Higher car

We would welcome your advice about selecting a replacement car. At the moment we drive a BMW 118 SE petrol automatic. We live on a steep hill and last winter could only get into our drive with the help of several neighbours. We are both pensioners and require a car with easy access, possibly a 4-wheel drive but that is not important, petrol driven as we only do a low mileage and preferably an automatic. Price range up to £20,000 and a good warranty.

Asked on 15 August 2011 by JG, via email

Answered by Honest John
I'd go for a Honda CR-V 2.0i S. The cheapest new automatic is £21,790, but you might get a discount or an ex-demonstrator within budget. Also consider a used Toyota RAV-4 2.0i Valvematic Multidrive S CVT auto. These are both four wheel drive. Note that many cheaper SUV type cars are actually only two wheel drive. Winter tyres are actually more effective than four wheel drive in snow.
Tags: buying 4x4s
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