I'm new on here and thought I would ask for some advice.
I'm looking at getting a 6 berth caravan that will have a max weight of about 1600kg. I therefore need to change cars in order to tow it. We haven't bought the caravan or decided on the exact model yet.
Currently we have a 57 plate Renault Grand Scenic 2.0 petrol which isn't heavy enough to tow it, and an old 1999 BMW 328Ci (184k miles!).
So I'm thinking of changing one of these for a towcar that:
1) Is heavy enough and capable of towing 1600kg
2) Will hold 2 adults and 2 kids, with the possibility of a third kid in future.
3) Have enough room inside for the luggage and sometimes our dog ( we also have a roof box that helps).
4) within a budget of about 3-5k
Does such a car exist!?! I thought maybe a big estate (BMW 530d touring?), a 4x4 (maybe a shogun sport?), or an MPV?
Also I'm torn between getting rid of the old BMW I have (which I love!) or getting rid of the Renault. The BMW is old and high mileage so worth very little. The Renault has only 50k miles on it, but seems to only be worth about 2.5-3k tops.
Did you pass your driving test after 1997? If so that will restrict your choice of outfit and make it impossible to remain legal with a caravan of that size.
A Galaxy would do the job but would probably be a high mileage at that price. Most of the Jap 4x4 would do the job if you can find one at the right price. I think I'd keep the BMW for sentimental reasons and part ex the Renault.
We can recommend kia sorentos. It would be heavy enough. They are good tow cars. We when bought our caravan (nearly 2yrs ago) and we changed our beloved mazda 6 estate for an older sorento. It is a much more comfortable tow. Ticks all your boxes and having had a quick look on autotrader quite a few reasonable options in your price bracket. Only downside is we have a 05 54 plate auto and its v thirsty. That'll partly be the roads round here as when we tow on long journeys it's about the same mpg but we probably average 20-22mpg! A manual would be more efficient though an auto is an easier drive esp for towing.
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thanks for the all replies guys, much appreciated.
I like the idea of a Kia Sorento - will take a look at that. Also I've heard a Hyundai Santa Fe is a good towcar and heavy enough (although the pre 2006 models are ugly as hell!).
Originally wanted a Disco but not sure anymore after some horror stories of reliability and running costs. The X5s seem to hold their value, and looks like i would get a higher mileage and perhaps slightly older model for that money - does anyone know of any reliability issues with them?
I have a 550/6 it weighs just 1285 kg mplm. I tow it with a 4x4 but there are plenty of cars that could tow it. Although if you actually need 6 berths the 550/6 might be a bit cramped. The 5 and 6 th bunks are made up from the side dinette. It's ok for 4 of us though.
Quote: Originally posted by Baileyjake on 14/8/2015I have a 550/6 it weighs just 1285 kg mplm. I tow it with a 4x4 but there are plenty of cars that could tow it. Although if you actually need 6 berths the 550/6 might be a bit cramped. The 5 and 6 th bunks are made up from the side dinette. It's ok for 4 of us though.
The 540/6 has 3 side bunks above each other then if needed you make the 4th up on the other side , 2 long benches at the front or a double, 1350KG, towed first with a Nissan primera, diesel, then a Skoda superb
Discos aregood but getting on a bit,parts cheap enough though. Early X5s apparantly can have expensive autobox problems!
Sorentos are good towcars, we are on our third.
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Topic: tow car advice
