Starting to think about a new towmobile - Page 2

willk · 30 July 2010, 12:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Why does Mrs B not like doing this? I've only just managed to get Mrs P to do this; she still won't drive it any distance though.

LOL - they're very sneaky

Mrs W won't drive the 110 because "it's too big and powerful". She does, however, hog the use of the A6 Quattro, which is longer, wider and almost twice as powerful

Shame, really, 'cos if she had, she wouldn't have Deux Points for doing 93mph in a 60 zone...

oracle · 30 July 2010, 12:15

I had the Volvo XC 90 which was very comfortable but let me down too many times. It was too nice a car for the abuse it got diving too so I've now gone cheap and cheerful and got an old ish Kia Sorento. Much cheaper but certainly does the job so far and reasonably comfortable.

chewy · 30 July 2010, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by oracle

I had the Volvo XC 90 which was very comfortable but let me down too many times. It was too nice a car for the abuse it got diving too so I've now gone cheap and cheerful and got an old ish Kia Sorento. Much cheaper but certainly does the job so far and reasonably comfortable.

Haven't the Kias got something like a 7 year warranty now?

oracle · 30 July 2010, 19:25

The new ones do yes. Mine's much older. The farmers around here run them a lot and get great reliability from them. A couple I know of are well over 100.000 miles and never missed a beat

PeterM · 30 July 2010, 20:15

On the Kia front - look at the late 06 hyundai sante fe - budget , but at that age came with everything and will still have a years warranty! (bagde snobbery can be a consideration though

)

Johnscubanut · 30 July 2010, 22:18

I've owned & towed big ribs with The Freelander & Disco, Disco wins hands down every time! Full time 4x4 & low ratio is a must for getting you up the slipway or if ur bogged down!
The Mitsubishi Warrior is great if you've got the money? Happy towing!

BrAinZ · 31 July 2010, 10:04

I'm glad someone mentioned Kia's ... I was too embarrassed to mention that I had even thought about one of those

How about a recent Kia Sportage, anyone know anything about those?

They seem good value, new from about £12.5k

And good points about the wife being scared about driving, problem is that they just things into their heads, and it's difficult to change their opinions

Hightower · 01 August 2010, 09:42

I ran a Kia Sportage (the old type) and was great. Look at the towing limits though, as they can be lower than you think.

Mollers · 01 August 2010, 09:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

I ran a Kia Sportage (the old type) and was great. Look at the towing limits though, as they can be lower than you think.

Granny off of her commode is about max for a Supportage.

oracle · 01 August 2010, 17:07

Still on the Kia front the old Sorentos are the workhorses, 2800kg towing limit. I think the new one (2010 model) is lower though.

I managed to get over badge snobbery when trading down (badges) meant more pennies for the bigger boat.

Mollers · 01 August 2010, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by oracle

I managed to get over badge snobbery when trading down (badges) meant more pennies for the bigger boat.

That 'cheap' argument never holds water IMV. As an example, £6k might buy you a 5yo Korean/Maylaysian 4x4 or an 8yo DiscoII or slightly newer Jap. The Disco/Jap will depreciate relatively slowly from there on the Kia will carry on dropping like a stone. LR bits are cheap and readily available from breakers. LR specailists are everwhere.

I know where my £6k would go.

Hightower · 01 August 2010, 18:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

That 'cheap' argument never holds water IMV. As an example, £6k might buy you a 5yo Korean/Maylaysian 4x4 or an 8yo DiscoII or slightly newer Jap. The Disco/Jap will depreciate relatively slowly from there on the Kia will carry on dropping like a stone. LR bits are cheap and readily available from breakers. LR specailists are everwhere.

I know where my £6k would go.

Depends on how long you want to keep your 4x4 for. If you intend to run it into the ground and keep it a long time then the newer and more reliable Korean or Japanese 4x4's seem like incredible value for money. It all depends on what your needs are.

You're obviously a snob Mollers

Mollers · 01 August 2010, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

You're obviously a snob Mollers

More a pragmatist, I prefer to think.

The 'ground' will take some driving to in an LR or a a Jap. My L200 is 9yo with 90k on the clock and not showing any signs of decline.
And, still worth a few quid I notice.

BTW 'Jap' and Korean are not to be confused. Japanese 4x4s have 40yrs of development. Korean, 10yrs of looky likey trying .

Hightower · 01 August 2010, 19:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

More a pragmatist, I prefer to think.

The 'ground' will take some driving to in an LR or a a Jap. My L200 is 9yo with 90k on the clock and not showing any signs of decline.
And, still worth a few quid I notice.

Is that a crew cab L200 you've got? If so, what's the rear legroom like?

Mollers · 01 August 2010, 19:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Is that a crew cab L200 you've got? If so, what's the rear legroom like?

Yeah, great in the front, limited in the back. Enough to get the kids back from beach/school.

Hightower · 02 August 2010, 01:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Yeah, great in the front, limited in the back. Enough to get the kids back from beach/school.

So it's not a practical everyday car for running the family around and going on trips then?

Downhilldai · 02 August 2010, 01:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

So it's not a practical everyday car for running the family around and going on trips then?

They're not the most comfortable ride for use as an everyday car. Quite harsh rear suspension and they like a drop of Derv too.

The new shape ones, (2006 on?) have a bit more room inside for back seat passengers, but the load area is consequently a bit smaller.

Mollers · 02 August 2010, 08:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

they like a drop of Derv too.

Yeah, it's a 4x4.

A Navara is a better "everyday" car.

boristhebold · 02 August 2010, 10:12

I use a Land Rover Defender TD5 and am very happy with the towing capacity, towing a 7.5M Cobra with twin axel trailer, have had no problems as it has plenty of grunt and the back is great for chucking kit in. I do however appreciate the problems our better halves have with driving some vehicles, my other half would be scared to death and driving the land rover.

Searider · 02 August 2010, 14:42

We've got a Volvo XC 70 diesel Automatic. Tows our 6.5m just fine. 1800kg limit I think.

I specifically went for an automatic for getting up the slip as with no low ratio box there would be lots of clutch slipping otherwise.

It's my o/h's daily car and apart from being a bit big to park she loves it.

Plenty around for your budget if you want a "Car" rather than a "truck"

Can also get V70 AWD - like an XC70 but with normal road wheels and suspension.

Audi Quattros in A4 or A6 varieties?

Have a mate who has a BMW 525 diesel estate that he tows his 6.5m with. No problems.

Plenty of choice.