Some of us can’t stand dainty little cars, and prefer something more rugged and solid-feeling. If you’re crazy for 4x4s, then buying a new one can be a pretty big deal. There are so many different models to choose from, all with their own strengths, weaknesses and quirks. Here, I’ve put together some important considerations for buying a 4×4. Whether it’s your first or your fifth, I’m sure you’ll find these useful.
One of the most important things to think about when buying a 4×4 is the kind of fuel you want it to run on. You’ll find that most of the large 4x4s in the UK are diesel engines. There’s one big reason for this; the cost of fuel. Despite the reputation some people lay on diesel engines, many diesel 4x4s offer plenty of torque. These days, there’s also a fairly big trend towards hybrids. These have lower emissions and fuel consumption, both of which could save you a lot of money in the long run. Whichever kind of engine you’re going for, there’ll be a lot of options. Weigh up the financial aspects of each one before picking out actual models.
The next thing to consider is how comfortable and stylish you want your 4×4 to be. Perhaps you fell in love with an ultra-basic Jeep model, and these features don’t mean that much to you. I hate to tell you, but those vehicles are quickly becoming a relic of the past. These days, every 4×4 that comes out is geared more and more towards conventional use. Take the Range Rover Evoque, for example. This car looks completely gorgeous from the outside, and has an equally nice interior. However, as far as 4x4s go it’s not exactly practical. Pretty much all the 4x4s you look at are going to be sold to you as luxurious. However, this isn’t always a reflection of the driving experience. Staff at any dealership such as Saxton 4×4 should be able to help you narrow down a good balance.
Finally, if you want an off-roader, make sure you’re buying an off roader! Here, we come back to your first 4×4. A lot of people start off using an old, beat-up model of 4×4 which is great for tearing over ploughed fields and rocky terrain. I agree that this is great fun, but not all 4x4s will be able to handle it! If you want a true monster, that will be able to take all the damage of off-roading, then it’s probably better to look for something pre-owned. Look out for a Jeep Wrangler or something equally gnarly. Whatever you choose, it needs to have a low-range transfer box to deal with rugged terrain at low speeds. Make sure you get some off-road tyres if the car doesn’t have them already. You wouldn’t believe the amount of Wranglers you see with conventional road sets!
Use these three tips, and it will be much easier to find the 4×4 of your dreams! Shopping for that perfect 4×4 isn’t easy, but being fussy really pays off!