need to choose...............

[Matt1959]

First post here so Hi to all, hope I can mention other makes of car?!

I need to make a final decision on a towcar for a 1300kg caravan. The budget is up to about £4000. The vehicle needs to be a heavy one so estates only, the shortlist seems to be Merc 280/300/300D, Volvo V70, Omega V6 or 5 series (E34) BMW 525/530.

How would you say the Mercedes measures up against the others???

I'm happy with insurance and MPG issues for all of them, what I really want is for the towcar to be plenty powerful for the towing job with longetivity as well ie bits that don't go wrong or fall off. Also, a nice comfortable ride is important.

I've heard that the 124 E class Merc is pretty bombproof so am swaying toward these at the moment :-D

Any observations????

 

[paulcallender]

I think you'll struggle to find an unbiased opinion here, given its a Merc forum. I dare say, all 4 cars will be able to pull the caravan fine, since all have plenty of power and I'm assuming you are going to take it easy whilst towing.

The Vauxhall will fall to bits, the Volvo will take a bit longer but do the same, the BMW will be nicked/vandalised before it wears out, leaving the Merc to survive until fossil fuels run out.

1300kg is a fairly large caravan, I'd go for the heaviest. I believe there is a phenomenon, which can be put like this:

"During heavy braking, if the caravan is heavier than the car, the caravan is gonna want to end up towing the car".

 

[bazza]

Volvo V70 is a bit light for its size although it should cope with 1300kg depending on the engine. The Omega V6 is ideal if its an estate and are quite cheap.

The MB and BMW are going to be older/have more mileage for the money but will depreciate less and if serviced, be just as reliable.

Going against the grain here, but I love the E34 BMW, sounds better than the MB and, in standard form, have superior handling and brakes. Hunt down a 525TDS touring for the best of everything.


Bazza

 

[mikemoss]

I've been towing a 1500kg caravan these past eight years with, first a 230TE, then a 300TE and now an E320. All have been really great towcars, thanks to their combination of smooth auto transmission, tight turning circle (really handy for those tricky site/CL entrances!) and self-levelling suspension.

The 230TE was just about adequate, the 300TE loads better and the E320 an absolute stunner for towing. Not tried a 300TD, but my guess is that it would rival the (petrol) E320 for torque and general towability.

My only word of advice would be to find the best car possible for the money, with as complete a service history as you can find, and then stick religiously to the service schedule - and get the transmission fluid changed regularly!

Happy caravanning!

 

[p_aplin]

E320 Estate Rules!

I agree with Mike go for a W124 E320 Estate these cars are awesome and hugely reliable, for around about your £4k budget your could find a nice 94/95/96 E320 estate.

I wouldnt worry too much about the milleage as they dont seem to be bothered by it, just stick to regular servicing and routine maintainance and all should be cool.

These cars are still cool as well so a complete bonus.