Updating tow car

[Sprinter1]

Just after some thoughts/advice.

My boat is a 4.5m Bluefin Side Console with a 60hp Yam 4 stroke. Ive never weighed it but it came from the factory as under 750kgs so I assume it is. Even so Im a cautious person and had good quality brakes fitted after buying it. Lets say worst case its 8-850kg fully wet. Id be shocked if it actually is though...

My current car is a Pajero Exceed Diesel that Ive had for about 10 years. Its still going strong but with kids grown up and independent Im just thinking its time to downsize a bit. I don't go "off road" as such with it and originally bought it when I was still bike racing as an economical tow car that could store all my gear. So now apart from towing the boat it just gets used as a car. So Im leaning towards a smaller soft roader of some sort. I still like the economy and urge of diesel so intend to stick with that. Although the boat doesn't weigh a huge amount living in Canberra I have to drag it up and down the mountains to get to the coast and don't want something I have to thrash to do it. I know Pathfinders,Colorados etc are better 4Wds and I guess tow cars but they wont suit my usual needs as well as something a bit more car like.

So my short list at the moment is
(Soft roaders)
Mazda CX5
BMW X3
Volvo XC60

Possibly more traditional 4WD but still closer to a car.
Hyundai Santa Fe/ix35
Kia Sorrento/sportage

In my price range these cars will have done around 100ks, some more some less. So does anyone have any experience of any of these cars? Reliability, servicing costs and especially how well they tow? Ive read some stuff about the CX5 not transferring drive to the rear wheels well but you can always find someone to have a bitch on the Internet. The BMW and Volvo are pretty upspec and Ive no experience of them. Power and Torque on their motors are pretty hot though.

[NAGG]

Just after some thoughts/advice.

My boat is a 4.5m Bluefin Side Console with a 60hp Yam 4 stroke. Ive never weighed it but it came from the factory as under 750kgs so I assume it is. Even so Im a cautious person and had good quality brakes fitted after buying it. Lets say worst case its 8-850kg fully wet. Id be shocked if it actually is though...

My current car is a Pajero Exceed Diesel that Ive had for about 10 years. Its still going strong but with kids grown up and independent Im just thinking its time to downsize a bit. I don't go "off road" as such with it and originally bought it when I was still bike racing as an economical tow car that could store all my gear. So now apart from towing the boat it just gets used as a car. So Im leaning towards a smaller soft roader of some sort. I still like the economy and urge of diesel so intend to stick with that. Although the boat doesn't weigh a huge amount living in Canberra I have to drag it up and down the mountains to get to the coast and don't want something I have to thrash to do it. I know Pathfinders,Colorados etc are better 4Wds and I guess tow cars but they wont suit my usual needs as well as something a bit more car like.

So my short list at the moment is
(Soft roaders)
Mazda CX5
BMW X3
Volvo XC60

Possibly more traditional 4WD but still closer to a car.
Hyundai Santa Fe/ix35
Kia Sorrento/sportage

In my price range these cars will have done around 100ks, some more some less. So does anyone have any experience of any of these cars? Reliability, servicing costs and especially how well they tow? Ive read some stuff about the CX5 not transferring drive to the rear wheels well but you can always find someone to have a bitch on the Internet. The BMW and Volvo are pretty upspec and Ive no experience of them. Power and Torque on their motors are pretty hot though.

There are so many cars that you could go with - my pick would be a Santa Fe diesel (my brother has one & he did a lot of medium weight towing (less than 1 tonne) from Sydney to the Snowies - its small enough to be an easy drive around town / comfortable & economical .
A close second would be a Subaru Forrester diesel ...... nice drive & very economical ------------------> 1000 km out of a tank ( all 3 subarus that I have owned have been great cars - very reliable)

I would avoid European cars to be honest .... they can be bloody expensive to repair.

Chris

[toddo1]

U looked at the Isuzu Mux? Worth a look bud, just look online n see what u think


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[Sprinter1]

There are so many cars that you could go with - my pick would be a Santa Fe diesel (my brother has one & he did a lot of medium weight towing (less than 1 tonne) from Sydney to the Snowies - its small enough to be an easy drive around town / comfortable & economical .
A close second would be a Subaru Forrester diesel ...... nice drive & very economical ------------------> 1000 km out of a tank ( all 3 subarus that I have owned have been great cars - very reliable)

I would avoid European cars to be honest .... they can be bloody expensive to repair.

Chris

Yes Im a little wary of European cars but I like to keep an open mind. Probably enough Jap/Korean options to not push the option too hard.

[Sprinter1]

U looked at the Isuzu Mux? Worth a look bud, just look online n see what u think


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Thanks. Hadnt seen these. Added to my list.;)

[scottar]

Agree with the sentiment of staying away from second hand euro's - there's a reason they are so cheap. RAV 4 diesel would be another contender. Ultimately though nothing that size is going to feel as secure on the road as the Paj when push comes to shove.

