Buget 4x4 MPV tow car.

[Gareth111278]

Hello all.
I think i've found a tow car worthy of recomendation!
Its a Toyota Estima [grey import] 2.2TDi Manual 4x4.8 seater MPV.
I had an automatic 2WD one a few years ago then I had a Chrysler Grand Voyager. I didn't like towing with the Voyager, the auto box was horrid, it wouldn't pull a caravan off a damp feild [prefering to just dig big holes!], it was very poor on the brakes & VERY thirsty.
The Auto Estima was better but I had to fit an extra gearbox cooler & it was only 2WD.
I went looking for a deisel Manual 4x4 8 seater & i didn't want an 'off-roader', no pressure...
I settled on a 4x4 manual Estima & i'm very happy. I towed with it across Wales from Dolgellau to Knighton last week & it was brilliant. i hardly used the brakes, the old auto cars would have the brakes stinking coming down the 1,000 foot 'Dinas' pass!
The MPG seems good, It does 30.7 solo & I only dropped to 28 MPG with about one third of that tank used for towing. It will seat 8 people & still have a big boot for luggage / dogs.
The best thing is it's a true buget car, i paid £800 for it & spent about £500 getting it up to scratch, including a £140 radio! The bad points are, They are OLD, mines a 1994 'M' reg., They aren't that powerful, I was doing 50MPH on the flat with ease but the return up the 1 in 5 side of dinas pass had me in first gear right at the sumit! Lastly, they are rare, Manuals are rare, manuals 4x4's are like hen's teeth!
Happy caravanning!
Gareth

 

[GeorgeandAde]

Hi Gareth.Chap I used to work with had a Estima and towed a folding caravan with his.
Brilliant for towing he said but apparently you have to watch out for overheating problems.
He said they are prone for this.
Adrian

 

[Gareth111278]

Estima s do have a reputation of over heating & cracked heads.
Most of these problems can be avoided with careful maintenance of the cooling system,
Autos are more prone to it as the cooling system cools the gearbox oil too.

If you are buying one be very Careful when checking the cooling system , any hint of problems walk away or negotiate a serious discount !

 

[Surfer]

Dealer finally agreed to take back our Mondeo 2.0L auto disel due to a ongoing problem with the gearbox that they could not resolved. We have since bought a 1996 toyota HiLux Surf 3.0L automatic diesel and it pulls like a train. MPG seems reasonable but still early days. Gearbox is pure heaven to use after the Mondeo. Except for the auto gearbox we thought the Mondeo was a great car to drive but the srf beats it hands down!.

 

[Gareth111278]

I don't know much about Surfs, they are a good car & 'Grey Imports' tend to be lower mileage & better looked after than UK cars.
It might be worth looking for a Surf owners forum & asking about gearbox cooling & towing, the Japanese don't tow, so auto box cooling systems aren't designed for it in Japan spec cars.
Having said that it was designed for off-road work & that's very hard on auto-boxes.

 

[Surfer]

We had a 1996 HiLux Surf 3.0L diesel auto before for 6 years and used it a lot towing a twin axle caravan with no issues. I have been a member of the Surf forum for many years and it seems these vehicles are bullet proof as proved by Clarkson & crowd on Top Gear.

 

[Gareth111278]

agreed, Toyota 4X4s aren't toys, they're built to last!
I need an MPV so I'm made up with my Estima, I'd have loved a Granvia 4X4 manual though.... 3 litre DTi !!