Replacing a small car with 4x4 - cost?

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djlynwood

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Im toying with the idea of getting a secondhand 4x4 to replace my knackered Corsa.

Ive just got a new horse and would like to borrow a friends trailer so we can get out. Cant afford to have a small car and a 4x4 so wondered if just having a 4x4 may be an idea.

I have a round trip of 84miles for work 5 days a week which consists of half motorway and half A road milage.

I currently put in around £250 per month of petrol into my Corsa. Is it going to cost me an horrendous amount more for a 4x4??

I have never had a 4x4 before so Im just tring to research them. The Kia Sorrento seems to have some good reviews for towing.
 
We have a Landrover Disco diesel. It costs well over £100 to fill does around 400 miles to the tank, though that is a guesstimate as we live in the boonies and can't let it run right down.

There is also a much larger tax bill and insurance is higher.

We also have a tiny run around, it is a Nissan Micra and is incredibly cheap to run, fill for just over £45 and is good on mileage.

Overall I would say only a 4x4 if you actually need one. You can tow a trailer with a big estate, can't remember which one but their are a few at our RC and we live in an extremely hilly area and they manage them.


ETA- gorgeous GSD in your siggy.
FDC
 
In think once you actually add up all the costs of a 4x4 in relation to your corsa you will be shocked!!! The tax for a start will be more than double than you corsa I think. On a small 4x4 you'll be looking at upwards of £70 at least to fill a tank and it doesn't go far!

If you really really wanted a 4x4 as opposed to a decent estate with good towing capability then try and look for one that has optional 4x4 so for normal road driving you can just have it in 2WD - saves on the fuel. It's a shame really the Suzuki SX4 (or Fiat Sedici, it's the same model) isn't able to tow as I bought myself one last year to save some cash as I did have a Vitara before which cost more on finance and tax and fuel etc. The Sedici I have has been pretty damn good in the snow, isn't bad on fuel and tax is about half what the Vitara was. Just a shame they're not a sturdy towing vehicle.

What I would say is do a lot of research - how often would you need to tow? Do you really NEED a 4x4 for this? What larger 2WD cars out there have the towing capacity you'd need? There is so much choice these days so have a good look about.
 
I went from a hatchback to a 4x4 last year and I estimate that my costs have doubled. As well as the fuel costs, tax is twice the price, insurance is more and spare parts/tyres cost an absolute fortune. You are doing about 20,000 miles a year, so the higher fuel consumption of a 4x4 will be very expensive. I would suggest getting a really fuel-efficient and cheap to run car like the Peugeot 206 HDI and using the money you save to hire a lorry or 4x4 occasionally.
 
i'v got a navara. Costs about £90 to fill, gives me about 400 miles. I don't use a dealer for servicing etc so not found its been too costly for maintenence. Tax is cheap £125 a year as you pay VAT on top when purchasing. Tyres are pretty pricy though and it's mission impossible for me to park in a multi storey!!!!!!
 
I think the milage you do it would be cheaper to hang on to your corsa and get a cheap 4x4 or lorry as well, unless you can cut your daily mileage right down or car share 30 mpg is about average for a 4x4 that will tow safely, small diesel car 60/70 mpg and £20 tax
 
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