We are changing car and looking at vans at same time - double trouble.
6 berth something like an Abbey Aventura is current fave. Wondered if anyone has experience of towing with this sort of car. Hubby favours beemers, have looked at Passat but he isnt showing much interest.
torque is the grunt when pulling away, with diesels you get max torque at low revs (ideal for when towing) so you can get your clutch up and rolling without any problems
I have owned both the 520 and currently the 530d touring. The 520 is a 4 cylinder 2 litre engine and the 525d,530d and 535d are all 6 cylinder, 3 litres engines with differing power and torque outputs.
My view, having had both is that the 6 cylinder is the better vehicle, being smoother, quieter and more flexible.
There is of course a price to pay, in slightly increased fuel consumption under normal conditions,however I have found the 530 more economical when towing.
We towed with a 5 series BMW. Great on road, comfortable too but awful on grass at campsites due to the rear wheel drive. We have now changed to an audi estate because of this and the two dogs we have.
We found a cracking Passat Estate last night. 57 reg with 60k on the clock 2 litre diesel 170 BHP. Full history etc... within your price range. We collect it on Saturday.
We did think of BMWs but when we looked you get an older car with higher mileage & higher costs than the Passat. Plus the Passat's min kerbweight is 1737 kilos making it just right to tow a 6 berth single axle.
Before you buy I'd check the kerbweight (think the BMWs were lighter). The Abbey 6 berths MTPLM is 1500 kilos.
Good luck finding your car & caravan - having just done both within a few days we know how hectic & confusing it can all be!!!
We have just got an '07 530D touring, but just beware that towbars can be quite expensive for bm's and the is a big hole to cut in the rear bumper if you get an M Sport model unless you get a replacement panel. May not be an issue with an older one.
Lovely car and pulls like a train.
Remember to check out the kerb weights. I recall ehen changing ours the 5 did not come out too badly for tow weight but we were moving from a 3 tourer which did not do the job on a 6 birth at all. We went for a disco cant fault it but it practical rather than luxury!!! Rear wheel drives never fail to bug me though, stuck in mud, rubbish in ice and snow!!!! My husband loves them but this time i won ....
------------- Oh am loving the tin tent after campaining against it..........I was wrong.
All very interesting. Yes the BMW we would have to look at would be quite old with high mileage and then all the associated costs, to me doesnt make it attractive.
We like the 6 berth single axle, poss an Abbey Aventura, but this would be the max we would tow.
Are there any decent MPV's that could tow this nicely and comfortably - as we have an option to keep our petrol Audi and just change my car.