If you are currently in the market for a new set of wheels, then you may be feeling spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the right car for you. From various makes and models to the added mod cons that are popular on modern cars, there is a lot to choose from. However, if you are considering getting a 4X4 then it is crucial that you do some research before you go ahead with anything, so you know exactly what you are signing up for.
Most of us are aware that a 4X4 vehicle is a tall, big, and sturdy vehicle that can pretty much go anywhere and do anything. However, this doesn’t mean that they are necessarily right for every car owner. You should consider the pros and cons of a 4×4 to see if that kind of vehicle is going to fit your needs and your lifestyle. Therefore, we have put together some of the positives and negatives about 4×4 while also debunking some of the most common misconceptions about what having a 4X4 vehicle involves.
Car Capabilities
One of the biggest motivations behind people going for a 4×4 vehicle is because of how much more the car is capable of than a standard AWD vehicle. Whether you are driving through challenging terrain or bad weather, a 4X4 is much more capable of handling this than other vehicles are. This is why 4×4 cars are so popular with those who live in the countryside and deal with dangerous driving conditions on a regular basis. For example, Range Rovers and Jeeps are popular with farmers as they are great at driving off-road and can withstand the impact that can off-road driving cause your vehicle; they are also suitable for towing heavy trailers. 4X4 vehicles are also a lot more popular in colder countries as they can even drive safely through thick snow.
Resale Value
When buying any car, it is crucial that you have an idea of the vehicle’s resale value, so you know what to expect if you ever come to change your car again in the future. Unlike many other models of cars that lose value very quickly (pretty much as soon as you drive it off the dealership’s forecourt), four-wheel drives hold on to their value, as they are considered such strong and long-lasting vehicles. There will always be a demand for 4X4 vehicles, as they are seen as so reliable and trustworthy cars.
Safety
If you are looking for a vehicle that makes you feel safe and protected while driving, then a 4X4 is the perfect car for you. Due to their size and capabilities, 4X4 vehicles are viewed as much safer drives because they are heavier and therefore able to withstand more impact if you were to ever be involved in a crash or accident. For example, a 4X4 vehicle provides a lot more protection to its passengers than a small Fiat Punto with AWD.
Insurance
One of the main aspects of a 4X4 that often puts people off is the thought of having to pay over the odds on an insurance policy for such a big vehicle. While it is true that insurance for 4X4 vehicles can be more expensive, as a bigger and more complicated car would cost more to repair and 4X4 vehicles are popular with car thieves, by using quotezone.co.uk to find the best prices for 4×4 insurance you can keep down costs. Quotezone makes finding the best deals for your 4X4 insurance so much easier, as they compare quotes from a range of different insurance providers.
Fuel Economy
While there are a lot of positive aspects of owning a 4X4 vehicle, they aren’t suitable for everyone and depending on your needs and lifestyle, you may find them to be more of a hindrance than a help. For example, as they are big cars and are therefore a lot heavier than some standard vehicles, they will tend to use more fuel. So, if you are simply looking for a car to get you from A to B, then a 4X4 isn’t the right car for you. They are also not ideal for commuting, as they will cost you more in fuel and are not easy to park in small city car parks.
While how much extra a 4X4 will cost you in fuel will largely depend on how much you drive, you could be looking at around an extra £200 a year in fuel compared to a small AWD car for the same distance.
Added Costs
Given their greater size opting for a 4×4 might mean you can forgo buying a second family car, which could prove more economical in the long run. However, despite 4X4’s being recognised as a good investment and for lasting a long time, you will find that maintenance costs can soon start to add up over a couple of years. 4X4 vehicles have a lot of extra equipment and capabilities that standard cars don’t, which makes them more difficult and expensive to repair.
Overall, the pros and cons of owning a 4X4 largely depend on the individual and their lifestyle and needs. If you are looking for a car for your daily commute to work, then a 4X4 may be an unnecessary expense. However, if you live in a rural area and need a strong and all-terrain vehicle that can tow a heavy horse trailer, then a 4X4 is the perfect ride for you.
