7k Car to tow caravan
7k Car to tow caravan
Author
Discussion

ozzuk

Original Poster:

1,441 posts

154 months

Monday 3rd July 2023
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Looking to switch from beloved T5 campervan to a tow car/caravan. Will be selling the van to pay for both. Already have an Outlander PHEV which is staying (adore it) so challenge is:

Capable tow car with good limit (not bought caravan yet but want choice, will be 4 berth)
Budget 7k ish (leaves 10-13 for caravan)
Will be dog car so looks/bodywork not really important
Mileage target 80k
Age, say 2012 onwards
4x4 preferred but might consider estates.

I've done some digging and for the budget the Hyundai Sante Fe 2012 model seems perfect. 2.2 diesel with high tow limit, good room inside, seen a 85k base model for 6.5k from a dealer. Tuscon looks better but much higher mileage for budget. Can't stretch to the Kuga and anything with a VW badge is too pricey.

Will go and test the Fe, but anything else we should be considering? Don't want to tow with my PHEV, its the current dog car, seats removed etc but will be put back to normal use when new car chosen as I want to keep it nice.

ChattingWham

157 posts

111 months

Monday 3rd July 2023
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The committed caravaner in my family has had a series of (older) Kia Sorentos and Ssangyong Rextons. An Isuzu Rodeo, once.

Rankss

116 posts

83 months

Monday 3rd July 2023
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Skoda Octavia 2.0L TDI. Even the hatchback has a large boot so might not need the estate.
Plenty Mk3s around for under £7k. Standard engine is 150bhp, not sure of the towing capacity 1600kgs to 2000kgs I'd guess.
Engine would take a remap for another 40bhp if you want a bit more grunt. For the space to money ratio, it's ok.

Edited by Rankss on Monday 3rd July 11:04

aland75

173 posts

104 months

Monday 3rd July 2023
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Volvo XC90 D5 ?

ozzuk

Original Poster:

1,441 posts

154 months

Monday 3rd July 2023
quotequote all
aland75 said:
Volvo XC90 D5 ?
I'd love a volvo, had an R-design V50 a few years ago but can't see anything other than really old/uber mileage for my budget.

PurpleTurtle

8,846 posts

171 months

Monday 3rd July 2023
quotequote all
Honda CR-V?

This one is in budget and ticks all your boxes, including as a 'dog car', a 'W OOF' registration plate! hehe

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307039...

We tow a caravan with a 138,000 mile Honda FR-V which has been mega reliable, when it eventually dies I am in the market for a CR-V.

Shabaza

289 posts

124 months

Monday 3rd July 2023
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If you can up your budget £1000-1500
And accept circa 120k mileage

The VW Touareg circa 2012 would be my choice in steed.

georgeyboy12345

4,554 posts

62 months

stevemcs

10,161 posts

120 months

Monday 3rd July 2023
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You need to narrow down what you want from the Caravan so you can be more specific on the tow car. I use a Mondeo estate but if I wanted a bigger van I'd be looking towards a Freelander 2/Hyundai Santa Fe

ozzuk

Original Poster:

1,441 posts

154 months

Tuesday 4th July 2023
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ZX10R NIN said:
Thank you! That Santa Fe is worth a look. Not seen an infinity before, contender if I can live with how it works! Not looked at Mercs, worried about big bills at the age I'm looking at.

Daaaveee

916 posts

250 months

Wednesday 5th July 2023
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Higher miles than you'd like and a couple of minor issues, but I wouldn't look at anything other than the Discovery 4. They tow so well, great for the dog, lovely things to waft around in.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306268...

Buttff

8 posts

36 months

Wednesday 5th July 2023
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Citroen C5

PurpleTurtle

8,846 posts

171 months

Thursday 6th July 2023
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Daaaveee said:
Higher miles than you'd like and a couple of minor issues, but I wouldn't look at anything other than the Discovery 4. They tow so well, great for the dog, lovely things to waft around in.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306268...
I'm not entirely sure that a 110k miles Discovery advertised as 'spares or repair' is the best example of the marque! laugh

Advert says: ".There are a few minor issues with this vehicle, hence the VERY LOW PRICE!!! The air conditioning is not blowing cold...The electric sunroof does not open...There are some small cosmetic paintwork issues "

aka 'Money Pit'

Tom4398cc

543 posts

61 months

Thursday 6th July 2023
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The Touareg mentioned earlier in the thread is a good shout. Or for lower running costs and general bullet proof-ness a Jeep Grand Cherokee

jason61c

5,978 posts

201 months

Friday 7th July 2023
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Daaaveee said:
Higher miles than you'd like and a couple of minor issues, but I wouldn't look at anything other than the Discovery 4. They tow so well, great for the dog, lovely things to waft around in.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306268...
I wouldn't touch one with a barge pole.

the most unreliable car i've ever owned.

jason61c

5,978 posts

201 months

Friday 7th July 2023
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A Kia sorento will tow well, nice place to sit also.

AyBee

11,269 posts

229 months

Friday 7th July 2023
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anonymous said:
[redacted]
This.

Easternlight

3,895 posts

171 months

Friday 7th July 2023
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I've been using a Skoda Yeti 2.0 Diesel, has a surprising 2000kg tow capacity.
Four wheel drive and got the 170bhp as it has larger brakes.

Got4wheels

551 posts

53 months

Monday 10th July 2023
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Slightly left field choice here, but have you considered the Seat Alhambra? My parents have one and they tow their twin axle caravan with the 138hp diesel. Gets them all over the country without any issue and is a daily too.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305307...

Granted their's is far newer (2017) than the ones within your budget, but the engine/gearbox will be same.

Michael