Suitable Towcar

[colin(bridgend)]

Oh well it had to happen - the Daihatsu Fourtrack is no more.

I now am in the market to buy a new towcar for the Bailey Ranger 500/5. I have thought about the Toyota Rav4, Suzuki Grand Vitara or Nissan X Trail. Prferably there should be minimum of 6 seats as now have 2 grandchildren and 2 step grandchildren. I realise these cars do not all have the desirable number of seats but would appreciate views on these vehicles as tow cars. I would prefer to stick with diesel fuel and minimum road fund tax (oap now

). Looking at the Suzuki - does the spare wheel interfere with hitching up?

If there are alternative vehicles you can suggest to meet my requirements then I again would appreciate any comments.

 

[xtrailman]

none of those cars are suitable for 6 people.
the xtrail is ok for two, or perhaps 2 plus two children.
if you what a 4x4 perhaps the 7 seat santa fe?

 

[Mikey_74]

As already suggested a 7 seater Hyundai Santa Fe, (next on my shopping list) but it's hard to say as you haven't mentioned a budget, have you considered an MPV? These are alot cheaper to run and maintain and the all important Tax that you've mentioned than 4x4's, the ranger is quite light weight so as you only need 6 seats for the grandchildren ahve you considered something like a Renault Grand Scenic, or 2 other very nice cars the Ford Smax or Galaxy, nothing against 4x4's you understand, my current drive is a Hyundai 4x4 and I'll replace it with another, but you made a point on wanting to watch the pennies.....
Mike

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Senior moment - my anticipated budget would be approx £10000. Although we now have 4 grandchildren they are all of teanage age so the chances of all being with us at same time is remote but could happen.

 

[bribes]

,Hi colin, I have a suzuki grand vitara 2.4 petrol s.wb .The van I have has a winterhof hitch and it dose not cause any problems with regards to spare wheel so the lwb should be the same.see this months mag for report on suzuki gv

 

[Martin24]

If you want to stick to 4x4 I have a Rexton which is available as an occasional 7 seat, though they can be hard to find. Tows my twin axle coachman very nicely. I stuck to a 55 reg which meant tax was kept lower at 3 years old with 30,000 miles it was a mere £7500. I had a bit of a squeak for a while but eventually this was sorted under warranty after being diagnosed as the idler belt. Other than that no probs at all. A credible 35mpg on a good solo run and could probably get more with a lighter right foot.

 

[weejock]

Colin please take a bit of time before you replace the car and allow for a decent period of mourning as I do understand that you were very fond of that old girl.

I would thoroughly recommend that you take a close look at an smax (avoid the 1.8's) as these will be around for well within your budget and even a titanium model should be within reach.
These will give an old cogger like you 40-45 mpg all day and at least 30 towing (the way you operate that mobile Bailey road block)

Not to forget that things like road tax, insurance and serving costs will all be much cheaper than most baby 4x4's

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Jock - I must take umbridge at the statement referring to me as an old codger

My calender years may say 65 but my mind and body do not, at present, feel that age. I also like to think I don't look that age.

W.C.Fields once commented on how he kept so active but being a "youngish" gentleman and with ladies using this forum I will not repeat it here.

I now walk through car parks, and should I come across what I think could be a suitable tow car I have a look at the tax disc to see what they pay per annum.

I was recommended to look at a VW Caddy as they are 7 seaters with 2 litre diesel engines. I believe they have the same engine as the VW Passat. Haven't heard much about these as tow cars though so any comments would be appreciated.

I must thank you all for your kind suggestions and with SWMBO we will soon be looking at what is on offer in South Wales. At the moment using daughter's MG ZS for running around so not stuck for transport - just cannot pull the van.

 

[seth1]

Hi Colin out of interest what became of the Fourtrack,i no longer have mine as circumstances changed.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

It is laid up on my drive at present - gear linkages gone and stuck in bottom gear. I have had quotes of up to £1000 to fix it and as it is a 1998 model do not think it warrents the cost. i have tried to get a diagram for showing the linkages to see what could be involved but have so far hit a blank.