10 of the Best Cheap Used 4x4s and Off-Roaders
From pint-sized Suzukis to seven-seat Land Rovers, here are ten budget-friendly used 4x4s that make winter mornings – and muddy gateways – a lot less stressful.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 31 August 2026 | 9 mins read
As winter approaches, if you live somewhere where the weather can take a turn for the worse, you’ll likely want to look at owning something with four-wheel drive. You might think these are expensive, but there are plenty of cheap 4×4 cars available, starting from just a few thousand pounds. Ranging from small, go-anywhere off-roaders to bigger seven-seat SUVs, we’ve rounded up ten of the best used 4x4s on the market today, all of which you’ll find among Cazoo’s used car listings. Whether you need something genuinely capable off-road or simply want extra confidence on an icy morning commute, there should be something here to suit your budget.
Used cars have never been more in demand, thanks to their excellent value and availability when compared with new cars.
To help you find the right one, we’ve picked out what we think are ten of the best used 4x4s and off-roaders on sale today, spanning small, city-friendly models to full-blown seven-seat off-roaders. If you fancy something with different talents, our wider round-up of the best used SUVs or the more focused best 4x4 SUVs guide are also worth a look, and if you’re new to buying used, our how to buy a used car guide covers everything from checking service history to arranging a test drive.
1. Suzuki Jimny
Suzuki’s Jimny has become an icon in the small 4×4 world, with the latest version especially being a huge hit. But if you’re looking for something a little cheaper, it’s worth searching out the previous-generation model, sold for 20 years between 1998 and 2018 – given how little changed over its life, you won’t be majorly penalised for going with an older car instead.
Renowned for its go-anywhere ability, the Jimny is remarkably capable in tough conditions, and is a popular choice in mountainous regions. Power comes from a 1.3-litre petrol engine producing around 84bhp, which is more than enough for such a light, no-frills car. It’s quite basic in terms of driving manners and equipment, but is ideal if you do mainly local miles and want a cheap used 4×4 that has genuine off-road capability.
2. Skoda Yeti
The Yeti arrived in 2009 as Skoda’s first SUV, and quickly developed quite a following. Applying Skoda’s key strengths – value and versatility – into a compact 4×4, it is one of the best used SUVs on the market.
The boxy design has aged very well, and is arguably more interesting than the firm’s latest SUVs. This square shape also gives the Yeti a very roomy interior, while plenty of practical touches like hidden storage areas and sliding rear seats make it a great choice. Four-wheel-drive Yetis are mostly powered by the 2.0-litre TDI diesel, offered with anywhere from around 110bhp to 170bhp depending on the model year. Not all Yetis were sold with four-wheel drive, so make sure to search specifically for 4×4 cars if that’s what you require.
3. Dacia Duster
The Dacia Duster built its reputation by doing something few other new cars could: offering genuine four-wheel-drive ability at a genuinely low price. First arriving in the UK in 2012 and replaced by an all-new second generation in 2018 (facelifted in 2021), both generations were offered with a proper 4×4 system alongside the more common front-wheel-drive versions, with later cars adding selectable drive modes to help in mud, sand or snow.
Diesel 4×4 versions typically use the 1.5-litre dCi engine, producing around 109bhp, while later petrol 4×4 models got the 1.3-litre TCe engine with up to 148bhp. It’s a no-nonsense SUV rather than a plush one, but the trade-off is a spacious cabin, a generous boot and running costs that undercut most rivals, making it one of the most sensible cheap used 4x4s you can buy.
4. Toyota RAV4
Toyota is renowned for making some of the most reliable cars around, and if that’s a top priority when shopping for a cheap 4×4, you should take a look at the RAV4. This mid-size SUV is an ideal size for families, and it’s the fourth-generation model we recommend, sold in the UK between 2013 and 2019.
Look out for a four-wheel-drive model and you’ll have something that’s very useful in all weathers. The 2.0-litre petrol produces a useful 151bhp, while the self-charging hybrid, added to the range in 2016, combines a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor for around 197bhp overall and even better efficiency. It’s not a proper off-roader, but will certainly get you further in the snow or mud than other cars of this class.
5. Kia Sportage
If you’re after a do-anything four-wheel-drive which won’t cost the earth, then the Kia Sportage could be a very solid option. It marked a turning point for Kia, revealing the firm’s premium aspirations as well as its ability to make a family car that could still be good to drive.
