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!

EmilysDad replied on 06/09/2018 20:59

Posted on 06/09/2018 20:59

none really endeared themselves to a caravanist .... a range of 20 to 25 miles on electric for the Volvo hardly inspires

lornalou1 replied on 06/09/2018 23:26

Posted on 06/09/2018 23:26

did you see them trying to find a charging point, what a laugh 5 miles left and 4 attempts. then the charger in the lamppost placed on a corner within 5 metres which is breaking the law if parked within 5 metres.

richardandros replied on 07/09/2018 06:47

Posted on 06/09/2018 18:06 by Pippah45

Thanks Boff - I have looked up the Touareg and think it might be a touch extravagant and maybe too large - I wish they wouldn't slope the back of these so many of these cars which restricts the head room for large sitting dogs! 

It's the peace of mind having the warranty that is attracting me to swap at this moment in time - mine runs out at the end of the month.  Annoyingly I hadn't noticed when it was taxed exactly because I bought it in January 2016 but they taxed it in October 15 - why did they do away with the tax disc?? 

Posted on 07/09/2018 06:47

Pippah - if I look back to the number of times I have changed my car for the same reason - i.e. peace of mind at having a warranty - and ended up spending something approaching £20k for the privilege.  In the cold light of day, it just doesn't stack up - you would have to be very unlucky to get  repair bills which would exceed that.

That said, I was considering swapping mine this year - but since the Escape is no longer available, it's made me see sense and I shall be sticking with the present car which has only done 30k, for some time, I think.

Pippah45 replied on 07/09/2018 16:47

Posted on 07/09/2018 16:47

 Well folks I have finally taken the plunge and taken up an offer that felt too good to be passed.  IF it arrives in time for me to get away next week - it's a this year's plate with 10k on the clock replacement for mine and I am paying £11,000 with PX and towbar.  Considering the bodywork of mine is very far from perfect I am happy.  4.5 years left on the warranty and so on.  I will try not to make the same mistakes parking/reversing etc as I did before!  Not to mention tripping up near the car with the keys in my hand!  It's white too and I wonder if it is anything like the shade of white on the van but that doesn't concern me at all! 

I went as far as booking my old one in for it's MOT but if there was any glitch on that my break would have been messed up.  All in all I expect a few envious glances on my travels! 

near Malvern Hills Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Cole

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