Hi everyone. We are about to change our car and we are considering something that may be able to tow a caravan in the future. First and foremost we need a car with a large boot (two big lurchers) and have a limited budget. We have seen a nice Vauxhall Vectra Estate 1.8 LS with less than 30k miles on the clock so we are considering this. The stats for the car suggest it is 1431kg minimum kerb weight and maximum braked towing weight of 1300kg. Does this mean I can tow 85% of the kerb weight i.e. 1216kg or 1300kg? (There is only two of us, and the dogs, so wouldn't be looking for a large van, and possibly a folding camper). Also what other considerations so we be looking at? Is diesel better than petrol? Is the engine power (122bhp) important? Same with torque, 123lbs/ft (<- whatever that means). Noseweight? (again don't know how I determine this and the significance of it)
As you can tell from the above, I'm completely new to towing so I don't want to struggle with towing so any help would be very much appreciated - thank you
It means you can tow up to the legal limit of 1300kgs but if your new to towing I would aim for a caravan that has a MPTLM ( max loaded weight ) of around the 1216kg
I have the Hatchback 2.0 Dti with only 100hp but being a diesel it has masses of torque, and it pulls my current van Abbey solitaire at 1000kgs MTPLM effortless, but getting new van on Saturday coming with MTPLM of 1332kgs so will have to see how that goes.
Well the car sold before we got to look at it (it was a very good car for the money), so it's back to the drawing board....with a budget of £4k plus appox £1k trade-in, and no particular requirements except space for two lurchers in the boot and reasonable running costs, does anyone have any suggestions? (skoda noted, I have had a look at these but most are out of our budget but am going to keep looking for them)
Hi There - for a budget of around £4k you have agreat deal of choice when looking for a tow car, I currently have a Mondeo Mk3 (2002) Tdci (130 bhp) - and I have to say it is one of the best tow cars I have ever had, fuel economy both towing and solo is excellent, and parts are cheap, handling is also very good whether towing or solo -
At the end of the day it is down to personal choice - and as long as you go for a decent sized diesel I am sure you will be fine - You will be spoilt for choice with your budget
Quote: Originally posted by MDJO on 14/6/2011
Well the car sold before we got to look at it (it was a very good car for the money), so it's back to the drawing board....with a budget of £4k plus appox £1k trade-in, and no particular requirements except space for two lurchers in the boot and reasonable running costs, does anyone have any suggestions? (skoda noted, I have had a look at these but most are out of our budget but am going to keep looking for them)
You can have mine for that its a 55 plate 1.9 tdi estate 164,000 miles with full service history, taxi MOT till end of April next year harder to pass than a normal MOT, tax till Jan,only £110 per year, new tyres and brakes and discs and new shockers all round, leather interior, dog guard if required group 6 insurance, 50 plus MPG
We have a second hand Volvo V70 diesel, 2003 and it is fab for towing. It's the estate so plenty space for dogs too!
It was about £5k but with yoru part ex. Only problem we found was finding one - we knew what we wanted and how much we had to spend, but second hand ones seemed thin on the ground.
------------- Gail
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Topic: Complete Novice needs help
