Small 4WD or AWD

Forgot to add - looking at 2nd hand units.

Rav4
mums got over 350k, 98 model, only the heater went on it.
cant believe the clutch is still going, rides it on a hill, at a stop light....stupid.
the 2ltrs are heavier on fuel, the 2.4 are getting around 10ltrs, it will be sweet for the job too. mums 2ltr around 14? litres..... average..
great cars!, typical toyota..

What about a Subaru Forester.
Manuals have a dual range gearbox but not in auto's.(not needed)
IMHO much better option than all her choices.

Disco.

from your list I would pick the Rav 4 ,,run forever with no problems,,, definitely NOT the Craptiva,

My vote goes with the Subaru, Forrester

One awesome little jigger

Cheers
Bucky

I really am a Toyota sort of guy..... but with the selection you have offered I would personally pick the Suzuki, it has hi/lo range, very capable reliable unit. Probably could find a more comfortable vehicle for long range touring although that wasn't in the selection criteria.

Grand Vitara. The rest are toys.

I have a 2005 Grand Vitara (2.5 v6), I love it.
The only common fault I know of is that the rear door handle brakes and mine has, but it's an easy repair.
I use it to go to work and moderate off road driving like getting to the snow country and escaping into the Brindabellas near Canberra occasionally.
Of the vehicles you've mentioned this is the only one with low range.
Mine is automatic and gets around 11-12litres per 100klms around town, on a trip if I'm careful I can get below 10 litres per 100klms .
I find it quite comfortable although I would like to be able to slide the seat further back.
Regular parts and accessories are easy to get for it, however if you want items like long range fuel tanks or even good quality seat covers forget it.
Second hand they can be purchased quite cheaply too.
Hope tis helps.

If she does not need real 4wd, without question the RAV is the pick......they are just an all round excelent vehicle.....my wife has one and you wont get her out of it with a winch and a drag chain.

Everybody I have spoken to who has baught a RAV would do it agian.

The biggest problem is they hold their resale a bit too well.......if you are looking at low Km late model....2 ish years old......forget it...buy new and buy well and you will do better.

They are great on the highway and a fabulous fast dirt road car and inspite of the lacl of low range they are pretty fair off road

the vitara will be more capable off road...but on the highway....not a patch on the RAV.
the Honda..oh forget it, they started with pissy little wheels and it keeps going along the same lines.
Anything with a holden badge on...you have to be kidding.....ever wondered why toyota dont have clearance sales and end of model runouts...hmmm....holden continue to struggle.

As for the subaru......I drove one......no thanks......the RAV does everything the way it should with no effort and no funny habits.....I cant say the same for the subaru.

A young lady vet I know was loking for a new car....I told her...BUY the RAV.......I ran into her a couple of months ago......she baught a new one, and has not regretted it for a second.

The other thing about the RAV is they are clearly designed for women, there are so many little things they will appreciate.

I will admit that the wife is getting bored with the RAV...she wants the new model...maybe next year

cheers