daniel mason
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| posted on 14/1/12 at 06:51 PM |
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good reliable tow car and general use car
am thinking about getting a relatively cheap new tin top,to use as a tow car, but also as an only car if i decide to sell the kit to fund a larger
house later in the year. i am looking at £4k max,reliable,low-ish mileage,diesel,and good torque for towing.
been looking at mg zt cdti's as they seem to be reasonable value. 2004 and under 70k on budget!
but what are the other contenders as far as reasonably stylish,comfy tow cars?
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mark chandler
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| posted on 14/1/12 at 06:56 PM |
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Volvo V40 lux TD springs to mind, robust, strong and well screwed together, I am biased as I have one 
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T66
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| posted on 14/1/12 at 07:01 PM |
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Saab 9-5 saloon or estate - The estates are massive
2.0td or 3.0td
2006 06 SAAB 9-5 | eBay
2003 53 SAAB 9-5 | eBay
[Edited on 14/1/12 by T66]
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JoelP
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| posted on 14/1/12 at 07:01 PM |
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Id say mondeo, and head down to your local car auctions to look for one. You get loads of them going through, ex rep car etc, only reason they are at
auction is because the company has loads to get rid of. Ive had about 6 from auction, and all were fine, and crazy cheap. Probably wont have a towbar
but you can get one added cheap enough.
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mookaloid
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| posted on 14/1/12 at 07:05 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by T66
Saab 9-5 saloon or estate - The estates are massive
2.0td or 3.0td
2006 06 SAAB 9-5 | eBay
2003 53 SAAB 9-5 | eBay
[Edited on 14/1/12 by T66]
I agree great cars but the 3.0 models are known for engine problems so maybe better off with the smaller engine
"That thing you're thinking - it wont be that."
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T66
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| posted on 14/1/12 at 07:08 PM |
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Daniel - Im Saab pissed, if you havent driven one have a look. We have an 2009 Focus and until recently a 2001 Saab 9-3 Aero Coupe, if we went
anywhere ie distance/motorway we took the Saab.
Cheap parts, economical, comfy, and will sit all day at 90mph, full of wings,blocks,wheels and towing a trailer.
Wasnt aware the 3.0td had problems Mook ! Cheers
[Edited on 14/1/12 by T66]
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daniel mason
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| posted on 14/1/12 at 07:10 PM |
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Heard some horror stories about tdci model electrics. Especially faulty wiring looms
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daniel mason
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| posted on 14/1/12 at 07:12 PM |
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Those saabs were 100k +! Is that a problem?
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rb968
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| posted on 14/1/12 at 07:20 PM |
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I had the same requirements. Cheap to run, comfy, loads of room, good mpg an able to tow my Indy n ended up with a 53 plate tdci mondeo estate.
Stylish? ........No.
Comfy......Yes. very.
Massive boot, tows well good economy and bits are cheap. Done the rear calipers and a wheel bearing /hub on mine, cheaper for bits than the audi
estate I had previously. Mines a 115 ps and goes well enough.
Rich
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T66
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| posted on 14/1/12 at 07:35 PM |
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Daniel - I just picked those as examples.
My 9-3 2.0 turbo engine was the T7 - looked after, good for 250k, if not looked after, sludgy sump.
No direct contact with the diesels, but like any motor horror stories exist, loads of them about. Mine used Omega hubs & brakes (cheap). Someone
might be along shortly with Saab diesel advice. I wouldnt have a problem with a high miler in most car makes, assuming it passes your scrutiny.
Saab oil filters were a £5 on Ebay, Mobil 1 was £40. Much more comfortable than a Mondeo/Vectra, and dare I say style ?
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norfolkluego
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| posted on 14/1/12 at 09:32 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by mark chandler
Volvo V40 lux TD springs to mind, robust, strong and well screwed together, I am biased as I have one
Another vote for a V40, tows extremely well and is very comfortable, tow my Luego around with it no problem
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twybrow
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| posted on 15/1/12 at 01:05 AM |
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Honda Accord Diesel. I just sold mine, but it made an excellent tow car. Much more stylish and reliable than a Mondeo!
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amalyos
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| posted on 15/1/12 at 10:53 AM |
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I went for a Mondeo estate. 2.2 tdi, on a 56 plate. 110,000 miles. Cost me 3900. Great car, you'd never think it had done the miles.
Tow's my car fine, and has a huge boot for the tools.
http://stevembuild.blogspot.com
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