Replacing my Freelander tow car

Stewart P replied on 28/01/2020 18:18

Posted on 28/01/2020 18:18

I've been towing a caravan for almost 6 years, the first 3 with a Freelander 2 XS TD4 manual and the balance with one of the last Freelander's built, a SD4 Metropolis that only came with an auto gearbox and has a high spec with lots of features that would normally come as extras, including a full sized spare wheel. The current car has 190bhp, 420Nm of torque, approx 1800 kerbside weight and can take a tow ball loading of 150kgs. Both cars have been fantastic towing vehicles of the two caravans we have owned, both single axles and slightly under 1500kgs weight.

However, now that our current car is 5 years old and is well out of warranty I've been looking at replacements but am struggling on finding a car with similar properties. I'm resigned to having to have a "skinny" spare wheel and 100kgs max tow ball loading but most potentially suitable cars seem to be longer, (and clumsier), with 7 seats I don't need, have a list price with the essential features over the £40,000 threshold that means you have to pay the government a significant premium on the road fund licence for the first 5 years.

Any sensible suggestions? I would like to buy an almost new, up to 2 yrs old to keep the cost down, keep the list price new under the £40k threshold, with a reversing camera, heated seats and leather trim if possible.

replied on 31/01/2020 12:27

Posted on 31/01/2020 12:27

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Rufs replied on 31/01/2020 13:18

Posted on 31/01/2020 12:27 by

I had a Sorento in 2004 and maybe things have changed but then the underslung spare was no problem with a fixed towbar

Posted on 31/01/2020 13:18

and i can confirm that the Sorento 2013 model is not a problem eitherlaughing

Extugger replied on 01/02/2020 09:24

Posted on 01/02/2020 09:24

 

I tow 1800kgs with an auto Sorento and it does the job superbly. The other model I considered was the VW Touareg, but my budget meant we got a virtually new vehicle, instead of something 3 or 4 years old. With your budget, I would seriously consider it, as it meets with all your requiremets

 

lornalou1 replied on 01/02/2020 13:38

Posted on 01/02/2020 09:50 by Briang

Have a look at the Toyota Land Cruiser great bit of kit won't break down I have one.

 

Posted on 01/02/2020 13:38

2.8l engine with only 177bhp. better tow cars out there.

mylo replied on 01/02/2020 16:55

Posted on 01/02/2020 16:55

Ford kuga probably the best tow car in the world

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