Low cost good tow car or double cab

[Angie_374313887]

I have a vehicle dilemma and would appreciate any input.

I have a bailey ranger 550/6 mtlpm 1298kg.

Until now I have been towing with my Fiat multipla,which has towed well.Unfortunately though the gearbox has just gone,at some expense.

If I decide to replace this,which is the main family car I only have about £4-5,000 to spend and need a car not only capable of towing my van but also one that seats 5 comfortably-no lap belts or limited leg room.

Do you think this is unfeasable given my limited budget?If not,what kind of suitable vehicle may I find do you think?

Our only other option as a family is to replace hubbys work vehicle with a double-cab that would be for his use most of the time but be more than up to the job of towing.(As a business vehicle we could finance the purchase differently,giving us a better budget.)Does anyone tow with a mitsubishi warrior,or nissan navara?I've seen them towing boats,trailers but never a caravan!

Any feedback appreciated.

 

[KeithM]

Angie,

I see that you have not had a response so far. I looked into buying a double-cab pick-up in 2006 and read reports on the (then) new Navarra and Warrior. The Caravan Club magazine and/or Practical Caravan magazine tested them and in towing terms were quite positive. I was highly tempted to buy the Navarra but my wife could not see herself driving it to Sainsburys (or more to the point, parking it!). If you can live with the constraints of a 5metre+ pick-up, then you may well find it a good compromise.

 

[RogerL]

All the double-cab pickups I looked at had poor back seat room and poor on-road ride/handling from truck suspension.

There should be plenty of Vectra/Mondeo models to choose from.

 

[lessirrocc]

Hi Angie

You may want to consider a van,we have a Mercedes Vito it seats six in comfort with a large load space and tows are twin axial crusader better than are X ever did it is also loaded with all the toys of a high end luxury car.

If you are planing to use it for business use you can get some great deals at the moment. look out for the Vito sport its a great peace of kit.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Angie,

Whilst the double cabs may tow well, it has already been mentioned that the rear seat room is surprisingly poor. This even applies to the really large ones favoured in USA and Canada.

There is another down side to the use of such vehicles for caravanning; this type of vehicle is considered to be a commercial and some sites do not allow such vehicles on site.

 

[giovanni_5060838]

Angie.

Plenty of good roomy cars capable of towing your outfit for around 4 to 5k.

My preference would be for the ford galaxy,2000 onwards.

It has loads of room for 5 and the cases. The tdi would be the best option and if you look keenly [autotrader] you should be knocking on the door of a 2002 model for your money..

good luck.

 

[rambler1]

We had a 53 plate Mitsubishi double cab went all over UK and France,it towed very wellwith a large caravan,really enjoyed driving it the only problems were poor fuel consumption poor turning circle which made it difficult to park in confined spaces.Although the ride solo is a bit stiff and agricultural it smoothed out withthe van on.The main reason we changed was the consumption and the price of fuel.Never had a problem on the sites we visited and never refused entry.It may help an aquaintance of mine gets quite good consumption from his Navara.Hope this helps