Interesting but cheap tow car

[Clarkgti]

More of a discussion than a question but the parameters are:

-Up to 2k (maybe 2.5 k if required), if less than this then thats a nice bonus as well
- must be able to tow a basic trailer with a race prepared modern hatchback so about 1750kg off the top of my head
- will only be used to tow or the odd trip to the tip
- should be reliable despite possibly needing some tlc here and there as not many cars are tip top in this price range
- should be not terrible on fuel if possible

With all that in mind, it has to then be interesting in somewhat. Spending 2k on a boring car you don't like just to tow is a bit rubbish so if there are some interesting things out there let me know!

[Rob_125]

Might struggle with current prices, but omega 3.2l v6 (and cut the back boxes off)

Failing that I sold a merc e320d 2006, a couple years ago, with all the toys for £2450. Went like stink, but also wafted beautifully with its' 7 spd box. Had loads of toys on it too.

[nismo48]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208018...

Spotted this
Looks lovely and a snip too

[Clarkgti]

Nice suggestions. Omega is a curveball didn't think of that.

Saab looks great tbh, I had an old 9-3 sold it for pennies in the end but it was the most reliable car I ever had and had some cool qwerks and was pretty fast! Handled like a boat mostly as well haha.

[Lotobear]

....I'd be looking at an H6 Outback, it would be the early model at that price but they are around.Thirsty but certainly ticks the interesting box

[NiceCupOfTea]

nismo48 said:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208018...

Spotted this
Looks lovely and a snip too

Nice cars but a few scuffs and pushed in rear bumper. Seats look like they’ve done more than 100k, although it looks like the interior comes with £50 worth of cockpit shine so there’s that…. Not sure I’d pay £2K for that one. Also worth checking the tax on 06 plates, can be ruinous. Edit: yeah £615 I’d look for an earlier aero manual estate, private sale from enthusiast owner personally.

[A500leroy]

Rover 800/75

[Martin30]

_Legally_ towing 1,750kg narrows the field down a fair bit. Many cars are homologated to tow only 1,500 or 1,600kg - very common for that to be the cut-off. From my research when buying a few years back, FWD cars tend to be down at this 1,500kg level, presumably as they have lighter weight on the back axle.

I use a 2008 (S211) E-class which is homologated for 2,100kg (if an auto, 1,900kg if manual). Air suspension as standard on the back, and tows very well.

Most of the larger VW group cars with a rear diff (so 4wd versions of A6, Passat, Superb) etc. are also homologated for 1,800kg or more. The vast majority of the medium and large SUVs are well over that towing capacity.

Googling 'towing capacity' will get you searchable data, but there may be some inaccuracies and you should check the weights sticker on the car concerned - normally in the door shut.

Martin.

[ZX10R NIN]

Mercedes E500:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207047...

CLK320 CDI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207278...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207127...

E320cdi

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208058...

Jaguar S Type:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207057...

GS300:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207238...

[georgeyboy12345]

Here are some interesting cars for towing, though I'd feel a bit guilty sticking rubbish in the boot on a tip run

A lovely old D2 Audi A8 2.8 Quattro, back from a time when they were still a classy left field choice owned by doctors and architects rather than PCP chavs. They have a towing capacity of 2100 kg.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207207...


Mercedes W211 E500 - 1900 kg towing capacity
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207047...


BMW E39 535i - 2000 kg towing capacity
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207248...


Jaguar S-Type 4.0 V8 - 1850 kg towing capacity
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205246...


Jaguar X350 XJ6 - 1900 kg towing capacity
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203083...


Otherwise I'd go for something a bit more rugged, like one of these SUVs

BMW E53 X5 4.4i V8 - 3500 kg towing capacity
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207167...


Jeep Cherokee 2.8 TD Limited - 2800 kg towing capacity
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207117...


VW Touareg 2.5 TDI - 3500 kg towing capacity
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207258...

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Friday 5th August 20:48

[lemonslap]

Clarkgti said:

More of a discussion than a question but the parameters are:

-Up to 2k (maybe 2.5 k if required), if less than this then thats a nice bonus as well
- must be able to tow a basic trailer with a race prepared modern hatchback so about 1750kg off the top of my head
- will only be used to tow or the odd trip to the tip
- should be reliable despite possibly needing some tlc here and there as not many cars are tip top in this price range
- should be not terrible on fuel if possible

With all that in mind, it has to then be interesting in somewhat. Spending 2k on a boring car you don't like just to tow is a bit rubbish so if there are some interesting things out there let me know!

My E320 is up for sale, will let it go to a fellow PHer cheaper than advertised: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[orangeradical]

When I used to race cars I had a VW Touareg 3.0TDI which towed a covered Brian James trailer. It was absolutely brilliant and didn't notice the weight at all. I would also say that having the elevated view from an suv a real advantage when reversing etc, you can pick these up around your budget.