Hi all anyone tow with a 1.8 FORD C-MAX im looking at an 08 plate (PETROL)I do know the torque isn't as good but I don't get the chance to tow a lot. What are they like to tow with. I do to much town driving (short runs) and not enough towing to warrant a diesel, at present I have a 1.9 zafira (diesel) but the DPF is starting to get clogged up and I don't want to fork out between £600- £800 for a new one. My van weight is 1045kgs max and I believe the max towing weight for the C-MAX IS 1200 kgs
Thanks.
Join this forum and ask them about your DPF, they are very helpfull,it covers Zafira's too, mine cleans itself if i keep it over 2,000 rpm's for about 3 miles, http://www.astraownersclub.com/vb/forum.php
Some cars have less problems with Dpf than others. Anecdotally Vauxhalls would appear to have more Dpf probs than Ford. All any Dpf should need to stay trouble free is a run up a dual carriageway 10miles at 60mph once a month. If you still get problems then you have a fault.
To answer your question, towing performance with petrol engined car you mention will be adequate but slow uphill. Fuel consumption while towing will be heavy but if your driving is mostly in town & not much towing then ok. Road tax higher than diesel but over a long period of ownership repair costs petrol should be cheaper than diesel.
I would keep your Vauxhall I have a new astra cdti I was told if you use it for short runs only very week give it a good blast throw the gears to stop the dpf from clogging up . and stay away from supermarket fuel
I have a diesel Antara, if my DPF light comes on I just take a quick 15 minute drive on the M62 ( yes you can do 60+ Sometimes) and it will be fine for a few months, I mainly do city driving day to day so I do expect this to happen from time to time.