Daily drive / weekend run to skifields - cheap runabout ?

[Shades]

I'm looking to buy a cheap runabout (less than $4k) for my daily driver & to use to go to & from Mt Ruapehu in the winter each weekend from Wellington.
Ideally looking for something that's economical, 4wd, manual gearbox(doesn't have to be a manual but I'd rather have a manual) & can take skis & gear.
Any suggestions?

[Fulvisti]

You'd get a decent sooby wagon for that sort of money wouldn't you?

[GravelBen]

Buy a Subaru.

[Shades]

Impreza's would probably be best as more economical.
Anything other than Scoobys?

[GravelBen]

Open road Legacies are just as economical as the bit of extra weight is compensated for by longer gearing. My brother is getting pretty good fuel economy from his 2.5 Forester as well, though they might be a touch above your price range still.

A Toyota Carib (4wd Corolla wagon) will be a bit more economical but less space, 4wd Caldinas aren't bad either but hard to find manuals and autos are thirstier than Subarus.

Nissan do a small 4wd wagon too, the Wingroad or something.

Edited by GravelBen on Tuesday 28th February 10:24