Deciding he needed a second-hand 4×4, or rather, he needed a cheap second-hand 4×4, Paul Guinness went searching for a bargain buy. He ended up with a Lada Niva Hussar – here he explains the reasons why
Photography: Paul Guinness
On paper at least, I had a simple requirement: a 4×4 workhorse. Nothing fancy, nothing expensive and certainly nothing complicated. It had to be a good old-fashioned 4×4, of the type that proved popular back in the days when only farmers and country folk bought all-wheel drive vehicles. Most certainly not the kind of 4×4 that would appeal to the school run brigade.
So why this sudden urge for a real four-wheel drive machine? In truth, a number of factors were coming into play, not least the fact that a cheap but capable 4×4 is a hugely entertaining thing to own. More seriously though, I needed a vehicle that could double-up as a van when the need arises (which it does regularly during the on-going redesign and revamp of my garden). And, with a farm in the family, it also had to be a genuinely capable off-roader that wouldn’t be embarrassed by any visiting Defenders.
A new order of Truckman tops has been placed by Scottish Water with the British manufacturer Auto Styling. The utility company’s fleet of Toyota Hiluxes will be fitted with the tops, designed to have bespoke storage options from Auto Styling, including shelving, racking and cabinets for tools and equipment. Engineers can access the storage systems through two access points (rear and side) designed into the manufacturing process. This order follows on from a fleet of 35 Truckman Classic hardtops that were ordered by Scottish Water last year.
Encouraging times ahead perhaps – from both manufacturers and TV companies. Fingers crossed, that’s for sure
Ever thought of having a unique spare wheel cover? Or maybe advertise your business or club as you motor around? If that’s the case, you really ought to contact the guys at The Sign Maker. This family business is based in Devon, and started as a small set-up making wooden house signs! Now you can have your very own spare wheel covers, either as the semi rigid (hard outer shell, with soft vinyl on the sides) or fully rigid, with a lockable stainless steel rim. Obviously the latter makes most sense if you don’t have lockable wheel nuts to hold the spare in place. Prices start from £72 for the semi-rigid option, which has cut vinyl lettering and images (usually single colour) and up to £175.60 for a full colour stainless steel option. You need to be able to supply the artwork, or call the company and have a chat with them as we’re sure they could help out. We are speaking from experience as we are having a cover done to promote the magazine – appearing on one of Our 4x4s real soon!
Nigel Fryatt – editor
Some weeks ago, while driving my truck one evening, I was a little concerned when the ‘low fuel level’ light came on. The worry was because according to the actual gauge, I had a nearly full tank. This meant that one of these things was incorrect, but which one? Since it was late, and I was in very rural Norfolk, and it was very, very cold outside – the temperature gauge actually said minus 9degC – I didn’t want the error to be the amount of fuel in the tank. Just an electric glitch on the low fuel light, surely…
Bob Cooke – contributor 
One good thing I have to say about the extended spell of cold weather – it forced me to resolve the immobiliser question that’s been nagging at me ever since I acquired the Cherokee. All the Cherokees of this era were fitted with aftermarket immobilisers for insurance purposes; in my excitement at finding a sound-looking 18-year old Cherokee with only 65,000 miles on it, I didn’t pay much attention to the fact that it came with only two keys – one for the ignition and one for the fuel filler cap – and no means of disabling the immobiliser should it set itself.
The first Jeep product of the Fiat/Chrysler alliance is revealed. But will the all new Cherokee persuade potential Freelander owners to change tack?
Hils Everitt – Editor at Large
It was great fun playing about in the snow on my local country roads in Kent – well… when access to them wasn’t blocked by people who got themselves stuck in their unsuitable 2WD vehicles. Come on people, listen to the TV warnings and don’t venture out if your vehicle can’t hack it!
With an all-new Range Rover Sport on the way, second-hand prices of the current model, with its renowned blend of luxury and performance, look set to drop to more affordable levels
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