choosing the Vitara. Larger and better to drive than the Jimny, look out for a thirdgeneration Vitara, introduced in 2015. These get a more modern interior, while top-spec SZ5 models come with features like a panoramic sunroof and reversing camera. Look out for ‘Allgrip’ versions as these are the ones that come with four-wheeldrive. Used prices start from £8,000, with £10,000 buying a 2015-registered example with 70,000 miles on the clock.

NISSAN X-TRAIL

Nissan’s X-trail might be more of a softer-focused crossover these days, but if you go back a few years this model was an impressively capable off-roader. First introduced in 2000, you want to look out for a first or second-generation models, which start from £1,200 and £2,500 respectively. The X-trail is a good all-rounder that’s as capable off the beaten track as it is on tarmac. This Nissan is also well-built and has a practical and spacious interior that makes it a solid family car.

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER

When it comes to a dependable off-roader that won’t let you down, it’s hard to beat the Toyota Land Cruiser. Renowned for its strength, this is the 4x4 of choice for those living in some of the harshest conditions on the planet. It should therefore be able to make light work of a UK winter or off-roading course.

The best option in terms of value is the version sold between 2003 and 2009, which is wellequipped, brilliantly tough, and also comes with the option of seven seats. Prices start from just £4,000 for scruffy, highmileage examples, but double that will buy you a clean, wellmaintained Land Cruiser.

FIAT PANDA 4X4

Off-roaders come in all shapes and sizes, and just because you want something with greater capability, it doesn’t necessarily mean you want a large SUV. That’s where the Fiat Panda 4x4 comes in. Based on this popular city car, the 4x4 gets beefed-up looks, and, more importantly, an impressive fourwheel-drive system that means the Panda can get further in tough conditions than plenty of SUVS. It’ll be cheaper to run, too. Prices start from just £2,000 and you can pick up the latest shape for just £5,000.

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

When it comes to off-roading, there’s a name that crops up regularly, and that’s Land Rover. It’s a brand which has an entire reputation built on its vehicles’ 4x4 degree. Pretty much any of the brand’s models are equipped with four-wheeldrive (there are some which are front-wheel-drive), but it’s the Discovery that gets our vote. Look out for a Discovery 3 or 4, which start from £2,500 and £6,999 respectively. These stand out with their remarkable off-roading ability, well-built interior and spacious cabin that offers space for seven adults. Older Land Rovers don’t have the best reputation for reliability, however, so you might want to put some money aside for inevitable bills.