Edited by tony g on 19/03/2013 at 22:35

That sounds like a good idea (and Alby, glad you're Back). I thnkl there was a V6 version of the Grand Vitara which should be....slightly less slow. But could be just what the OP needs.

Fair point GB. I guess that's why, if it was me who lived up a farm track and had similar financial criteria, I'd be most probably looking at a 1.6. That engine is reasonably economical and isn't powerful enough to seriously embarrass the chassis. The ones we've had on hire had that engine and we took them to some really rough off road places with ease.

I occasionally find myself lusting after one of the older convertibles for no reason at all other than the pottering about in the summer fun factor but my sensible head keeps preventing me from buying one due to having no real need.

Edited by Alby Back on 19/03/2013 at 23:27

Try a curveball approach - buy an old, ie cheap, big 4x4 and just use it on the farm track - doesn't need to be taxed, insured or Mot'd if it's never used on the public highway.

Porsche Cayenne

tinyurl.com/cd8rykm

None of the VAG 4x4s are recommended off-road - they can't hold their suspension alignments in those conditions - I've heard of Audi dealers pleading with customers not to take their Q7's off the black stuff - VW Touareg is similarly affected.