Is this "it" for my 4WD

Busta wrote: A 4x4 has never been necessary for driving on UK roads..

Tell that to me in 1985 when I totalled the front suspension of my RS 2000 in snow and see if I believe it. I got my LR there and then and would never be without 4WD since especially about 6 years ago when literally all others ground to a halt (in Erdington Birmingham) in a really nasty winter yet my Paj in 4WD sailed on. No way.

Anyway, what would I have saved, tax about the same, insurance about the same, maintenance much the same, longevity superior (Pajero is built like a tank), fuel consumption is much the same as some of the fast motors I have owned. :whistle:

As I always say though maybe it isn't quite on point. They can go faster but I can go where they can't.

Also I still traverse fields though I maybe won't one day.

Using snow as justification for having a 4x4 is like using the floods in Cumbria as an excuse to buy a speed boat.

Apart from places like the Highlands, the reality is most years we get no snow, and in the worst years we might get 2 or 3 days where getting about is tricky unless you have winter tyres. Who can't cope with a couple of days at home?

For someone that doesn't like mud flaps because they increase fuel consumption, I'd have thought you'd be pretty up on running costs of 4x4s vs cars. If you replace 'about the same' with 'consistently higher' then your second paragraph is pretty accurate. Swap the Pajero for an equivalent small estate car and you'd save a packet. Get some winter tyres and you'd never have to worry again.

Busta wrote: Using snow as justification for having a 4x4 is like using the floods in Cumbria as an excuse to buy a speed boat.
For someone that doesn't like mud flaps because they increase fuel consumption, I'd have thought you'd be pretty up on running costs of 4x4s vs cars

As said, what running costs?
I just don't like mudflaps is all, I like the tyres to be seen.
It's true though, mudflaps, aircon, roof racks, open windows, viscous fans, wrongly inflated tyres,extra tools in the back all add up to a marginal increase in consumption but hey - who wants to be seen in a bread and butter estate car, or worse an MPV shopping trolley or god forbid a Smart car. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Poor folks in Carlisle. My hear t goes out to them. It is about time the government got it right and maybe tried something very different in the way of thinking.
I'd have a Ford Bronco tomorrow happily.

Clearly you have a 4wd because you want to have a 4wd and even if we had a mediterrainean climate and roads as smooth as race tracks I suspect you would still enjoy and be able to justify having a 4wd. So to answer the question you asked us (yourself?) in the thread title, it's a resounding NO! This is not "it" for your 4wd and you don't have to take it off your shopping unless, of course, you want to.

340mm of rain in a day? Not much even the government can do about that!

Busta wrote: This is not "it" for your 4wd

Now you've got it.

Consider it like this; a 4x4 is generally slower on the road. So by extension 4x4s help you avoid the peril of getting points on the license which is a good thing and reason enough to own one.