Discussion
I'd go for the 320cdi E Class it'll tow your capacity with ease & has a bulletproof drivetrain more so than a 530d.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Thursday 11th October 16:18
Have a quick look at the weight plate on your trailer: most of the really lightweight trailers are not rated to carry 1.4 ton cars.
My Brian James is probably larger than your trailer, but it weighs about 1 ton and has a gross weight of about 2.8 tons, IIRC. We use an old Mitsubishi Shogun which is rated for over 3 tons towing and an ancient Toyota 4Runner which is lighter and only rated to 2.2tons, but does a fine job.
There are very few 2wd cars with a tow capacity over 2 tons. If you can get away with 2 tons, the 6 cylinder diesel E class Merc would be an excellent tow car.
Most big SUVs are pretty tired by the time they are only worth £2500, so if you go that way, be very careful to avoid buying something that is beyond its useful working life.
My Brian James is probably larger than your trailer, but it weighs about 1 ton and has a gross weight of about 2.8 tons, IIRC. We use an old Mitsubishi Shogun which is rated for over 3 tons towing and an ancient Toyota 4Runner which is lighter and only rated to 2.2tons, but does a fine job.
There are very few 2wd cars with a tow capacity over 2 tons. If you can get away with 2 tons, the 6 cylinder diesel E class Merc would be an excellent tow car.
Most big SUVs are pretty tired by the time they are only worth £2500, so if you go that way, be very careful to avoid buying something that is beyond its useful working life.
Edited by Toed64 on Sunday 14th October 01:22
Let's just say I upped the budget to 4-5k. What would be the options then? Mk1 X5's seem tempting and there's some big mileage ones out there, but I'm scared of the gearboxes on them especially towing 2 tonne. Got to pick a car up from Ireland so ~1000miles in one hit, needs to be reliable!!
Forget the X5's with the increased budget go for the Jeep Grand Cherokee this era had the Mercedes ML running gear & is nigh on bulletproof.
Your budget would land you a very good example that'll last you a fair while:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Your budget would land you a very good example that'll last you a fair while:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
ZX10R NIN said:
Forget the X5's with the increased budget go for the Jeep Grand Cherokee this era had the Mercedes ML running gear & is nigh on bulletproof.
Your budget would land you a very good example that'll last you a fair while:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Thanks, anything in particular to look for when buying? This is only going to be a very short term thing, so it needs to be able to be sold on quickly tbhYour budget would land you a very good example that'll last you a fair while:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
No not really obviously check the electrics/paperwork/drivetrain get everything warm & make sure the gearbox is moving through the gears smoothly. Also make sure when you select sport it pulls away in first, if it's short term thing then go for the one with the warranty as that'll help you move it on more quickly.
I've found one local, dark blue and is at a dealer but being old school friends with him I'm hoping I'll get it trade. I'd thought about being cheeky, getting finance on it and then doing what I need, mainly 1000miles to Ireland, and then returning it within 14days. But i feel thats taking advantage lol
colinrob said:
Wouldn’t it be cheaper to get the car Picked up by a transport company
Probably, it's a reasonably special car ~£20k amd 25yrs old, I need to see the car before I hand the man any cash. If its not what I want, then I'll walk away. Hire car that can tow will be expensive for 1000miles and a weekendTry getting a price from Shiply.
I bought my Sylva Riot from a gent in Northern Scotland, but I live in Bedfordshire. I thought about driving up there and bringing it back down on my own trailer, but thought I'd check what the transport companies bidding for work through Shiply would charge.
Three companies that carried proper insurance and had good reviews competed for the work. In the end, I had the car collected at the seller's convenience, within a few days for just over £350. It would have cost me more in diesel and accommodation.
I bought my Sylva Riot from a gent in Northern Scotland, but I live in Bedfordshire. I thought about driving up there and bringing it back down on my own trailer, but thought I'd check what the transport companies bidding for work through Shiply would charge.
Three companies that carried proper insurance and had good reviews competed for the work. In the end, I had the car collected at the seller's convenience, within a few days for just over £350. It would have cost me more in diesel and accommodation.
Right so in typical PH fashion, I've bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee completely site unseen. Its blue and an 06 plate, that's about as much as I know. My dad went to view it, said it was a good car so money paid and I won't see the car till mid week so we'll see if the gamble has paid off lol
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