Small, affordable 'lifestyle' 4x4s are a success story that has helped to increase off-roaders' sector share.

Toyota's RAV-4 has been superseded by a new model, but older cars still look fresh. £4k buys a 96N three-door EX with 50,000 miles at an independent; a five-door GX is about £1000 more.

Freelander is trendy and modern and also offers diesel power. A 55,000-mile 98S 1.8 XEi Softback is about £9k, with a five-door Station Wagon at least £1k more.

Honda's CR-V offers peerless reliability and excellent build quality. Just £8k gets a 30,000-mile 97R LS at an independent specialist.