We dont usually do any 4wD ing but but theres been situations where we have had to back up some slippery sloping areas,or when free camping its rained heavily where its came in handy,you may never need it,but again its reasureing to know its there in case you do need it ,there probably worth more in resale value as well.
An informative link, John. I went through the exercise of selecting a 4x4 two years ago and settled on a Discovery 4 for reasons of comfort, economy, capability, GCM and masses of torque. I probably could have been happy enough with several other vehicles that were on my short list, but a choice has to be made at some point and the vehicle chosen has been magnificent is so many ways. All respondents above make valid points, particularly whether a 4x4 is needed in the first place. I recall a half lap of Aus many years ago in a Holden p'van and river crossings and corrugated roads were never too much trouble, but then I wasn't towing a 2.5 tonne off-road van.
Nearly went for the hi-rider 2WD but settled on the 4x4. Good decision. Needed it several times when camped on sandy terrain along the Murray. Needed it to back my van over the kerb onto a grassy front yard. Also was able to drive on beaches during a recent WA trip and on sandy roads in Wimmera / Mallee in Vic.
I had my first 4WD back in my boating days. On one occasion I was asked to pull a bogged 2WD SUV back up a boat ramp, complete with boat in tow. The ramp was very heavily silted under the water line and his tug wasn't playing ball! The guy immediately became a 4WD convert. Several more sticky situations averted since then.
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Cheers,
Tony
"Opinion is the medium between ignorance and knowledge" - Plato
