Off roader/tow car/barge advice.
Discussion
I've taken a few years out of quick cars, mainly due to money, but I've just almost secured a new job down south and will be hopefully moving before long.
Due to taking that time out I ended up running (and still do) an old Audi 90 20v, bizarre choice from a 911 I know but the strange thing is it still puts nearly as much of a smile on my face as the 911 did every time I drive it, from the fantastic handling to the gorgeous sounding engine it's been a fantastic little bus, but times are changing (hopefully for the better) and I hope in a year or so to be looking for another 911 or similar.
But that's not the question, the Audi is quite light so not a fantastic tow car, it actually tows very very well but from a legal point of view leaves you a little exposed when towing a heavy trailer, so I've been looking at off roaders with the aim of hopefully using one actually off road too.
I'd need it to be able to tow a small car trailer with a small car (max size generally MGB), so something like a Brian James clubman with a 1600-1800 kg Overall weight (loaded). I'd also need it to be diesel and reasonably economical (no worse than 25mpg in general driving). Not too bothered about size but a Suzuki Jimny won't really cut it for me, even if it would be amazing off road. Oh and it mustn't look
even if it does only cost a couple of grand. Which is around my max budget.
My current choices are:
Disco 1
Land rover (will be old and tired at my budget and to be honest would prefer something a tiny bit more refined)
Jeep?
Old Landcruiser?
I absolutely don't want an old Pajero or similar. Even though one would probably make good financial sense.
Any other advice I'd like to start hunting in the next month or so.
Due to taking that time out I ended up running (and still do) an old Audi 90 20v, bizarre choice from a 911 I know but the strange thing is it still puts nearly as much of a smile on my face as the 911 did every time I drive it, from the fantastic handling to the gorgeous sounding engine it's been a fantastic little bus, but times are changing (hopefully for the better) and I hope in a year or so to be looking for another 911 or similar.
But that's not the question, the Audi is quite light so not a fantastic tow car, it actually tows very very well but from a legal point of view leaves you a little exposed when towing a heavy trailer, so I've been looking at off roaders with the aim of hopefully using one actually off road too.
I'd need it to be able to tow a small car trailer with a small car (max size generally MGB), so something like a Brian James clubman with a 1600-1800 kg Overall weight (loaded). I'd also need it to be diesel and reasonably economical (no worse than 25mpg in general driving). Not too bothered about size but a Suzuki Jimny won't really cut it for me, even if it would be amazing off road. Oh and it mustn't look
even if it does only cost a couple of grand. Which is around my max budget.My current choices are:
Disco 1
Land rover (will be old and tired at my budget and to be honest would prefer something a tiny bit more refined)
Jeep?
Old Landcruiser?
I absolutely don't want an old Pajero or similar. Even though one would probably make good financial sense.
Any other advice I'd like to start hunting in the next month or so.
Some sort of Grand Cherokee? LR Disco 1 will likely be rotten as a peach and they are still quite agricultural to drive. I don't think you would get a TD5 Disco within budget.
You've stated non jap but I believe the Trooper in 3.1D guise is worth a look - excellent tow car and I've towed many a car transporter with those old Isuzus.
You've stated non jap but I believe the Trooper in 3.1D guise is worth a look - excellent tow car and I've towed many a car transporter with those old Isuzus.
I'd probably say look at a Disco or if you're not in a hurry a 109 SIII.
Jeeps are nice too, if Cherokee you'd want the 4.0 though and 25mpg is probably a stretch too far, certainly not while towing.
So Grand Cherokee's would be the ones too look at, not sure what diesel variants would be in budget though.
Jeeps are nice too, if Cherokee you'd want the 4.0 though and 25mpg is probably a stretch too far, certainly not while towing.
So Grand Cherokee's would be the ones too look at, not sure what diesel variants would be in budget though.
300bhp/ton said:
I'd probably say look at a Disco or if you're not in a hurry a 109 SIII.
Hmm hardly renowned for towing as they are seriously underpowered as standard, even in 6cyl 1 ton form, all are ruinous on fuel except the 2.25 diesel which still only does 20MPG and redefines slow. I do believe they are rated to pull 2500KG though.Potentially leftfield choice is the Stage 1 V8, Utterly classless and starting to appreciate in value. You'll need LPG though as they won't manage much more than 15MPG, less if towing. Still a 30 year old leaky landie though...
I really think 99% of mid nineties Discos will be needed alot of welding and TLC buy now.
) at least have the decency to justify them. 
v8will said:
Some sort of Grand Cherokee? LR Disco 1 will likely be rotten as a peach and they are still quite agricultural to drive. I don't think you would get a TD5 Disco within budget.
You've stated non jap but I believe the Trooper in 3.1D guise is worth a look - excellent tow car and I've towed many a car transporter with those old Isuzus.
Trooper isn't a bad idea actually and one I hadn't thought of!You've stated non jap but I believe the Trooper in 3.1D guise is worth a look - excellent tow car and I've towed many a car transporter with those old Isuzus.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff