Due to the fact we all love a "What Car" thread...
Discussion
I have another one!
I'm after a new workhorse, that is capable of doing a million things, on a budget, which is proving to be as possible as it sounds
What I need the vehicle to do:
15k miles/year (many of these with a trailer on the back)
Take tools being thrown in the back of it, yet ideally still be comfortable
Achieve a reasonable mpg value (30+)
Tow 1.5t of race car + trailer
Cost less than £2500.
I suppose the main issue I'm having is do I get a van, and cope without the comfort of a car, or do I get a car and compromise with load space (it would need a large boot)?
One final issue, just to throw in to the mix: I'm only 18, and am 1 month away from 1 year's NCB,so insurance is still a stumbling block.
Thanks In Advance
I'm after a new workhorse, that is capable of doing a million things, on a budget, which is proving to be as possible as it sounds
What I need the vehicle to do:
15k miles/year (many of these with a trailer on the back)
Take tools being thrown in the back of it, yet ideally still be comfortable
Achieve a reasonable mpg value (30+)
Tow 1.5t of race car + trailer
Cost less than £2500.
I suppose the main issue I'm having is do I get a van, and cope without the comfort of a car, or do I get a car and compromise with load space (it would need a large boot)?
One final issue, just to throw in to the mix: I'm only 18, and am 1 month away from 1 year's NCB,so insurance is still a stumbling block.
Thanks In Advance
I'll kick off with: Mercedes-Benz diesel E-class estate (the 1995 - 2003 model).
Huge boot, into which you can chuck things without wincing. 30mpg should be no problem. Towing should equally be no problem. Very comfortable to drive and be driven in. Capable of very high mileages if looked after properly.
2500 GBP should get a good one with history. It will probably have high mileage, but these cars are apparently very durable and easy to fix, with lots of jobs being DIY-able.
They do look rather boxy by modern standards, but that's all part of the appeal IMHO.
Insurance will be an issue (they are group 16 according to AT). But with 1 year's NCB you might be OK...
Huge boot, into which you can chuck things without wincing. 30mpg should be no problem. Towing should equally be no problem. Very comfortable to drive and be driven in. Capable of very high mileages if looked after properly.
2500 GBP should get a good one with history. It will probably have high mileage, but these cars are apparently very durable and easy to fix, with lots of jobs being DIY-able.
They do look rather boxy by modern standards, but that's all part of the appeal IMHO.
Insurance will be an issue (they are group 16 according to AT). But with 1 year's NCB you might be OK...
Edited by AmitG on Sunday 10th February 17:12
People will hunt me for suggesting this, but a 2.0 DTi Vauxhall Vectra. It's hardly inspiring, but it should be (relatively) sympathetic to you in terms of insurance and economy, in my experience they last well and they were designed to be used heavily every day. As such parts and maintenance are simple and cheap. You can even get them in fairly decent looking SRi spec. I do find that Vauxhalls make brilliant workhorses. I swear by them.
Alternatively a diesel Rover 75 or MG ZT. They'll meet the budget and should be good for all the same reasons as the Vauxhall.
Alternatively a diesel Rover 75 or MG ZT. They'll meet the budget and should be good for all the same reasons as the Vauxhall.
JREwing said:
People will hunt me for suggesting this, but a 2.0 DTi Vauxhall Vectra.
It's a bit on the lightweight side for towing 1.5 tons of trailer and race car though. In fact it's outside the maximum braked towing limit (1400kg for 2.0 DTi). The E Class sounds like a much better idea to me, if a useable one can be had in budget.GreatGranny said:
Getting something that will tow about 2 tonnes will be the problem.
Most normal cars will not be able to do it either legally or physically.
Maybe try a diesel X trail, towing limit 2 tonnes.
I really like the X-Trail, family members have had them, but only the dCi model, which is slightly out of range. Does anyone know what the 2.2 Di engines are like?Most normal cars will not be able to do it either legally or physically.
Maybe try a diesel X trail, towing limit 2 tonnes.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far
AmitG said:
I'll kick off with: Mercedes-Benz diesel E-class estate (the 1995 - 2003 model).
Huge boot, into which you can chuck things without wincing. 30mpg should be no problem. Towing should equally be no problem. Very comfortable to drive and be driven in. Capable of very high mileages if looked after properly.
2500 GBP should get a good one with history. It will probably have high mileage, but these cars are apparently very durable and easy to fix, with lots of jobs being DIY-able.
They do look rather boxy by modern standards, but that's all part of the appeal IMHO.
Insurance will be an issue (they are group 16 according to AT). But with 1 year's NCB you might be OK...
How strange, thats exactly the car I was going to recommend.Huge boot, into which you can chuck things without wincing. 30mpg should be no problem. Towing should equally be no problem. Very comfortable to drive and be driven in. Capable of very high mileages if looked after properly.
2500 GBP should get a good one with history. It will probably have high mileage, but these cars are apparently very durable and easy to fix, with lots of jobs being DIY-able.
They do look rather boxy by modern standards, but that's all part of the appeal IMHO.
Insurance will be an issue (they are group 16 according to AT). But with 1 year's NCB you might be OK...
Edited by AmitG on Sunday 10th February 17:12
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