How to test if selectable four-wheel drive is working

I would like to buy a used Fiat Sedici with its switchable two and four-wheel drive system. Apart from finding a grassy hill to drive up (and assuming there is no snow on the ground) how can I test that...

All weather tyres - which ones for a Fiat Sedici?

My Fiat Sedici 4 x 4 is a superb utility vehicle: low motorway usage, country lanes but no off-country. We have two or three weeks snow here in north Derbyshire and whilst the 4 x 4 system works well,...

Can I have my Fiat Sedici's DPF professionally cleaned?

Arnold Clark has confirmed its £3300 plus quotation for a new DPF for a Fiat Sedici. Is it cast in gold? What are your thoughts on the DPF being professionally cleaned, such as by the DPF Clean Team, as...

Is there an alternative to replacing my Fiat Sedici's DPF?

Arnold Clark has confirmed that a new Diesel Particulate Filter for my Fiat Sedici 1.9 Multijet diesel will cost £3300, plus fitting. Is it cast in gold? What are your thoughts on a DPF being professionally...

Is there a good alternative to the Fiat Panda 4x4?

My Fiat dealer tells me that Fiat Panda 4x4 are no longer made. Are there any alternatives?

Which 4x4 for winter driving in heavy snow?

My daughter who lives in rural Aberdeenshire is looking to replace her 10-year-old Subaru Forester with a smaller, newer 4x4 with a punchy engine suitable for snowy Scottish hills. She has test driven...

New 4x4s?

We have an old Suzuki Vitara for local and off-road use (which it does lots of) and we've been really pleased with it. We need another car for some commuting and longer runs but we live at the end of...

Buying a family car

Our Nissan X-Trail (02) may be on the way out. We have 2 children and a dog and live in the Brecon Beacons. We need a good reliable car that does more mpg than our current X-Trail Sport. We need something...

Good cheap used car for rough roads

I own a Mercedes ML 2004 and I want something smaller, preferably an estate or hatch back as I have 2 small dogs. I live down an unmade road with 2 cattle grids, so something with a bit more ground clearance...

Can you recommend a car suitable for rural roads in ice and snow, perhaps with switchable 4wd/2wd?

I live in a hilly rural area with local access being a problem in icy/snow conditions. I also have to travel to rural schools as part of my job. I want to change my car but don't want a big fuel guzzling...