What car for towing? <whisper>4x4</whisper>?

[GeorginaA]

Okay, having got a bit ...erm ... stuck in a muddy field trying to tow the camper this weekend , we might be having to admit that the Almera isn't quite heavy duty enough if we're going to be going in muddy fields on a regular basis.

Thinking of a 4x4 of some description (yes, I know ... the shame, the shame). Which ones are the least environmentally crap, least likely to mow down small children with poor visibility and can actually tow in poor ground conditions? (i.e. are not just for show). Oh, and isn't too extortionate. (Looking for a 2001 model, probably).

Any ideas?

Oh, and if I promise never EVER to take it on the school run, will you forgive me?

Oh, they don't actually have to look 4x4 ish either... just 4 wheel drive family estate car would do the job nicely.

Oh so you did get stuck then?

Sorry but

Heheh

The ground had dried out lovely... then it rained last night, making it all muddy again!

Gradually putting up photos on my Flickr right now, btw Cheesy...

I know, I've been looking. So glad your ds's were "helping"!

Have asked dh about the 4x4 thing btw - he reckons you'll struggle to get a non gas guzzly one, you'll get stung on road tax too and for the amount of times you'll need it, ti probably isn't worthwhile

Subaru Legacy estate cars are 4x4s, but just look like "normal" estate cars. They're supposed to be really good for towing, and you wouldn't be clobbered for road tax or fuel consumprion either... (And we just happen to have one for sale...) But seriously, it might be a car worth considering.

Looks perfect - except no diesel version? Argh! Out of interest, how much are you selling yours for and what year?

My DH has just gotthe new Legacy estate, but he got the SpecB one (a total beast). They are v good.

Ours is a 2001, Y reg one. 46 000 miles and we're looking for £5250 for it.

Lucy, dh would like to know:

a) what engine is it?
b) where are you based?
c) would you be able to wait a month or so

I tow most days using a Volvo V70. Not a 4x4 but the times you will need the extra traction are hardly worth the extra cash.
Mine has done over 100K miles and is still brilliant
As I remember Justine from MN Towers was selling a hi spec one..

We are in West Kent. It is a 2.0 GL, metallic blue with grey velour interior. Has air conditioning, electic windows, power steering, remote central locking, 4 wheel drive, 3 x 3 point rear seat belts, split folding rear seats... (can you tell I've been writing car ads recently..?) I could email you some photos, if you like. We would be happy to hold on for a month or so if you were definitely interested.

I second subarus

they are great cars

I've got a little short wheel based 3 door RAV4. It tows a horse box off muddy fields very well. It looks like a 4x4, but is small enough to only take up the same road space as an Escort.

Lucy - been chatting to dh, and while we think a Legacy is likely to be the way to go, dh is keen to get a higher spec than GL. Thank you, though Hope you get a quick sale.

No probs. Hope you find what you're looking for.

another vote for Volvo estate (although bit old manny...). Added bonus of stacks of boot room too. But no extra road tax and environmentally more friendly I think.

Problem with the Volvo Estates all-wheel-drives we're looking at - they appear to be about double the price for the same age

The 4x4 versio of the V70 is called the XC70 and is deffo not worth the extra cash. (Hope Kanga is not lurking..)
The V70 is front wheel drive and will only get stuck in places you should not be!

I partxed mine in June for a landrover but returned boneshaker within 24 hours to garage and demanded my V70 back! (which the garage had washed and cleaned )

we had a suburu 4 wheel drive
and now have an A6 quattro.
both ideal for the job. oyur need 4 wheel drive for towing. obviously u know that
so no big jeep thingy in your face there.