Hi, Looking at, in the future, changing my current tow car, a 2005 Vectra Estate. Top of my list at the moment is a 2005/06 Honda CR-V 2.2 ctdi. Like the idea of a 4X4 with a higher driving position but without the poor fuel economy of the larger 4X4's, these seem to fit the profile. My current caravan is a lightweight Bailey Avallon only 1048kg max. Any of you helpful ladies & gents got any experience of these as tow cars. Thanks Richard.
I used to have a 2004 Honda Accord Tourer with the same engine. It was an excellent tow car and utterly reliable. The CR-V should be better as a tow car being that bit heavier.
I changed my Accord for a new CR-V in 2013. I had the Accord from new and never had a thing wrong. It was like a new car when I changed it. I'm sure you will find your CR-V equally reliable.
Hi, Thanks for all the positive comments, its looking good for a CRV but another question, which is a better tow car the mk2 (with the spare on the back) or the mk3. Thanks Richard.
Intelligent 4 x 4 - it is front wheel drive but if traction is lost it switches to 4 WD.
That's why it is economical. I have had up to 53 mpg on a long solo run but more normally on mixed conditions - about 43 mpg
Towing around 30mpg
I have not owned the earlier model. There's apparently a new 1.6 diesel out this year boasting better torque than a 2 litre and 60 mpg.
I'll have to wait till it's affordable.
In my opinion the Mk3 is a better choice, the spare wheel on the back necessitates a long unsightly tow bar to clear the wheel on the tail gate and access is better (particularly when the van is hitched up) on the Mk 3 as the tail gate lifts up. Downside is that it come with a space saver spare wheel which should not be used when towing. I have a Mk3 2.2 I DTEC auto and get 22-26 mpg when towing a coachman of 1500kgs and have had 48 mpg solo . Average mpg is 34 over last 4000 miles. Manual will give better fuel consumption, lower road tax and will pull your van with no problems .
Hi, thanks for the info. Think I'll hold out for a mk3. There's no rush as my Vectra is pretty good, just like the idea of the higher driving position and the peace of mind that I have 4x4 if needed especially as some of the sites I use are grass. Thanks Richard.
Our CRV is just a year old this week and we love it, great towcar and really stable and good in snow, l have owned many Hondas over the years, including Civics, Accords, and a Jazz, all brilliant to drive with fantastic reliability, like previously mentioned though, the CRVS with the spare wheel on the back door can be tricky to hitch upto and a pain once hitched as you cannot open the boot to gain access should you wish to reach something, unless you reach over the back seats.
Good luck with your search
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Quote: Originally posted by oxter on 02/2/2015I love my Mk3 - 2009. 2.2 ctdi
Intelligent 4 x 4 - it is front wheel drive but if traction is lost it switches to 4 WD.
That's why it is economical. I have had up to 53 mpg on a long solo run but more normally on mixed conditions - about 43 mpg
Towing around 30mpg
I have not owned the earlier model.
Ditto, best towcar I have ever owned, go for the Mk 3 if you can.
Dave
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
Ive got a 2005 crv diesel. Great car very reliable and comfortable. I tow a 1485kg Bailey pegasus and Its no problem for the car.
I use a detachable tow ball so the fact that it sticks out a bit is not an issue. As far as opening the rear door not a big problem for me as I don't normally require access once hitched up. The rear window opens separately from the door anyway.
The rear wheel doesn't interfere with hitching up.
I get on average 24mpg towing and 39 solo on day to day use.
The full size spare is easy to get at and on mine its an alloy so you can leave it on.
I bought the CRV in 2008 with 30k on the clock, its now done 105k, in that time its needed a new driveshaft (vibration) and a couple of bushes.
The CRV is like a good woman ( a wh##e in bed a good cook a good looking woman and a wondefull mother) look after it and it looks after you. Will be keeping this one for a long long time.
Quote: Originally posted by pecker on 19/2/2015
The CRV is like a good woman ( a wh##e in bed a good cook a good looking woman and a wondefull mother) look after it and it looks after you. Will be keeping this one for a long long time.
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Topic: 2005 Honda CR-V 2.2 ctdi
