Weekend, Mile Munching, Tow Vehicle

[Osmoliver]

I have a Toyota Aygo for cheap motoring to get me to and from work etc. My girlfriend is planning on moving her Golf on and getting something similar for her commuting, probably a Toyota Yaris.

We have a range of other interesting cars that we use for motorsport. With getting more involved in rallying, it’d be useful to trailer cars to and from events.

We’re both over 100 miles away from our original homes and do several trips a year too.

So, we’re thinking about buying a vehicle that can get us around in comfort at weekends, be good for long trips and tow cars.

We’re a big fan of good value, so the cheaper the better. What ideas does PH have?

[shtu]

Van with a small camper section up front, and tool\spares space in the back.

Register as a camper van to get a bonus 10mph

[Osmoliver]

shtu said:

Van with a small camper section up front, and tool\spares space in the back.

Register as a camper van to get a bonus 10mph

We have discussed a van and it’s definitely an option! The question is, what vans are worth looking at? We’re not really a fan of the VW Campers, don’t fully understand the scene.

[alfa-alex]

Vito is a decent tow vehicle, rear wheel drive and can be made in to a decent overnight vehicle with a reasonable towing capacity.

Whatever vehicle you’re looking at it’ll be worth thinking about the vehicle weight you’re towing and the combined trailer weight to make sure you’re not over the recommended towing weight

[stevemcs]

I guess a lot will depend on how much you want too tow, but disco 3 or i800 for something more van like, or even a Ford Galaxy.

[Chicken Chaser]

I've got a Vito, they're not the greatest steers but they do miles easily and fairly frugally at over 40mpg for a 116. The seats are decent, the dash is ok, not quite as fancy as VW or Ford but there are ways to improve it. Engines are pretty powerful and even my 160bhp tows a caravan easily. The lack of power is the only way I know it's on the back really. Great for using the van as a mobile shed for bikes, BBQs, walking kit etc when we are away as a family.

[Osmoliver]

I like the idea of a Disco 3! Very versatile, doesn’t look out of place at the shops, a nice restaurant or down a muddy lane. Could turn it into a camper by putting a tent on the roof too.

The Vito and i800 suggestions are good, but they sadly don’t excite me.

[Ryan_T]

Instead of Disco 3, I’d go LandCruiser 120.



Bought (admittedly now sold) mine for the same reasons as you.

[Osmoliver]

Ryan_T said:

Instead of Disco 3, I’d go LandCruiser 120.



Bought (admittedly now sold) mine for the same reasons as you.

To be honest, the Disco 3 proposition does scare me with the potential maintenance/repair bills. I am a Toyota fan. The Land Cruiser definitely ticks all the boxes.

How come you sold? Have you replaced it? If so, what with?

[ZX10R NIN]

If you're going to tow I'd workout what weight you're looking to tow as they'd be nothing worse than getting the wrong car, I'd recommend looking at these three.

Grand Cherokee Limited:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211221...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211151...

E350cdi:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211041...

E320cdi:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212042...

Long wheelbase R320cdi:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210291...

If you'd like a van, the lower end of the market is a minefield so I'd go for the people carrier version they tend not to be worked as hard.

Hyundai i800:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212022...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212182...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211051...

[Cakey_]

VW caravelle? Everyone thinks they are campers but they're not. I've got one and not into the scene at all, they're just an ultra practical van.
7 seats, back can be set up like a living room/picnic area so somewhere nice to sit when not on track seats can be folded flat to make a full width double bed if you wanted to sleep in it.

[Chicken Chaser]

Cakey_ said:

VW caravelle? Everyone thinks they are campers but they're not. I've got one and not into the scene at all, they're just an ultra practical van.
7 seats, back can be set up like a living room/picnic area so somewhere nice to sit when not on track seats can be folded flat to make a full width double bed if you wanted to sleep in it.

That's what I was after but at the time prices went crazy. I missed one and I still kick myself about it but it was over budget when I was shopping. Great vans.