Bangernomics tow car
Discussion
I recently gave up my tow car for a little M135i and I’ve never been happier for 90% of my journeys.
However, I thought I’d be content hiring tow vehicles, but it’s just not working out.
So that moves me on to a dedicated car or van just for towing. I’m towing approximately 1400kg including trailer.
I’m open to car, pickup, 4x4 or even a van but it needs to tow well and have a decent nose weight rating to account for my tyre rack (90+)
Obvious choice is a 4x4 I think, but what’s cheap and reliable?
I don’t really want to spend more than £1k for a car that’ll sit rotting on my drive for 350 days a year but will stretch if it’s just not doable.
Any suggestions? In a spate of irony I’m writing this from a E46 325 touring at the side of the road with a trailer because the clutch has gone 😭
However, I thought I’d be content hiring tow vehicles, but it’s just not working out.
So that moves me on to a dedicated car or van just for towing. I’m towing approximately 1400kg including trailer.
I’m open to car, pickup, 4x4 or even a van but it needs to tow well and have a decent nose weight rating to account for my tyre rack (90+)
Obvious choice is a 4x4 I think, but what’s cheap and reliable?
I don’t really want to spend more than £1k for a car that’ll sit rotting on my drive for 350 days a year but will stretch if it’s just not doable.
Any suggestions? In a spate of irony I’m writing this from a E46 325 touring at the side of the road with a trailer because the clutch has gone 😭
I've seen a lot of jeep grand Cherokees used as tow cars. They can probably be had for around your budget.
Also, we own a Kia Sorento which although we have never towed with it, the previous family member owner did a lot and they liked it so much they replaced it with the exact same one when they changed. They can definitely be had for that money too. Just watch for rust on them, ours hasn't got any worth noting luckily, but some are written off that are much newer than ours just for rust.
Also, we own a Kia Sorento which although we have never towed with it, the previous family member owner did a lot and they liked it so much they replaced it with the exact same one when they changed. They can definitely be had for that money too. Just watch for rust on them, ours hasn't got any worth noting luckily, but some are written off that are much newer than ours just for rust.
Not up to date with old truck and jeep prices but ones I have personal experience with:
Shogun / pajero biggest issue is rust.
Isuzu bighorn the 3.1td is the one to have, again rust.
Isuzu rodeo/vauxhall brava are very good if in budget
Hilux surf, Nissan terrano and grand Cherokee are all worth a look.
My money would source a good old (basic) truck such as the rodeo/brava, they hold their money well and are very easy to look after. Ours have only needed suspension parts and general servicing.
Shogun / pajero biggest issue is rust.
Isuzu bighorn the 3.1td is the one to have, again rust.
Isuzu rodeo/vauxhall brava are very good if in budget
Hilux surf, Nissan terrano and grand Cherokee are all worth a look.
My money would source a good old (basic) truck such as the rodeo/brava, they hold their money well and are very easy to look after. Ours have only needed suspension parts and general servicing.
Reliable? 
ZX10R NIN said:
ML
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Buy the best Volvo V70 estate you can find OP would be my advice. If you want reliable FFS don't buy a cheap SUV.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
SWoll said:
Buy the best Volvo V70 estate you can find OP would be my advice. If you want reliable FFS don't buy a cheap SUV.
Rust is the biggest issue on the ML the drivetrain is well proven.Or the Grand Voyager:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
ZX10R NIN said:
SWoll said:
Buy the best Volvo V70 estate you can find OP would be my advice. If you want reliable FFS don't buy a cheap SUV.
Rust is the biggest issue on the ML the drivetrain is well proven.Or the Grand Voyager:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
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