I need a large 4x4 but only do short journeys - would a pick-up be suitable?

I need a large 4x4 vehicle (we live on a farm), that will be used mostly for short journeys, that I can throw my gardening kit in - I'm a self employed gardener - and we can use to go to the tip, as well as throwing the dogs in. It will also be my family car so will do the odd 200 mile run to visit friends. I loved the previous Nissan X-Trail for space but it was blighted by the DPF. I like the look of the Pathfinder and Land Cruiser, but will never need seven seats. I'm thinking possibly a pick up instead? I've got a budget of around £11,000. Any suggestions?

Asked on 8 February 2018 by Nicola

Answered by Dan Powell
A diesel pick-up might not be a good idea if you only do short runs from cold because a modern DPF needs at least 15 miles per journey to operate correctly. And it doesn't get enough miles it will clog up and stop working, leaving you with large repair bills. Given there are no sensible petrol pick-ups in the UK, you might be better off with a petrol SUV like the Suzuki Vitara with AllGrip: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/suzuki/vitara-2015/

For more information on DPFs, see: www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/miscellaneous/2017-10/ev.../

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