Best car for trips to Switzerland?

I am looking to buy a car for approx £4000. As a snowboard instructor I will be driving to Switzerland in October for 7-8 months then returning to the UK. While in the UKI will be doing mostly town driving with the odd motorway journey and will probably average 8000 miles a year.

I am looking at buying a diesel Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat or Audi A4 but not sure if diesel is the way to go or if there is a better car than what I have listed. What do you think?

Asked on 10 June 2014 by Brian M.

Answered by Honest John
For Switzerland obviously you need cold weather tyres (legal requirement). Best as deep profile as possible so 15-inch or 16-inch wheels not 17-19s. Mondeo the most reliable of these three. But a small 4WD SUV would make more sense for the conditions you need it for most. If diesel, needs to be pre-DPF, which means a Mk III rather than a Mk IV Mondeo. See if you can find a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6 SWB.
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