Taking a test drive - what to ask

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cheekywelshie

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Ive towed - off public roads dont have correct licence- with an auto and a manual and prefered the auto for tarmaced driving so would imagine it would be best on the roads, its certainly one less thing to think about! However my manual with a low range 4x4 drive as well as regular was best for really bad conditions off road (although I expect half offroad tyres also helped with this). Similar feedback from the parent chauffeurs :) Ive taken my hgv now so they are enjoying a quieter life! I'm rubbish at cars but I would say check to see if the bonnet is warm as my 05 well looked after 4x4 grumbles into life in a morning but starts sweet as a nut when i get back in it later. Mine always starts *frantically touches wood* but I'd be wary if its warm that it might have needed assistance to get going the first time and a run to get the engine warmed up. This is purely based on experience though :p not sure of the exact mechanical accuracies of it! Also check they have usable towbars fitted and if not factor this cost in to price negotiations. Good luck :)
 
Be sure you get technical info from the actual manual. Dealers/sellers will say anything - usually wrong. Automatics can be good. I use a Jeep Cherokee manual, though - a real towing machine - gets out of anything. Good luck!
 
I tow with an automatic 2.8 diesel Jeep Cherokee, it's also my everyday car - I bought it so I could tow as I had to sell my lorry. 3500kgs towing ability - yes it is thirsty I average 28mpg but am known to have a very heavy right foot :) - but no worse than my old Landrover Freelander which was petro and averaged 25mpg. What sold my husband on letting me have it was the fact that they use one on the front cover of the Towing Advice leaflet - sad but true. I am currently towing an Ifor Williams 410 with at least one 17.1 DWB onboard. It pulls really well and sometimes I have to remember that there is a trailer behind me - only joking - but it is very smooth.


Just looked at the ad for the Cherokee - identical to mine (except the colour and year - mine's a 54 plate - I paid 6k for mine six months ago with similar mileage
 
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I learnt in a Sorrento (manual) and it was actually surprisingly nice to drive. Same age as the one you're looking at too. I think they are rated up to 2.8 tonnes (sure that's what the instructor told me as I asked because I liked it enough to add it to my possible tow vehicle list) but don't believe the salesman as they won't know most likely. Check the VIN plate and work it out!
 
I bought an 07 Sorento last week and it tows like a dream.It is the auto version,which is apparently better than the manual.I love it,despite its size it is light to handle and drive.It is excellent off road and in muddy,slippery conditions.The guy at the garage reckoned that they were at a county show one year and it was very wet,and they had to use the Sorento to pull the Dicoveries and Range Rovers out of the mud and off the field.I love my car!
 
I must admit I looked at the Sorento as well - but wanted the bigger towing capacity - not that I need 3500kgs for trailer + 2 horses but wanted to err on the side of caution - it's really surprising how much the other stuff we take weighs if you are out for the day.
 
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