Advice please

[IanofMeon]

Hi all

We've come to the time when we change our towcar but we have a dilemma. Caravan is 2009 Bailey Ranger 460/4 mtplm 1208kgs, current towcar Skoda Octavia 1.9tdi 105 bhp hatch. We are quite satisfied with the combination and have been offered a good deal to swap for same vehicle however the new 1.6 crdi 105 bhp engine is due soon but this comes with a diesel particulate filter which requires regenerating apparently (driving at steady speed for so long), is this going to be possible for example if the light comes on and we're stuck in slow moving traffic with the van on the back.

The other choice is Kia Sportage crdi don't really need 4wd so 2wd would be cheaper to run presumably (although for the first time in 8 years we struggled this summer with traction on a wet CL). Plus points for Kia - 7 year warranty. more bhp, lower weight ratio van to car, minus points higher running costs, tax, insurance, servicing, tyres plus what the government may not have informed us about.

We don't intend to change the van for another 5 years by which time we'd be changing car again. So is it overkill to buy the Kia or would I really appreciate the benefits or is it another Octavia but with older or newer engine? Would I feel safer towing with the Kia?

All comments appreciated.

Ian

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Ian,

Ultimately it is your choice of course, but I think you may have already answered your own question - Running costs.

I do not know what proportion of your annual mileage and time is spend driving solo and with the caravan, but for many it is less than 10%

If the car does cope with the caravan, why look for anything bigger. If you opt for a 4x4, then you have a vehicle which you already know is going to cost you more on tax and insurance, and its mpg is going to be possibly only half of the Octavia. 4x4 servicing costs are also greater because of the extra machinery in the drive train, and parts and tyres will be more expensive.

As you are likely to be spending more time and miles without the caravan, which is more comfortable?

Even though you may have had some occasions when wheel spin was a problem on wet grass, clearly you managed to overcome the problem so how often are you really going to need the 4x4 facility.

Whilst I am not entirely familiar with the new regenerating particulate filters, the manufacture I am sure will have engineered some latitude in the need to drive at a steady speed. But if in doubt check with the manufacturer.

Before any one says I'm anti 4x4 I'm not, but I do favour lower cost options were they are appropriate.

 

[RickStevens]

Hello Ian,

Ultimately it is your choice of course, but I think you may have already answered your own question - Running costs.

I do not know what proportion of your annual mileage and time is spend driving solo and with the caravan, but for many it is less than 10%

If the car does cope with the caravan, why look for anything bigger. If you opt for a 4x4, then you have a vehicle which you already know is going to cost you more on tax and insurance, and its mpg is going to be possibly only half of the Octavia. 4x4 servicing costs are also greater because of the extra machinery in the drive train, and parts and tyres will be more expensive.

As you are likely to be spending more time and miles without the caravan, which is more comfortable?

Even though you may have had some occasions when wheel spin was a problem on wet grass, clearly you managed to overcome the problem so how often are you really going to need the 4x4 facility.

Whilst I am not entirely familiar with the new regenerating particulate filters, the manufacture I am sure will have engineered some latitude in the need to drive at a steady speed. But if in doubt check with the manufacturer.

Before any one says I'm anti 4x4 I'm not, but I do favour lower cost options were they are appropriate.

I'm now on my 3rd Kia, these cars are great, never had a problem with any of them. Have you considered the Kia Carens as a towcar? We've got the 2.0 GS CRDI, and the max towing weight on the V5 is 1400kg, loads of power as well. MPG is variable (obviously)I got from 38mpg running around town to 54mpg on the motorway. I cant speak for mpg whilst towing as I dont pick my new caravan up until Monday.

 

[RickStevens]

I'm now on my 3rd Kia, these cars are great, never had a problem with any of them. Have you considered the Kia Carens as a towcar? We've got the 2.0 GS CRDI, and the max towing weight on the V5 is 1400kg, loads of power as well. MPG is variable (obviously)I got from 38mpg running around town to 54mpg on the motorway. I cant speak for mpg whilst towing as I dont pick my new caravan up until Monday.

oops sorry max towing weight on the V5 is 1500 kg

 

[BRIAN_374468658]

HiIan, I wonder if you can provide me with some help please, I am returning to caravanning and have earmarked the Bailey 460-4, I am due to change car and have ordered a Skoda Superb 1.9 Greenline with the same engine as your Oktavia (105 bhp), in your opinion would this car pull the Bailey or should I go for the Oktavia 2.0 se with greater bhp? your opinion would be appreciated, thanks, Brian

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Brian,

The fact is the car manufacturer decides what a car is capable of towing, if MTPLM of the caravan you want is within the manufactures towing limits then yes the car will pull it.

Unless they have tried your particular choices of car and caravan, no one can tell you if the proposed outfit will be good or indifferent. Even though they share the same manufacture and the same engine, the Ocatvia and the Superb are two different cars, The Superb is heavier and larger and the gearbox ratios may be quite different which may have a significant effect on the outfit.

An owner of a Suberb who tows a similar caravan to your own can only answer your question.

 

[IanofMeon]

HiIan, I wonder if you can provide me with some help please, I am returning to caravanning and have earmarked the Bailey 460-4, I am due to change car and have ordered a Skoda Superb 1.9 Greenline with the same engine as your Oktavia (105 bhp), in your opinion would this car pull the Bailey or should I go for the Oktavia 2.0 se with greater bhp? your opinion would be appreciated, thanks, Brian

Hi Brian, we have only had the 460/4 since January but are very happy with the overall performance of the outfit. I had my concerns over whether I should have the 140bhp instead of the 105bhp but it pulls superbly, need to drop down to 4th on motorway inclines but otherwise 60mph in 5th and 50 mph in 5th on A roads no problem, returns 32-34mpg towing but 54mpg solo. I was always taught to look at power to weight ratios and try and get to 40bhp per tonne of gross train weight, ours is 34-35bhp per tonne and my only concern with your choice of Superb would be the extra weight of the car together with the different gearing I believe these eco cars have might not give such a satisfactory performance. Having considered buying a Kia as per my OP, I am now going to order a new Octavia 1.9 TDi Elegance (cracking deals on these at the moment by the way).

Please ak for any more info.

Ian