12k Tow Car

[Dadoc2001]

Hey,

At this point our main car ('10 Honda CR-V 2.2) is starting to throw up issues and we feel it maybe time to upgrade. In the past few weeks it left us stranded on the hard shoulder whilst towing our caravan, then I've noticed a fluid leak on the drive this evening. It will go in for investigative work this week. Depending on this may be the death knell for it with us!

So - not a massive budget I know! Looking for a family sized towcar capable of pulling our 1500 mtplm van. Also needs enough bootspace for our Labrador. 12k is about max I'd want to pay. Was thinking Skoda 4x4 Yeti/Octavia/Superb. But willing to listen to other ideas. Anything you'd recommend?

Would love a X5 etc but running costs of the CR-V @35mpg commute never mind towing were enough - at current fuel prices, I wouldn't want to dip below that. TBH the CRV wasn't a great tow'er so, as much as I love Honda's I wouldn't go for another either! Some of the prices of Gen 3's let alone Gen 4's are ridiculous anyway.

Any help would be appreciated. TIA!

[georgeyboy12345]

I think you are on the right track with something like an Octavia. This one can tow 2000 kg braked, is 30 a year to tax, gets around 50 mpg, is ULEZ compliant and a reasonable mileage. BMW 320i xDrive or Audi A4 Quattros are also able to tow 1800 kg or so, but they will be quite leggy at your budget.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202152...

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Sunday 29th May 22:49

[GreatGranny]

OP, XC60?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202152...

Cheap tax, 50 mpg, strong torque for towing and great seats.

[Ash_]

As per my post in a similar thread, also think about whether you go Auto or Manual, auto being easier for towing.

[88LG]

GreatGranny said:

OP, XC60?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202152...

Cheap tax, 50 mpg, strong torque for towing and great seats.

The wife’s got an Xc60. Same colour at the advert above.

Such a comfy car. I really like it. £30 a year to tax it. Pulls really well.

[ZX10R NIN]

Infiniti EX, these are ULEZ & CAZ compliant plus the 3.0d will make towing a breeze:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275255779190?hash=item4...

Estate wise the last of the line Insignia A in Elite Nav spec is hard to beat:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204275...

SRI VX Line Nav:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112100...

[Dadoc2001]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. Prev owner of our van had a XC60 - I'd looked at XC70's but not the 60 thinking they'd be out our reach. I would like a lower mile'r tho. Call me a s(nob) but having had ford's and Vx's in my youth they never had the same build quality as Honda when I moved over. Had Honda's in one guise or another since and when we deviated to another brand got bitten so would want the balance of premium without exorbitant cost.

The Infiniti is an interesting one. I've always admired the Q50 Hybrid and they were almost in my price range until Covid hit- now most seem 5k more than they were 2 years ago. I'd scanned the newer FX but seemed massive - EX smaller (and cheaper). Might pop through at the weekend and look at that one.

Fluid leak is the PAS pipe which is weeping in the drivers side wheel arch Goes in on Thurs to get fixed. Annoying but not too bad I suppose.

Will keep you posted.