thanks for the suggestion anniemacxx regards the layout, I hadnt even thought of a fixed bed to be honest! Once we go out looking to buy a van I will definately look at lots of layouts and think what might be best. I quite like the idea of fixed bunks but not sure what weight they take and if they will be big enough for the kids either. We are off at the weekend to look at a Mondeo, a Skoda Octavia and oh wants to look at a Citroen C5 (although have read previous threads on here about the C5 not being a good buy due to depriciation). Thank you all so much for the suggestions though, its very exciting but we are very cautious too so wont be rushing into anything either! thanks again.
Quote: Originally posted by contivanman on 23/2/2010
That santa fe aint goin to win any beauty contests is it thought he said no 4x4's!
what about a audi a6 tdi great value for money well built and a quattro would make towing even easier if you wat more car for money and your not a badge snob a skoda superb is an excellent towcar.
AUDI
not starting a car post war but was talking to my friend this morning and his car has been in the garage 16 times over the last few years for more or less the same faults,so much so they are replacing the engine management for free.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
thanks for the suggestion anniemacxx regards the layout, I hadnt even thought of a fixed bed to be honest! Once we go out looking to buy a van I will definately look at lots of layouts and think what might be best. I quite like the idea of fixed bunks but not sure what weight they take and if they will be big enough for the kids either. We are off at the weekend to look at a Mondeo, a Skoda Octavia and oh wants to look at a Citroen C5 (although have read previous threads on here about the C5 not being a good buy due to depriciation). Thank you all so much for the suggestions though, its very exciting but we are very cautious too so wont be rushing into anything either! thanks again.
C5 is a good tow car and for the price you are looking at depreciation should not be too much of a worry, in fact you could get a bargain. (stands back and waits for the French car batterings to begin)
cant find a C5 local to look out but looking at a Mondeo 2.0 dci 130bhp, 55 plate tomorrow, 47000 miles £5995 at a dealer. May then take a look at the Skoda Octavia although more expensive and much higher mileage. thanks again everyone and will keep you posted.
How about a Citroen C5 2.2 HDI. I have had one for the last 4 years & have towed my 1360kg van all over france & I am very pleased with it . as you probably know citroens tend to depreciate quickly,but this means you can pick up a good estate at a relativly low price. They are economical (42/45 solo 27/33 towing) self leveling & cruise control.But do not get the auto as they have a low tow load abillity
regarding bunk beds,check their max load capacity as some will only take up to 10 stone
If you can find one a skoda superb 1.9 tdi 130 bhp (the tdi badge on the rear will have the di in red) will tow up to 1600 and give you loads of room in the car
buy a toyota, if anything is wrong with it they will fix it for free just to keep the reputation going at the moment!!!
Seriously, a colleague has just had his 56plate company avensis diesel in the dealer, it has been losing coolant and eventually they have decided an engine rebuild is required (something to do with the pistons and block apparently?) the leasing company were not going to repair it due to the high cost, then toyota stepped in with a "significant contribution"!!!
Make sure anything has a service history and remember that although diesels are brilliant for towing and have bags of power they are costly if things go wrong. No manufacturer seems to be vastly better than another nowadays.
Do your homework by googling for common faults etc
Last year we gave up the caravan after many good years. This year we are selling our tow car. We now require something that is a little higher off the floor.
The car is a Peugeot 407GT hdi 136hp Multimedia. A fine tow car and top of the range. First registered 31st July 2007. 5 Months manufacturers guarantee remaining. 28000 miles, taxed until the end of July 2010. £9125.
Tel no. 01405 767275 for further information if it is of any interest.
Peter T, sorry your tow car is more than our budget but sounds ideal, thanks anyway. Saw the Mondeo yesterday, was nicely surprised then saw a Skoda Octavia 2.0 diesel which oh really liked but £2000 more for same reg, 55 plate, and higher mileage.(was 67000 miles, mondeo was 52,000). Will decide over the next few days though, thanks all for your valuable comments.