Good value for money tow cars.
Discussion
This could be argued that it should be in GG but as its tow car related ill throw it here..
Im considering buying a caravan for next year, something big enough for 4 but at the same time will need to change my vehicle for something good to tow with.
Add to this, I do a near 100 mile round trip commute which means i need something low on depreciation (probably something older and cheaper) reasonable MPG and comfort. Possibly Auto although im usually a manual gearbox driver.
Cost is a big driver due to fuel expenses and servicing/tyres. Only recently started doing it and before had a commute of 7 miles round trip!
Caravan would probably be 1400kg or thereabouts, never towed previously either so need to get a good match.
Im considering buying a caravan for next year, something big enough for 4 but at the same time will need to change my vehicle for something good to tow with.
Add to this, I do a near 100 mile round trip commute which means i need something low on depreciation (probably something older and cheaper) reasonable MPG and comfort. Possibly Auto although im usually a manual gearbox driver.
Cost is a big driver due to fuel expenses and servicing/tyres. Only recently started doing it and before had a commute of 7 miles round trip!
Caravan would probably be 1400kg or thereabouts, never towed previously either so need to get a good match.
What sort of budget are you looking at? What about some sort of LPG powered barge, Mercedes S Class, LS430/460, VW Phaeton etc, They have lost the bulk of their value already, Still reliable and comfortable enough to drive as a daily. Whack it on gas and you have a cheap runaround. Mine costs buttons to run
In my experience, whatever you get make sure it has self levelling rear suspension.
I have an Audi A6 with adaptable air suspension and it's a brilliant towcar (3.0 diesel Quattro, so probably not what you'd want for a 100 mile commute!).
Father in law has a Toyota Avensis 2.2 diesel estate that he pulls his 1400kg caravan with and it never sits well regardless of how the caravan is loaded.
Cars available with adaptive suspension that I know of: Audi A6 (especially the Allroad version), Volvo V70, Mercedes E Class, Citreon C5, etc.
I have an Audi A6 with adaptable air suspension and it's a brilliant towcar (3.0 diesel Quattro, so probably not what you'd want for a 100 mile commute!).
Father in law has a Toyota Avensis 2.2 diesel estate that he pulls his 1400kg caravan with and it never sits well regardless of how the caravan is loaded.
Cars available with adaptive suspension that I know of: Audi A6 (especially the Allroad version), Volvo V70, Mercedes E Class, Citreon C5, etc.
I use a 2o08 BMW 520d saloon to tow a slightly lighter (1325kg) van - I find it works really well. Very stable and more than enough power to cruise comfortably. Without the van on you can easily get 600 miles to a tank of diesel, more on a steady 70mph motorway cruise. Yes, I would prefer perhaps a Grand Cherokee for towing but the reality is I don't really need it and the BMW is a much better option for daily use.
Some interesting replies! No idea on budget but certainly no more than say £8k. Can you tow ok on lpg? I have no idea about them.
Saab may tick box but would expect them to be increasingly expensive to service, how is the parts backup?
Volvo is a good shout, and whilst id like an Audi, think it would be expensive to run?
Honda Accord was my preference but theyre no longer sold in uk so dont really know how good or bad residuals would be. Maybe one on LPG? I currently use a VW t5 as camper and daily driver which could be expensive but im overnighting in it so it reduces costs by half. Not ideal for winter though as no heater.
Saab may tick box but would expect them to be increasingly expensive to service, how is the parts backup?
Volvo is a good shout, and whilst id like an Audi, think it would be expensive to run?
Honda Accord was my preference but theyre no longer sold in uk so dont really know how good or bad residuals would be. Maybe one on LPG? I currently use a VW t5 as camper and daily driver which could be expensive but im overnighting in it so it reduces costs by half. Not ideal for winter though as no heater.
Chicken Chaser said:
Saab may tick box but would expect them to be increasingly expensive to service, how is the parts backup?
No problems with parts, Saab spares was separated off (and Swedish government owned) before GM dropped the marque. Plenty of specialists and spares are cheaper than many competitors. See www.uksaabs.co.uk for how practical they can be.Chicken Chaser said:
Some interesting replies! No idea on budget but certainly no more than say £8k. Can you tow ok on lpg? I have no idea about them.
Saab may tick box but would expect them to be increasingly expensive to service, how is the parts backup?
Volvo is a good shout, and whilst id like an Audi, think it would be expensive to run?
Honda Accord was my preference but theyre no longer sold in uk so dont really know how good or bad residuals would be. Maybe one on LPG? I currently use a VW t5 as camper and daily driver which could be expensive but im overnighting in it so it reduces costs by half. Not ideal for winter though as no heater.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201706166515676?price-from=7500&make=AUDI&model=A6%20ALLROAD&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&radius=1501&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=sponsored&postcode=tn330ag&price-to=8500&page=1Saab may tick box but would expect them to be increasingly expensive to service, how is the parts backup?
Volvo is a good shout, and whilst id like an Audi, think it would be expensive to run?
Honda Accord was my preference but theyre no longer sold in uk so dont really know how good or bad residuals would be. Maybe one on LPG? I currently use a VW t5 as camper and daily driver which could be expensive but im overnighting in it so it reduces costs by half. Not ideal for winter though as no heater.
We've had our 2006 A6 Avant 3.0 TDI Quattro for 5 years. Bought it with 55,000 on the clock and now it's got 117,000 on the clock.
I get it serviced and MOT'd once a year at a local independent VW/Audi specialist and I normally pay between £250 and £300 (I supply the parts and oil).
In the 5 years we've had it, I've had a couple of problems with the fuel gauge sender unit (about £120 to fix), and last year I had to have the water pump replaced at £700 (front bumper etc. all had to come off for access). Other than that, it's been pretty faultless. Ours is manual and still on the original clutch despite the last 4 years of towing (averaging 3 trips away a year) a 1750kg twin axle caravan.
I've not once regretted buying the car and it has been very reliable.
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