1.6L -vs- 2.0L as a tow car

Posted on 22/03/2018 13:25 by ellie2761

Thanks for the replies, I'm still undecided.

Whilst the car I'm looking at is only 1.6L the kerb weight is 1600+ and the match service puts it at 86% so it fits that bill.

I never thought about the insurance being cheaper, I will look into that, thanks.

I use the van for about 5 trips a year and one is a long haul two week duration probably taking in 4 or 5 sites, I currently use a 2.0L but its restricted being a 7 seater and it has an over boosting turbo fault which has been 'doctored' so now lacks power and I dare not attempt to pull the van with it, the fault cannot be fixed (no matter how much I have tried!). I don't plan changing my van, it might be old, but I love it and it fits our purpose hence the need another car to pull it but I also have to consider the other 47 weeks it will be used to get me to and from work so economy is key.

 

Posted on 22/03/2018 14:41 by EmilysDad

the fault cannot be fixed (no matter how much I have tried!).

Where are you taking this car that the fault 'cant be fixed'? All faults can be fixed, it's just the depth of pocket that might prevent you. My Merc was diagnosed with an over boost fault (as well as something else) a Merc independent quoted me £2500 to fix. I fixed myself for £200 (the £200 was worth a gamble)

Posted on 15/03/2018 20:32 by Wherenext

We towed for 7 years with a 1.6 diesel engined car and had absolutely no problems with it. Mainly due to the excellent weight ratio between car and caravan (1 ton MPTLM). 

Advantages were mainly when not towing, i.e. lower insurance costs with a smaller engined car, better mpg etc. I worked out that actual towing days were between 10 and 15% maximum of our yearly driving so why pay higher costs for the other 85-90% if the car can tow well with a smaller engine. Really comes down to what the caravan is and what your plans are for keeping the car for the duration of this van. If upgrading then when?