You’ll need to opt for the more powerful 2.0-litre diesel-powered versions to get four-wheel drive, which produce up to around 182bhp in automatic guise, too. This powertrain is very robust and punchy, providing a decent amount of performance to ensure that the Sportage gets up to speed in good time. Hooked up to an automatic gearbox it makes for a very well-rounded setup. Remember, too, that Kia’s seven-year warranty is transferable to a second owner, provided the car has a full service history and has been maintained to Kia’s schedule, so you could still find a used Sportage with several years of cover left intact.
6. Fiat Panda 4x4
The Fiat Panda might be better known for buzzing around narrow Italian city streets, but this compact model has also been offered as a 4×4 over the years. Underestimate the Panda’s ability at your peril, too, as it’s surprisingly capable off-road or in challenging conditions. The fact it’s a popular choice of vehicle in Alpine ski resorts says a lot about how talented it is.
It manages to retain the Panda’s dinky dimensions too, while you’ll find it’s cheaper to run than many other 4x4s, albeit not quite as frugal as standard versions of this Fiat. Power comes from a characterful 0.9-litre TwinAir petrol engine producing around 85bhp, which is plenty for such a light car. We’d recommend the latest generation of Panda, which has been on sale since 2012.
7. Suzuki Ignis
Suzuki’s tiny Ignis might not look like an off-roader, but the AllGrip four-wheel-drive version is a genuinely clever bit of kit for such a small car. Fitted to the 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance, which produces around 90bhp, the AllGrip system automatically sends power to the rear wheels when it detects wheel slip, giving useful extra grip in snow, mud or a wet field without you having to do anything yourself.
It was offered new between 2017 and 2020, so used examples are still relatively young, and because the Ignis is such a light, compact car, running costs stay low even with the extra hardware needed for four-wheel drive. It won’t tackle a green lane like a Jimny, but as an easy-to-park, cheap-to-run car that copes far better than most superminis when the weather turns, it’s hard to beat.
8. Land Rover Discovery 4
No list of the best 4×4 cars could be complete without a Land Rover. This brand’s SUVs remain as capable as ever, being able to go further than almost any other cars on the road. One of the top picks is the Discovery 4, which was sold between 2009 and 2017. It’s a hugely practical seven-seater that’s ideal for larger families, with room even in the rearmost seats for taller passengers.
Equipped with Land Rover’s Advanced Terrain Response system, the Discovery 4 is useful in a variety of conditions, whether it be ice, snow or mud, for example. Diesel engines range from the 2.7-litre TDV6 with around 190bhp up to the punchier 3.0-litre SDV6 with 256bhp. While used prices for a Discovery 4 start from around £6,000, and you get a lot of car for your money, you need to consider that maintenance costs could potentially be quite high.
9. Jeep Renegade
Jeep is another top name when it comes to off-roaders, and though you might imagine something like a Wrangler, if you’re looking for something cheaper to buy and own, we would recommend a Renegade. Up until recently, it was Jeep’s smallest SUV, yet still brought legendary 4×4 talent, though only on models equipped with four-wheel drive.
Jeep also offered a ‘Trailhawk’ version, powered by a 2.0-litre MultiJet II diesel producing around 170bhp and paired with an automatic gearbox, equipped with various additional off-roading features and underbody protection to make it remarkably talented. The Renegade’s fun styling and generous equipment levels make it a particularly appealing used 4×4.
10. Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen might not be the first car firm you think of when it comes to cheap 4x4s, but thanks to the ‘4Motion’ system in the mid-size Tiguan crossover, there’s surprising levels of all-weather capability on offer. We recommend the first-generation Tiguan, sold between 2008 and 2016, which still feels fairly modern yet is now available at a fairly affordable price.
Four-wheel-drive versions of the Tiguan are available with both petrol and diesel engines, with the 2.0-litre TDI diesel offering anywhere from around 140bhp to 170bhp depending on the version, while this Volkswagen has the firm’s renowned high-quality feel. Even as this SUV goes past 15 years old, early examples still feel remarkably solid.
Why should you buy a 4×4 or off-roader?
Greater driving confidence
If you don’t have all that much confidence driving in winter or poor weather, a 4×4 can most certainly help you feel more secure.
