Family 4x4's

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Dizzle

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So, when OH relocates next year, we're going to get a 4x4. Originally the main aim is that I have something to tow with (also need trailer test and trailer!).

As OH doesn't currently drive, this is going to be a 'family' car as well, as we're hoping to start a family in the near future. Currently though it just needs to meet the Border Terrier seal of approval.

I REALLY want a Defender 90 (or would a 110 be more practical), OH is thinking more of a Toyota Hylux (I think it will be a bit too long?), Pajero's are a maybe and he thinks Shogun's are more of an SUV than a 4x4.

So, any thoughts? Budget isn't going to be huge but I'm thinking around the £5k mark?
 
Weve got a Mitsubishi Shogun Sport, tows well & loads of boot space for dogs, feed or hay & straw. Also there is plenty of leg space in the back if youve got kids or need to take any other passengers.
Does your OH realise that Shoguns & Pajeros & are the same thing, just with a different badge.
 
Dizzle said:
So, when OH relocates next year, we're going to get a 4x4. Originally the main aim is that I have something to tow with (also need trailer test and trailer!).
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Depends what you want to tow and what with regrding the need for a trailer test

If its just one horse then with the right 4X4 you can do that legally on a B only licence without the need for B+E
 
Can't fault a defender IMO. We have always had 110s - but 90's are fine too. You can pretty much maintain them yourself if you are mechanically minded (as long as they are pre 2006 when the computers started to arrive!) and you will be very hard pressed to exceed your axle weight regardless of what you tow. We can get into and out of feilds pretty much every other 4 x 4 (OK - and no few discos, rangies etc) have to resort to the tractor for. We have even managed to tow a horse box with it.

Child seats fit both in the back and the front. You can get a dog grill if you want to keep the terrier in the back - although we just use dog belts. And it is great for taking a load of kids to pony club events or whatever other sports they are into.

And my 13 year old can drive it as long as she is on private property.
 
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We have a navara, worth a look as an alternative to the hilux. They are long but brilliant for dogs as you can keep them totally separate from the passenger area. You can also secure the vehicle and leave a vent/window/hatch open for the dogs depending upon the type of canopy you have.
 
Hi. I`ve just been down the route of changing 4x4 cos my beloved discovery has died. I wanted a defender but the money needed to buy a decent pre 2006 model was just silly. i think you will find your budget wont get you a decent defender. bear in mind that there is very little comfort in a defender either. I`ve ended up with a jeep cherrokee pioneer. just hope i love it as much as the disco.
 
ROG said:
Depends what you want to tow and what with regrding the need for a trailer test

If its just one horse then with the right 4X4 you can do that legally on a B only licence without the need for B+E
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I only have a pony and I did suggest to OH that we get a smaller 4x4 and replate a lightweight trailer but he's keen for a bigger safer vehicle.

I was bought up with Disco's (learnt to drive in one from the age of 14) and I'd love one but not sure we could get one in budget.
 
Dizzle said:
I only have a pony and I did suggest to OH that we get a smaller 4x4 and replate a lightweight trailer but he's keen for a bigger safer vehicle.
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A Nissan Xtrail is a very safe 4X4 as many on here can confirm and that is just one example of a 4X4 which can be used for B licence towing

Here is a list of some others along with the max MAMs for B licence towing but there are more ...


Toyota Rav 4 (4X4) with these specifications/dimensions
Unladen/kerb = 1425
GVW = 1785
Max towing weight = 1500
Max trailer plated MAM = 1425 kgs


Nissan X trail (4X4) with these specifications/dimensions
Unladen/kerb = 1515
GVW = 2050
Towing = 2000
Max trailer plated MAM = 1450 kgs

Kia Sportage (AWD) with these specifications/dimensions
Unladen/kerb = 1678
GVW = 2140
Towing = 1600
Max trailer plated MAM = 1360 kgs

FREELANDER 1 (2001 - 2005)
Unladen/kerb = 1500
GVW = 2040
Towing = 1800
Max trailer plated MAM = 1460 kgs

SUBARU FORRESTER (4X4)
Unladen/kerb = 1465 minimum
GVW = 2050 maximum
Towing = 2000
Max trailer plated MAM = 1450 kgs

Skoda Yeti (4X4) with these specifications/dimensions
Kerb = 1530
GVW = 2070
Towing capacity = 2000
Max trailer plated MAM = 1430 kgs
 
I would have thought 5K would get you a pretty decent disco, probably better than a defender because they may well not have suffered the same abuse. My only caveat is to take somebody very mechanically minded to look at them. There are plenty of gems about but also some pups.
 
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