Cheap tow car?!
Discussion
We've racked up just over 105,000 miles in our A6 Avant now, and at 10 years old the old girl is looking a bit tired.
So it probably won't happen this year, but I've started to think about our next car.
Problem being is that we're doing a large house refurb/extension starting next year so funds will be low!
In an ideal world I'd go and buy a 2 year old Discovery or A6 Allroad, but we just can't justify it at the moment.
So, I've been browsing Autotrader etc. for cheap estates that are comfortable and can do the job. Bear in mind we have a large twin axle.
I don't really want another Audi, as it would just be the same car that we currently have. Merc E Class seem to be coming up a lot, like this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
This one looks lovely, but it's 2 years older than our current car and I think they want too much money for it:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Must haves:
Diesel (preferebly 3 litre)
Automatic
Cruise control
Front & Rear parking sensors
Leather
Heated seats
Large boot
Self levelling suspension (I think I'm right in thinking that this is standard on the E Class?)
Preferably 17" alloys (the sweet spot between looking crap and looking good, comfortable ride, whilst being affordable to buy tyres!)
Cheers!
So it probably won't happen this year, but I've started to think about our next car.
Problem being is that we're doing a large house refurb/extension starting next year so funds will be low!
In an ideal world I'd go and buy a 2 year old Discovery or A6 Allroad, but we just can't justify it at the moment.
So, I've been browsing Autotrader etc. for cheap estates that are comfortable and can do the job. Bear in mind we have a large twin axle.
I don't really want another Audi, as it would just be the same car that we currently have. Merc E Class seem to be coming up a lot, like this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
This one looks lovely, but it's 2 years older than our current car and I think they want too much money for it:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Must haves:
Diesel (preferebly 3 litre)
Automatic
Cruise control
Front & Rear parking sensors
Leather
Heated seats
Large boot
Self levelling suspension (I think I'm right in thinking that this is standard on the E Class?)
Preferably 17" alloys (the sweet spot between looking crap and looking good, comfortable ride, whilst being affordable to buy tyres!)
Cheers!
I presume you mean a Citreon C5? And not a C5 Audi A6?
I'll be honest - I don't like Citreons. And I'm not sure they do anything bigger than a 160bhp 2.0? Which, coming from a 3.0 with 230bhp will be a serious step down in power and performance with the caravan on the back.
You're right though - cheap as chips!
I'll be honest - I don't like Citreons. And I'm not sure they do anything bigger than a 160bhp 2.0? Which, coming from a 3.0 with 230bhp will be a serious step down in power and performance with the caravan on the back.
You're right though - cheap as chips!
S10GTA said:
Why not spend some money on your current car if money is tight, rather than buying an unknown quantity?
I think this is probably what I'll do 
Thought the Merc would be a nice change but the nose weight is an issue.
Like you say, at least I know the car.
Get the house renovation done and then get a new car, I think.
Huffy said:
Hmmm, that old dilemma! Looking at the second Merc you put up price will be based on the perceived better quality a low mileage car makes......it seems to attract a ridiculous premium these days.
If you weren't fussed about 4 wheel drive a 5 series BMW might be worth a look. Not sure what nose weight you require but my 520d saloon takes 90kgs - better than my wife's X3 as it happens which I think when we looked was only 80kgs.
I have been looking an and off for a year now as neither of our cars makes an ideal tow car (520 is a saloon, X3 a petrol) but can't actually find anything which really justifies the change. If I did I would probably settle for a Grand Cherokee.....but I can't even settle on doing that because the petrol head in me wants the 5.7 hemi and really I should be looking at the 3.0 diesel!
I suspect if you are looking to do it cheap you last post may be the best option.....which through indecision and a desire not to spend money was where I got to!!
This is the problem!If you weren't fussed about 4 wheel drive a 5 series BMW might be worth a look. Not sure what nose weight you require but my 520d saloon takes 90kgs - better than my wife's X3 as it happens which I think when we looked was only 80kgs.
I have been looking an and off for a year now as neither of our cars makes an ideal tow car (520 is a saloon, X3 a petrol) but can't actually find anything which really justifies the change. If I did I would probably settle for a Grand Cherokee.....but I can't even settle on doing that because the petrol head in me wants the 5.7 hemi and really I should be looking at the 3.0 diesel!
I suspect if you are looking to do it cheap you last post may be the best option.....which through indecision and a desire not to spend money was where I got to!!
If money were no option, then personally I think I'd plump for a new style A6 Allroad, something like this:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
I don't really like proper 4x4's (but the wife would love one). The A6 has been a brilliant towing machine, it's just looking a bit tired!
There doesn't seem to be too many cars that tick all the boxes. The new 5 series touring is nice (my Dad has just got a new 530d) but it's not as big inside.
Guess I'll get a few bits done and keep the old girl for another year or 18 months!
I would be seriously looking at either a rear wheel drive or 4 wheel drive car if I were you.
That basically means a BMW 3 or 5 series, Mercedes C or E class, Audi A4 or A6, or a 4Motion Passat. Left field choices include Subaru Forester.
Reason? My in-laws purchased a 2011 Toyota Avensis estate (2.2 diesel) to use as their main tow car for their Bailey Pageant (MTPLM of around 1500kg).
When loaded, it really struggles up hill and on damp/wet grass. All of the weight is over the rear wheels, making the front end light, and the front wheels have very little traction.
Either that or get a car with self levelling suspension?
I'd also be wary about the lack of torque with a petrol engine - but I don't have any experience. I'd guess at a lot more gear changes needed?
That basically means a BMW 3 or 5 series, Mercedes C or E class, Audi A4 or A6, or a 4Motion Passat. Left field choices include Subaru Forester.
Reason? My in-laws purchased a 2011 Toyota Avensis estate (2.2 diesel) to use as their main tow car for their Bailey Pageant (MTPLM of around 1500kg).
When loaded, it really struggles up hill and on damp/wet grass. All of the weight is over the rear wheels, making the front end light, and the front wheels have very little traction.
Either that or get a car with self levelling suspension?
I'd also be wary about the lack of torque with a petrol engine - but I don't have any experience. I'd guess at a lot more gear changes needed?
Chicken Chaser said:
Bookmarked. Pretty much same requirements as purple turtle. I'm on the 3500kg limit and can't use my van due to weight. No caravan yet but expect it'll be around 1500kg.
So you don't have B+E category?If not, if you have a caravan with a MTPLM of 1500kg, your car must have a MAM of 2000kg. The combination of maximum allowed weights cannot exceed 3500kg.
Getting a towcar that can tow 1500kg but itself can only be 2000kg could be limiting.
Chrisgr31 said:
Rosscow said:
I would be seriously looking at either a rear wheel drive or 4 wheel drive car if I were you.
Yes I think 4 wheel drive is a better option and would be looking for that. I sometimes think the Mercs BMWs, Passats etc look too sall for what they are towing. Best investigate more!
Chicken Chaser said:
Why is that? Surely not everyone can be towing with 4x4s or RWD?
As in my post above, my i laws have had some real trouble in damp fields and steep hills with their Avensis due to lack of traction to the front wheels.I've been at the same campsite at the same time, and have had no problems at all despite a caravan that is bigger and weighs 300kg more.
Just personal experience and opinion, that's all!
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