Towing Limits - Caterham plus MinnoMax

[bushhpd]

I need to buy a new car, and want it to be able to tow a Caterham trailered on a Minno-Max or equivalent.

Choosing between a non-turbo petrol Polo (the 'unladen weight' limit on the VW website is 1,070kg) and a non-turbo petrol Golf (limit is 1,230kg).

I assume the Golf would be fine (?) but is the limit on the Polo too low?

Preference would be the Polo for a host of other reasons, but don't want to get anything that could not tow effectively.

Thanks!

[2slo]

I think you are getting confused between the unladen weight (usually car + fuel + driver which for a Polo is a little over 1 tonne) and the vehicles permissable trailer weight which is quoted for a braked or unbraked trailer. A petrol polo wouldn't make a good tow car because it can only tow an unbraked trailer max 500 or so kgs (less than the weight of a superlight) and even braked you are only looking at a max of 800kgs, again, no where near enough.
I suggest you first of all find a braked trailer, check it's weight, add the weight of the car you want to carry on it then add any spares you also want on the trailer, then when you have that figure look for a towcar with a suitable towing capacity. A little petrol Polo wouldn't make a good choice. A decent turbo diesel would be better, something Mondeo sized at least.

[Shaun_E]

A Minno max is plated at 2000kg so you need a car that has a permissible towing weight of 2000kg or more. Brian James will replate the trailer to a lower maximum but that trailer plus caterham plus jerry cans/wheels is going to be at least 1200kg.
My Minno (small clubman) is plated at 1400kg but you could get that replated to 1200kg which would then be towable by the Golf.
You will struggle on the hills with a small petrol engine car and towing will be a hateful experience. As above - try and get a turbo diesel if you can with at least 120bhp and 200lbft torque.