Suggestions for a tow car please?

Pippah45 replied on 01/09/2018 16:40

Posted on 01/09/2018 16:40

I am at a crossroads... My Mitsubishi Outlander is almost 3 years old and I am considering either replacing it with another (it's a diesel automatic) Or changing to another make.  According to the matching service its a less than perfect match for my new Swift Conqueror which is 1430 kg MTPLM however I have just completed over 600 miles with little or no difference obvious from the Abbey at 1366 kg MTPLM.  Being Solo I don't need a huge car although it must have space for 2 largish dogs in the back.  

Today I popped into a Subaru dealership and looked at the Forester and the Outback no more Diesel engines in Subarus.  The Forester appeals I think but the Outback looked hugely long although I need to check the size.  

When buying the caravan I was told all was ok on a different matching service and that the Club one I used went on the car being empty which mine never is!  I have been towing for more than50 years which helps but I noticed a distinct improvement to the towing experience when I swapped from a Skoda Octavia Scout to the Outlander.  Interestingly the Octavia is a few inches longer than the Mitsubishi.  

Anyway I would be grateful for any suggestions.  Money isn't too much of an issue but I don't want or need to be too much more extravagant!

replied on 01/09/2018 18:44

Posted on 01/09/2018 18:44

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Pippah45 replied on 01/09/2018 19:43

Posted on 01/09/2018 19:43

Good point DD and my dogs don't do a lot to the value of a tugger!  I am somewhat aware of the clock ticking though and feel like enjoying new things while I can!  I can't have so many years left to enjoy a caravan.  According to my Bank Manager I can expect to leave this earthly coil in about 12 years! 

replied on 01/09/2018 19:53

Posted on 01/09/2018 19:53

Present tow car was bought from new and 13 years old in August. OH's car was bought when three years old and is our general runabout. It will be 19 years old in November

dave the rave replied on 01/09/2018 20:39

Posted on 01/09/2018 16:58 by JVB66

You will not go far wrong with a Kia Sorento2.2 diesel and 8speed?   auto with 7yrwarranty

Posted on 01/09/2018 20:39

Brilliant towcar,easy to drive (despite it,s size) dependant on model...lots of toys...reasonably economical,loads of room in boot for dogs etc.plus 7 years peace of mind.(I am on my 4th Sorento since 2003) and I have never been brand blind in 40 odd years of towing!

EmilysDad replied on 01/09/2018 20:40

Posted on 01/09/2018 20:40

Doesn't really add to the original question though ..... I'm sure a 19 yr old car does the job but it's not like having a new(er) car. Things have moved on .... 

Pippah45 replied on 01/09/2018 22:11

Posted on 01/09/2018 22:11

I have done old cars before - but peace of mind is high on my list now - I don't fancy breaking down off the beaten track!  Most notable was a Peugeot 305  with many many miles on the clock - it served me well for a long time and towed two horses in a trailer for many miles - no doubt outside the legal limits now but it always felt safe.  Worst thing about it was the heater - and I was told by more than one "expert" that diesel cars don't create as much heat - rubbish the heater was faulty as I discovered when getting a lift from another owner of a car of similar age! 

Thank you everyone for the ideas - plenty of food for thought. 

replied on 01/09/2018 22:24

Posted on 01/09/2018 20:40 by EmilysDad

Doesn't really add to the original question though ..... I'm sure a 19 yr old car does the job but it's not like having a new(er) car. Things have moved on .... 

Posted on 01/09/2018 22:24

Thank you  MM. Inciteful as ever.

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