Used towcar recommendations
This is a genuine call for top tips and advice. I'm a woman on my own, with scant knowledge about cars. My old Ford Focus did not fare well on a recent trip abroad (two breakdowns) and I have lost confidence in it as a towcar. I have to find a decent towcar
to pull a fairly light caravan but I want one with a bit more welly than the FF. My funds are really limited £5,500 is the absolute tops. Does anyone have ideas. I have been told Japanese cars are more reliable....maybe that's a start. Thanks, in advance,
to anyone who can give me any constructive advice.
Comments
-
I agree regarding Japanese cars, they tend to be very reliable. I suggest Toyota are one of the best, and also Subaru, but I have yet to find a bad car from one of the Japanese brands.
It really comes down to a question of Price, Condition, size and weight suitable to tow your van. Also just check that a tow bar is available for your chosen model before signing on the line!
TF
0 -
Up to the hols were you happy with your Ford? There are loads of diesel Mondeos out there which will pull really well for that kind of money. For eg.just seen a 1.8tdci (125bhp) on a 10 reg plate with 60k on clock for £4988 (arguing starting price) at Arnold
Clark dealers0 -
I got a Volvo V70 D5 diesel which is just run in at 167000miles and pulls my sterling moonstone a treat and as good fuel econamy at around 45mpg, 38 with van on, not bad for a 2.4. Only thing I have done was fit spring assisters. Only thing I would say is
go for a manual not auto which seem to have problems.0 -
The most reliable cars we have had have been Mazdas. On speaking to an AA man when my daughters car broke down he suggested that in his opinion Toyota and Mazda were the most reliable. Generally in surveys Japanese cars do well but Skoda also get good ratings.
0 -
Japanese cars are not cheap to buy used and whilst relaible they are very expensive when they do break. Honda are generally
the most reliable along with Mazda and Subaru, although I wouldn't recommend the latter with your limited budget. Personally i would recommend a Skoda octavia diesel, hatch or estate, manual or DSG. good value, excellent owner satisfaction results
in surveys.0 -
I think with your budget i wouldn't touch a modern diesel. Replacing dmfs,dpfs,injectors,is a massive cost.Unless fuel economy is your outright priority as you do high mileages then i'd be looking at Mazda 6 1.8 petrol, Toyota Avensis 1.8 .Honda do a 1.8
Civic as well but their 2.2 diesel in the same car gave clutch problems so not sure about the 1.8.You'll get one of these with reasonable mileage for the same money as a high mileage diesel.
For one person with a lightweight caravan then these would be fine for towing.
0 -
Given the OP wants more 'welly' by which I presume the good lady means torque, then any petrol will need to be a big 'un (capacity, that is) and ideally with a turbo To provide the 'welly'. Unless turbo'd I doubt a 1.8 petrol rep-mobile will suffice and
would look at at least 2.0 litres0 -
If the ladies Focus has a turbo then its likely to be a diesel and more so having clutch problems.
0 -
hi, i have owned 2 passats, one was a 09 reg 140bhp model and the other was the less refined 1.9 diesel that was a 10 reg, both performed well with caravans that had a mptlm of around 1400kg, however we always travel light.
The 1.9 engine as fitted to some skodas isnt as refined as the 2.0 version. Personally I would go for the 2.0 diesel, but make sure that its one of the later modesl as the older ones had oil pump problems.
I now own a freelander 2, its a 2.2 diesel.
The mass in service as shown on the v5 is 1975 kg, its a 2012 and it has done approx 70k with no problems.
good luck with your search, dont forget to check that the car manufacturer hasnt put a max towing limit on to the car which overiddes its kerbweight when outfit matching.
0 -
The old 1.9 engine maybe not as refined, but it was a very reliable engine and gave good fuel consumption, it is also less advanced so tends to be less costly if things do go wrong, I also wouldn't totally rule out a mondeo diesel, but I'd be more tempted
with a 2.0 in one, the mondeo 1.8 can have an expensive cam belt to replace!0 -
A dealer near me has a Octavia 1.6 tdi cr estate , 2009, with 58,000 miles for £5495.
2 other Octavias in the same price region but the 1.6 mpi engine with lower mileages and later models.
Octavias are very popular as taxis clocking massive mileages and most cars have a mileometer that is easy to turn back electronically.
0 -
Do not go for the 1.6tdi in any VW group product, rubbish. And the 1.8 Ford diesel will put you off disiesels for life. As stated above the old VW 1.9tdi is almost indestructible but whatever you buy go on history and condition before mileage.
0
but it developed clutch problems TWICE - hence the desire for something more
