Towing vehicle dilemma - what would you go for?

My other half has recently bought a VW touareg 5.0 V10 and it tows like a dream. Doesnt even feel like you are pulling anything and I am pretty sure it 3.5 if I am correct.
 
I am on my second Shogun after a 2.7 I now have a 3.2 which tows 3 tons according to DVLA my B+e covers me up to 8 tons gross train weight as because of age a 7.4 lorry is out of the question. I bought at auction with 70000 on the clock one owner and my wife loves it because she can see all around and it is easy to spot parking spaces in the Tesco car park. It has done 3 MOT with nothing that wants doing and when I asked the tester what i should look out for due to the age he said do not worry they are built like a tank. Farming friends are buying Shogun pick ups as they are more reliable than the modern Land Rovers.
 
I've got an 05 plate automatic Kia Sorento with an 2800kg tow capacity, absolutely love it! Tows my IW511 and two big ID each weighing 650kg and it pulls it no problems. Fairly economical (as much as a 4x4 can be) have had it 2 years now and never let me down!! You can get the Kia Sorentos that pull 3500kg but they're harder to come by but they are out there.
 
This thread could have been written by me OP, I'm in the exact same boat! Well, apart from mine's a Space Trekka M and my horse is 15.3hh but I would also like to take another with me most of the time.

I've done a lot of research and for the same budget as you, £10K, I've chosen to go with a Sorento. As others have said, it would have to be 2009 or older as the 2010 models engine is only 2.2l and towing capacity drops to only 2t.

I'm looking at 2007-2009 with 20K to 60K on the clock to come in budget.

I would be looking at the manual rather than automatic. Generally these have a towing capacity of 2.8t and the auto's 3.5t. The 'Titan' model is 3t and 3.5t respectively.

A friend at my yard tows with her 2005 version and loves it, tows easily.

You seem to get a lot for your money with the Sorento and I'd rather have a newer Sorento than an older Shogun (that would be my next choice)

Good luck in your search, I'll be looking for one after Chrsitmas too so hope we're not in the same area! ;)
 
Don't rule out a pickup, having had 4x4 vehicles of various makes that I filled with all sorts of associated muck and rubbish I now have a pickup with a back on. Its fab, all grotty stuff goes in the back and the cab stays nice and clean (ish). Its as comfy as a car with all the bells and whistles and tows well. Yes they are long but not impossible especially with cameras and bleepers. I do loads of driving for work and its the best of both worlds. Great value for money, best bet is a Hilux or Izuzu. I looked at other 4x4s but the pickups just seem to give better value for money.
 
HipoH said:
Don't rule out a pickup, having had 4x4 vehicles of various makes that I filled with all sorts of associated muck and rubbish I now have a pickup with a back on. Its fab, all grotty stuff goes in the back and the cab stays nice and clean (ish). Its as comfy as a car with all the bells and whistles and tows well. Yes they are long but not impossible especially with cameras and bleepers. I do loads of driving for work and its the best of both worlds. Great value for money, best bet is a Hilux or Izuzu. I looked at other 4x4s but the pickups just seem to give better value for money.
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Agree with the pick-up option. We went for a Nissan Navara, excellent in every way-absolutely cannot fault it. Slightly shorter in length than the Hilux so you don't get any 'bounce' when towing a horse. Also more powerful and much more 'luxurious' inside.

Would get my vote everytime!
 
Shogun-(short wheel base) all the way!!!! We had a newish defender which towed our space treka L really well, but as a vehicle it was uncomfortable, very basic and not at all economical- we sold it and bought a citroen C2 for every day driving and a 52 shogun for towing- best move we ever made!!! The Shogun is very reliable with lowish mileage and costs about half the price to run! We looked at Kias, but felt you got more for your money with the Shogun.
 
Totally agree with Frumpoon - Toyota Landcruiser is definitely worth a look. Fab to drive, tows easily and roomy interior for passengers, kit etc. Extremely reliable too. It has got us out of showgrounds covered in deep mud when every other vehicle on the site had to be hauled out by tractor. Ours is an old Colorado, 3 litre, but for £10k you could get a nice newer one.
 
We tow 2 hwt RID hunters in a Rice B60 trailer with either a Landcruiser or a Land Rover defender 130. It's effortless in both - and they both tow up to 3.5t.

£60/hr labour? ????? Thats mad! We pay £28..... even for the Landcruiser
 
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