What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Which 4x4 to replace our family car?

We want to replace the family saloon with something a bit more rugged - a go anywhere car suitable for bikes and some rough unmade up roads etc. We are a family of 4 with 2 large dogs. While the Santa Fe looks attractive the mileage is disappointing.

The most economical would seem to be the Subaru Forrester and the Skoda Yeti. If so which engine should be chosen? We would like an automatic if possible. Can you recommend anything a bit bigger that would fit the bill for good load carrying capacity comfort and economy? Ideally would like to buy low mileage less than 12 months old with a budget of up to £30000.

Asked on 4 December 2012 by sportsfan

Answered by Honest John
No Forester diesel auto, and I don't recommend VAG DSG autos as fitted to the Yeti. You can get a Mazda CX-5 diesel auto, which in theory should be the most economical automatic SUV.
Similar questions
My son is about to spend a year working in Ohio, USA and will be driving between 300 and 400 miles each week. Because of the harsh winter conditions he feels he will need a reliable 4 wheel drive SUV....
Sadly, we feel we may have to replace our 55 reg (bought new Feb 2006) Discovery 3 due to increasing repair bills. My husband feels we ought to economise and although I would love to have another Discovery...
I currently have a company lease VW Tiguan (which I'm happy with) and was going to exchange for another in March next year. I do 15K miles per year (22 mile each way commute) and am thinking about the...
Related models
Economical and efficient. Comfortable ride and nimble handling. Well equipped as standard.