21 replies to this topic

[TimBanham]

Ok I'm on the hunt for a replacement tow car.

My requirements are as follows:

1.  Must be a 4x4 - happy to have mainly 2wd but must have selectable 4wd been stuck too many times
2.  Must be capable of towing at least 1650KG - ideally 2000kg (towing twin axle)
3.  Decent sized boot as have two dogs
4.  Budget is going to be tight - two potential ranges £5-7K and up to £10k (if I can save enough!)
5.  Diesel
6.  Preferably automatic
7. 5 Doors
8 As new as possible and must have under 70K on the clock

Currently interested in the following but open to most suggestions.

1. Jeep Cherokee 2.8TD (not sure if this is big enough)
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 Diesel (if my budget can stretch)
3.  Hyundai Terracan - slight wild card - like the rough and ready feel of it (had a trooper before)
4. Kia Sorento 2.5TD

Thats about it as my budget seems to limit me somewhat!

Hopefully you will all have some helpful suggestions

[TimBanham]

No suggestions?

[Steve&Tracy]

Ssanyyong Rexton 2.7 SX Mercedes Engine and Auto transmission ? we have one we use as a hack at work been very reliable.

[TimBanham]

Steve&Tracy, on 17 April 2012 - 11:49 AM, said:

Ssanyyong Rexton 2.7 SX Mercedes Engine and Auto transmission ? we have one we use as a hack at work been very reliable.

Good call

[RogerL]

Put your parameters into Auto Trader and it brings up 17 brands - take it from there http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars

[Del]

been running the 3.0 V6 Grand Cherokee since 2006 and been great, tows well, very stable, more fuel efficient than many smaller 4x4's. no complaints with it. May be selling up later in the year though due to change in circumstances when van will be going as well.

[Folding Camper!]

Hi there

This Shogun doesnt seem too bad (lots on there as well):
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201112382858709

Although, I have always been tempted by the Patrol for my next tow car, something like the link below, but probably a bit too old for you:
http://www.autotrade...201208452232049

Good luck with your hunt

Tom

[TimBanham]

RogerL, on 17 April 2012 - 12:21 PM, said:

Put your parameters into Auto Trader and it brings up 17 brands - take it from there http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars

Hi Roger

That's pretty much what I had done :)  Just wanted others opinions of them as tow cars

[TimBanham]

Del, on 17 April 2012 - 03:43 PM, said:

been running the 3.0 V6 Grand Cherokee since 2006 and been great, tows well, very stable, more fuel efficient than many smaller 4x4's. no complaints with it. May be selling up later in the year though due to change in circumstances when van will be going as well.

Love this one - just not too sure my budget will stretch that far yet

[TimBanham]

Folding Camper!, on 18 April 2012 - 11:10 PM, said:

Hi there

This Shogun doesnt seem too bad (lots on there as well):
www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201112382858709

Although, I have always been tempted by the Patrol for my next tow car, something like the link below, but probably a bit too old for you:
http://www.autotrade...201208452232049

Good luck with your hunt

Tom

Hi Tom

Like the patrol but as you said a bit too old for me.

What do you think of your Terrano?  As I like them as well - although the wife still needs convincing!

[Surfer]

Steve, Predictable Bob and myself drive Toyota HiLux Surfs which offer all of your requirements and are reliable.  I bought mine last year with under 70,000K miles on the clock.  Another option is the Toyota Landcruiser Colorado and if with VX trim you get all the boys toys.

[Nick J]

I will second the Landcruiser, awesome vehicle and will give you some change......

[TimBanham]

I'd struggle  to get a landcruiser for my budget

[Folding Camper!]

TimBanham, on 19 April 2012 - 09:07 AM, said:

Hi Tom

Like the patrol but as you said a bit too old for me.

What do you think of your Terrano?  As I like them as well - although the wife still needs convincing!

I still love it to bits, like the old style looks (It looks like a 4x4!), and the fact it just gets on with the job with out any frills!  Mines done over 110,000 now and will be doing its job for another good few years yet. I have the 2.7 which wouldnt I think have the umph to happily cope with a big twin axel (1700kg+) if im truly honest (or the kerb weight, mines 1840kg). The slightly newer 3.0 has more power and a higher kerb weight (1990kg in automatic) and they made them until mid 2004 in 5 door style. I have read from people that have traded up that they feel noticeably more powerful than the older engine. One thing with the Terrano's they are a touch narrower than other 4x4s out there, never been a problem for me but worth bearing in mind.

Regards

Tom

[TimBanham]

Folding Camper!, on 19 April 2012 - 11:42 PM, said:

I still love it to bits, like the old style looks (It looks like a 4x4!), and the fact it just gets on with the job with out any frills!  Mines done over 110,000 now and will be doing its job for another good few years yet. I have the 2.7 which wouldnt I think have the umph to happily cope with a big twin axel (1700kg+) if im truly honest (or the kerb weight, mines 1840kg). The slightly newer 3.0 has more power and a higher kerb weight (1990kg in automatic) and they made them until mid 2004 in 5 door style. I have read from people that have traded up that they feel noticeably more powerful than the older engine. One thing with the Terrano's they are a touch narrower than other 4x4s out there, never been a problem for me but worth bearing in mind.

Regards

Tom

The narrow side is what my wife doesn't like about it and your comments about the power and kerb weight mean they fall off the list - Thanks