Does anyone tow with an L200?

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haras

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I'm looking for a car to tow with, does anyone know if the L200 is any good?

Also, how economical and reliable is it?, as I'm a district nurse, so obviously have to use my car for work.

Any other suggestions of economical (yes, I know!) 4 x 4's that are capable of towing a minimum of 2 tonnes welcome (ie Freelander / X trail size upwards)

Many Thanks!
 
The L200 has the same chassis and engine as the Shogun Sport, I believe - which we have and love for towing! The turning circle isnt very good - my farrier has an L200 and says it turns like a boat - but the pulling power is excellent.

My OH has a Nissan Navara that he uses for towing his digger around, and he really rates that as well - he had it serviced the other day, and bearing in mind the amount of towing he does, the mechanics were stunned by the lack of wear on the truck!

I always think the X trail looks a bit puny for towing - I believe the sister Nissan to the Navara is the Pathfinder - but am not 100% on that. I wouldnt buy a Freelander - everyone I know who has had one says never again. As I said before, you cant go wrong with a Shogun, and although they dont make the Sport any more, I know a couple of people who have the Outlander and say that is excellent too!
 
You'd be far better off with the L200 than any of the X trail/Freelander types. I've had an L200, loved it dearly, was a brilliant tow vehicle and great for throwing dogs, tack etc in the canopy. It's only isssues were that if there was nothing in the back it could get 'light' behind and could slide easily - we sorted that with a heavy metal beam in the back! The turning circle was large - ours was an 03, I think they have improved since. Parking it in the city was damn near imposssible when I worked in Edinburgh. I now drive a Nissan Terrano, it's a handy size for parking, not so greedy on fuel and tows easily.
Reliability wise they are great but the VAT on the price is a bummer and when I was looking for another tow car I couldn't find an L200 which hadn't been a lease/work vehicle - hence why I bought the Terrano instead.
 
Yup- I have a new shaped 06 model. I love it. Bought from Ebay!

Its the most basic model and I do wish it had electric windows and central locking, but hey, it a fab car. I have a Carryboy top on the back which really increases the storage.

Parallel parking is a bit of a fuss but it tows great and is fairly economical. Just bought a Fautras trailer so I'm interested to see how it tows that.

Also, another bonus is that the Road Tax on it is at a commercial rate-much cheaper than the equivalent 4x4 car. Insurance is good too- used Adrian Flux for my policy.
 
L200 or Ford rangers are only good for towing if you have a ton in the rear to keep it down. In the wet they are dangerous.
 
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L200 or Ford rangers are only good for towing if you have a ton in the rear to keep it down. In the wet they are dangerous.

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what a load of crap! i have the new shape L200 and it tows my equitrek brilliantly. i've never had a problem towing with it and have had the car for nearly 3 years and i go out on long journeys probs once a week during eventing season and a couple of smaller journeys to trainers and stuff during the week. the new shape ones are much nicer than the old ones - they drive like a normal 4x4 rather than a truck and the turning circle has been much improved! i have the warrior with leather seats and air con so its very nice inside (well it would be if i cleaned it out occasionally!
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)Fuel wise its good by 4x4 standards and parking is ok (but then i have my class 2 so to me it seems quite a small vehicle!!)- tax is also commercial so its about £140 (wheras 4x4 is about £400!!)- we struggled to get an insurance quite through normal places like direct line but ended up going with more than van insurance which is pretty standard in price.
i have the sports back on mine so the dog and loads of random stuff can go in the boot. would highly recommend!
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