I'm looking for a tow car that I can use for the upcoming race season. I need it to be reliable enough to drag the car the length of the country so I'm thinking of a healthy budget of £4-6000. As well as towing caability, it needs to be a bit of a van with plenty of wide load-carrying capability so smallish SUVs aren't in my sights - nor are saloons. I'm probably preferring a diesel for the sheer torque though it's less critical with fuel being cheapish. I'd like it to be reasonably comfortable because there will be long drives and, on Sunday evening, after a race weekend, epic drives can be tiring.

As usual, there's probably too much choice. The things I've considered are:

- Yet another E-Class estate
- a very left-field choice of a Merc R-Class: cavernous Yank-style 4x4 MPV
- a Discovery (maybe a bit too 4x4 but my brother might have one)
- Volvo XC90 2.4d
- Subaru Outback 2.5 or 3.0 petrol
- a comfortable van.

All of those are around 10 years old/100k on my budget. Bizarrely, the R-Class is my current favourite but that may be because I haven't driven one. They are well-rated though.

Real wheel drive ford transit is my choice Richard. Maybe put in some rear seats ideal to get your head down for an hour or two and a quality side window.

How is 500 miles in a Transit?

The one thing that puts me off an out-and-out van is that they're awkward if you want to use them as a car at any time. One of the possibilities that opens itself up with a tow car is something a lot less practical as a normal car.

Mrs MRS doesn't want or need an E-Class again (the contract on the current one expires this year) and would like a (*cough*) Golf. That's OK with me. Reality is I could probably get away with any of the cars I listed above as my main car. I don't do many medium journeys - either occasional 8-miles to work (mostly by bike though) or 2-8 hours.

S60 2.4 huge boot. A vote for volvo

It's only a saloon though (from what I can see). I definitely need an estate or larger

Nissan Elgrand 3.5 V6 - same engine as 350Z

8 seats or a decent-sized bed, buckets of torque and crazy A-Team looks!

Wow - that's a left-field suggestion, Jim! It makes the R-Class look run-of-the-mill

Doesn't get much left-fielder!

If I had the money, I'd love one for turning up to motorsport events and kipping the night!

Well, I would consider something a little different. The Fiat Multipla Diesel (120 bhp). Can be mapped for more torque easily also. Doubt it will need mapping actually. I owned two of these at different points. Did not tow though.

The rear seats are very easy to move out for more space, leaving you with 3 up front or 2 plus a little table. Loads of space for such a small base. Great to drive, won many awards for versatility and will be sure to make people look and stare Fuel economy is great and they are cheap to purchase.

Multipla

But not this one...

The other alternative would be the renault espace for me anyway....

Renault

I'm not much of a fan of sleeping at circuits - for £40-£50 you can normally find somewhere to sleep with a proper bed, shower and breakfast. Some circuits are nice and have reasonable food and facilities - some are horrible. If you aren't competing, it's a bit less critical.

The multipla only has 1100kg towing capacity. The R-Class and Subaru 3.0 have over 2 tonnes. I think my race car and trailer are exactly 1100kg before tools, fuel, etc.

How about a Merc Vito duoliner?

5 Seats, plenty of stowage space in the back, can even take the seats out for van duties, will easily tow a race car up hill and down dale. Get a tailgate rear and it serves as a good rain shield when mooching about for things in the back.

I've had one (actually two)for for around 11 years now and they're pretty good. Been all over the country, towing the caravan, 5 up with all the gear, no problems. Perfectly comfortable in the front for long journeys.

I have towed a lot of car loaded trailers all over Europe Richard. I don't drive much more tha six hundred miles in any day when towing.
I used to use my transit 125hp. Very comfortable .

Now it's my campervan which sits on a Renault chassis with 130hp.

I think owning a van gives you so much flexibility. Most van cabs are car like these days and that extra van space when needed is a bonus.

