IT looks as if that time of year is upon us again. Predictions of a freezing winter to come have brought back memories of freezing temperatures, closed schools and premium German cars uselessly spinning their wheels with massive queues of irate drivers behind them. Winter is coming – and it looks to be a harsh one. So, what to do? We here at UsedCarExpert would initially recommend checking out some winter tyres. You would be amazed how effective they are. A normal hatchback with winter tyres on will fare better in the white stuff than a big 4X4 on low profile road tyres and a set for your Focus will cost you around £350. Winter tyres improve traction, grip and breaking at any temperature below 7C. Most of the UK has an average of less than 3C between December and February. If you really want to take the winter on with some confidence then here are some family vehicles at varying price points to tempt the canny buyer. They show that you don’t even need to by a 4X4 that’s a bit hopeless for the rest of the year. Put winter tyres on these and be as ready as you can. Subaru LegacyA car we seem to recommend an awful lot, which must tell you something. Smart, safe and practical the 4X4 Legacy is excellent to drive and tough as old boots. Petrol cars are cheap and massively reliable. Later diesel cars are madly overpriced by comparison. UsedCarExpert.co.uk cars for sale: We found a 2006 2.0-litre petrol estate with 62,000 miles on the clock and a full service history for £6,450 Fiat Sedici/Suzuki SX4These cars are essentially the same, which you choose might be decided on proximity of car or dealer. A totally and utterly rational choice of transport. Tough, commodious and winter proof, this is a highly underrated machine. Cheap too… UsedCarExpert.co.uk cars for sale: A quick search through the pages of UsedCarExpert revealed a 2006 model with the super tough 1.9-litre turbodiesel unit, one owner and a full service history for £6,000. Skoda Octavia ScoutAs sensible as a Marks and Spencer cardigan and just as long lasting, the Octavia scout is a jacked up 4X4 version of the standard family car. It comes with the same high build quality, rational and comfortable interior and air of middle class solidity. UsedCarExpert.co.uk cars for sale: £12,000 gets you a 2007 car with less than 50,000 miles on the clock and a full service history, in a very sensible dark blue… Fiat Panda 4X4It may be small but the Panda 4X4 is incredibly capable when the going gets rough. You see them in Italy in the most amazingly inaccessible places, in the middle of winter. Very, very tough indeed the Panda 4X4 is a great car to take on the UK winter. UsedCarExpert.co.uk cars for sale: £4,300 will buy a five year old car with 60,000 miles on the clock and a full service history. | 
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