Hi, does anyone tow with a Picasso?. I'm thinking of changing my tow car and have been looking at the Picasso as they are cheap to insure and tax and have a good mpg but dont know which would be most suitable the 2lt Diesel or the 1600 Diesel. Both have the same towing specs but the report for the 2lt says it may be sluggish as it's only 90bhp where as the 1600 is 115bhp. I only have a little Elddis Wisp 350/2 so vertually anything will pull it but there will be times when I would want to tow my daughters Swift Rapide 5 berth as my caravan is getting a bit cramped with 4 grandchildren plus me plus dog. So I would welcome opinions on which would be best. Been offered a nice 2004 2lt D
If you are getting an older one I would go for the 2litre diesel. The 1.6hdi needs to have had oil changed at correct interval with correct fully synthetic oil used to avoid premature turbo failure due to sludge blocking oil feed, so service history is important.
Some 1.6HDI's are 90bhp also.
Similar torque figures so not a lot in it.
Where the 1.6 may win slightly its cheaper road tax.
Power wise little in it. I would consider them both to be under powered :)
But im the caravanners equivalent of Jeremy Clarkson.
POWWWWEEEERRRRRRRR.... :)
The 1.6 may need to be worked harder when towing though.
Powerband not as wide and the power wont come in as soon with the smaller engine.
If the 2004 2L is in good nick and very important. Serviced properly. Not just an oil change every few years. I would go for that over a newer 1.6 thats been serviced less often.
Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 13/10/2012
If you are getting an older one I would go for the 2litre diesel. The 1.6hdi needs to have had oil changed at correct interval with correct fully synthetic oil used to avoid premature turbo failure due to sludge blocking oil feed, so service history is important.
Absolutely right - my turbo went DESPITE oil changes on the dot with the correct grade etc. Having had both a 2.0 90bhp for 100,000 miles and a 1.6 110bhp for about 80,000 miles, the latter is definitely perkier solo - but hardly noticeable when towing. Go for the 2.0, but make sure that has a solid service history - and if its anywhere near 100,000 miles make sure the cam belt is changed.
------------- June - Old Brick Kilns, Fakenham
June - Long Acres, Boston Lincs.
Thanks to all for the feedback. Good to get opinions from people who know the car. The one I've been offered is a one owner from new, 102,000miles, but I shall certainly check the service history.
I'm not committing myself yet as there are others I'm interested in, anyone know anything about the Volvo V40 diesel estate?
still have a 2.0hdi picasso used to tow an Elddis Wisp 450/eb 1000kg lightweight,and it had 180,000 miles plus on it, now on 210,000 but we have changed to a bigger van, so now have a Rav4, had the Picasso since 19,000, serviced myself, on its 3rd cambelt, would certainly get another, and its a taxi!!!!
Says in dimensions max towing 1300kg. I've seen a lot of cars very low at the back when towing. I always thought the outfit had to be level to tow safely.
Picasso does have fairly soft suspension. I fitted both of mine with auxiliary spring assisters from: Grayston.
They weren't expensive and they definitely helped to stiffen the back end.
------------- June - Old Brick Kilns, Fakenham
June - Long Acres, Boston Lincs.
I tow an Abbey 214GT with a Picasso 2.0hdi, not a problem. Not long since back from Cornwall 636 mile round trip and went up some fairly steep hills (long steep hills) If your an F! driver then yes it is a bit sluggish, i had no probs at all Great tow car for me. I dont have a budget for big 4x4's and i have been towing as long as i can remember. best tow-car i have ever had. I dont suppose it will tow a "BIG" van, mine is a 2 birth and always had 2 birth vans and the back isn't low on mine.
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Topic: Citreon Picasso
