Which automatic MPV to choose?

[PaulCraven]

Hi Everyone

We have an Adria Forma 1500kg MTPLM and need to replace our Passat Sport 130 TDI (great towcar!)with a 7 seater automatic. What do you suggest? We have about £10,000 to spend.

Thanks

Paul

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Paul,

If you have been pleased with the Passat, then I suggest you look at the VW Sharan or the Seat Alhambra both of which are available with 130ps (or similar VW based engine.)

You may also consider the Ford Galaxy, which has many of the same attributes as the VW and Seat havering shared the same parentage for a while.

The other make that has built a formidable reputation for value and performance as a tow car is the Kia Sedona.

 

[PaulCraven]

Hi John

Thanks for your suggestions.

We've had a look at both of these options, however the Alhambra/Sharan/Galaxy only come in 115bhp in automatic form, which is probably a bit on the low side for towing our van. Sedona's seem to have auto gearbox issues(when towing) and electric sliding door problems (from a quick google last night.)

I know you often get a slanted view of car issues online though, does anybody have any experience of auto diesel Sedonas (post 2006 model)?

 

[leanne33]

hi paul i have a 2008 sedona auto and have had no problems love the car plenty of power no problems with elec doors or auto box so far tow a large t/a and cant fault it i looked at the other models but felt for my needs this was the best a lot of car

 

[Sedo]

Paul we tow with a 2006 (56) Sedona and find it a brillaint tow car, we tow a Peg 524 1480MTPLM.

We've had no problems with the sliding doors at all, in fact find overall they're a big bonus.

There is though I'm afraid a bit of an issue with some post 06 Sedona auto boxes with towing though.

We've been told that there is an imminent fix for them though.

I aren't sure but if you stick with the 85% guidance I don't think some of the motors you mention are up to it.

For

 

[Garfield]

Don't touch the older Galaxy/sharan/alhambra auto's with a bargepole unless you are happy to fit a new gearbox every 30k as my father in law did and was told he wasn't the only one!.

 

[Wigandiver]

Hi John

Thanks for your suggestions.

We've had a look at both of these options, however the Alhambra/Sharan/Galaxy only come in 115bhp in automatic form, which is probably a bit on the low side for towing our van. Sedona's seem to have auto gearbox issues(when towing) and electric sliding door problems (from a quick google last night.)

I know you often get a slanted view of car issues online though, does anybody have any experience of auto diesel Sedonas (post 2006 model)?

You could always re-map it for

 

[Dave E]

We have a 2008 Sedona (Diesel Auto) and it's an excellent towcar for our 1800Kg Abbey Vogue. We've had it for a year, towed often and not had any problems with the auto box. The electric doors occasionally won't fully shut first time but trying again fixes the problem.

It likes to drink and whilst there is plenty of power, delivery isn't smooth and it corners like a boat. Having said that, it's an enormous, comfortable 7 seater which can turn into a spacious van and really comes into it's own when towing.

 

[Allen774]

Hi paul,

I am now on my third sedona an auto ts,they are excellent at towing the heavier vans,non have ever let me down.

My present van is a rallye compass T/a 1900kgs.

 

[drsorento]

Paul take no notice of anyone who critisises the sharan auto box,I had a v reg auto sharan from new wound it up to 130000 miles without any problem what so ever, I used to tow an Abbey caravan with a MTPLM of 1500kg without any problem with 7 of us in the car.

It was comfortable, quiet and very economical, the only reason I sold it was I bought a large twin axle van.

 

[hgv dave]

hi paul

have a look at a toyota landcrusier colarado or the d4d invinceable both are 3ltr diesil,they have a good towing weight capacity and 8 seats.most are auto boxes and are very reliable.i use to get about 25mpg around town and when towing i averaged 32mpg on a run up to scotland.....keeping the speed at 55mph that is.....engines have loads of power for towing and being a 4x4 they are pretty good on muddy fields

hgv dave