It's the hp of a van that is important when doing 500 miles. Under powered and it's an extra hour on the trip and more tired. For me it's got to be 110 hp or more.



What do your peer's use then?

The Subaru Forrester rival Mitsubishi outlander

I had a 2008 2l diesel 4x4 was brilliant 2 tons towing capacity comfortable reliable did a 125,000 in 5 years no trouble really

I now have a 2013 Mitsubishi outlander 2.2 diesel
Base model really comfortable but not as good in the off road department as the 2008 version but the torque is fantastic its really quite quick and pulls well

In the 2008 model i was able to tow a 1800kg generator in the snow as if there was no snow the grip was fantastic and that was with standard tyres!
the down side was the rear springs were a bit soft as i had it loaded up with all my tools and spares for work

Worth a look though if the size is big enough!

Thanks - this has given me some things to think about. I will go off and do some research.

And I'll "help" this lunchtime!

Yes - looking forward to it , Jim

Mazda Bongo.

It's a van, and it can tow caravans easily.

Cheap and reliable and you can kip in them.

Volvo V70? I've recently bought a 2.5T AWD version with all the toys. It's a great cruiser and has the comfiest front seats of any car I've ever sat in. Loads of space inside and can be picked up for not much.

Yup - the V70 is a good shout and pretty good value.

A lad at work has a dark blue VOLVO similar to this one. He uses it for towing about a BMW drift car and is always raving about it.

Yes - the V70 will definitely be on my list

Best wishes

Richard

Well, I'm pretty settled on giving the R Class a go. There aren't that many about but I've got a few weeks to lurk though I really need to have something by Easter to go and collect the race car from Scotland. I occasionally wonder if I should go safe with another E Class but the R Class ticks some extra boxes - not least of all its epic capacity.

Let's see what I can find.

If you need anyone to kick tyres with you locally, give me a shout!

I may well do that, Jim - thanks - though I hope your recent track record with cars (excluding the Coupe) doesn't rub off on me

Whilst I'm hunting, anybody suggestions for places to look? I've been looking at Autotrader, eBay and Pistonheads - anywhere else?

My target is a 2007 320cdi - must have parking sensors (most do), ideally with COMAND (sat Nav) and a tow bar would be an added bonus. No horrid brown interiors! FSH and a long MOT I think is a must for these things. And, for my up-to-£7k budget (£6k would be better) sub 100k is possible.

Gumtree, Facebook, Freeads, Preloved, Parkers.

I only know as my daughter and I are keeping an eye out for cheap cars for her

Ah, cool, thanks T!

motors.co.uk

exchange and mart

Just a final word on the Mazda Bongo...

It ticks all the boxes. Is an 8 seater, can be converted into a camper but it is already designed to be slept in.

It fits in normal car spaces and it can tow, and is well within your budget.

Most importantly, even though ours is old it is the most comfortable long distance vehicle I've ever driven.
You can get 2.5 diesel or V6 petrol. With possible lpg conversion. The diesels can run on veg oil if you so wish. Come in 2 or 4WD.

The electric pop up roof is also handy, for either sleeping in or giving you standing up room.

Downsides are: They are older vehicles (same era as Coupe) and they are not great on fuel.

But there is a huge following with plenty of access to spare parts and advice. They are also very easy to work on.

The facelift ones look a bit better, but are the same underneath.

Here is one towing a Westfield:

http://s97.photobucket.com/user/dodgey99/media/Westfield/IMG_2830.jpg.html

BMW 330D or 530D Touring.

Thanks, Gripped, but it's a bit too much of a camper van for me. It ticks a lot of the practical boxes but not many of the emotional ones. And I'm thinking that I might use whatever I buy during next winter as my day-to-day car (or at least have that option). I'm still not quite certain that the R Class isn't a bit over overkill and I shouldn't just go for the E Class. I've seen a lot of R Classes in HK whilst I've been here though and I've warmed to them.

