Hmm..like others have said 4×4 + economic + decent on Mway is a bit ‘moon on a stick’. Of course, a lot depends on how much disposable dosh you have to throw at running costs. If you don’t like ongoing spending on cars, have a real careful think of exactly what you need. From personal experience, unless you really need it, forget 4×4, as you can potentially end up with sub 30mpg and BIG servicing,tyre and repair bills. If you do need a 4×4, just be a bit wary of more complex/unusual stuff (like Subarus) – they’re typically far more reliable than anything by Landrover, but the servicing and parts costs can be a nightmare. Also worth remembering that taller 4×4’s aren’t exactly brilliant on M-ways in high winds, or quick evasive manouvres – tyre noise can also be a drag on a long journey.
Have I put you off a 4×4 yet?!! 😀
I think someone suggested the Skoda Octavia estate 4×4 (there’s also Audi’s ‘off-road’ 4×4 estates). I guess at the moment, they’ll be a bit tough to find 2nd hand, but if you can get a good un, they’re very good. If you can find one, Renault also used to do the Kangoo ‘people carrier’ van in 4×4 – fairly economical for a 4×4 and very practical for outdoorsey stuff.
If you wanna go for something a bit different in FWD, you could try something like a Citroen Berlingo, Renault Kangoo, Fiat Doblo. We’ve got a diesel Kangoo (amongst other vehicles!) and I love it! – really practical, holds masses of climbing/biking/camping kit, does 50+mpg on the motorway, cruise all day at decent m-way fast lane speeds – oh, and it has wipe clean floor covering! All of these van-based designs are pretty bomb-proof and economical, er…’cos they’ve been designed as commercial vehicles. The Kangoo in particular has really good ground clearance, so it’s pretty good over rough campsite fields. If your worried about getting stuck in the snow/mud, just get a spare set of front wheels with winter tyres, or carry some snow chains.
For your budget, you’d be able to get a really good used Berlingo/Kangoo/Doblo.
HTH!
p.s. apologies for the downer on 4×4’s – anyone would think my wife bought a used 4×4, (‘cos she’s always wanted one 😕 ) and I’ve had to spend loads of time & money repairing the damned thing.