General: What to get?

[candor]

I had a 2004 volvo v40 up until 2 years ago but I sold it as we didn't need a second car at the time. We've moved recently so I'm back looking for a second car. I admired the practicality of the v40, apart from the back end sitting down a bit too much whenever a load was put in it.

Reliability and practicality is really important as well as reasonable running costs. I am possibly still tempted by an older (2002) v70 2.0T but generally here in Ireland, cars under 15 years old are cheaper to insure and tax. Ideally it could tow a reasonable weight, up to 2000kgs.

Is there anything in the volvo range that would suit?

[Dippydog]

I don't tow anything about so others who do will know far better than I,however for towing 2000kgs I think you'd need something pretty big and hefty.I've just looked in the handbook for my 960 and the maximum stated for that is 1800kgs with a trailer with brakes.

[candor]

Originally Posted by Dippydog

I don't tow anything about so others who do will know far better than I,however for towing 2000kgs I think you'd need something pretty big and hefty.I've just looked in the handbook for my 960 and the maximum stated for that is 1800kgs with a trailer with brakes.

Thanks - 1800kgs would be fine, if that opened up some more options.

[37 RUBY]

Depends what the 1800/2000kg is that your towing.

If the mass being towed is within the legal manufacturers limit and the mass is low down, such as a Ifor trailer with say building materials, then running to the max stated weight a car can tow is ok.

Issues arise when the max becomes say a horse box or caravan especially if your not an experienced tower.

High up mass can and regular does make the tail wag the dog.


Bear in mind that one of the tests as to whether a car can tow certain weights is based on being able to pull away on particular gradients.

Being able to tow such weights because the manufacturer states as such does not mean the car is capable of safely towing up to its limit.


If your trailer choice has a large high sided mass then maybe a heavier car should be considered.

Cue the XC90 owners if you please........

[candor]

Thanks. I have reasonable experience with towing and won't be towing huge loads. Maybe the odd trip to hardware etc. It's nice to have the option should I need it going forward. What you have said is good advice.

Any recommendations on cars?

[37 RUBY]

Originally Posted by candor

Thanks. I have reasonable experience with towing and won't be towing huge loads. Maybe the odd trip to hardware etc. It's nice to have the option should I need it going forward. What you have said is good advice.

Any recommendations on cars?

Very subjective question

Having had a plethora of cars to tow with, I have found my XC70 to be the best so far. I like the driving position height, the D5's ability to pull and AWD for muddy fields(the AWD also adds weight to the tare weight of the vehicle and increases the safe towing capacity.

A friend tows with an XC90 and he says that it is the best model to tow with.

If you like the V70 that is a good choice.

Personally I wouldn't base my choice on having the option to haul large capacities in the future unless I was sure that was going to be the need later on.
You'll pay extra road tax for something like an XC90 , which costs an avg of £325 pa and is at least £100 more than say a V70. That £100 would pay for a man with a van, man with a car transporter....or if you didn't need to tow anything heavy suddenly there is money in your pocket.

I think you have already answered your own question with regards the need to tow at full weight on a regular basis or not.

[candor]

Originally Posted by 37 RUBY

Very subjective question

Having had a plethora of cars to tow with, I have found my XC70 to be the best so far. I like the driving position height, the D5's ability to pull and AWD for muddy fields(the AWD also adds weight to the tare weight of the vehicle and increases the safe towing capacity.

A friend tows with an XC90 and he says that it is the best model to tow with.

If you like the V70 that is a good choice.

Personally I wouldn't base my choice on having the option to haul large capacities in the future unless I was sure that was going to be the need later on.
You'll pay extra road tax for something like an XC90 , which costs an avg of £325 pa and is at least £100 more than say a V70. That £100 would pay for a man with a van, man with a car transporter....or if you didn't need to tow anything heavy suddenly there is money in your pocket.

I think you have already answered your own question with regards the need to tow at full weight on a regular basis or not.

The XC70 appears to be a good choice but unfortunately our lovely tax system here in Ireland means it costs €1200 to tax one for the year, the same as an XC90.

That was my thinking for most large/heavy items also, get someone with a van or truck to move it. If towing such items was a regular occurence, it would be best to get a commericialised jeep for my business.

[candor]

The aforementioned 2002 V70 came good, picked it up yesterday. It needs a few small bits mended but in otherwise good condition.

I also need to track down a towbar for it.