[DATCOL]

Nissan diesel X trail very good

[Dignity]

The boss has a CX5 and it tows the 4.2m WB Dory easily however your rig would be heavier so can't really comment. I would stick to a diesel whichever way you go. How about a Challenger not the Pajero Sport which replaced it, friends who own one and tow a caravan are very happy with it.

[Sprinter1]

The boss has a CX5 and it tows the 4.2m WB Dory easily however your rig would be heavier so can't really comment. I would stick to a diesel whichever way you go. How about a Challenger not the Pajero Sport which replaced it, friends who own one and tow a caravan are very happy with it.

Thanks. Yes Im hoping to see a Challenger on the weekend.

[Moonlighter]

I have just bought a new CX5 Akera diesel for my private car, it replaces a company car, also a CX5 but in that case, the next model down, a GT diesel, that I had for 3 years.

As as you can gather by the fact that Ive just spent my own hard earned cash on one, I am very impressed indeed with this vehicle.

It is several classes above the Hyundai and Kia's in all respects - finish, handling, materials, dynamics and comfort. I looked at them all closely 3 years ago when I got the CX5GT for my company car. There really is no contest, except perhaps on price.

129kw and 420nm of torque, it has more grunt than most of the dual cabs around by a decent margin. Diesel engine is pretty quiet and 6 speed auto is a beauty.

Rated to tow 1800kg here in Aus, and 2.0T in Europe and the UK.

I have towed my 5.5m Surtees Workmate, which weighs in at just under 1.4T with normal gear and full tank of fuel with this car many many times over 3 years.

It tows this weight very comfortably. As you would expect from a vehicle with those power and torque figures.

Furthest trips so far is Cleveland to Evans Head and it was easy.

Ive pulled that boat out of some steep, slippery ramps from low tide with the mazda and never even had a bit of wheel spin. The AWD system just seamlessly takes care of it all. And the diesel just chugs up the ramp with no fuss at all.

I am also halves in a Stacer Proline 430 with a mate. 40hp Suzuki, newly done up boat with flat floors, casting decks, electric motor, deep cycle battery and all the goodies. Towed it up to Maryborough from Cleveland a few months ago and averaged less than 12l/100 kms. Hardly noticed it behind the CX5.

On a highway trip without towing, you can easily average 6 -6.4 l/100kms. Ive done as well as 5.6. Around town, driving 35km to and from work each day, I have never done worse than 7.5.

It will do the towing job you have outlined, plus it will be an enjoyable round town car to drive when you aren't towing.

By the way, it's always a good idea to know the actual weight of your boat motor trailer combo. Just go to your local tip and run it onto the weigbridge and ask them to tell you the weight. The might charge for a weighbridge certificate but if you just write down the number then they usually do it for free.

[ozynorts]

Thanks. Hadnt seen these. Added to my list.;)
The MUX is the same vehicle as the Colorado 7 so may be bigger than you were looking for.

[hainsofast]

Thanks. Yes Im hoping to see a Challenger on the weekend.

The new Pajero sport? If so, try not to look at the rear end, it will put you off instantly

[gunna]

I tow a similar package with a 2.5 petrol Forrester and its very good.

[NAGG]

www.caradvice.com.au/videos/2015-medium-suv-comparison-review-tucson-rav4-cx-5-forester/

worth a look

Chris

[winston]

Check the tow ball download for the SUV. Some vehicles may be able to tow 1800-2000 kg but have a very low download figure. When you add "stuff" to the boot this decreases your available download. Too many cars exceed the download unknowingly and will not be covered by insurance in an accident. Cheers Winston.

[Moonlighter]

Yes it is important to check max towball download capacity - the Mazda CX-5 is 150kgs which is plenty for boats up to its max rated towing of 1800kg

But, I have to disagree with your definition of towball download and what it includes.

Towball download is the weight actually carried on the ball. It is a rating as much about the carrying capacity of the towbar as anything else.

It has nothing to do with the weight carried separately in the car.

May be confusing this with the combined gross vehicle mass.

[Sprinter1]

I have just bought a new CX5 Akera diesel for my private car, it replaces a company car, also a CX5 but in that case, the next model down, a GT diesel, that I had for 3 years.

As as you can gather by the fact that Ive just spent my own hard earned cash on one, I am very impressed indeed with this vehicle.

It is several classes above the Hyundai and Kia's in all respects - finish, handling, materials, dynamics and comfort. I looked at them all closely 3 years ago when I got the CX5GT for my company car. There really is no contest, except perhaps on price.

129kw and 420nm of torque, it has more grunt than most of the dual cabs around by a decent margin. Diesel engine is pretty quiet and 6 speed auto is a beauty.

Rated to tow 1800kg here in Aus, and 2.0T in Europe and the UK.

I have towed my 5.5m Surtees Workmate, which weighs in at just under 1.4T with normal gear and full tank of fuel with this car many many times over 3 years.