I'd just do an E Class in that case, Dave. I'd just buy the version I owned before the current one. I'd actually like something with a bit more capacity.

Eventually decided to go with the tried-and-trusted E Class

MOTing the driver on Monday, Dave, then I'll be getting my entries in. Will see you at Snetterton after Easter. Really looking forward to it.

Excellent, will be good to see you race after watching the videos at Knockhill for years. Have you been practicing your pit stops?

I'm in Malmesbury and the car's in Inverness so, no, not practiced yet, Dave

The first thing I need to check is that my fuel tank is big enough! I'm pretty sure it is but not, I think, by a big margin.

Is there a preferred tyre vendor? My 048Rs are two or three years old. I've got a bit to sort out but time in hand to do it.

I just recently bought a Volvo XC90 for towing my racebike and I cant see you getting a good one for that budget as they really are at the upper end of the SUV market (I paid 23k or a fully loaded 2012 model with 40k on the clocks).

Good luck in finding a good one and if you do, I can strongly recommend them

It's OK, Clintos, I bought an E Class.

Yes, series sponsor Adams and Page are the guys to go to, main Yokohama dealers with free fitting and balancing too. Give them a call, say you're with the CSCC and they will look after you: http://www.adamsandpage.co.uk/

Tow car is now a tow car (ie complete with tow bar)

The joy of working on a Merc is that, even after 10 years, it's all in great nick and easy to take to bits - lucky because some of the bumper fixings weren't easy to access.

Race licence turned up today and I head up to Inverness on Thursday to drag the Alfa back down the road.

Great news all round! Glad fitting the tow-bar wasn't too difficult. Are the electrics ok?

I hope so, Jim - nothing to test them on but I bought the dedicated Merc wiring kit and everything plugged into the right places without issue.

Just noticed that the reg says they must be Yoko a minimum of 60 profile - that's a challenge - will see if they stock the 205/60R15 tyre. There are very few track-focused 15" 60-profile tyres from what I can find.

Yes, the 205 60 is the one to go for

Is the reg to make the cars look "right" (ie more in-period), Dave?

Do people run a wet tyre too?

We regularly drive from the South of England to the Isle of Arran in Scotland, in a 1993 Transit minibus and it is perfectly comfortable, both to drive and as a passenger. I should think a newer one would be even more comfy.

How about an Alfa Sportwagon? I have just bought one for towing a caravan. It's the most comfortable car I've ever driven.

Oops - just read page two and realised you've already gone for a Merc. I almost got an old Merc but then spotted the low mileage Alfa ...

Thanks for all the posts, AnnieMac. The 156 wagon is definitely a comfortable car - really loved my 2.4JTD. It's too small inside for all my race gear though.

It's a combination of appearance and also an attempt to keep spending a little more under control. By limiting profile size it takes care of alloy wheel and caliper/disc size.

Ah OK - in SMRC, they just said wheels had to be of a diameter fitted in period.

Adams & Page can supply a 200/630 R15

Did the 550 miles up to Inverness (via Glasgow to pick up my daughter) today - all on a tank of fuel. Very comfortable. Next test is to drag the race car back down.

Excellent. Sounds like you bought a good'un!

All the tow electrics have checked out OK. The only mild issue is that the parking sensors sometimes pick up the tow hook. It's a swan hook and it is quite a way back from the rear bumper. I'd read that swan hooks were the best for sensors but also that sensors don't pick up things that are very close to the bumper. This seems to be right n the margin. The fixed flange tow hook on my newer Merc doesn't seem to have this issue though the sensors are much higher.

Well I dragged the race car back without issue (except for 2 hours of delays on the M6 thanks to 3 crashes - WTF are people doing?). 12 hours of driving including a trip to High Wickham for race tyres.

Glad you got back safely; good job you weren't rushing back to race at Castle Combe yesterday - the meeting was called off before anyone turned a wheel, due to standing water alongside the track.

