New towcar - matching service
Hi all - possibly in the market for a new tow car but don't want (can't afford) new. It would seem that there are only a few cars suitable to tow our caravan using the matching service and even then it's very varied on model of each type of car. Having made a bad and costly mistake before we don't want to do so again so are trying to take our time and research thoroughly.
The shortlist in our price range seems to be Hyundai Sante Fe (my choice), Kia Sorento (current car), Jeep Cherokee (OH choice), or Chevrolet Captiva (ugly 
). Hubby doesn't really like Landrover. Out of our price range are the Audi's, VW Toureg, Lexus, Mercedes, Volvo type of cars. It also seems that prices have really risen for a 2-3 year old car since our last purchase in 2011.
On using the matching service, I couldn't find details of some cars, Kuga being one of them. We are very conscious not to exceed any noseweight as our caravan is very nose heavy and therefore needs something with 100kg limit. I don't want to enter into discussions about noseweights and loading techniques as we've been there before and it is virtually impossible to get the nosewieght below 85kg (as other Moonstone owners confirm).
I wonder if members have any experience of the four cars listed above in particular the Jeep Cherokee and if it's better to get the Grand Cherokee (more expensive).
Thanks in advance
Comments
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Hi Moonstone, having read your post I have noticed that your choice is the Santa Fe, I have recently part ex my Santa Fe 2.2cdti Premium Auto due to a list of faults namely the transfer box which potentially required major surgery to the tune of £2500 at Hyundai so please be careful when or if purchasing PS mine was 2011 model so not the latest version.
Cannot comment on any of your other choices.
I now have a Vauxhall Antara 2.2cdti SE Nav which I am more than happy with this maybe one to add to your list.
PS both cars used to tow a Bailey Milan (MTPLM - 1499kgs)
Good luck with the car search.
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We have just bought a new Santa Fe, PX our Shogun which was a fantastic tow car but the tax was £525 a year 07 model, the 2011 model came down a bit, tax £300 plus fuel econ many better. why l am pushing the shogun the price on secondhand models is reasonable. The Santa Fe Road tax £210 auto 180 manual same has the Kia but l think the Santa Fe has better styling, the Kia though has 6 year warranty against the 5 year on the Santa Fe, Jeep Cherokee l dismissed had heard some bad reports. I have not towed yet with the SF so can't comment but the Shogun brill , some say a bit of a tractor but it does what says on the tin. Once l have done 1200 miles l can tow with the SF and then l could make a final judgement, The reports l have read on the cars you mention are good apart from the Jeep but no doubt some will say that they are ok. Hope you find what you are looking for, by the way l wanted to stick with another new Shogun but her in doors thought has you do the SF looked the better option
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Thanks all so far.
Our caravan is a Sterling Eccles Moonstone 2010 with a fully loaded weight of 1586kg so not that hefty but the noseweight is a problem. Definitely want 4x4 as use CL's regularly all year round and I do like the high driving position.
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I would ignore the CC matching service (I think its at best poor) and go to towcar web site. That gives much more realistic data and user feedback on various car/caravan combinations. I towed our 2010 Moonstone very happily with an A6 Estate and did eventually (just) get the n/weight to 90kg by sliding the Fiamma canopy to the back of the awning rail. We now have a Quattro EW which is near as damn it same MTPLM now towing with a passat Alltrack. Personally I would be looking at Alltrack, A6 Allroad or A6 quattro estate, Touareg, Q5. The Kuga is a good option if Fords are your thing, as is Xc60 and I think the Mazda CX5 is ok too.
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Thanks Flatcoat
We're a little wary as have been bitten on the bum in the past with the dodgy nose weight (and I'm glad you agree, very few do!) and was a very costly mistake. We are open to any suggestions, I hadn't managed to find the nose weight on the Kuga but am still researching - it's a full time job looking for a new car these days! Thanks also for the tip about Towcar website - I will take a look.
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Kuta noseweight is 105Kg on Mk1. I think it might be 100Kg on Mk 2 but not certain.
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Thank you Cyberyacht
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My Mk2 Kuga has the 180ps 2.0ltr diesel engine and intelligent AWD with 6 speed maual. The kerbside weight is 1702Kg and Max towable Mass is 2100Kg. The max nose weight across the range is 100Kg. We're really pleased with it. 85% weight ratio would be 1446Kg
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