VW Caravelle, opinions please ?

[Ian341]

Hi All

I am seriousely thinking of changing my 2001 Vauxhall Zafira 2.0 tdi for a 2004 Volkswagen Caravelle 2.5 tdi. I tow a 2000 Swift Challenger 500se which has an MTPLM of 1350kg, I find the Zafira really struggles on hills when towing.

Does anyone own or has owned a Caravelle and what are your opinions ? Do they have good towing power and are they comfortable family vehicles, also how reliable are they ?

Your help would be much appreciated

Many Thanks

Ian

 

[Lutz]

I'd hurry up with a purchase of a new towcar, if I were you. If you are towing 1350kg with a Zafira 2.0tdi, you are way over the manufacurer's towing limit of 1050kg, and therefore illegal.

 

[Ian341]

Hi Lutz,

I did realise this problem and have only used the car to bring the van home from the dealers. Unfortunately though that road is one of the most up and down roads so I immediately noticed the strain. When we use the van I borrow my Brother's Navara, however I cant keep doing this so I will need a permanent towcar. Our previous van weighed only 880kg so wasn't a problem.

I am looking for a safe, reliable and reasonably economic towcar that will pull about 1300kg.

Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks

Ian

 

[TonyAsh]

hello Ian.

I have a VW Caravelle 2.5 (auto) and it tows like a dream.

We have travelled extensively to Southern France, Italian Lakes and around GB without a single problem for several years. Our caravan has an MTPLM of 1400kg and in my opinion this setup of ours could not be bettered.

The vehicle has a towing capacity of 2500kg and will take on any climb with ease.

 

[Ian341]

Thanks Tony,

I think you have made our decision final, now we need to find one.

Does anyone know of a 2003 - 2006 one for sale in Swansea area ?

Many Thanks

Ian

 

[Gareth111278]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/volkswagen-transporter-caravelle-T4_W0QQitemZ170193255240QQihZ007QQcategoryZ9873QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
just found this on Ebay there are lots of others, somerset isn't to far accross the Seven bridge is it?

Gareth