What rugged vehicle will I go for?

I want to change my '11 Subaru Impreza and am not sure what make or model to go for. The reason I want to change is because one of the injectors is not working 100% and I have a rattle when the engine is cold. Also, I have changed bushings and roll bars once already and think that this will need to be repeated in the not too distant future. I work in the countryside and drive on country roads mostly. The Subaru was a response to the two snowy winters and I drive around 28,000km a year. I do not need a family car, as my wife drives a Mazda5, which we are very happy with. The car will be used mostly for work, driving to farms, but not off road.

02.09.2015

Our answer:

Hi Edward,

Sounds like you need something rugged enough for a bit of rough road and work duty, but comfy enough to keep you sane over what is quite a hefty mileage. Have you thought of a Suzuki? The current SX4 S-Cross is a really nice car, comfy and refined, but can be had with four-wheel drive and it has decent ground clearance. It’s been on sale for a couple of years, so second hand versions are starting to look more affordable. Really nice that car.

Need something cheaper and more disposable? The old SX4 hatchback with the 1.9 diesel and four-wheel drive again could do the trick, but it will be a lot less refined. The Skoda Yeti 4x4 is also a good choice, as is a Volkswagen Tiguan 4Motion. Or you could go seriously rugged and get something like a Toyota Hilux or Volkswagen Amarok pickup, but that might be going a bit too far down the working vehicle route for you.

Answered by Shane O'Donoghue
03.09.2015

Have a motoring question? Ask us here!

Ask us anything motoring related and please provide as much information as possible so we can give you the most accurate advice.