With all wheels driven, the car will have greater traction on the road, which can help in snow and ice, but also in heavy rain, which we’re susceptible to a lot of here in the UK.
Winter driving
If you’re worried about being ‘snowed in’ or have an essential job that requires you to be out and about, these models will most certainly help you out. Granted, there are some winter weather conditions that even the best 4×4 can’t assist in, so it’s always worth brushing up on the basics too – our guide to winter driving and how to drive safely in snow has plenty of practical tips for whatever you’re driving.
What should you consider before buying a cheap 4×4/off-roader?
Before you settle on a 4×4, however, there are a few things you should consider.
Do you need the 4×4 ability?
While you might think you need a 4×4, it’s worth considering how often you would actually need a four-wheel-drive system, especially if you live in a town or city.
These 4x4s are often more expensive to buy, fuel and service than a two-wheel-drive car, and can sit in a higher insurance group too, so it’s worth weighing up if you really need one – and shopping around, since our guide to 10 ways to get cheaper car insurance has plenty of ideas for bringing the cost down.
Are there signs of off-roading damage?
Just because a car is a 4×4 it doesn’t mean it’s an ‘off-roader’, which some previous owners might not have realised. Before buying any used 4×4, we recommend inspecting it thoroughly for signs of damage that might have come from extreme off-roading, and running an HPI vehicle history check to confirm it hasn’t been written off, isn’t still on finance and isn’t reported stolen.
If a 4×4 has also had mud on the underside for a period of time, it can cause corrosion, so look out for this too. If there’s the option to get the car on ramps or take someone with greater knowledge than you, both are worth doing.
Tips for finding and buying a cheap 4×4/off-roader
At Cazoo, we list thousands of cars every month, and a good percentage of these are 4x4s, some of which start from just a few thousand pounds. It means there are plenty of options, depending on the type of used 4×4 you’re looking for.
Go and view the car, inspect it for any damage as we’ve already mentioned and make sure you can get comfortable behind the wheel as well. On the test drive, while making sure you like the 4×4, also listen out for any noises as this could point towards potential issues with the vehicle. Our full guide to buying a used car runs through every step of the process in more detail, from checking service history through to sorting out finance and insurance.
FAQs
Are all 4x4s genuine off-roaders?
Not necessarily. Some cars, like the Suzuki Jimny or Land Rover Discovery 4, are built for serious off-roading, while others, such as the Toyota RAV4 or Volkswagen Tiguan, are really family cars with extra grip for wet, icy or snowy roads. If proper off-roading matters to you, check a model’s ground clearance, low-range gearing and locking differentials before you buy.
Are used 4x4s expensive to insure and run?
Four-wheel-drive cars are typically a little thirstier and can sit in a higher insurance group than an equivalent front-wheel-drive model, largely because of the extra weight and complexity of the drivetrain. It’s still worth shopping around for cover, though, and our guide to cutting the cost of your car insurance has some practical tips for bringing the bill down.
What’s the difference between a 4x4 and an SUV?
Not every SUV is a 4x4, and not every 4x4 looks like an SUV. ‘SUV’ describes the shape and driving position of a car, while ‘4x4’ refers specifically to a car that drives all four wheels rather than just the front or rear pair. Our guide to what does SUV mean explains the distinction in a bit more detail.
How much should I budget for a cheap used 4x4?
Small, older 4x4s like the Suzuki Jimny or Fiat Panda 4x4 can be found for a few thousand pounds, while a used Land Rover Discovery 4 typically starts from around £6,000. As with any used car, it’s worth setting aside a little extra for servicing and tyres, since four-wheel-drive systems can be more expensive to maintain than a standard two-wheel-drive car. If you’re shopping on a tight budget as a newer driver, our guide to the cheapest 4x4s for young drivers rounds up some further options.
Find a cheap 4x4 or off-roader with Cazoo
If you’ve decided a 4×4 car is right for you, it’s time to begin your search. These vehicles offer plenty of capability for those who struggle with confidence for driving in bad weather, as well as those wanting something more useful off-road.
As our guide has shown, cheap 4x4s come in all shapes and sizes, from the Fiat Panda 4×4 to the Land Rover Discovery 4, and there’s a great range of models to suit various budgets and tastes. For more ideas beyond this list, our wider best 4x4 SUVs guide is worth a look too. Search thousands of used 4x4s at Cazoo to find the right cheap 4×4 for you.