Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice

Topic: Replacement for Volvo V70

Page: 1 2

Colin21

25/4/2018 at 5:15pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6281

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

Looking for a replacement tow car that can match my V70, which does all the below except having a high driving position. All suggestions welcome, polite ones only please.

Needs to be capable of towing 1 – 1.5 tons.
Needs to do 35 – 40 mpg solo around town
Needs to cost no more than £315 road tax a year
Must be automatic, with torque converter transmission
Needs to be reasonable to insure
Must have a high driving position
Must be capable of carrying awning, folding chairs etc and a dog cage in the rear.

Must cost no more than £2,500. Yes I know it's a tall order, but I'm sure there's one out there with my name on, somewhere.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin

Ray Clayton

25/4/2018 at 5:35pm
Location: Ilkeston. Derbyshire
Outfit: Disco 4 Unicorn Barcelona 4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/10/2014

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1532

Site Reviews Total:	36

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	6
Site Reviews 2020:	10
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	5

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	8
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	30
Site Nights 2019:	8
Site Nights 2018:	23

Another V70 Colin.

-------------
Cheers
Ray

Discovery 4 & Bailey Barcelona 4

Colin21

25/4/2018 at 5:44pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6281

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

Quote: Originally posted by Ray Clayton on 25/4/2018
Another V70 Colin.

You are probably right, Ray! Only reason I am thinking of changing though is because I am beginning to struggle getting out of the one I have now. I have back problems and a dodgy hip, and they are not going to get any better. Despite its age the Volvo is still a good car. Lovely and comfortable once I'm in, and drives beautifully. Tows a treat too!

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin

Ray Clayton

25/4/2018 at 5:54pm
Location: Ilkeston. Derbyshire
Outfit: Disco 4 Unicorn Barcelona 4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/10/2014

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1532

Site Reviews Total:	36

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	6
Site Reviews 2020:	10
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	5

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	8
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	30
Site Nights 2019:	8
Site Nights 2018:	23

Am with you with the back problems.
Thats why i love mine, so easy to get in and out, and a lovely ride on the road.

If / when i go back down to a single axle like the senator we had, i will no doubt look at a V70.

But i will take into account what you say about getting in and out.

-------------
Cheers
Ray

Discovery 4 & Bailey Barcelona 4

Colin21

25/4/2018 at 7:06pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6281

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

Not sure if the later V70s are higher, which they may be, but mine is an early one (W reg, 2000), and it is quite low. One advantage it does have though is that being pre-2001 it is cheaper to tax. It cost me £245 back in January, whereas it would have been £305 if it had been post-2001. Now post-2001 is £315.

We don't need a huge powerful car, as our old Elddis is only about a ton, but I always like to have a bit in reserve. Our V70 can cope with up to 1600kg according to the handbook.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin

navver

25/4/2018 at 8:00pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4664

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Our Peugeot Partner max tow 1300kg is pretty good. Nice and high and with a high driving position I find I can go further than my Mondeo before needing a rest.

Carries everything you could possibly want. Sliding rear doors are great.

So far been reliable and does 50mpg no matter where I go.

Colin21

26/4/2018 at 9:12pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6281

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

Certainly another one to look at. Thanks Navver.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin

664DaveS

27/4/2018 at 5:53pm
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/7/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4383

Site Reviews Total:	55

Site Reviews 2024:	2
Site Reviews 2023:	8
Site Reviews 2022:	6
Site Reviews 2021:	6
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	3
Site Reviews 2018:	4

Site Nights 2024:	16
Site Nights 2023:	55
Site Nights 2022:	54
Site Nights 2021:	56
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	20
Site Nights 2018:	41

If you like Volvo how about XC60 which is an Suv or the XC70 which is awd version of V70 and is a little higher.

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!

HumberWolf

27/4/2018 at 6:19pm
Location: North Lincolnshire
Outfit: Elddis Xplore 495

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 04/8/2016

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 197

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 27/4/2018
If you like Volvo how about XC60 which is an Suv or the XC70 which is awd version of V70 and is a little higher.

You're not going to find either of these for under £2500.

Colin21

27/4/2018 at 7:21pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6281

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

Quote: Originally posted by HumberWolf on 27/4/2018

Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 27/4/2018
If you like Volvo how about XC60 which is an Suv or the XC70 which is awd version of V70 and is a little higher.

