Most efficient 4x4 for regular long commutes and stalking in between.

[danielsonson]

As the title says, I have a new job that will see me travelling all over the country. I am lucky that this will include stalking also, so need something 4x4 and as efficient as possible (I know the two conflict).

I am thinking along the 4x4 estate route, but as a truck owner, my experience of estates has been limited to hot german tourings.

I dont want to buy new or spend a fortune as this thing will get big miles fast. I am also handy on the spanners so not scared of used cars.

I am looking for real world exeperience based suggestions tia.

 

[Heym SR20]

I ran an Audi A4 Allroad for about 12 years. Covered 150,000 miles - lots of long distance travel all over UK and mainland Europe. Could drive 4 hours, difficult meetings then 4 hours back home with no issue.

Then enough ground clearance and traction for getting up forestry and hill gravel roads without too many issues. Carcass tray in back for smaller deer. Toe bar with trailer and quadbike on occasion when after reds. It was a very good tow car as well.

Now run a VW Touareg Mk 2. Also good long distance, but a bit thirstier 35mpg as opposed to 40mpg. Not as good a driver car on fast A roads as the Allroad. Better off road - really the ground clearance. And it has a 3.5 tonne towing capacity.

 

[slider]

Skoda Superb. Virtually all VW/Audi parts

 

[sauer]

Octavia scout wife hass one ...I love it
Superb is bigger slightly but I don't know if they did a scout or 4x4 version

 

[Rural Management Services]

I used to run a Volvo XC60 with general grabber at3’s on it. I reckon it would go anywhere my ranger now goes on the same at3’s. Similar ground clearance as well.

 

[Navarone]

Disco 3/4 or a Range Rover

 

[Rural Management Services]

Disco 3/4 or a Range Rover

Probably both so you always have one that runs.

 

[bluesako]

skoda yeti 4x4

 

[shbangsteve]

Toyota Rav 4
There's a reason why it is the most sold 4x4 in the world and second overall ( no 1 is the Corolla )
The new hybrid version will do 45+mpg

 

[Navarone]

Probably both so you always have one that runs.

Wouldn’t have recommended if he wasn’t handy himself haha!

 

[Huntersforge]

As said Skoda yeti 4x4 , fold the back seats down its like a van. Good ground clearance, good mpg and very capable off road.
I’ve fitted a set of general grabbers on mine and a steel sump guard. Tows the firewood trailer cross country no problem
HF

 

[Pedro]

I guess mostly that you want comfort and ease on those long hauls and not too heavy in the fuel department. Note that many of the above recommendations suggest VAG group vehicles with 4WD and that's where I'd be looking.

When considering them, be advised that the DSG auto boxes, lovely to drive but can be problematical and expensive to fix, so you've really got to want one to get one. I'd go for a manual box. Also, obviously they aren't permanent 4WD, and they won't have high and low boxes. So to expect them to be as good off road as something built for the purpose is unreasonable, but they are all capable of the usual terrain you'd want for stalking. Your tyres too will be worth considering. Ideally ones that can cope with motorways and off road. Perhaps look at some all terrain tyres, many of which are quite civilised on the road and afford good performance off.

Estates, quite rightly would probably give you the space you need, although, depending on what sort of deer you stalk, an SUV type body might be sufficient and will widen your choice. Diesel for your long journeys would be the fuel of choice I'd think.

 

[kenbro]

skoda yeti 4x4

Stay away from older ones.
KB.

 

[old 30-06]

Honda CR-V. Engine good on power,mileage, and will go on forever.

 

[Sika98k]

Honda RAV4 with D4D engine, Nissan X-trail, Honda CR-V, would all be on my short list. The X-Trail , older model, looks good in Euro 5 diesel mode.

 

[danielsonson]

I ran an Audi A4 Allroad for about 12 years. Covered 150,000 miles - lots of long distance travel all over UK and mainland Europe. Could drive 4 hours, difficult meetings then 4 hours back home with no issue.

Then enough ground clearance and traction for getting up forestry and hill gravel roads without too many issues. Carcass tray in back for smaller deer. Toe bar with trailer and quadbike on occasion when after reds. It was a very good tow car as well.

Now run a VW Touareg Mk 2. Also good long distance, but a bit thirstier 35mpg as opposed to 40mpg. Not as good a driver car on fast A roads as the Allroad. Better off road - really the ground clearance. And it has a 3.5 tonne towing capacity.

I was wondering about the a4 all road. What year and engine did you have? Ty

 

[danielsonson]

Probably both so you always have one that runs.

Hahaha - I have a p38 but thats my passion project. Not for lots of long journeys

 

[danielsonson]

As said Skoda yeti 4x4 , fold the back seats down its like a van. Good ground clearance, good mpg and very capable off road.
I’ve fitted a set of general grabbers on mine and a steel sump guard. Tows the firewood trailer cross country no problem
HF

That looks ace. What sort of mpg do you get? What year and model? Ty

 

[danielsonson]

Honda RAV4 with D4D engine, Nissan X-trail, Honda CR-V, would all be on my short list. The X-Trail , older model, looks good in Euro 5 diesel mode.

Also on my list, mpg seema good and apprently good offroad

 

[danielsonson]

I guess mostly that you want comfort and ease on those long hauls and not too heavy in the fuel department. Note that many of the above recommendations suggest VAG group vehicles with 4WD and that's where I'd be looking.

When considering them, be advised that the DSG auto boxes, lovely to drive but can be problematical and expensive to fix, so you've really got to want one to get one. I'd go for a manual box. Also, obviously they aren't permanent 4WD, and they won't have high and low boxes. So to expect them to be as good off road as something built for the purpose is unreasonable, but they are all capable of the usual terrain you'd want for stalking. Your tyres too will be worth considering. Ideally ones that can cope with motorways and off road. Perhaps look at some all terrain tyres, many of which are quite civilised on the road and afford good performance off.

Estates, quite rightly would probably give you the space you need, although, depending on what sort of deer you stalk, an SUV type body might be sufficient and will widen your choice. Diesel for your long journeys would be the fuel of choice I'd think.

Thanks - super sensible advice. Ty