Which 4WD Estate

[TimMcC]

Hi

Looking at changing the rib to something around 5.8m . Only problem is towing up some of the slipways I use with a 2.0 TD Estate could be a bit of a problem . Does anyone out there have any experience with 4WD cars/estates , are they any good for towing ? . I don’t want a jeep as I put up a lot miles due to work and I don’t want to pay anything over 2.0 litre road tax so my choice is a bit limited . Any suggestions or comments ?.

Thanks

[qcamel]

I had a Subaru estate a while ago as a 2nd car and was very impressed. It was an older model and the interior was dull but maybe they have solved that now?

[mdt]

Get a Audi as they are the only ones making TDI and 4WD in one package (yes Skoda do but only do a 100bhp) that is not going to getyou hit with all Blair’s Jeep tax.

Have had my one recovering the RIB up over the beach covered in seaweed admittedly not a 5.8m one but did not have any issue. Watch this space for photos of the tractor recovering my car next time I try this

[jimc]

I would recommend audis as I have towed our rib (6.5m) with mine on deep sandy beaches and slipways with no problems. But definetely get the quattro!

[mdt]

Originally Posted by jimc

But definetely get the quattro!

There is no point in an Audi that is not a quattro. Might as well save your self some cash and buy a VW.

[TimMcC]

Originally Posted by mdt

Get a Audi as they are the only ones making TDI and 4WD in one package (yes Skoda do but only do a 100bhp) that is not going to getyou hit with all Blair’s Jeep tax.

Have had my one recovering the RIB up over the beach covered in seaweed admittedly not a 5.8m one but did not have any issue. Watch this space for photos of the tractor recovering my car next time I try this

Even worse than Blair's Jeep Tax we have road tax of approx €1450 on a 3.1 TD with rumours of an SUV tax within the next couple of years on top of that so you can see why 2.0 is my max . Was it an A4 or A6 you have/had ?.

[mdt]

Originally Posted by TimMcC

Even worse than Blair's Jeep Tax we have road tax of approx €1450 on a 3.1 TD with rumours of an SUV tax within the next couple of years on top of that so you can see why 2.0 is my max . Was it an A4 or A6 you have/had ?.

on my 5th Audi an A4 too young to get the A6 just yet. Audi have just done the new 2.0 tdi (170 bhp) with the quattro.

[britemp]

Easy - Subaru Forester. 2.0 boxer engine, good ground clearance, good performance, drives like a car and best of all, proper 4WD with a low ratio transferbox for towing RIB's up slippy, er, slipways and over beaches.

[PeteSmith]

Have you thought about a Kia Sportage?

Ive just bought one and am very impressed with the build quality and price!

Its a 2 litre diesel (138bhp) 4X4, that comes with a 0.5m wading depth (good for slips) . It averages 32mpg around town, and can tow 1600kg (braked)
You can visit kias website ( www.kia.co.uk )for full specs but it has the following, It also handles like a normal car when not towing.

6 speed gear box
ESP + 4x4 lock mode
Fold flat rear seats
opening rear window
Climate control
Privacy glass
elec sunroof & front / rear elec windows & mirrors
Full leather interior inc heated seats

The XS (top model) costs around £17k alot less that other 4x4s

[Biggles]

Pete,

Does the Sportage have Low Ratio ?