Recommendations for a tow car

GoThatWay · 4 Mar 2004, 11:01 (Ref:893373)

... please.

For towing a 2-seater on a flatbed, total weight about 1.5 tonnes.

Current XJ8 isn't that great (gearing's all wrong, long rear overhang doesn't help maneouvering). Previous Saab 9-5 estate was good, as were earlier Legacy and (of course) Range Rover. I'm now wanting to down-size a bit to something that will be a bit of fun - when not towing - but on the other hand the heavier the towing vehicle the better.

What's a good compromise ? i know of one chap who uses an Impreza - is that good or daft ?

MikeM · 4 Mar 2004, 11:22 (Ref:893383)

I use an Audi A4 1.8T Quattro which is great for towing an FF. (I know someone with an old Impreza that struggled to get a tow bar fitted but don't really know why)

**Stephen Green** · 4 Mar 2004, 14:05 (Ref:893539)

The trusty Volvo 850 or whatever it's called these days makes a great tow car as does the Landrover Discovery. Problem with the discovery is it costs a fortune to run (or mine did).

blackx · 4 Mar 2004, 14:14 (Ref:893553)

I tow a caravan which is around 20ft long and when laden weighs almost 1.5 tons...
I use a mk3 Mondeo 2 litre turbo diesel and it pulls the van with no problems at all....With kids and the missus in the car and enough luggage for a week away it still pulls it with no problems....
Worth a look I would have thought..

**Tim Falce** · 4 Mar 2004, 15:06 (Ref:893603)

Quote:

Problem with the discovery is it costs a fortune to run (or mine did).

Mine doesn't cost any more than a normal car to run, it does over 30mpg around town and about 23 towing. Iv'e had it 3 years and the only things I have done is renew the shocks, and spent £200 having the front axle rebuilt.
Not bad considering the abuse it now gets having to tow my race car and a trailer full off horse poo (not at the same time) off road.
The only thing I don't like is the insurance, which is overpriced.

**Stephen Green** · 4 Mar 2004, 15:38 (Ref:893627)

I found the servicing costs horrific, but then this was 12 odd years ago

**BertMk2** · 4 Mar 2004, 16:30 (Ref:893671)

Discos are notorious for eating gearboxes and engines - not cheap!!!!

The insurance is very high as they're dead easy (and popular) to steal.

**Stephen Green** · 4 Mar 2004, 16:32 (Ref:893673)

I can vouch for that too. Mine was stolen and never recovered.

GoThatWay · 4 Mar 2004, 17:07 (Ref:893695)

Thanks for the suggestions so far, but don't forget that I'd like something that's at least a bit interesting to drive when I'm not towing. Of the current suggestions, only the Audi hints at that.

If I cannot downsize, then I'd probably go for a Saab again, but next time it would be a HOT one.

**Tim Falce** · 4 Mar 2004, 17:34 (Ref:893723)

Quote:

Discos are notorious for eating gearboxes and engines - not cheap!!!!
The insurance is very high as they're dead easy (and popular) to steal

Depends on the engine, I have a TDi200 with a Land Rover engine which are pretty bullet proof. The later Italian engines give trouble. Gearboxes and trannies, hmmmm, can be troublesome and noisy. But what else can you expect with a 50 year old British design, better going for an auto

Mackmot · 4 Mar 2004, 17:51 (Ref:893741)

My mate had a Citroen BX for towing and it was brilliant. Best tow vehicle £400 can buy.

**BertMk2** · 5 Mar 2004, 08:55 (Ref:894560)

Subaru Forester? They're supposed to be really good for towing and it's none too shabby when you don't have the trailer nailed on.

garcon · 5 Mar 2004, 11:47 (Ref:894803)

Forester's a good idea. Impreza 5 door is another option - shouldn't be a problem fitting towbar etc. And the 5-door fits more **** in the back, and it's less "nickable" (not quite as attractive as the 4 door to either thieves or traffic police!).

The Saab's a fine car, especially in Aero form. Having had one I guess you'll know, but one concern for towing I'd have is that the 9-5 is a front driver - does the suspension cope ok?

**Stephen Green** · 5 Mar 2004, 12:29 (Ref:894850)

That was always one of the beauties of the Volvo as it had self levelling rear suspension.

listernoble · 5 Mar 2004, 14:49 (Ref:894992)

I use a 4x4 Mazda 2.5 turbo diesel twin cab pick up with a lockable hardtop,which I also use for work.Pulls like a train and you are not for ever changing gear.
You can store loads of stuff in the back,does around 25mpg but sadly only 18 when towing, but I do have a large covered trailer.
I have had several Land Rover's and would never ever buy another,gearboxes,engines etc packing up after 15,000 miles or less.
A pal uses a 1994 5 cylinder petrol Audi Estate,it is a sporty model not sure what but it is very powerful,around 325 bhp. and tows like a dream.
But whatever you choose you will need some weight in the tow car if you are towing a heavy trailer,so a 4x4 is probably best.
Lister

NickReeve · 16 Mar 2004, 23:43 (Ref:907719)

Quote:

Originally posted by BertMk2
Subaru Forester? They're supposed to be really good for towing and it's none too shabby when you don't have the trailer nailed on.

A Subaru Forester essentially IS an Impreza isnt it? There's even a Turbo model which would be fun! Personally I like the idea of something that looks like a boring old SUV and isnt.......

Mal · 17 Mar 2004, 07:32 (Ref:907935)

Anything four wheel drive and of reasonable size - Audi A6 Quattro, Suburu Forester plus the obvious big off roaders, etc

Richy_Rich · 17 Mar 2004, 08:08 (Ref:907952)

Hm, I use a 110 LandRover (2.5 Diesel Turbo). It can be 'interesting to drive', especially if you take it off-roading

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