We'd like to buy a 4WD car with winter tyres - would you recommend the BMW X6? | Ask Honest John

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We'd like to buy a 4WD car with winter tyres - would you recommend the BMW X6?

After our harsh winter and being snowed in for days on end we have decided to buy a four-wheel drive car and a set of winter tyres. I read Jason Dawes article in the Sunday Times and he featured a used BMW X6, I think his prices were very optimistic for a good used one. I have found that they command very high prices in the used car market. My wife wants to buy a Lexus 450h, saying it’s much more economical and better value than the BMW, and also the Lexus holds its price very well. I would be very grateful for your comments.

Asked on 5 February 2011 by JA, Surrey

Answered by Honest John

Basically, and I make no apologies for this, an X6 is a bully's car. It brands you as a thug, a drug dealer, a slave trader, a Premier League footballer an oil rich Arab or an investment banker. A more appropriate name for it would have been the Intimidator. The latest BMW F25 X3 is a nicer car that does all things better without the unpleasant connotations. A Lexus RX450h is entirely different and is to be applauded. This is a car that offers large V8 SUV performance with the fuel economy of a mid-size diesel SUV. It is one of the best hybrid applications and the regenerating electric motorised rear axle has now been adopted by Peugeot for the 3008 and 508 hybrid 4s.

Tags: hybrid suvs snow economical winter tyres 4wd

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