Towcar

[TbirdX]

I use a merc vito 2.2Td for towing. Lots of power and punches a nice big hole in the air for my caravan to follow in.

No idea on the fuelling costs but I can't say I've noticed any difference whether I'm towing or not tbh.

[Darren B]

I've recently bought a Subaru Legacy Boxer Diesel.  The combination of 4WD and 260 lb/ft of Torque at 1800RPM makes it a very good tow car, as well as a good handling road car in it's own right.  Its only done 2000 miles and I was still getting an average of 30 MPG whilst towing the trailer and over 40 when I'm not,  and that can't be bad.

[Dave]

I've got a 330d auto

230 brake & 500lbs of torq thingys

will pull a train and still give 40+ when not towing (if you can keep your right foot under control)

Pulls my UN-aerodynamic covered trailer Very very well will go allday at 80+(alledgedly)  and gives 27mpg

This is one quick car with economy as well

PS its up for sale if your interested I want a 335d

[lespaul]

I've not long ago gone from a Kia Sorento to a VW Passat Estate 2.0 TDI Sport and would say that the Passat is a much better car to live with than a 4x4.

The Passat can tow a 1500kg box with ease  

Darren

[pikeyboy]

I've tried lots of things for towing the race car over the years.  Isuzu troper 3.1td was good but thirsty and a little slow, i know we should stick to 60 but whoever does?

V70 2.5tdi was pretty good, managed 90 all the way back from dijon a couple of years ago. I imagine a d5 would be good but compromised by being FWD not too good when loaded up.

also tried a fiat ducato 2.8jtd van, brilliant very fast an frugal  on the old juice. flew back across belgium from spa in one with the trailer and racer and still made it the the local for closing time on a sunday.

Currently i used a E39 530D touring, best of the bunch in my opinion.  towed the race car brian james minno awning and a car full of spares fuel and stuff at 105 easy.  loads of low down torque and tows my newer rather large 20ft long covered trialer as well as any 4*4 would, infact it has more torque than many, i guess the only advatage of a 4*4 is the low gearing. Plus with the m tec suspension its great to drive when your not in the westy, sort of a 2 ton westy with walnut alike on the dash

so looks like another vote for the 3.0 BMW diesel engine, important to remember you need a fairly heavy car to avoid snaking.

[combatsapph]

You didn't mention a budget but if it's ultra value you're after my Scorpio Cosworth seems to tow quite nicely - they have very good auto fluid cooling as well which is  essential when towing with an auto.  Cheap as chips (so I don't care how much fuel it uses - never look at the fuel computer!) and easy to repair as well plus they'll go to the moon and back.

[Darrell O'Neill]

I tow with both a Shogun sport and a Renault traffic van, I'd certainly take the van over the 4x4 anyday (unless its a muddy feild)

I would buy a 4x4 for towing... next time I'll be looking at an VAG estate to replace the shogun...

[Pingu]

Ay up,

530 E39 M sport = superb on the flat tarmac - twin axle trailer ~34mpg.

Defender 90 TD5 = superb at towing up to 60mph then gets noisy! ~ 28mpg

Saved 11k when changed to defender and parts and servicing (at home   ) means mpg makes no difference.

Theres no worries throwing loads of gear in either (who cares if it gets dirty or scratched its a defender).

If cost was no issue though and I didn't drive off road too I'd buy a 535d and maybe tune it a little  

I can also vouch for Touran 2.0 TDi too - good economy and acceleration for a small MPV, 7 people up and 70 (ish!) ~ 44mpg

P.