COUNTRY Australians who own a four-wheel-drive are not welcome in the nation's cities.

A report from McCrindle Research, Australians and Driving, shows 60 per cent of road-users are against 4WDs being used regularly in the city.

"These results show there is much resentment not just towards other people's driving behaviours, but also to their selection of vehicle," the report said.

But Victorian Farmers Federation president Simon Ramsay said any blanket ban on driving 4WDs within the city limits would discriminate against country Victorians.

"Many country Victorians need 4WDs as part of their business, which may involve also driving in the city," Mr Ramsay said.

He said the issue of 4WD vehicles in the city had simmered for many years.

"We would hope that common sense would prevail on this issue," Mr Ramsay said.

However, the economic crisis, coupled with high fuel costs and consumer awareness of cars' environmental impact, may be to blame for steadily declining sales of new 4WD vehicles in 2008.

Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows in November last year Australians bought nearly 18,000 new 4WDs and sports utility vehicles.

Last month just 13,700 new 4WDs and SUVs were sold, a decline of 25 per cent.

Total vehicle sales dropped 6.7 per cent in Victoria last month. About 145,000 new 4WDs and SUVs were sold over the first 11 months of this year.

The RACV's public policy general manager Brian Negus said buyers had to consider what was best for their needs.

"We are not supporting a ban on 4WDs in the city - that is impractical and would be difficult to implement," Mr Negus said.

"If you need a 4WD in the country to run your business or get around the (terrain) then that is completely acceptable.

"But we would encourage the city community to consider if it is necessary to buy a 4WD; consider the environmental impact, the size and fuel costs. There are smaller options which are just as good."

The report also said one in eight Australians believe 4WDs are environmentally irresponsible and a danger to pedestrians and other road users.