Which family car is appropriate for rural use?

My daughter, her husband and two children have recently moved from Glasgow to the Highlands. Their old runabout, which was fine for a city with public transport, is now a source of constant worry. What they need is a good, reliable, roomy family car able to take two young children and perhaps camping gear. They have budgeted about £8000. They both know so little about cars and are dithering about what to buy. They desperately need help as one day soon their present car will conk out for good. Could you suggest something suitable roughly within their price range please?

Asked on 26 May 2012 by AE, via email

Answered by Honest John

A spacious and versatile Honda CR-V with its part-time four-wheel drive and a set of cold weather tyres for the winter would not be a bad idea. The old shape CR-V is arguably more versatile, but not as good to drive as the current shape.

Tags: family cars winter tyres 4wd

Similar questions

I need a four-wheel-drive SUV - Dacia Duster or Honda CR-V?

I do about 5000 miles a year, live in the country and require a 4-wheel-drive during snow conditions. You have mentioned the Dacia. Would I be better off buying a new Dacia or a 2-year-old Honda CR-V,...

I fitted all-terrain tyres to my Honda CR-V for use in snow, with excellent results.

I live in a remote Cornish village with many bends and steep slopes, and following a year or so of icy driving conditions in which my two wheel drive Honda Civic was frequently unable to negotiate our...

Can you recommend an economical 4WD vehicle to replace our Jeep?

Our fantastic Jeep is sadly coming to the end of its life. We need to replace it with something equally good in the snow (we live in Scotland). The Jeep would take us through anything when other four-wheel...

Related models