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Hi everyone.  We are about to change our car and we are considering something that may be able to tow a caravan in the future.  First and foremost we need a car with a large boot (two big lurchers) and have a limited budget.  We have seen a nice Vauxhall Vectra Estate 1.8 LS with less than 30k miles on the clock so we are considering this.  The stats for the car suggest it is 1431kg minimum kerb weight and maximum braked towing weight of 1300kg.  Does this mean I can tow 85% of the kerb weight i.e. 1216kg or 1300kg?  (There is only two of us, and the dogs, so wouldn't be looking for a large van, and possibly a folding camper).  Also what other considerations so we be looking at?  Is diesel better than petrol?  Is the engine power (122bhp) important?  Same with torque, 123lbs/ft (<- whatever that means).  Noseweight? (again don't know how I determine this and the significance of it)

As you can tell from the above, I'm completely new to towing so I don't want to struggle with towing so any help would be very much appreciated - thank you

Diesel every time for towing and solo

Skoda Octavia Estate 1.9 tdi with 1400 kg max TW, 50 plus solo around 32 towing

Hi There - for a budget of around £4k you have agreat deal of choice when looking for a tow car, I currently have a Mondeo Mk3 (2002) Tdci (130 bhp) - and I have to say it is one of the best tow cars I have ever had, fuel economy both towing and solo is excellent, and parts are cheap, handling is also very good whether towing or solo -

At the end of the day it is down to personal choice - and as long as you go for a decent sized diesel I am sure you will be fine -  You will be spoilt for choice with your budget

Good luck

Quote: Originally posted by MDJO on 14/6/2011

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Well the car sold before we got to look at it (it was a very good car for the money), so it's back to the drawing board....with a budget of £4k plus appox £1k trade-in, and no particular requirements except space for two lurchers in the boot and reasonable running costs, does anyone have any suggestions? (skoda noted, I have had a look at these but most are out of our budget but am going to keep looking for them)

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You can have mine for that its a 55 plate 1.9 tdi estate 164,000 miles with full service history, taxi MOT till end of April next year harder to pass than a normal MOT, tax till Jan,only £110 per year, new tyres and brakes and discs and new shockers all round, leather interior, dog guard if required group 6 insurance, 50 plus MPG