Which 4WD Estate

[TimMcC]

Hi

Looking at changing the rib to something around 5.8m . Only problem is towing up some of the slipways I use with a 2.0 TD Estate could be a bit of a problem . Does anyone out there have any experience with 4WD cars/estates , are they any good for towing ? . I don’t want a jeep as I put up a lot miles due to work and I don’t want to pay anything over 2.0 litre road tax so my choice is a bit limited . Any suggestions or comments ?.

Thanks

[qcamel]

I had a Subaru estate a while ago as a 2nd car and was very impressed. It was an older model and the interior was dull but maybe they have solved that now?

[mdt]

Get a Audi as they are the only ones making TDI and 4WD in one package (yes Skoda do but only do a 100bhp) that is not going to getyou hit with all Blair’s Jeep tax.

Have had my one recovering the RIB up over the beach covered in seaweed admittedly not a 5.8m one but did not have any issue. Watch this space for photos of the tractor recovering my car next time I try this

[jimc]

I would recommend audis as I have towed our rib (6.5m) with mine on deep sandy beaches and slipways with no problems. But definetely get the quattro!

[mdt]

Originally Posted by jimc

But definetely get the quattro!

There is no point in an Audi that is not a quattro. Might as well save your self some cash and buy a VW.

[TimMcC]

Originally Posted by mdt

Get a Audi as they are the only ones making TDI and 4WD in one package (yes Skoda do but only do a 100bhp) that is not going to getyou hit with all Blair’s Jeep tax.

Have had my one recovering the RIB up over the beach covered in seaweed admittedly not a 5.8m one but did not have any issue. Watch this space for photos of the tractor recovering my car next time I try this

Even worse than Blair's Jeep Tax we have road tax of approx €1450 on a 3.1 TD with rumours of an SUV tax within the next couple of years on top of that so you can see why 2.0 is my max . Was it an A4 or A6 you have/had ?.

[mdt]

Originally Posted by TimMcC

Even worse than Blair's Jeep Tax we have road tax of approx €1450 on a 3.1 TD with rumours of an SUV tax within the next couple of years on top of that so you can see why 2.0 is my max . Was it an A4 or A6 you have/had ?.

on my 5th Audi an A4 too young to get the A6 just yet. Audi have just done the new 2.0 tdi (170 bhp) with the quattro.

[britemp]

Easy - Subaru Forester. 2.0 boxer engine, good ground clearance, good performance, drives like a car and best of all, proper 4WD with a low ratio transferbox for towing RIB's up slippy, er, slipways and over beaches.

[PeteSmith]

Have you thought about a Kia Sportage?

Ive just bought one and am very impressed with the build quality and price!

Its a 2 litre diesel (138bhp) 4X4, that comes with a 0.5m wading depth (good for slips) . It averages 32mpg around town, and can tow 1600kg (braked)
You can visit kias website ( www.kia.co.uk )for full specs but it has the following, It also handles like a normal car when not towing.

6 speed gear box
ESP + 4x4 lock mode
Fold flat rear seats
opening rear window
Climate control
Privacy glass
elec sunroof & front / rear elec windows & mirrors
Full leather interior inc heated seats

The XS (top model) costs around £17k alot less that other 4x4s

[Biggles]

Pete,

Does the Sportage have Low Ratio ?

[PeteSmith]

No Its all 4X4 is electronic same as the Nissan Xtrail.
Im no 4x4 expert but I guess due to the ESP and traction control appyling power / braking to whichever wheel needs it, it can do a pretty good job on most slipways that you come across.

The amount of time I actually self launch (instead of by a tractor) for the price / spec Id say it does a good job compared more expensive alternatives....

[blimp]

Don't know if it's of any help but we use a Nissan Xtrail. Ours is a 2L petrol (with 4wd), but recently rented a turbo-diesel version and, jaysus, what a load of power she had!!! Best thing about the x-trails is that they ride very comfortably.

[TimMcC]

Originally Posted by PeteSmith

Have you thought about a Kia Sportage?

Ive just bought one and am very impressed with the build quality and price!

Its a 2 litre diesel (138bhp) 4X4, that comes with a 0.5m wading depth (good for slips) . It averages 32mpg around town, and can tow 1600kg (braked)
You can visit kias website ( www.kia.co.uk )for full specs but it has the following, It also handles like a normal car when not towing.

6 speed gear box
ESP + 4x4 lock mode
Fold flat rear seats
opening rear window
Climate control
Privacy glass
elec sunroof & front / rear elec windows & mirrors
Full leather interior inc heated seats

The XS (top model) costs around £17k alot less that other 4x4s

Hi

Havn't thought of the Kia but did consider a Santa Fe for a time . Problem is that I put up around 40k miles a year so need something economical ,robust and couples as a family car . The Kia sounds like a lot of car for the money . I doubt that it would be priced as well over hear but I will have a look at thier website .
Thanks for the info

Tim

[Biggles]

I have found that without Low Ratio with a fair sized boat, probably anything over 5 meters, that I would be revving the engine quite hard to get up any sort of a slope, whereas with Low Ratio it will pull away easily on tickover. Sounds a bit more proffesional to the oiks that are watching as well. IMHO.

[Nos4r2]

Before you buy a Subaru Forester make sure it's not an import and parts are available. A bloke I used to work with had an imported one and sold it for a pittance as he got fed up waiting for parts.

[Hightower]

These are certainly worth looking at:http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2001-Skoda-Oct...QQcmdZViewItem

[floater]

hi tim

I use a honda CRV Diesel which does 40mpg tows my Avon fine never had a problem towing never got stuck and even launched at conwy at low tide which was fun , but i have had problems with the car and as such its just MY CRV which is crap the last one i had was fine this ones been a nightmare 22 warranty claims in 20 months ! but it has done nearly 80000 miles in that time but i would have another and have test drove the new one which is great



i must admit that iam also looking to change to a larger RIB probably 5.5-6.2 some time this year when things at home stop breaking/leaking/falling down or just disappearing !!

so i have purchased a dedicated tow/weekend/holiday vehicle, as i really needed 6 seats plus a boot so i bought a Delica which is fantastic 4wd hi low automatic room to change, basically a Shogun underneath will tow upto 2.5 tons

and there cheap !!

Andy

[Hightower]

Andy, you a member of the MDOCUK? I had a good look at these lovely "Beasts" and came incredibly close to buying one. The only reson for not buying one was the shear height of the thing and the missus made me see sence. My Idea one would have had Crystle roofs, Captains seats and all of the electrical gadgets.

http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/

[floater]

Originally Posted by Hightower

Andy, you a member of the MDOCUK? I had a good look at these lovely "Beasts" and came incredibly close to buying one. The only reson for not buying one was the shear height of the thing and the missus made me see sence. My Idea one would have had Crystle roofs, Captains seats and all of the electrical gadgets.

http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/

Yes iam on there

WE! love it only bought it in october

its the first car i have ever had were the kids and friends request "can we go in the Deli? "

so far no problems

yes i have all the gadgets sunroof, crystal roof electric blind, and curtains, automatic 2.8 tdi front and rear aircon with seperate controls, seats fold into beds, the lot !

yes height can be a problem as its 2060mm high before any 2" lifts etc but its great looking down on range rovers and discos :-)

the one feature that is bloody brilliant is the reversing mirror, i have never found it so easy hitching up and keeping an eye on whats happening whilst driving




Andy

[Hightower]

Only one disadvantage I can see Andy.....Makes your RIB look too small....Need a BIGGA one