Tow car to replace Cooper S

[TJenkos]

Looking for ideas from you guys hopefully!

Currently drive a 2002 MINI Cooper S however require the ability to tow a single motorcycle trailer for a track bike. I'm very happy with my current car, previously owning a MINI Cooper.

I don't REALLY want to change cars to be honest, but needs must and I don't have space for a cheap runaround tow car.

A van isn't really in the equation just yet!

Budget would be £5000, Decent MPG but diesel not essential, decent performance, must be sporty looking.. I'm 21 so do still need some style!

Have looked at Mazda 3 sports, Astra SRI XP estates and Vectra SRI XP's however aware of their unreliability?

Suggestions!

[bakerstreet]

BMW 320D M-Sport or maybe an Audi A4 TDI130 Sport. Probably more A4s available for the money.

[sawman]

Can you not just put a towbar on the mini?

[GreatGranny]

Fabia VRS

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3045932.htm

Golf GT FSi

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2984006.htm

Golf GT TDi

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2840269.htm

159 (with a big haggle)

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2840269.htm

[sawman]

doogz said:

sawman said:

Can you not just put a towbar on the mini?

Exhaust is in the way.

seems it is possible after all http://www.minidomore.com/

[Greg_D]

doogz said:

So it can.

Only rated to 630Kg though.

which would be loads for a bike and trailer

[Greg_D]

doogz said:

Greg_D said:

doogz said:

So it can.

Only rated to 630Kg though.

which would be loads for a bike and trailer

Depends on the bike and trailer, doesn't it.

Anyway, yeah, seems it'd work. fk towing with a MINI though. Not the most practical, or comfortable, the last thing the rear suspension needs, on top of all your gear, leathers, helmet, maybe a spare wheel or two, in the back, is another 100Kg or so of nose weight pushing down on it.

a gullwing on a car trailer maybe, but a supermoto would be C.100-120kg (an R1 is about 190kg) and a bike trailer weighs very little (this one is 70kg)
http://www.motorcycletrailer.com/mag1/
easy on...

anyway, you'd still have a cooper S to drive round in when not towing, instead of some snoozemobile derv audi.

jeez, take your pick!!!

[YorkshirePudding]

GreatGranny said:

Fabia VRS

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3045932.htm

The VRS is not type approved for a towbar.

[sawman]

Greg_D said:

a gullwing on a car trailer maybe, but a supermoto would be C.100-120kg (an R1 is about 190kg) and a bike trailer weighs very little (this one is 70kg)
http://www.motorcycletrailer.com/mag1/
easy on...

anyway, you'd still have a cooper S to drive round in when not towing, instead of some snoozemobile derv audi.

jeez, take your pick!!!

I used to tow a 16 foot sailing dinghy with my MK1 MR2 on a regular basis. It usually contained all our weekend camping gear and occasionally a couple of mountain bikes too, never had any suspension issues. It was quite amusing cos you could see the car from behind

[TJenkos]

Unfortunately the Cooper S is not an approved towing vehicle in Europe. Maybe so in America but not here I am afraid

I don't really fancy taking my chances with the risk of the insurance company refusing to pay out if the inevitable happened.

Ill have a look into some of the other suggestions though