I know it's an oft asked question here, but only because it's such an important decision, but I cuurently tow my 2008 Lunar Qasar 524 with a 56 plate Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Estate, actually reasonably happily except for the almost alraming dip from car rear end through the coupling despite the noseweight of the Qasar being aslow as I can make it. So , in pondering a change of car I have the following criteria and would appreciate suggestions based on experience which I know the forum has in abundance!
I have a 60 mile round commute each day so need reasonable fuel economy - currently 49 mpg ish at present - down to 35 ish when towing. I'm quite tall at 6' 4". I would have a budget of about £15k plus about £4k for the Mondeo. I don't have any particular preference for a make or style except appreciating the load space ther estate has given me, so any suggestions very welcome.
New Shape Honda CRV diesel would easily cope with your Lunar , heavier than your Mondy and with 100kg noseweight limit and 2000kg towing limit .
I can get 45mpg when driving sensibly and 25-26 mpg when towing a 1500kg Bailey Pageant
I've used these spring asssistors before and they are amazing....and very cheap to buy. I had an Omega whch had such a large boot overhang that it sagged. After fitting these it made a huge difference and actually improved the overall handling of the car when not towing. I had to get them fitted by my local garage as it was a bit ttr4icky without the correct tools - 1 hour labour.
If you are looking for a new vehicle, you can get the new model Hyundai Santa Fe for about 20k. I've test driven one and it was very nice to drive...as well as being very quick. If you get the 7 seat you get self levellling suspension and it has a noseweight limit of 100kg. Problem is finding one!
Shop around and you can get a 12 - 18 month old BMW 520D Touring, plenty of room, enough vroom (177 bhp), amazing economy and refinement - and standard self-levelling suspension. (Plus someone else has taken the 10K hit on a new one)
Haven`t towed with mine yet, but three months and 9K miles on its really loosening up, and it has all the ingredients to be good, with an 1800kg towing limit.