Replacing my Freelander tow car

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

Stewart P

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.

77 replies

Rufs replied on 30/01/2020 15:15

Member

Rufs

Caravanner from Hampshire

Posted on 29/01/2020 19:44 by Phishing

Sorento or its sibling Santa Fe.

4x4, loads of kit, tows beautifully, comfy.

5 or 7 year warranty, not that you will probably need it.

7 seats just leave row 3 under the floor, 7 seaters have really good residuals.

Not frugal but then should be better than the Disco, tank range to get you as far as you want to go in a day.

£40k may even get a new pre-reg one.

Posted on 30/01/2020 15:15

Have one. After being a LR fanatic for several years, swopped to Sorento when i did not need a serious off roader, best thing i ever did. Dont buy the Sportage for 1500kg too light in my opinion, i tow `1575kg and Sorento is fine with 100 kg nose down, mine is 2013 model (auto) and has full sized spare wheel slung underneath at rear, never had mine up as a 7 seater, dog lives in boot. Not that i have had any problems with mine, touch wood, but just make sure you are familiar with 7 year warranty, there are some exclusions which could make your hair curl.

Cornersteady replied on 30/01/2020 17:41

Member

Cornersteady

Caravanner from Tyne & Wear

Posted on 29/01/2020 20:02 by EmilysDad

I half looked at a Kia when I bought my ML ... one thing that put me off was the under slung spare wheel and its proximity to the tow bar. I never investigated further but does the tow bar not foul the spare? 🤔

Posted on 30/01/2020 17:41

Never really considered that MM, but we have a detectable tow bar and there is a couple of inches between it and the attachment and never seem to hit the spare when putting it on. If I get the chance I'll take a pic or actually measure it tomorrow. I suppose it might mean taking the spare off with a permanent tow bar (fingers crossed I never have to do that - you know how useless I am with anything mechanical) more difficult?

Phishing replied on 30/01/2020 19:46

Member

Phishing

Caravanner from Merseyside

Posted on 30/01/2020 17:41 by Cornersteady

Never really considered that MM, but we have a detectable tow bar and there is a couple of inches between it and the attachment and never seem to hit the spare when putting it on. If I get the chance I'll take a pic or actually measure it tomorrow. I suppose it might mean taking the spare off with a permanent tow bar (fingers crossed I never have to do that - you know how useless I am with anything mechanical) more difficult?

Posted on 30/01/2020 19:46

No problem with fit, I have full size spare and permanent bar. It is close but no problem getting spare up or down as it hangs on a wire rope thing so once its swinging its easy to position.

EmilysDad replied on 30/01/2020 22:03

Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner

Posted on 30/01/2020 22:03

There was no bar fitted to the Kia I looked at so I was just curious about the amount of room. Obviously the (main) dealer was clueless 😯

Fortunately my skinny spare is safe & snug in the boot of my ML and my towball drops down at the touch of a button! 😊

cyberyacht replied on 31/01/2020 09:09

Member

cyberyacht

Motorhomer from Hampshire

Posted on 31/01/2020 09:09

"...but we have a detectable tow bar"

Could be tricky if you couldn't find it.

1 person likes this

Navigateur replied on 31/01/2020 10:52

Member

Navigateur

Caravanner from Lanarkshire

Posted on 31/01/2020 10:52

Often found with someones knee cap though!

replied on 31/01/2020 11:00

Posted on 31/01/2020 10:52 by Navigateur

Often found with someones knee cap though!

Posted on 31/01/2020 11:00

Either an overheight tow ball or very short stature. I am 5' 6'' and my knees are safe

JVB66 replied on 31/01/2020 11:28

Member

JVB66

Caravanner from Hertfordshire

Posted on 30/01/2020 15:15 by Rufs

Have one. After being a LR fanatic for several years, swopped to Sorento when i did not need a serious off roader, best thing i ever did. Dont buy the Sportage for 1500kg too light in my opinion, i tow `1575kg and Sorento is fine with 100 kg nose down, mine is 2013 model (auto) and has full sized spare wheel slung underneath at rear, never had mine up as a 7 seater, dog lives in boot. Not that i have had any problems with mine, touch wood, but just make sure you are familiar with 7 year warranty, there are some exclusions which could make your hair curl.

Posted on 31/01/2020 11:28

How come the Sportage you looked at was 1500kg our is 1750kg