One for the Road: An economical off-roader

Car for the heart: The ultra-reliable Lexus RX

Debbie Sudcome wants a 4x4. She loves sitting high up and has £10,000 to spend.

A car for the head

Incredibly, Debbie could get herself a brand-new 4x4 for less than £10,000. The vehicle in question would be the Dacia Duster, which, at £9,495, is the best-value off-roader on the market. The Access model comes with front electric windows, remote central locking plus front and side airbags. If Debbie wants air-conditioning as standard, she needs to trade up to a Laureate; nearly-new demonstration examples with sub-2,000 miles and great levels of equipment can be had for her budget.

A car for the heart

If she feels uncomfortable going budget, Debbie should consider an ultra-reliable Lexus RX (above). If she goes for the 400h, she can benefit from the hybrid petrol and electric technology and from a half-decent 34.9mpg economy. A 2008 example with around 100,000 miles is within budget. Otherwise, the standard 3.0-litre model is perfectly civilized. Indeed, a one-owner, full service history 2005 example with just 31,000 miles in SE specification is £8,995. It comes with rear-seat entertainment pack, privacy glass and leather.

Looking to buy?

Email James Ruppert at onefortheroad@independent.co.uk, giving your age, address and phone number, details of the type of vehicle in which you are interested, and your budget