I'm a new caravaner, just bought a starter van from a great old soul a few streets away, Elddis Tornado xl 4 berth 1990/1chassis, 1992 body FSH no damp excellent find. ALKO fitted.
As I say, I'm new to this, ( father had an new Adria Optima 440 towed by a Golf GTI back in the early 90S, always enjoyed the freedom) so I'm keen for my young family to enjoy too.
I'm no boy racer, but I have an 07 civic type R which is entirely unsuitable for towing, and obviously needs to go...boo.
I am sure I will have many questions about caravaning, but to start...
I need a good Tow Car.
I really love my cars,( fathers influence!) so I'd like something ' nippy' when not towing, but equally capable with a van behind.
I've been looking at an 09 BMW 318 petrol estate, I have a very light van, looking at weight it seems ok.
So, am I being daft? Should I be looking at Mondeo, Passat, etc
Any help/ advice would be very much appreciated
with Best Regards
JTH
ok just found the facts and figures and your caravan is 970kgs fully loaded, the car has a kerb weight of 1301 kgs there is no reason why you couldn't use your civic
If you want something nippy solo, then maybe something a little larger than a Golf, from the same stable and very good for towing. You could consider a Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0TDi 4x4. Plenty of load space, extra traction towing and solo,
Quote: Originally posted by JTHamster on 06/5/2015
Cheers for this,
How do find the reliability? Always fond of Fords, but I had a few years ago and my wife still has hers, often being welded 😁
My Ford is on a 63 plate, its a business edition, and only done just over 7000 miles, so not really had any problems with it. However I've nearly always had Fords and generally found them reliable.
However it's down to individual choice, you have to buy a car that suits your needs and that you will feel comfortable driving.
Reliabilty on new cars is no longer an issue, all are much of a muchness. On older cars its down to maintinence and treatment throughout their lives. Mondeos with camchains have had more probs than the belt type. These days don't fear belt failure, fear tensioner failure but only if not changed at correct interval.
Quote: Originally posted by kazo2014 on 06/5/2015
ok just found the facts and figures and your caravan is 970kgs fully loaded, the car has a kerb weight of 1301 kgs there is no reason why you couldn't use your civic
Kazo2014, thank you for this. It is very much appreciated.
My wife has decided she wants a 4wd, she hated me when I traded in our old crv. ( excellent car I must admit)
Spotted a Kia sportage CRDI XE, 2010 50k, has tow bar ( hopefully Al Ko compatible) might pop to the dealership to view.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: NEWBIE seeking help!!
