What new towcar?

[ColinM50]

On the lookout for a "new car". Current BMW 530GT we've had for 15 months and it's brilliant, but SWMBO says it's too big so won't drive it. Which means when we go anywhere, especially on holidays with our caravan, I have to do all the driving. Of course she doesn't see this as a problem, she gets a nice relaxing snooze in the car while muggins does all the work. So I've decided to change the car to a smaller one or one she'll drive. Previous car was a Jag S type and she was happy driving that though never towed with it, tbh I don't think she'll tow the van no matter what car I get, but it would be nice to be a passenger now and again once "we're there". She likes to look of the XF but I'm concerned that it's no smaller than the BMW. We've got a test drive booked in one on Friday so we'll see if she likes it. BTW, she chose the BMW. Tch, wimmin eh?

So what else should I consider?

Basic criteria is it should have enough weight/grunt to tow a 1750kg twin axle van. Four seats, definitely auto and cruise control. Probably diesel and ideally satnav and parking sensors. Budget £15k.

Any suggestions welcomed. Sensible one's even more welcome. And no I won't keep the car and trade SWMBO in, it's taken me 40 years to get her semi-trained and I'm not starting that malarkey again.

[ColinM50]

Andy Zarse said:

Hi Colin, have you thought of buying her a birthday gift of a towing course, such as run by the Caravan and Camping Club? She would love it.



Sorry, couldn't resist...

Git. We've never met Andy, but I hate you already

[ColinM50]

tr7v8 said:

Would sending her on a towing course with the Caravan Club help?

You lot are REALLY starting to get right on my t*ts

[ColinM50]

crankedup said:

I was going to suggest the Skoda Superb, but you may be happier with a VW with the same engine floor pan.

I'm not snobby at all especially since my son bought an Octavia. Checked with a dealer an having a test drive in a Superb on Saturday, so may thanks for the idea. I had one on hire in France a few years ago and was very impressed, thought it was aptly named. One little gizmo I thought was a fab idea was that at the side of the drivers seat it had a little flap where they put an umbrella. Clever eh?

[ColinM50]

Didn't have the test drive, despite telling the salesman four or five times that I'm only interested in an auto and can't see the point of a "keep fit" gearbox, guess what car he had for me to test? Yup, it was a manual.

"Ah but sir these are so easy to drive you won't even realise it's not an auto". Oh really???

[ColinM50]

Thanks Surveyor, it's on the list