Replacement Tow Car

[diver 1]

I have a 2003 VW Passat 4motion which has proven an excellent car for towing the rin and carrying mountain bikes and dive kit all over the country.

I'm looking for a similar car to tow the rib 1150kg bearing in mind I'd like it to have four wheel drive and preferably better ground clearance than the Passat which is a sport model so extra low.

My budget is about 11k and I'm after something 2007 or newer, 43mpg +, and big enough for the bikes to be flung inside.

I'm looking at:

Another passat estate 4motion - very hard to come by, not many about
Audi Quatrro - mostly bigger engines now, 1.9 130bhp often very high miles
Subaru Outback - few around, but seem to have major clutch problems (reading online)
Skoda Scout / Octavia 4x4 - quite low specced interior dont seem to be any nice extra's


Does anyone have any other suggestions to add to the pot or know of anything suitable for sale? I'm loathed to join the big 4x4 brigade as I don't need that and I do mega miles so want something comfortable that handles reasonably well.

[C2 RIBS]

Look at Kia Sorrento- great tow car with 4X4 options and price wise a 2009 is within your reach with 20-40000 miles

[Kernow Buoy]

Volvo XC70, my son had one, very nice.

[TomKat]

i have a Subaru Legacy and had a warranty clutch at 30,000 miles. Apart from that great car but would have been £2K if not under warranty...

[Razorbill RIBs]

Originally Posted by Kernow Buoy

Volvo XC70, my son had one, very nice.

I think that Duncan 'Searider' on here has an XC70 he is about to sell (has replaced with an XC90).....may be worth a PM?

[mick]

Freelander 2 or Volvo xc70
Good second hand 4x4 are like hens teeth at the mo I have it on good authority that overseas buyers are coming to the auctions and buying them up paying silly money

[Searider]

Originally Posted by Razorbill RIBs

I think that Duncan 'Searider' on here has an XC70 he is about to sell (has replaced with an XC90).....may be worth a PM?

Thanks Dan

I will be selling my XC70 later in the summer.

But it's a 55 plate and not expensive enough for the OP!

Easy 45mpg on the motorway, very comfy seats. Tows my Scorpion fine.

Will put it up on here when ready to sell once i've swapped the silver rocket for an A6 smoker.

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by diver 1

I'm looking at:

Another passat estate 4motion - very hard to come by, not many about
Audi Quatrro - mostly bigger engines now, 1.9 130bhp often very high miles
Subaru Outback - few around, but seem to have major clutch problems (reading online)
Skoda Scout / Octavia 4x4 - quite low specced interior dont seem to be any nice extras

The Passat estate 4Motion is a nice car. It uses Haldex part-time 4 wheel drive, so fuel economy is excellent. From 2005 on it's either a 2.0 diesel, 2.0FSI or a daft 3.6 litre V6 petrol engine.

Audi quattros - I drive a 2001 A4 2.5TDI Avant quattro sport (aka Amtrak locomotive).
I think A4s will be too small, if you've been used to driving a Passat. The A6 is roughly the same size. Lots of engines to choose from, if you're looking for an oil burner with plenty torque. All fixed 4 wheel drive, so fuel consumption won't be as good as the 4Motion. You could consider an A6 Allroad. Plenty ground clearance. Only down side is expensive fix on air suspension, and avoid auto boxes if you want to play safe.

Subaru outback - no personal experience of it - but have heard they're expensive for parts.

New Octavia 4x4 Scout is a great looking car - however still pricey, even for 2008-2010 with average miles which would fit your budget. 1.9 TDI PD engine is frugal, or 2.0 litre.

[PeterM]

Originally Posted by C2 RIBS

Look at Kia Sorrento- great tow car with 4X4 options and price wise a 2009 is within your reach with 20-40000 miles

I'd 100% agree with Ian . A 2009 car would ( I think) still give you maybe 2 years of manufacturer warranty ( which your unilkely to need anyway , but peace of mind ) .

The badging can make some want to walk away , but give one a drive for sure.

Not a 'BIG@ 4x4 but not the smallest . I have a Hyundai Santa Fe ( who Kia own or is it the other way round? ) which I think is a bit bigger but still quite capable on slips etc ...

Or pay a lot more for an older much higher milage car with no warranty but a 'badge' on it .....?

[BruceB]

I have a Sorento and it drives very nicely and you hardly notice when towing, very comfortable and reasonably economic. I am very happy with it bar the following which is starting to destroy faith in the cars reliability.
Three unforeseen and immediately disabling breakdowns over the last two years on a newish, fully serviced low mileage car.........