It tows this weight very comfortably. As you would expect from a vehicle with those power and torque figures.

Furthest trips so far is Cleveland to Evans Head and it was easy.

Ive pulled that boat out of some steep, slippery ramps from low tide with the mazda and never even had a bit of wheel spin. The AWD system just seamlessly takes care of it all. And the diesel just chugs up the ramp with no fuss at all.

I am also halves in a Stacer Proline 430 with a mate. 40hp Suzuki, newly done up boat with flat floors, casting decks, electric motor, deep cycle battery and all the goodies. Towed it up to Maryborough from Cleveland a few months ago and averaged less than 12l/100 kms. Hardly noticed it behind the CX5.

On a highway trip without towing, you can easily average 6 -6.4 l/100kms. Ive done as well as 5.6. Around town, driving 35km to and from work each day, I have never done worse than 7.5.

It will do the towing job you have outlined, plus it will be an enjoyable round town car to drive when you aren't towing.

By the way, it's always a good idea to know the actual weight of your boat motor trailer combo. Just go to your local tip and run it onto the weigbridge and ask them to tell you the weight. The might charge for a weighbridge certificate but if you just write down the number then they usually do it for free.

Thanks! This is exactly the sort of first hand experience I was searching for. I was leaning towards the CX5 (Cant find a bad review for them;)) but had seen some negative stuff on another forum so was a bit concerned.

[GBC]

Yes it is important to check max towball download capacity - the Mazda CX-5 is 150kgs which is plenty for boats up to its max rated towing of 1800kg

But, I have to disagree with your definition of towball download and what it includes.

Towball download is the weight actually carried on the ball. It is a rating as much about the carrying capacity of the towbar as anything else.

It has nothing to do with the weight carried separately in the car.

May be confusing this with the combined gross vehicle mass.

Bottom line, you get about 500 k.g. of 'payload' in a cx5. Where you spend the 500 k.g. is up to you. A tow bar is also part of it before you add ball weight. Add a tank of fuel, 2 blokes and an esky to go fishing and you're marginal straight away. Small cars have come a long way though. The engine numbers are impressive.

[Sprinter1]

Bottom line, you get about 500 k.g. of 'payload' in a cx5. Where you spend the 500 k.g. is up to you. A tow bar is also part of it before you add ball weight. Add a tank of fuel, 2 blokes and an esky to go fishing and you're marginal straight away. Small cars have come a long way though. The engine numbers are impressive.

But even full on 4wds suffer from this as well from the looking Ive done. 500kgs for a cx5 is a better trade off for me than say 670 odd for a 200 series cruiser. The slight extra capacity is not worth all the extra vehicle Id have to drag around.

[GBC]

You'll get no argument from me. Big cars for no reason make no sense.

[WildFishExpeditions]

I know this isnt on your list and is possibly too big for you. The best towing vehicle I have had has been a Petrol territory. here is why.

- purchase price $10,000 with 100,000km - Dirt cheap

- 6 speed auto. Magic on big long steep hills, just step on it and keep dropping down the gears until you hold speed.

- fitted a transmission cooler myself for $200 (needed)

- not as bad as people think on fuel 10.5-11L/100 (I dont live in a city)

- AWD with traction control makes it virtually impossible to get bogged. I took it all over fraser island through all the deep soft sand etc etc, never got stuck once while dragging the diff and fuel tank though the sand for miles. There wasnt any paint or rust left under the car after that day, but it never got bogged.

- 18-20L per 100km while towing a 2 tonne boat. Not bad considering its petrol and the boat and car are close to 4000kg combined. Towing from Brisbane to Victoria was 18.5 average fuel consumption. my mates diesel Hilux uses 17L towing and his boat lighter than mine by 300kg or so.

- get spare parts dead easy at the wreckers

-15000km service intervals.

- I have towed the boat out of very sandy ramps with the trailer in the sand and rear car wheels in the sand - no problem at all because of the magic traction control

- Endless power. I have 2 mates both with 3.0L Hilux's both have said that the territory would easily out tow their vehicles. Coming back from Brisbane around some big hills north of Sydney, overtook a Pajero, Navara and Jeep (Towing vans) all on the same hill!. Blew them away easier than taking a crap with the 4.0L power house. I rarely have to think do I have enough space to over take as it just flies (with the boat behind it)

As you have said it's not on your list but it's an awesome tow vehicle.

[Camhawk88]

Get on here and search for his comparisons on soft roaders: AutoExpert.com.au

He is straight down the line, pretty ammusing and probably give the best non biased comparison taking into account warantees, servicing, client service etc. Focuses more on new cars but will give you a good idea of what to look at and what to avoid.

[hainsofast]

As you have said it's not on your list but it's an awesome tow vehicle. have to agree, mate has a diesel one and it is also an awesome tow vehicle, and very very very comfortable compared to the dual cab utes.