Suggestions please for my next workhorse.

[dbv8]

1.Must be able to tow my TVR on a trailer from Cumbria to the dragstrips regularly
2.MPG is important as I will be using the car for work which is currently a 700 mile round trip most weeks. My current car is averaging 33 mpg . 40 + would be much better. Is 25mpg while towing a lot to ask?
3.Space to fit tools, wheels, nitrous bottles, camping gear
4.Budget isn’t too good. The cheaper the better. Lets say £5k at a push (bank manager visit ).

I have a few ideas but would like to know what you guys think.
Maybe a few tried and tested stories.

[NotDave]

Mondeo TDCI estate.


2.2TDCI if possible as more torque.
Wang some stiffer "towing springs" in the rear.


Not being a "towing" guru, can't be sure if it'll take the weight of car/trailer legally.

[dbv8]

The TVR weighs about 1100 kg wet and the trailer i havent got yet will probably be about 400kg, so about 1500kg to tow.

[PaperCut]

Would an Octavia (1.9 TDi) pull that sort of weight? If so can't think of a better workhorse - there's even the 4x4 version too..

Otherwise, something like an A6 Avant 2.5 TDi or even an E39 530d Touring, although potentially ruinous ahem...

[halo34]

Would a Volvo V70 do the job?

5k will get you a Phase 2 D5 with either 164 or 185 bhp diesel engine.

I have had a few including a d5 auto and it returned on average 40 mpg, shifted like it shouldnt when needed.

Good torque from the engine as its a 5 pot, good for towing and the best most comfy place to be in of any car I have owned yet. Not only that the sound system is excellent, plus you get a huge boot area that with the seats flat will fit an amazing amount of gubbins in.

The above assumes a diesel is needed given the MPG.

Alternatives for me would be an BMW E39 touring, but with the V70 your into newer territory for the cash you have?

[dbv8]

Both cars are 2 I first thought of.
I would want enough torque to keep from dropping to 2nd gear on a hill

Maybe chipping/remap could help???

[NotDave]

dbv8 said:

The TVR weighs about 1100 kg wet and the trailer i havent got yet will probably be about 400kg, so about 1500kg to tow.

Worth looking into then.


A friend has a 2005 Mondeo 2.2tdci. And the torque on it is immense. So would make a damned good tow vehicle IMHO.

decent tow-bar, stabilliser. Some stifferererer rear springs/assisters.

And the estate version for clobber.



Otherwise, van time?

As 4x4 fuel will ruin you on £700 miles a week.


Vivaro crew-cab? Or transit crew-cab?

[dbv8]

Had a little look on Autotrader at lunch.

The ST looks good. 155bhp, 236 lb/ft and still very good mpg

[V8Triumph]

Range Rover Classic - you'd get a really good one for £5K
5 series estate?

[NotDave]

dbv8 said:

Had a little look on Autotrader at lunch.

The ST looks good. 155bhp, 236 lb/ft and still very good mpg

Plus mundano handles well enough, quality inside ain't shabby, plenty of toys, parts are do-able.

Estate one would give you extra space.

[mat777]

I'd say a big old Volvo v70 diesel estate, or as a left field suggestion a Discovery 2 TD5 which might be a bit heavier on fuel but well up to towing