I need a new tow car

[TheArf]

Sorry to hear about the mother-in-law hope she recovers soon, just to add my views to the towcar debate, I have a nissan terrano that I pull a caravan with and use as my daily runner back and too to work. I regularly get 32 to the gallon wheather towing or not. It is the 2.7turbo diesel and you just dont feel anything behind you, bought it last year for £1500 and it is great really comfortable whatever distance you do (avoid the petrol version it drinks fuel)

[davylock]

I'll second "ARF" about Terranos, mine since new in 2003 is a 2.7TDS SWB and they are way underated. The 2.7TD engine is bulletproof, gives 32 MPG no problem, will pull anything and is a fantastic performer in winter & snow, Recommended, Dave.

[Davey]

But driving a Terrano is like driving a four seater Massey Ferguson . to be fair the Terrano/Maverick is not a bad tool but I'd not want to do a long journey in one. the same can be said for most 4X4s IMHO unless they have independent suspension. One of the best 4X4s I have driven for driver comfort is the Nissan Xtrail, brilliantly comfortable car and handlkes like a car rather than a farm implement.

D.

[TheArf]

but the x-trail doesn't have a low ratio gear and as I tow either a caravan or a 6mtr dive rib the x-trail doesn't cut it. And as for comfort swmbo wont travel far unless its comfortable and this summer we are off to Devon from North Wales so it must have some comfort

[davylock]

Davey,
I must admit the X trail and Pathfinder are a better, more modern proposition, but expensive. Mine took me 3200mls to Spain and back with no problems, certainly a lot faster than an old Grey Fergie!. It's nothing like a tractor and people comment how smooth the engine is. Anyway, I'm a big fan, everybody has their own favourite make, even Skoda won Towcar of the Year with the Octavia, Dave.

[Davey]

Fair comment fellas but as Aerosam needs a general purpose towcar to pull a lightweight trailer (I'm guessing around 250KGs) with a lightweight sportscar on it (I reckon around 550-600KGs max) with a likely total trailer mass of 850-900KGs his existing C5 diesel is going to be more than up to the job and will probably return a fair bit more than 32MPG into the bargain.

D.

[AshG]

the signum does 55mpg normally if i drive it gentle and drops to around 45mpg with the trailer and roadster on the back. acceleration doesnt seem to be an issue even up steep hills. the best thing is its silky smooth to drive and quieter than the 5 series i used to hack about in for work