The most and least reliable 4x4s and SUVs
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Warranty Direct has been looking at the calendar and spotted that winter is well and truly on the way. And like many others, given the winter weather we've had over the past few years, the company has naturally turned its attention to 4x4s and SUVs.
The difference is that Warranty Direct maintains a Reliability Index, calculated using instances of failure, costs of repair and time spent in the garage noted in its very own aftermarket warranty books over the last 12 months.
This gives every 4x4 and SUV a reliability score, where the lower the figure the less likely the vehicle is to let you down when the going gets tough - and since that's the whole point of these machines this should make for interesting reading.
So if you're contemplating trading in your old wheels for some extra traction over the coming season you had best take a look at this list of the top 10 most reliable and the top 5 least reliable 4x4s over the past three to eight years before you commit that cash.
Especially since Warranty Direct also reveals that, regardless of anything else, these are some of the most expensive bits of machinery to run overall. Despite this, used prices are currently on the up - so act swiftly and sensibly if you want one.
Get a warranty quote for your car - from £15 per month
Winter Motoring Guide
Nearly all breakdowns are caused by the failure of a part that is not manufactured by the actual vehicle supplier, The part that fails may well be supplied to many of the vehicle manufacturers so I believe that having league tables that focus on the actual vehicle instead of the essential part suppliers is not helpful. Many years ago the cam belt broke on my British built car when it had only done 22k miles. Whilst waiting for the breakdown vehicle a Fiat pulled up to my broken down car and the driver, after asking me what the problem was, said "Thats what you get when you buy British" I waved the broken Cam belt under his nose so that he could read "Pirrelli made in Italy" written on the belt.
Also I wouldn't class this as a 4x4, more a front wheel drive with rear assisted traction.
And how many people are aware one of the cheaper Far Eastern 4x4's is not meant for driving in 4 wheel long term. Only to get out of a problem. Something to do with the diff set up.
Got a little Mitsubishi Pinin and it's very good. Totally reliable and does what we ask of it. Also got a wacking great Nissan Patrol. That is truly amazing. Easily the best 4x4 we've ever owned. Got Hilux pickup and that too is extremely good. All of these were chosen for their reliability and value. Range Rovers, indeed all the Land Rovers are simply over priced and not good enough.
We live on a farm 1000ft up and it is a working farm. Our 4x4's are used for comuting and off road vehicles. Reliability is essential, as is ability on the land and for winter driving.
Folk say the tax should be raised on these kind of cars but up here they are essential, not fashion accessories. We struggle for money as it is. Think of the bigger picture before generalising.
Not all folk use their cars the same way.
Sad to say but I couldn't imagine ever buying a non Japanese car again.
My ones are ~
a) Unless you cycle everywhere and use no heating or electricity in your house then you cannot comment regards to pollution. Everyone contributes to this. Still have not seen the LARGE roof over our heads to save the ozone.
b) Unless you own a 4x4 WHY are you wasting your time commenting regards reliability. I for one know if I am buying a car I look at all things relevant to me and what is available on the market for my needs and what servicing / repair costs will be.
c) Reliability charges will be more expensive as the car is dearer in the first place. Try and get a Rolls Royce serviced for the same price as a fiesta. (20 to 30k for a X-Trail or HRV versus 50 to 90k for a Range Rover)
d) The majority of 4x4 drivers are higher penalized in road tax, although my feelings on Road tax should be proportional to mileage.
e) If you can afford one well boo to all the negative people on here who are just jealous of individuals who have worked hard and enjoy a bit of luxury and safety coupled with visibility.
f) As regards to any 4x4 being good in the snow, the bottom line is HOW GOOD the tread on your tyres are
g) Lets all die now to save the planet. The earth has gone in cycles and global warming will never be defeated. I wonder if the cavemen could have prevented this with lighting fires.
Nuff said
When it is patently obvious to all of the readers and contributors on this thread that Range Rover 4x4 vehicles are NOT the most reliable cars on the road (except, of course, to the RR purists who can NEVER see that apart from massive costs - to buy, run and maintain - LITTLE is reliable about their favoured choice of vehicle). Once again Japanese vehicles win the day, whether manufactured in Japan or Swindon, and SOME Japanese 4x4's are NOT even mentioned here! When it comes to climbing the steepest slope, the rockiest hill, or fording the dodgiest river RR's may be good, but we discuss "reliability" here, NOT "ability". Fat lot of good if the 4x4 you're driving is prone to let you down in the midst of one of those three evolutions!
Yes, I do run a Honda CRV: ten years old and I've had it for four years. Only problem it's had? Faulty light bulbs and a dodgy tailgate locking mechanism...
By the way .... 4x4's aren't just for off road.They are safer as the visibility is much better. They are safer than a car especially during bad weather ; not just snow, but rain etc too. And ... They are not all gas guzzlers.Good night all !
and do significantly more damage to the sad little mini metro and it's hard up occupants, should the opportunity arise to save yourself from harm.
Human bodies make a dreadful mess of all that chrome and steel. Good night too you too.
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