Buying a four-wheel-drive car requires pre-planning. You need to make a list and check-mark the features you want and have found. If you head to any car dealer without making a plan, there’s a high chance you’ll end up spending your funds on a vehicle that isn’t exactly what you wanted. Similarly, the more planning and research you invest in determining your 4WD, you will end up buying the best one.
Luckily, we have you covered. Here are all the important things to look for in a 4×4 car that’s going to give you value for your money. Even if you’re relatively new to the 4WD selection phase and have no clue, to begin with, read on to make your buying decision as easy and effective.
Why Do You Want a 4WD?
Before we begin with the checklist, we have to ask this question. Wanting to buy a four-wheel drive car is not rocket science and there’s no absolute answer to it. Most of us go for one mainly because our current car can’t keep up with its drivetrain. It can also be because we need a vehicle that caters to off-road driving, family camping trips, or cross-country touring and other activities. Whatever the reason, buying 4×4 four wheel is never a bad option. Once you make the decision of buying a 4WD then just stick to it.
What Kind of 4WD Do You Want?
The next important question to tackle is exactly what sort of four-wheel drive you intend to buy? If you’ve got this figured out, you will have your options narrowed down by a huge margin. Think about where you want to take your 4WD besides camping trips. The following three modes of driving might help you narrow down your options:
Off-Road Driving
The primary purpose of four-wheelers is to drive smoothly on rough, off-road tracks. Its high traction and acceleration allow you to push the vehicle to its limits, while the solid front axle and rear axle suspension makes it sturdy enough to hit all-terrain regularly. You can bring it into muddy tracks, desert dunes, deep ruts, and huge, rocky terrains without worrying about wear and tear on the off-road trails in the UAE.
Long-Distance Driving
A 4WD for long-distance driving and commuting to remote areas need to be more comfortable. Therefore, you may want to choose one that has an independent suspension, but it’s not mandatory. Independent suspension 4WDs are perfect for off-roading but are the best fit for comfortable commuting.
Towing Vehicles
Another purpose of 4WDs in the market is to tow a heavy caravan or trailer from one place to another. Given their bulky built and strong internals, they are quite the fit.
Some Other Questions to Ask Yourself
Here are some more questions to prepare for buying a four-wheel-drive car:
- Will you be driving it to drop kids at the school or do the weekly groceries?
- How many travellers do you likely have for 4WD?
- Where are you going to drive it the most? Off-tracks, around the city, or to remote areas?
- Do you plan to install any 4×4 accessories?
- In remote areas, how easy is it to fix mechanical issues or source spare parts?
As you can see, these questions are designed to help you figure out how you’re planning to use your 4WD and consequently, narrow down your choices.
Factors to Look for When Buying a Four-Wheel Drive Car
The Size
Of course, size is one of the most important aspects of a 4×4 wheel drive car. For those who didn’t know, smaller 4-wheel drives are much better at performance than larger ones. They have short rear overhangs, steep approach angles, and open space underneath. You may also find used and affordable small 4WD models for sale. If you wish to buy one, you can check the following models from the popular options:
The Mass Weight
Similar to the wheel size, the weight of the 4WD is next in importance to consider. Again, a lighter car is a better choice than a heavier one for it uses less power, has better traction, and flotation.
The Wheelbase
Lastly, look at the wheelbase – the shorter the base is, the better will be the performance. A smaller wheelbase has better balance, clearance, and ability to approach angles than its counterpart. To be more precise, optimum stability is achieved with a wheelbase measuring between 2,200 to 2,600 millimetres for any 4WD.
Check Whether it is Modifiable
Modifiability is another element to consider; the easier it is to modify the vehicle, the better your choice. Some vehicles with advanced features make it difficult to modify whereas others with basic details are easier to upgrade.
It is important to check that the 4WD you are considering buying is modifiable, but you might have to carry a lot of stuff for remote area commute and off-road tracks. You might need to install new parts, change gears and tyres, increase the car’s traction or lift the rig for the said purpose. Make sure that your chosen 4WD can be modified accordingly.
If your 4WD cannot be upgraded with additional drawers, storage, toolboxes, or even a canopy, then you might need to reconsider the 4WD model.
Check Whether Spare Parts are Easy to Get
Why do we emphasize the availability of spare parts? It is because, in case of unavailability, you will have to depend on one-off custom auto parts that are important and, naturally, quite costly. On top of it, these car parts do not undergo engineering and market testing from car experts so you’re taking a risk overall. Your selected model of 4WD must have spare parts readily available in every automobile shop or else move on to the next option. Besides, you can also look for auto accessories and parts for sale online.
Check Whether it is Automatic or Manual
The final check of determining the best-suited 4×4 for your driving needs is to weigh its options regarding automatic or manual transmission. Besides competing on petrol vs diesel mode of fuel consumption, you have to opt for the type that fulfils the criteria of your driving preference. Each of them has its own sets of pros and cons that we have listed down below for you to go through and come to an agreement.
Automatic 4WD
Pros:
- Changes gears extremely fast
- Best for going uphill
- Best for sand driving
- Enables a smooth drive
Cons:
- Slightly higher fuel consumption
- Lack of engine braking
- Increased brake wear
Manual 4WD
Pros:
- Less fuel consumption
- Better engine braking in steep descents or when towing heavy loads
- Can be push-started (transmission is not locked when parked)
- Simpler to drive
- More fun to drive
Cons:
- Clutch has to be replaced more often
What is Your Budget?
After evaluating the above-mentioned aspects of buying a four-wheel-drive car, the ultimate decision, however, boils down to one deciding factor: your budget. Based on your funds, you’re going to have to look at the options because despite getting the best features combined within a 4WD, it’s a waste of time if you can’t afford the price.
Besides the price of the vehicle you have to consider the cost of maintenance and repair alongside any modifications, you may have to do later on. Make a breakdown of all the costs associated with keeping a 4WD and sum up a total. This will give you a rough idea of the budget you should be looking at.
A 4WD is an amazing vehicle for both off-road and urban street driving. Its two-axle wheel drivetrain provides excellent acceleration and traction along with maximum safety. All of the four-wheel-drive vehicles may appear the same, but you’ve got to consider the above-discussed checklist to buy a 4×4 wheel drive that will define the type of 4WD you want for yourself.
In any case, you can always look up a second-hand model if you’re really keen on buying a four-wheel drive car in the UAE.
Besides, dubizzle has a large number of 4 wheel cars for sale in the UAE listed of different popular brands. A few of them are:
- Used Toyota Land Cruiser for sale in the UAE online
- Second-hand Mercedes-Benz G Class in the UAE for sale
- Used Jeep Wrangler for sale online in the UAE
This way, you can save up some extra bucks to afford any add-on off-roading accessories or modifications. Once you’re done buying a 4WD car, steer it out on the highway and go for a fun ride.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top blog for more tips and guide on buying and selling cars, associated laws and more.
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