Suggestions for a tow car please?

Pippah45 replied on 01/09/2018 16:40

Pippah45

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!

55 replies

Cornersteady replied on 03/09/2018 18:46

Member

Cornersteady

Caravanner from Tyne & Wear

Posted on 03/09/2018 17:41 by Rufs

for the record, like CY I never buy new, today I am towing with a 2013 Sorento k2 2.2, brilliant. For many years lived in Scotland and explored every nook and cranny towing with a Discovery, cant deny the discovery is a brilliant tow car, but my oh my when they go wrong they go wrong £5000 for new gear box, transfer box, and lets put in a new clutch whilst we have got it all down. Discovery new approx £56,000 depending on spec of course, Sorento £36 new depending on spec and with a 7 year warranty, and it tows like a dream, what is not to like.

Posted on 03/09/2018 18:46

agree with the Sorento, had ours one year and tows great and has plenty of power solo too. Also it is very spacious inside (we use ours as a 5 seater) and versatile

EmilysDad replied on 03/09/2018 20:15

Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner

Posted on 03/09/2018 17:16 by Rufs

ET can you tell us how much it has cost you in the last 5 years to keep your X-trail on the road and how many times you have had to call out the break-down guys ???

Posted on 03/09/2018 20:15

I do have to defend ET here. Though not quite as old, I towed with my 99 3.0 Omega for a number of years, (I sold it at about 15 yrs old with 180k on the clock) with no problems. It only had normal servicing costs & never had to recovered anywhere.

EmilysDad replied on 03/09/2018 20:19

Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner

Posted on 03/09/2018 16:40 by Kerry Watkins

We have a Mazda CX-7 and tow a Hobby 460 at 1300kg. The car is brilliant and pulls the caravan easily. Of course being petrol miles per gallon are not as good as diesel but we knew this when we bought if.

Posted on 03/09/2018 20:19

Though the owner of a Chrysler 300C SRT 6.1 V8 hemi I was talking to the other day claimed about 25mpg towing ..... which is more than my 3.0 diseasal

replied on 03/09/2018 20:55

Posted on 03/09/2018 17:16 by Rufs

ET can you tell us how much it has cost you in the last 5 years to keep your X-trail on the road and how many times you have had to call out the break-down guys ???

Posted on 03/09/2018 20:55

About 4 years ago a stone struck the power steering coolant pipe and that had to be replaced.

2 years ago a front coil spring snapped and wrote off a tyre. I had both front springs and shocks replaced as a matter of course. I blame Scottish roads

I am in no haste to replace.

The 19 year old Yaris has only had one replacement exhaust and second replacement battery (2years ago).

lornalou1 replied on 03/09/2018 23:40

lornalou1

Caravanner from Lancashire

Posted on 03/09/2018 17:16 by Takethedogalong

Take a look at the Jeep marque Pippah. We have had five in total, still got two at the moment. Pulled horses, caravans, all sorts of trailers. You get a lot for your money. Avoid the Renegade. It's a Fiat really.

Posted on 03/09/2018 23:40

couldn't agree more takethedog. My grand Cherokee pulls the van with ease and very stable, the Cherokee in the pic wasn't to bad either and that had the 2lt multipoint diesel engine in by fiat.

EmilysDad replied on 04/09/2018 08:57

Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner

Posted on 03/09/2018 23:40 by lornalou1

couldn't agree more takethedog. My grand Cherokee pulls the van with ease and very stable, the Cherokee in the pic wasn't to bad either and that had the 2lt multipoint diesel engine in by fiat.

Posted on 04/09/2018 08:57

I'm tempted by the Grand Cherokee myself but it's the Fix It Again Tomorrow bit that puts me off .... 🤔

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 04/09/2018 09:32

Rocky 2 buckets

Posted on 04/09/2018 08:57 by EmilysDad

I'm tempted by the Grand Cherokee myself but it's the Fix It Again Tomorrow bit that puts me off .... 🤔

Posted on 04/09/2018 09:32

MM, you so need to move out the 70/80’s, modern engines are not like they were in ‘your day’ they're put in a number of differently badged motor manufacturers cars👍🏻😊

2 people like this

EmilysDad replied on 04/09/2018 09:59

Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner

Posted on 04/09/2018 09:32 by Rocky 2 buckets

MM, you so need to move out the 70/80’s, modern engines are not like they were in ‘your day’ they're put in a number of differently badged motor manufacturers cars👍🏻😊

Posted on 04/09/2018 09:59

How old do you think I am .... 🤔😉😉

It's the general electrickery rather than engines 😉

lornalou1 replied on 04/09/2018 11:12

lornalou1

Caravanner from Lancashire

Posted on 04/09/2018 08:57 by EmilysDad

I'm tempted by the Grand Cherokee myself but it's the Fix It Again Tomorrow bit that puts me off .... 🤔

Posted on 04/09/2018 11:12

if you fixed it right in the first place you wouldn't have to do it again tomorrow, or buy one with a warrenty.

1 person likes this

lornalou1 replied on 04/09/2018 15:29

lornalou1

Caravanner from Lancashire

Posted on 03/09/2018 20:19 by EmilysDad

Though the owner of a Chrysler 300C SRT 6.1 V8 hemi I was talking to the other day claimed about 25mpg towing ..... which is more than my 3.0 diseasal

Posted on 04/09/2018 15:29

don't believe everything your told MM. The official figure for the 6.4 srt is only 20.4mpg.

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now

Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace

Visit Facebook