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what if any is the most economical tow car as in fuel consumption and tax and insurance.

at the moment i have a petrol mondeo and am thinking of changing my car in the near future, i have been looking at another mondeo ( nearly new ) petrol or diesel.

my friend has a 3 door range rover. ( discovery )

what views thoughts or preferences do any of you have

thank you.

Not sure about saloons...

The Volvo V50 2.0 Diesel estate is staggering for MPG.

You will see 60 MPG at legal motorway speeds. (solo)

You will still get 40+ when towing.

I know this because my friend has one.

4X4 wise, the Mitsibishi Outlander does 40+ solo, and 30+ towing. (also made as Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007)

Both are low for Tax and insurance in respect of their group etc.

If you choose a new tow car from the list above you will suffer a loss in value on the vehicle of about 30% in just three years, offsetting any mpg 'savings' for a considerable number of years.  The benefits of diesel are now questioned, higher vehicle purchase cost, higher fuel cost will mean a considerable mileage before any lower motoring costs can be seen.  Depreciation of the vehicle is a major factor in the running costs of a vehicle.  See the AA guide to costs per mile, more realistic than mpg. for vehicles.  The answer to cheaper motoring is simple, buy a smaller caravan and drive a smaller car.  If we do not make that decision now, Brown and the markets could make it for us. 

John

Diesel Mondeo.

Quote: Originally posted by jondy on 07/6/2008

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If you choose a new tow car from the list above you will suffer a loss in value on the vehicle of about 30% in just three years, offsetting any mpg 'savings' for a considerable number of years. The benefits of diesel are now questioned, higher vehicle purchase cost, higher fuel cost will mean a considerable mileage before any lower motoring costs can be seen. Depreciation of the vehicle is a major factor in the running costs of a vehicle. See the AA guide to costs per mile, more realistic than mpg. for vehicles. The answer to cheaper motoring is simple, buy a smaller caravan and drive a smaller car. If we do not make that decision now, Brown and the markets could make it for us.

John

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I made an error there Mr. Paul, thanks.  I was thinking of a large engined Vauxhall Signum which I read could have a residual value of as low as 30% after 3 years.  A 70% drop for some perhaps.   Tempting buys for some.

John

most economical tow car ?

A company car with fuel allowance.......I just need to swap jobs to get one. 

I guess it depends on what you want to tow for anyone to answer that question?

We pull a new conway cruiser folding camper with a renault megane 1.5 dci and got 49.2 mpg recently.

Would steer towards a mondeo though if you want to pull a caravan.

Good luck with your search.  

diesel mondeo.(not a tdci) well under £3k now to buy

28-32 mpg towing 1400kgs

45-55 mpg solo

£145 for 12 months tax

£200 for a years fully comp insurance

does everything we throw at it rather well

I tow my van with a Renault Clio 1.5d, (see gallery).

I get about 45mpg towing, the road tax is £35 per year and ins is £160.

I use a petrol Peugot 406 1600cc,P reg, with 116000 miles on the clock, Had the car 18 months it's been great. I've only just started to tow a Dandy folding camper tho'. The car cost me £600.  I've had my moneys worth out of the car tho'. I hope i'm as lucky with the next one. Over the year i'm still winning, no real depreciation cost, and so far no major repair costs, a lamda sensor, and two tyres.