Towcar dilemma

[hornetrider]

Currently towing with my fabulous E61 550i. It's a bit juicy of course but nothing too severe, and solo I'm averaging 24mpg with it which is acceptible for my current average mileage of 12-15k pa.

However I'm going to be moving house shortly, increasing my daily commute from <20 miles each way to >40 miles each way. Alas I think this is a tipping point and I have to suck up switching to the devils fuel. Boooooo!

My plan is to get an R129 500SL for weekends and pottering about as we all need a V8 in our lives. The question is what to get as a replacement tow car, which will also be a daily driver.

Budget is 4-5k max. Want an estate, not a 4x4. Would like a combined avg mpg of 40+ closer to 50 if possible. Needs to weigh 1500kgs or more and be capable of towing my van with a lack of effort - which is 1500kgs MTPLM.

Current list:

W210 E320CDI Avantgarde - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

A4 PD130 Quattro with GMBH kit - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

E39 530D Sport - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

B5.5 Passat Highline PD130 - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

I'm ruling out the 2.5 VAG engines due to reliability issues. Looked at a Passat TDI and I wanted to like it, but it didn't really feel special enough. I know they are very worthy though. If I could find a 4mo I might remain interested but it may be ruled out.

Anything I'm missing?

[hornetrider]

As above - MTPLM is 1500kgs. Think the MIRO is 1350.

[hornetrider]

Crafty_ said:

Passat - a friend towed with a 51 plate 1.9 130, similar to the highline that you linked to. It was only a light van (under 1100kg) but it towed well, he changed to the replacement model that towed horribly, I could feel it moving around etc from the passenger seat!

Yes, the newer one has the 2 litre engine as well which I've found to be very linear and lacking in grunty feel to the older 1.9 PD unit.

Crafty_ said:

As above you're missing the volvo option.

I'm a bit reluctant to get a FWD car. Also - is the D5 that economical? I looked at possibly an XC90 but the economy figures weren't much better than my 550i Plus, they fall under the 'not very special' category of personal misgivings I'm afraid.

Crafty_ said:

Slight curveball : my Dad tows with a Zafira cdti, heavy enough, got a stack of torque. There were a couple of other reasons why it was a good car for him but consider the "bigger" 4 door cars too - S Max, Zafira, Sharan etc.

Just... no No MPVs, however worthy.

[hornetrider]

Gah! I know I've typed combined but in my head I was thinking on a run or extra urban.

[hornetrider]

Rosscow said:

On right, that helps

What about an A6 Avant?

I have the 3.0 TDI Quattro and it's a great tow car. We get mid 40's on a run (47.1 last weekend to Devon and back) and I get around 28mpg when towing the caravan (large twin axle, 1700 MTPLM).

Cheers. A6 with the three litre lump is out of budget and I've read on here bad things about the 2.5.

[hornetrider]

I think the 3 litre is out of budget. Happy to have the 1.9PD Quattro on the list though.

[hornetrider]

Qwert1e said:

Sounds like you're going to spend a lot of ££££ on a new car to save a few £ of fuel.

Eh? Can you read? E61 is going and with the funds the plan is to buy a 500SL and a diesel.

[hornetrider]

cc - very informative, thanks. Impressive towing mpg!

[hornetrider]

Nope

Still undecided. I went to test drive an E61 530D yesterday but the trader was too understaffed to take me out ffs. Going to try another today and try and sniff out a local Audi.

There is a nice looking A4 Avant 2.5 TDI Quattro just round the corner from my house, but I'm wary about the engine. It's only 3.3k though, and looks a tidy car.

[hornetrider]

I seem to be leaning towards an XC70 D5 now...

[hornetrider]

I have contemplated that but I just can't face doing it to the old girl. It seems a bit intrusive.