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Hi I need a vehicle that I can use around town Monday to Friday that is not heavy on fuel and not difficult to park, but can tow a boat 735kg on a trailer, be good when launching off a slippery ramp, and perhaps off the beach. Is there such a thing?
I spoke to our local mechanic and he says don't buy European as they have electronic problems. I suggested Subaru as it is 4 wheel drive but he said they have problems.
So what now?? Would appreciate some unbias advise. A safe vehicle is also a big factor as I have sons!! Thanks
Most cars are only rated to tow around a 500kg un-braked trailer and therefore are not suitable. A SUV will be best suited to your needs. Mazda's CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander or Kia's Sportage are good options to consider and are rated to tow a 750kg un-braked trailer. They are not too large either and parking is not a problem. Depending on the places you intend on launching the boat a 4x4 might be an option. If the budget allows you should have a look at the 2.2L diesel Mazda CX-5 or Kia's 2.0L diesel Sportage as they has plenty of torque, making towing this size boat easy.
Hi. I have just had a look at a Mazda CX7. Apparently the CX5 is the new one. I am buying second hand as I do not want to commit so much money in a vehicle that will quickly lose value. Is the Mazda CX7 ok? A little heavy on gas? Thanks
The CX-7 is a good reliable vehicle but as you said it is a bit heavy on fuel. A second hand Mitsubishi Outlander with a good service history and low mileage should also be considered.
Hi. I am still trying to figure out what to buy to tow a boat about 735kg and use around town. I have read a few SUV comments but for my purposes I am wanting to pay about $25k approx with a seating for 5 people max. I read that petrol is probably ok if usage is likely to be at the low end, which mine is. A friend mentioned the Nissan x trail as it has 2 wheel and 4 wheel modes, although I haven't seen the X trail mentioned in this forum. There seems to be lots of SUV models around but there must one or two that standout bearing in mind if I pay $25k I am not getting a new vehicle. I also want one that has very good crash protection.
Apart from SUVs would you please also consider the Outlander Subaru as this is 4 wheel.
A a clear answer to what I am looking for (the voice of experience) would be appreciated. Thanks Chris
The Nissan X-Trail fitted with the CVT transmission is known to be a bit problematic and towing with one of these is not ideal. The Mitsubishi Outlander also uses a CVT but we are not aware of any troubles with these gearboxes. Not to confuse you further but as you are undecided I think your best choice in this situation and price range is the Toyota RAV4 2.4L petrol - it is a safe bet. Fuel consumption on the petrol engines is not that great (at about 9.1L/100km at normal driving) but reliability in mind it is a good choice and it is rated to tow a 750kg un-braked trailer. The 2006 - onwards RAV4 has a four star ANCAP safety test rating which is acceptable (Do not settle for less than a 4 star).
Hi. Thanks for the Nissan X trail advise, however I hadn't read anything about a Toyata Rav4, and this is the only SUV vehicle I cannot bring myself to buy as I don't like the look. Donvan you have covered Toyota Prado and Hyundai Santa Fe etc for other people!. Why not one of these?What happened about the Subaru Outlander?
I thought it a simple question a large number of urban dwellers would be asking...ie Please advise an economical 4 x 4 to tow a smallish boat 735kg, with a very good crash rating and seating for 5, second hand worth $25k approx. Thanks
The Prado and Santa Fe would be excellent tow vehicles and highly recommended, however with only a 735kg towing requirement, they could be considered as far more capable than you require.
The Subaru Outback could do the job you require, although it has a repuataion for being very thirsty.