You're not going to find either of these for under £2500.

Some of the early XC70s are around for under £2500, but they are not that much higher than mine. I have sat in one belonging to the independent Volvo specialist who looks after mine. XC60s though are much too new.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin

Colin21

27/4/2018 at 7:25pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6281

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

Quote: Originally posted by navver on 25/4/2018
Our Peugeot Partner max tow 1300kg is pretty good. Nice and high and with a high driving position I find I can go further than my Mondeo before needing a rest.

Carries everything you could possibly want. Sliding rear doors are great.

So far been reliable and does 50mpg no matter where I go.

I have taken a look online (ebay & autotrader) and there are none at all anywhere in my price range. Diesel autos are very rare it would seem, at any price. Also, I'm not sure what automatic transmission they use, I don't think it is the conventional torque-converter type that I am looking for. Thanks anyway.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin

navver

27/4/2018 at 8:23pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 4664

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Sorry didn't spot the auto requirement. Had a Mondeo TDCI diesel auto with a 6 speed tiptronic. This is a torque convertor type but has easy manual change options of either a switch on the steering wheel or slide the gear lever to the right and push forward or back to change gear.

Normal use it was thirsty on short journeys, 35mpg, but very good on motorways easily doing 50 plus mpg.

Towing was excellent but needed to use the manual change as it seems to change based on speed rather than engine load. Fine solo though.

I find the Pug comfier on long journeys. I'm 6'4" tall and tend to need the seat a long way back and quite reclined so as not to feel cramped. In the pug the seat is much higher and I can have it much closer to the wheel and pedals etc and yet still feel not cramped.

Decent size boot and you can fold a seat or two down and they do a decent estate.

Colin21

27/4/2018 at 8:41pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6281

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

Had many years of driving coaches Navver, when they all had manual boxes, so I went over to auto cars and have never looked back. That Tiptronic sounds good. Auto is also great for towing.

My old Volvo does around 38mpg on short journeys, so 35mpg wouldn't be too bad at all. I could live with that. I can also get 50mpg on motorways, so not that different.

I'm not as tall as you being 5'10, but my son is. He has his own car though, and doesn't drive mine.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin

skipp66

27/4/2018 at 9:25pm
Location: Essex
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 08/6/2008

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 211
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Just had a look on autotrader
There are a lot of old discos and shoguns/pajeros around the £2500 mark but all these dont have the mpg you need. Could get a fairly decent XC90 for your budget ?
I dont think you will get a high driving position tug with your mpg requirements for the money.
Although my old vivaro van was a great drive and lovely and high up .

Cheers Dan.

Hairywol

28/4/2018 at 2:06pm
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Challenger Sport 524 + Volvo V90 D5

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/6/2005

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1430
Tent Reviews: 6

Site Reviews Total:	29

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201804255894492?radius=1500&advertising-location=at_cars&transmission=Automatic&postcode=ts260ht&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&price-to=2500&body-type=Estate&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&sort=price-desc&page=1

Lots of old E and C-Class Mercs that would fit the bill. Go for non-sporty versions for a better ride and softer suspension.

-------------
Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.

Colin21

28/4/2018 at 2:39pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6281

Site Reviews Total:	18

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	2
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	3

Site Nights 2024:	7
Site Nights 2023:	8
Site Nights 2022:	12
Site Nights 2021:	18
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	21
Site Nights 2018:	18

Thanks Hairywol. I took a look at that one, and you are right I would go for the non-sporty versions for precisely that reason. Not sure they are any higher seating than my Volvo though. Also that one is over 200 miles away, which is the problem I am finding with all the cars I look at.

I rather fancy the Kia Sportage (2003-2010), or the Nissan X-Trail, but whenever I find one in my price range it always turns out to be a day's drive away! I have never even sat in either of the vehicles I like the look of, let alone driven one, so I don't fancy doing a 400+ round trip only to find out I don't like it after all. I know, I'm an awkward b******.

I am starting to lean towards keeping the Volvo and living with the problem of getting in and out. After all I know it well after driving it for 9 years, and it's still lovely and comfortable once I'm in. MOT in 2 months may spoil that for me though.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Jump To Page: 1 2
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

6902 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder