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Hi, true to form I have changed my towcar again! Getting rid of the Volvo S60 and getting a VW Passat 2.0tdi SE estate (new shape). The Volvo, although being an excellent towcar, was getting tatty, having had someone walk over it and someone scratch one of the wings and various other dents appearing!

It is a high mileage car, 94000miles, but has full history and has just been serviced, front bushes changed and new alloys and tyres fitted. Comes with a towbar already fitted, just need the grey plug fitted. It is a nice blue colour with privicy glass. Maybe I will keep this one a bit longer! I've said that before!!

I tow an 08 Avondale Argente 550-4 and I think I will be coming in around 87% with the Passat. 

Now , this is the point where you all tell me that I've made a huge mistake and should have bought something else. Happens everytime. But from what I have read over the last few months no matter what I would have bought would  have come up for some bashing from someone. Was looking at Vectras, X-trails, Santa Fe(older one), Mondeos, 407's, see what I mean!

Anyhow picking it up on Tuesday all being well and have already got a partial refund on the insurance and the roadtax is cheaper too.

Paul

Good towcar, Paul, I`ve got the 140TDI Sport, dunno what your Avondale weighs, but it tows my 1375kgs very easily.

I take it you have the 140 model, as the 105 is a different kettle of fish and I think will struggle with a decent size van on the hook.

Hi, yes forgot to mention its the 140 model. My Avondale from memory is approx. 1260kg unladen, max 1460kg, must look up the exact figure.

Paul

Quote: Originally posted by tnb1 on 14/8/2009Hi, true to form I have changed my towcar again! Getting rid of the Volvo S60 and getting a VW Passat 2.0tdi SE estate (new shape).......... and the roadtax is cheaper too.

Paul

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If you haven't signed the deal yet, have you looked at a Skoda Superb yet? They're identical (except price) to the Passat....
I have a Skoda Octavia 2.0L TDI 140 BHP; a brilliant towcar, and while my van is somewhat lighter than yours, I doubt you would have any problem with your van - the 85% figure for my Octavia is 1296KG with max towing weight of 1400KG - the Superb/Passat is a little heavier, so relevant figures should be that bit higher...

Gram

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What's the difference between a chicken?

Hi Gram, yes I was looking at a Superb a while back. Top of the range model too, but wanted an estate really. I like the look of the new Superbs. Out of my price range though!

Paul.

I have had a 105 Passatt Estate  for the last year as a company car. I tow a Lunar Zenith 6 and it pulls the van fine (towed in all circumstances and weather), i am due to have my new car delivered on the 7th sept, which is the new 110  2.0 tdi highline, dont know what difference it will make but it cant be less then the 1.9 so i feel it will be an improvement

Another vote for the Passat. My '07 reg 140 bhp Estate has now done 70,000 miles from new, and nothing has gone wrong. Well, I tell a lie, I've had one of the front parking sensors replaced, but they don't count!

see http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=20&TopicID=108482 for my experiences

I have just got rid of my 2 litre Passat estate, been made reundant, it had done around 70000 miles in under 2 years, and was a brilliant car in every way. 50 mpg solo easily achieved. Towed 1300 kgs with no probs at all. 6th gear cruising on motorway towing effortless. You have made the right choice

Good luck

pee jay

Thanks for the replies, I am just about to tow for the first time with the Passat. Off for the weekend.  I'll let you know how I get on.

Paul

Hi, just back from our weekend away using our new (to us) car. Didn't go very far but the Passat was a joy to drive. It pulled my van with ease and felt very stable. Loads of room in the boot although we were travelling light.

I'm still trying to get used to the autohold handbrake which is great. According to the computer I was geting 30mpg while towing.

Overall i'm well pleased.

Paul

Three things to remember about the Passat's handbrake...

1) you need to be wearing a seatbelt for it to auto release. soon after I got mine, I wanted the move the car a few feet on the drive, so I hopped in and couldnt understand why the handbrake wouldn't auto release....  it was because I wasn't wearing my seatbelt....

2) if you do want to move the car a few feet without having to wear a setbelt, simply press the brake pedal and the handbrake button simultaneously, and it'll release.

3) If you do need to use the handbrake in an emergency whilst in motion, press and hold the button, it will apply the handbrake, and promptly lock the rear wheels. I know this cause I tried it!  If you still have some forward motion when you take your finger off the handbrake button, it will release.

Also, be assured that in over 70,000 miles of driving, my handbrake hasn't once failed to release.