Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » We want a rugged car that can cope with raised water levels, occasional snow falls, mud and two medium sized dogs?

We want a rugged car that can cope with raised water levels, occasional snow falls, mud and two medium sized dogs?

We looking to change our MINI Cllubman. We live in a very rural farming area on the coast, liable to very wet, muddy poor roads. We would like car that is fairly rugged, can cope with raised water levels, occasional snow falls, mud and two medium sized dogs that like to get dirty and wet.

It would also need to cope with the occasional long distance M6 journey and preferably be an automatic with AWD.

We have thought about a Subaru XV, there is local Subaru dealer or a Renegade Jeep 4Xe but there are no local Jeep dealers within 90 miles. It would be used as our budget is around 22k.

Any other suggestions?

Asked on 2 January 2024 by

Answered by Andrew Brady
A Subaru XV sounds like a good choice - it's a very dependable 4x4 that'll be able to cope with challenging rural road conditions. A Skoda Karoq would be a good alternative - perhaps not quite as robust as the Subaru, but with a plusher interior and it is available as a 4x4. Take a look at the Kia Sportage, too.
Similar questions
I need to replace my three-door Toyota RAV4 as I need more space and five doors. I went for the RAV4 as I live in rural Cumbria and floods/snow are likely. I do around 12,000 miles/yr and am thinking diesel...
I have 2 teenage girls and need to trade in my small Fiat for something which is big enough to put a tent and some paddleboards in the boot. It also needs to be easy to park. I don’t care two hoots about...
My son is a drummer in a band and struggles getting all his kit into his current Skoda Fabia. Could you recommend an SUV that would be fairly economic to run (low tax and good fuel) if there is such a...
Related models
Supreme all-weather and all-surface capability, comprehensive safety equipment including EyeSight technology, excellent build quality and a feeling that it’s built to last.