I'm a 4x4 owner - I didn't buy it for off roading - If you buy a Ferrari - did you buy it for the racetrack ? If you buy an estate car - do you have to have dogs ?- I bought it for safety in the winter and for my children. I hate it when people say things like "chelsea tanks" - I live in the north of England and I am proud to drive a 4x4 - why shouldn't I ?? My mother in law has bad knees (from gripping the broomstick too hard) and wouldn't need a people carrier - she has a RAV4 - small compact - four doors and finds it great to get in and out of. She lives in the middle of nowehere and finds the four wheel drive comforting in the winter with icy roads. Yes you use a little extra fuel - yes your tyre wear is different to a two wheel drive - but what price safety. Have a look at a RAV 4 - usually Toyota dealers are very high on the JD Power survey.