I can imagine, Jim. I'm sure I saw Noah at the local timber merchants.

Had my first issue with the car. Slow puncture on the front - took the wheel off to see if I could see cause. Lo and behold, a crack in the rim on the inside. Paint lifting suggested it had been there a while. Contacted the dealer I got it from and he was excellent. By last night, a replacement rim was ordered and is being shipped to me today. He's also said to send him the bill for swapping the tyre over.

Wow! That is very good service. I'm impressed.

Yes - he was most apologetic and very concerned that I don't drive on it (I didn't tell him that I've just come back from an 1100-mile round trip - more than half of which was pulling a trailer - ignorance was bliss on both his and my accounts...)

You lucky bugger!
Front or rear wheel? I'd guess towing lowers the load on the front axle?
Nice save too, most dealers would just laugh.

A neighbour is currently kicking his e-class: it dumped him at the side of the motorway with a quarter tank of fuel, but apparently thought it was empty, and turned off the fuel pump to preserve it... Mercedes are unable to locate as yet a reason for this.

Your turn to gloat was it Neil

I've heard issues with C-class fuel pumps before, an expensive repair.

With the exception of my 2001 S210 E Class (which was a pile of rubbish - but Mercedes learned from that disastrous period), my E Classes (I've had 4) have been great - the newest one faultless. They are really nicely screwed together.

Do you know when you're having a day when things are just not working out?

Chased up the location of my spare wheel as I'm getting desperate for the thing. Found out that they'd apparently tried to deliver it yesterday morning and "left a card" - aye, bloody, right...

So, I ended up driving to Swindon (a good 45 mins each way) to collect it a longer if you include the fact that they've just moved so their location was wrong.

Back home, open it up and, guess what? It's the wrong size!!! (A rear wheel instead of front). Spoke to the dealer and they will lend me a tow car for the weekend but it means driving to Bristol and back.

Such a PITA.

What a nightmare. Sounds as though the dealer has tried to do the right thing, but been let down by numpties! Although I guess it depends on who ordered the wrong wheel...

It was the dealer that ordered the wrong wheel - I'd sent them a picture showing the wheel size AND part number - seems they found a wheel with almost the right part number...

So they lent me a Disco last night but at the filling station I found one of the rear wheels was hot so it's gone back to have the brake checked (apparently it has been standing a while - not surprised £11k for a 10 year old Disco - albeit with only 60k on the clock - is too much). They're delivering me it or something else today.

I have to say that I'm glad I didn't buy a Disco or at least one of the type I drove yesterday. The Merc is so much more comfortable and relaxing to drive and is a fantastic tow car - just frustrated by this wheel issue.

Reasonably happy morning this morning. I had an "ESP" warning message which reading up could be anything up to and including a worn steering rack. Quick trip to a Merc specialist with the STAR system and diagnosed a faulty brake light switch (£13 apparently) as well as telling me which of my parking sensors was iffy (£11 off eBay) and he didn't want paying (I left him some proper beer money).

If my name was, say, "Jim", it would have needed ALL of the things it could possibly have been

Yes, that's an observation I have made! Glad you were luckier (or better at buying cars!) Depending on how things go tomorrow, I may be starting a new "how can Jim make life hard for himself" thread in the near future...

Thanks and good luck tomorrow. I've tried my bro but I think he's travelling abroad ATM as I've had no answer.

Cool, no worries. I've done a bit of research and I'm pretty laid back about it, so we'll see!

Glad the race car is sorted (and the tow-car!). Really looking forward to Sunday.

Dave - race tickets here today, thanks.

And, since I'm on a roll, the local Merc dealer has brake switch in stock.

It's all going to go wrong

Forecast looking cold and possibly showery, rubbish

Proper Knockhill weather. Good day to be in the garages

£13 spent, switch installed, symptoms gone.

Hopefully the parking sensor will be a similarly simple fix

Hurrah!