My first 4x4 was a Disco (company car.
). I wanted the higher viewing position and the more upright seating. It was also the time Essex Police had started using the hand held speed cameras and I thought a big lump would make me drive slower (It did too :thumb2) The 4x4 just came with it. I soon realised this was useful in the snow - I could get to work when other couldn't. :doh
Next came a Terrano, wanted the 7 seats for the wife and kids on the school run. Unfortunately didn't do enough homework and bought a petrol one. Rather expensive to run, but didn't do too many miles each week. It spent the next 10 years in 2wd.
The company disco was replaced with a Patrol. A significant improvement. :clap I also discovered that it was not compulsory for the car to spend so much time in the garage getting things replaced. After 4 years with the disco I was on first name terms with everyone in the local LR dealership.
After the patrol I had to go back to a disco. The cost of running the Patrol exceeded the company guidelines. Back to renewing the friendships at the LR dealers.
Next was back to a Patrol. Change of management at work and the rules were relaxed. :clap. Unfortunately this only lasted 6 months before it was written off by some kids in a pocket rocket running into the front wing and bending the chassis.
As the tax situation on company cars was getting silly, I opted out and bought a Honda CR-V. This is surprisingly good in the snow, but useless on wet grass or mud. Very comfortable around town or on the motorway. I am now on my second.
All this time, the faithful Terrano was still getting the wife about, but now the kids had grown, it was an expensive way of getting her to work. I took this on as a weekend shooting wagon and she got a little VW polo.
Now the Terrano has gone to the great smelters in the sky, I have bought an old 52 plate Patrol and am in the process of modifying it as a true "go anywhere" car, the 4x4 bug is firmly here to stay.
