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Subject Topic: NEWBIE seeking help!!
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06/5/2015 at 9:05pm
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Hi
Apologies if this is the wrong forum.

I'm a new caravaner, just bought a starter van from a great old soul a few streets away, Elddis Tornado xl 4 berth 1990/1chassis, 1992 body FSH no damp excellent find. ALKO fitted.

As I say, I'm new to this, ( father had an new Adria Optima 440 towed by a Golf GTI back in the early 90S, always enjoyed the freedom) so I'm keen for my young family to enjoy too.

I'm no boy racer, but I have an 07 civic type R which is entirely unsuitable for towing, and obviously needs to go...boo.

I am sure I will have many questions about caravaning, but to start...
I need a good Tow Car.

I really love my cars,( fathers influence!) so I'd like something ' nippy' when not towing, but equally capable with a van behind.

I've been looking at an 09 BMW 318 petrol estate, I have a very light van, looking at weight it seems ok.

So, am I being daft? Should I be looking at Mondeo, Passat, etc
Any help/ advice would be very much appreciated
with Best Regards
JTH


06/5/2015 at 9:19pm
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need the fully loaded weight of the caravan to help you


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06/5/2015 at 9:21pm
 Location: essex
 Outfit: Abbey Vogue 460
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I have a Mondeo Zetec Estate 2.0 and it's plenty nippy enough when not towing, but great for towing my van.


06/5/2015 at 9:26pm
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Cheers for this,
How do find the reliability? Always fond of Fords, but I had a few years ago and my wife still has hers, often being welded 😁


06/5/2015 at 9:27pm
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ok just found the facts and figures and your caravan is 970kgs fully loaded, the car has a kerb weight of 1301 kgs there is no reason why you couldn't use your civic


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06/5/2015 at 9:29pm
 Location: Harrogate Yorkshire.
 Outfit: Skoda Octavia 4x4 & Compass Omega 482
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If you want something nippy solo, then maybe something a little larger than a Golf, from the same stable and very good for towing. You could consider a Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0TDi 4x4. Plenty of load space, extra traction towing and solo,

-------------
Skoda Octavia Estate 2.0TDi 4x4 (2012) towing a Compass Omega 482 (2014)


06/5/2015 at 9:29pm
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Forgot to mention, I prefer chain cam. Stung to often with belt replacements. Never owned a rear wheel drive either.


06/5/2015 at 9:32pm
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Saw an Octavia 4wd, wonderful car, but I couldn't afford! Very rare too, says a lot, once bought never sold!


06/5/2015 at 10:17pm
 Location: manchester
 Outfit: ace award morningstar 2.3 td frontera
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I towed for a few years with a 1.8 mondeo and had no problems.


06/5/2015 at 10:25pm
 Location: essex
 Outfit: Abbey Vogue 460
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Quote: Originally posted by JTHamster on 06/5/2015
Cheers for this,
How do find the reliability? Always fond of Fords, but I had a few years ago and my wife still has hers, often being welded 😁



My Ford is on a 63 plate, its a business edition, and only done just over 7000 miles, so not really had any problems with it. However I've nearly always had Fords and generally found them reliable.

However it's down to individual choice, you have to buy a car that suits your needs and that you will feel comfortable driving.


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06/5/2015 at 10:36pm
 Location: NE Scotland
 Outfit: Bailey Phoenix + CRV
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Can't see anything wrong with a Civic Type R for towing.



-------------
playing at tinkies


06/5/2015 at 11:17pm
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Type r has no weight towing guidelines, Honda says No!   Not built for towing, sadly . However same engine as my 04 crv....excellent engine


06/5/2015 at 11:18pm
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New fords are excellent, just not within my budget right now.


07/5/2015 at 2:15pm
 Location: North Essex
 Outfit: Caravelair Alba 400
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Reliabilty on new cars is no longer an issue, all are much of a muchness. On older cars its down to maintinence and treatment throughout their lives. Mondeos with camchains have had more probs than the belt type. These days don't fear belt failure, fear tensioner failure but only if not changed at correct interval.


07/5/2015 at 7:37pm
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Quote: Originally posted by kazo2014 on 06/5/2015
ok just found the facts and figures and your caravan is 970kgs fully loaded, the car has a kerb weight of 1301 kgs there is no reason why you couldn't use your civic



You sir are a legend! Thank you



07/5/2015 at 7:42pm
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Kazo2014, thank you for this. It is very much appreciated.

My wife has decided she wants a 4wd, she hated me when I traded in our old crv. ( excellent car I must admit)
Spotted a Kia sportage CRDI XE, 2010 50k, has tow bar ( hopefully Al Ko compatible) might pop to the dealership to view.



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