reliable 4x4's (not for towing)

How strange - why have you been told to avoid Suzuki Jimnys? Bought one brand new in September and it has done me proud through everything the weather has thrown at it. In 4WD LO I swear I could drive up the side of Snowdon in it. Never ever let me down. I had a Daihatsu Terios before and that was a fabulous, reliable little 4WD too. Only thing with the Terios is it's permanent 4WD so a) not quite so economical for ordinary driving and b) no 4WD low ratio for extreme weather conditions. There's a Suzuki Jimny owners forum if you're interested and you'll only ever find praise there!
 
I have a 07 plate Suzuki grand vitara, I bought it in october and it's the best car I've ever had! Mines a 1.6 petrol and it's always in 4wd as there's no option to take it out of it but it's not that bad to run, I put probably £35-40 a week petrol in it which is great to me as was previously putting £35 a week in my Citroën c2! My insurance has only gone up £5 as well. So glad I had it, it's been brill in all the snow
 
I think the main problem with the Jimny is the road comfort and the size i guess. As far as i know the Jimny is great off-road - there is no question about that but for general, all round driving it is not the best so for a long journey I think you'd be better off spending a bit more and getting the Vitara as you get a bit more comfort for your cash! I sooo want another Vitara when my finances improve!!! Lol
 
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