Vehicle advice please

[Dave_5103700]

Hi,

I have just replaced a 1981 Ci Suoer Sprite that I inherited from my parents with a 1994 Swift Challenger 490 (5 berth - 22ft single axle). i tow with a 2.2TD auto Toyota Lucida Estima (Jap grey import MPV) - this towed the sprite no problem at all, but doesn't feel so solid with the swift.

Does anyone else have experience of this vehicle?

I am considering changing for sonething that would tow better - I am thinking 4x4, but I am limited by my budget - I am thinking about the Mitsubisi Pajero LWB - does anyone have any experience of this vehichle or have any better suggestions in the £4000 bracket?

Many thanks

 

[mcghee]

Dave, are you sure there's nothing amiss with the Swift? I'm not sure of the weight of the Lucida, but I'd guess it's probably 400kilos heavier than a Challenger 490. When you say it doesn't feel so solid what exactly do you mean? Could it be that the brakes are under adjusted and the 'van is pushing the car a bit, for example. The Challenger was fairly well balanced, but I have a vague memory that some models had pretty hefty noseweights.

 

[Dave_5103700]

Just had the van serviced and everything regarding brakes etc is fine. In theory the weights should all be fine basing it on the UK Previa model, but it does feel a bit like the van is pushing the car on - the car feels like it is floating around under the control of the van, whereas with the old Sprite it was very much the other way around. I don't know if it is just me needing to get used to towing a heavier van, or whether the fact the car is an auto is causing a psychological issue as I know I cannot select gears.

Anyways, we are considering 4x4's if we cannot get on with towing with this car, and considering our budget have identified the following - any advice, views etc would be appreciated;

Mitsubishi Pajero (LWB)

Toyota Hi-lux Surf

An early diesel Freelander (if can find one)

Isuzu Trooper

Thanks

 

[Lutz]

Sounds to me to be a case of inadequate noseweight. Have you checked it?

 

[jean and ian]

hi lutz,if you do change try the toyota hi lux surf ,they are good prices and as you use to toyota, we tow our award northstar which is the fixed bed model, single axle no problem (he forgets she is on the back) and very stable,only wobble we had cos i didn't load it correctly,, !!and surf is economical, and also a jap grey import,good luck if you can't solve your immediate problem

 

[cris_408518]

Sounds to me like a noseweight issue as well. Auto box should be a relative bonus.

Had similar years ago when we changed to a Volvo, headed towards Portsmoth ferry on first trip and only got about 5 miles along the M3 when the van was weaving at a slowish speed and the whole set-up felt "vague" and as if it were in control not me.

Added more nose weight and never had a problem again.

 

[Ken_5040834]

Dave

we have a Toyota Surf 3.0 diesel, 1994 which was recently imported by a dealer we know. Full service history and from a main dealer in Japan, 70k miles. A friend thought it was only a couple of years old (private plate helps!).

We tow a Bailey Pageant Burgundy (MTPLM 1400kg). I know its a well-used cliche, but its as solid as a rock and happy to chug away at 60 on the motorway. We get around 22mpg towing and, on a run, single is up to 30 which considering its size and power, we are happy with - we previously had a Trooper and this only returned around 16 towing. I've no experience with the Pajeros, but I imagine they would be as good, but have heard that they are more thirsty.

I was warned off the 2.4 engines.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Ken

 

[Dave_5103700]

Thanks for the feedback and advice. I keep hearing good things about the Surf, particularly the 3 litre, so if we get no joy with the Lucida, it looks like this is the way we will go.

Thanks again