Replacing my Freelander tow car
I've been towing a caravan for almost 6 years, the first 3 with a Freelander 2 XS TD4 manual and the balance with one of the last Freelander's built, a SD4 Metropolis that only came with an auto gearbox and has a high spec with lots of features that would normally come as extras, including a full sized spare wheel. The current car has 190bhp, 420Nm of torque, approx 1800 kerbside weight and can take a tow ball loading of 150kgs. Both cars have been fantastic towing vehicles of the two caravans we have owned, both single axles and slightly under 1500kgs weight.
However, now that our current car is 5 years old and is well out of warranty I've been looking at replacements but am struggling on finding a car with similar properties. I'm resigned to having to have a "skinny" spare wheel and 100kgs max tow ball loading but most potentially suitable cars seem to be longer, (and clumsier), with 7 seats I don't need, have a list price with the essential features over the £40,000 threshold that means you have to pay the government a significant premium on the road fund licence for the first 5 years.
Any sensible suggestions? I would like to buy an almost new, up to 2 yrs old to keep the cost down, keep the list price new under the £40k threshold, with a reversing camera, heated seats and leather trim if possible.
Comments
-
Mercedes GLE250/350 .... 🤔
0 -
Take a look at Jeeps. There’s something to suit most folks. Avoid Renegade though, it’s a Fiat in drag, looks like a Fiat, drives like a Fiat, performs like a Fiat. Unworthy of the Jeep badge.
2 -
My brother is a mechanic and has a merc, it goes into limp mode for no reason. Fortunately for him he is a mechanic so takes his laptop every where in the car with him, plugs it in to wherever you plug these things, clears the faults and presto it goes till next time.
0 -
Sorento or its sibling Santa Fe.
4x4, loads of kit, tows beautifully, comfy.
5 or 7 year warranty, not that you will probably need it.
7 seats just leave row 3 under the floor, 7 seaters have really good residuals.
Not frugal but then should be better than the Disco, tank range to get you as far as you want to go in a day.
£40k may even get a new pre-reg one.
1 -
If Land Rovers break down as often as some people allege then it follows there should be plenty of places with experience in fixing them.
0 -
Human nature being what it is 90% of people are going to recommend the model/brand they currently drive. 10% are going to say don’t touch their current model with a barge pole. We currently have a VW Touareg and are delighted with it as a tow car. Admittedly we only have a SA caravan but it’s mptlm is 1900kg.
For me it represents value for money because I am not paying a premium for a badge. The only problem we have had is a rear door lock failed twice the second time just outside of warranty, the lock was over £300 plus fitting. Or £30 for a late scrap lock. I can now change the lock on a Touareg 😄.
But if the OP likes his current vehicle why is he thinking about changing? Change for the sake of change is imho a bit of a mugs game.
0 -
Have one. After being a LR fanatic for several years, swopped to Sorento when i did not need a serious off roader, best thing i ever did. Dont buy the Sportage for 1500kg too light in my opinion, i tow `1575kg and Sorento is fine with 100 kg nose down, mine is 2013 model (auto) and has full sized spare wheel slung underneath at rear, never had mine up as a 7 seater, dog lives in boot. Not that i have had any problems with mine, touch wood, but just make sure you are familiar with 7 year warranty, there are some exclusions which could make your hair curl.
0 -
Never really considered that MM, but we have a detectable tow bar and there is a couple of inches between it and the attachment and never seem to hit the spare when putting it on. If I get the chance I'll take a pic or actually measure it tomorrow. I suppose it might mean taking the spare off with a permanent tow bar (fingers crossed I never have to do that - you know how useless I am with anything mechanical) more difficult?
0 -
There was no bar fitted to the Kia I looked at so I was just curious about the amount of room. Obviously the (main) dealer was clueless 😯
Fortunately my skinny spare is safe & snug in the boot of my ML and my towball drops down at the touch of a button! 😊
0 -
"...but we have a detectable tow bar"
Could be tricky if you couldn't find it.
1 -
Often found with someones knee cap though!
0
