Hijet 4x4 - Do we really need one?

Having spent the best part of 2 years looking for a good 4x4 Hijet I am now not so convinced I need one.

I bought my Hijet two days after the Bedford Rascal was stolen. It was the first one I looked at and I had never driven one before but I needed a van desparately due to work commitments. That was 3 years ago now and it was only supposed to be temporary but the Hijet exceeded all my expectations and has been very reliable. The van was not too bad the first year in snow when fitted with all year tyres but when I changed them for Hankook van tyres I found I had little to no grip in snow. That's when the search for a 4x4 began.

However, having recently seen the photos on here of all the 4x4 gear it set me thinking about just how often I would need 4wd and came to the conclusion it would only be for about 1% of the total mileage I do each year.

Sorry, going to bed, will finish tomorrow!

Can't agree more. All that extra weight and complexity. Unobtainable exhaust systems.

Unless you live somewhere with an unmade hilly road, or some place with extreme weather like norway or the alps, I can't see the point really. Maybe if you drive on fields alot or do game keeping then a 4x4 is perfect.

Some winter tyres, and plenty of weight in the back makes the Hijet as good as anything in the snow. I chuck my snow chains in if it gets snowy, and never had to fit them.

Although I did get stuck at an icy junction last year and had to ask for a little push, but my van was totally empty and my tyres had bugger all tread on them.

I'd like one, it snows here occasionally and my comute is 25 miles over moorland, it would be handy. In saying that i've never been stuck yet and have snow chains that I haven't used.

So as HJ says all that extra weight and complexity. It must make an impact on fuel economy and the steering must be heavier. OK you can have PAS but that's adding to the weight yet again. Someone also told me recently that you are restricted to 30mph in 4wd as well. So now I am not so keen any more.

I do however have to use unsalted country lanes qite a bit and there are plenty of hills around which suddenly become very obvious when they are covered in snow. So for this winter I have purchased a set of winter tyres with the M&S markings and see how I get on.

If we have any 4wd owners in here it would be interesting to hear your comments on life with a Hijet 4x4.

Gra

Our Italian mate get everywhere in his, some of his photos and videos are quite amazing.

Yes, but the conditions he has to deal with are far worse than ours. I reckon winter tyres on a 2WD would be OK in most UK situations except, maybe, Logiland

PFM wrote:Yes, but the conditions he has to deal with are far worse than ours. I reckon winter tyres on a 2WD would be OK in most UK situations except, maybe, Logiland

That's what I'm hoping too.

Having said that, 10x 25Kg bags in the back over the axle don't arf 'elp!

I'm hoping for none up here either  

I'll let the train take the strain for my xmas hols

HighlyJetted wrote:http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/436170/Worst-winter-for-decades-Record-breaking-snow-predicted-for-November

Looks like my winter tyres might just come in handy then!