I'm trying to decide upon a 4x4 or cross-over to do 20k miles p.a. half motorway and half badly potholed rural roads. 4 wheel-drive is needed because we live in a hilly area. I'll buy second-hand and can spend £12k - £15k. I would like to minimise total ownership costs over, say, three years running so fuel economy and low depreciation (years 3 - 5) are the most important factors. Followed closely by reliability/maintenance costs.

I'd be very grateful for your suggestions of models to consider.