I know this has been asked before but I'm hoping my circumstances allow it to be asked again..
Anyhoo, we just returned from a few days at Kelling in the old Elddis Hurricane. We tow it with a 1997 Honda CRV and I think the torque figure is fairly low because it does struggle on most hills - it's auto 2.0 petrol.
I think it would probably do for a little while but the wife has her heart set on a fixed bed 'van. There's a lovely Pageant Vendee for sale by us and it's way too heavy for the old CRV.
So, I need an auto because of arthritis in my left foot. I have lower back problems and most saloons are too low for long journeys (and getting in and out!). I only do about 5000 miles a year (I have a motorbike for most travel) so I don't really want a diesel with its short journey issues. I don't want to spend more than £3000. So, do I get a later CRV? I've had Fords and both have been expensive and unreliable (Galaxies actually....so my own fault). The Mondeo keeps popping up but the idea of the low seat worries me. I don't need a big proper 4x4 but we have been stuck before and the CRV has done us right.
Any arthritic,back pain suffering low mileage drivers out there? Ta John
------------- Too old to put up a tent but still like waking up to skies and grass...not a cold hotel
Am I what? What's postcode got to do with anything? Is someone taking the wee wee?
I'm looking at torque figures for slightly later petrol crv's but there's not a great increase over my 1997 at 133 ft/lb. I might try sitting in a few mondeos and passats for back pain suitability or lack of.
------------- Too old to put up a tent but still like waking up to skies and grass...not a cold hotel
looking at later model crv's (2005 to 2009) and it seems there's a bhp increase of about 20% but a torque increase of less than 10%. From 133 to 141 ft/lbs. I'd like a lot more torque..Seeing as I don't spend much time in cars other than lugging fishing gear and camping/caravanning any old tug with an auto gearbox and a comfy seat will do. Can't be that hard can it? 2.2 diesel mondeo?
------------- Too old to put up a tent but still like waking up to skies and grass...not a cold hotel
2.2 Diesel Mondeo is a very torquey engine and is a good tow car, or at least in my opinion as it's what I use. It is very comfy to drive long distances but I would, if I were you, take one on a long test drive to see how you find it.
The common issues at the money you want to spend are Dual Mass Flywheel may be due changing if around 100,000 miles and the injectors can be worn. Mines is on 118,000 miles, the injectors are good (I only use Shell Diesel and have since I bought it at 60,000 miles) but my DMF is starting to show signs of wear/failure. The last big thing is the Bushes in the rear sub frame if worn can cause it to bang when driving.
Apart from these, and all cars have inherent faults, they are a good car to drive and handle/tow really well!
Quote: Originally posted by Bogbreath on 18/9/2015
2.2 Diesel Mondeo is a very torquey engine and is a good tow car, or at least in my opinion as it's what I use. It is very comfy to drive long distances but I would, if I were you, take one on a long test drive to see how you find it.
The common issues at the money you want to spend are Dual Mass Flywheel may be due changing if around 100,000 miles and the injectors can be worn. Mines is on 118,000 miles, the injectors are good (I only use Shell Diesel and have since I bought it at 60,000 miles) but my DMF is starting to show signs of wear/failure. The last big thing is the Bushes in the rear sub frame if worn can cause it to bang when driving.
Apart from these, and all cars have inherent faults, they are a good car to drive and handle/tow really well!
You can also get a single flywheel clutch system for a quarter of the cost now
My son had an auto CRV diesel. It was great but too expensive for me. No particular problems and was lovely to ride in.
We like the high sitting position and found it in our Peugeot Partner Teepee diesel which we love. Great for long journeys but only 1300kg tow limit but regular 50mpg always..
I like my CRV and the seat height is good. This one is due for mot next week and that might be the decider. A later one and a visit to the tow car matching site is on the cards. I did see an Adria Altea 432 with fixed bed that is quite light. Decisions,decisions...
------------- Too old to put up a tent but still like waking up to skies and grass...not a cold hotel