Vehicle for general use & emergency towing

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flintfootfilly

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I've been lucky enough to have a short wheelbase Shogun for the last 7 years, but it's just failed it's MOT. Nothing too major, but I think it'll be the start of things gradually wearing out and needing replacing.

So just toying with the idea of replacing it. I now only tow in an emergency, so hopefully it will be used for towing very very little.

I like a short wheelbase short vehicle because access to my drive is quite awkward. For that reason, I also like it quite narrow.

I'd only ever tow with one pony in - 500kg, and have an Ifor 510 trailer.

I don't have to take hay/bedding or anything like that in the car.

So I thought it'd be reasonable to look at cars with towing capacity of 2,000kg.

I live a few miles from the nearest town, so 4WD is useful but in all honesty probably not essential for general use. I do use the car for harrowing the arena, but that's only a couple of times a year.

Wondered if anyone had any suggestions for a suitable vehicle. Have ruled out LR Freelander as too wide. Ruled out Kia Sorento as too long.

Ones that I think warrant a closer look at the mo are Kia Outlander, and possibly a big Golf. Not sure if Toyota still do a short wheelbase RAV but might check that out too.

Any other suggestions, or anything else to weigh up?

Thanks.

Sarah
 
Errr... no, cross a Golf off your list!

Any estate will do the job. I tow with an Audi A4. My preference would have been an Audi Allroad but work wouldn't let me have one of those... so I have to stick to tarmac only. Limiting.

But the Allroad is 4wd so would do the job in a reasonable field... and still does 40mpg when you're not doing silly stuff like towing :D

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/audi/allroad
 
Thanks for the replies.

Golf: Ah yes, I meant to knock that off the list. The larger models tow up to 1500/1600kg, which in theory would be enough, but in practice I'd prefer a wider margin of safety.

Unfortunately most of the other suggestions are too long.

Think I've narrowed it down to Audi A3 (for something totally different - haven't been able to check dimensions on that yet), Skoda Yeti (goes up to 1800kg towing), Kia Sportage (though I think that may be too long as well) or sticking with a SWB Shogun.

But going to check a motor mag for any other options.

Sarah
 
How about looking at a new Davis Duster? Basically a Renault and the base model is only £8,995, with 4wd etc costing more. We are seriously considering one (or a Freelander) as the boot is HUGE, clearance is amazing etc. OH is also keen on the price! Best selling car in Germany last year and they usually know their stuff!
 
Thanks for that. Just had a quick look online and the Duster only copes with up to 1,200kg braked trailer weight (with just a driver in the vehicle) so not up to weight for me.

Hadn't heard of it before, though, so interesting to see it.

Sarah
 
flintfootfilly said:
Thanks for that. Just had a quick look online and the Duster only copes with up to 1,200kg braked trailer weight (with just a driver in the vehicle) so not up to weight for me.

Hadn't heard of it before, though, so interesting to see it.

Sarah
Click to expand...
The driver being in the vehicle has nothing to do with the max towing weight

There is a weight for the vehicle = GVW
There is a weight for the trailer/towing = MAM/towing capacity
 
I've just bought a Mondeo 2L diesel hatchback. Towing capacity is 1800kg. Very economical to run for its size, cheap to insure and actually very pleasant to drive.

It happily towed haffie plus 1 small LR pony down the road in my bahill pony box (550kg). It wasn't thrilled at parking in a field,m although managed it fine - I could just feel it working IYKWIM.

I'm very happy with it and would recomend a mondeo for light towing to anyone.
 
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