What's a good towing car that is also economical.?

Question

It has to tow a large caravan occasionally but will also be used for a daily commute.

Answer 1

any 1.9 or 2.0 Turbo diesel.

There are loads to chose from eg Passat, Audi A4, Peugeot 406, Mondeo ect

Answer 2

Look for a suitable diesel. All cars have a towing weight limit and you'll get the best results if you are well within your limit, rather than at the limit. So, let's assume that your caravan weighs 2 tonnes, you'd really like a car that can pull 3 tonnes.

Peugeot makes excellent diesel engines, so if you want a car that is pleasant to drive with a diesel engine, I'd strongly consider a peugeot. You don't say if you're buying new or used, whether you want a particular body style or what your budget is. I'd look at the Peugeot 306SW estate or 406 saloon or estate, used, or at the 307SW (is the 308 out fully now?) or 407, new.

If you're looking at a big budget, a 5 series BMW diesel would be very good.

Answer 3

it's all about the weight of the car

As you will tow infrequently you need to be happy with the car.

I highly recommend the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon 1.9 or 2.4 diesel

Looks great and does the job

Answer 4

I tow with the Audi A4 1.9tdi Avant...it's a good towing car and on normal use we get around 48 in town and around 58 on motorways.  Towing we get around 35, but you have to bear in mind the weight of the van against the kerbside weight of the vehicle.  It is recommended that it should be no more than 85%, but an experienced tower can safely tow with more than that.

Check out the Caravan Club for their points about towing...and all things caravan based!

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/

Answer 5

A VW passat is an excellent towcar and the tdi is very economical for a big car.Mine averages 48 mpg and that is averaged over the last 12 months with not much motorway driving.It will easily tow 1500kgs.

Answer 6

Basically, you won't get fantastic economy & the ability to tow a large caravan. Most cars suggested in the 2 litre diesel class will only tow 1500kgs - about the unladen weight of a big tourer. For example, you'd need a Passat 2.8 or 4motion to do so comfortably;

http://www.parkers.co.uk/advice/towingWe...

Some large 4x4s are surprisingly economical - you won't get the 45 - 50 mpg that you would from something like a Passat TDi, but something like a Nissan Terrano Di will return 35 - 40mpg, and not much less whilst towing, with a towing weight of 3000kg

In real terms, any car towing a large load will easily halve it's economy.

You can check out towing weights here;

http://www.parkers.co.uk/advice/TowingWe...