Which SUV

Bass Reeves

Looking at splashing the cash and buying a small jeep. I have decided what I need in one. it has to be legally capable of towing 2000kgs. Without a trailer it need to do about 40mpg in old money or 6.5-7L/100km. It needs to be dependable as I do not want to be putting parts into and it off the road 2-3 times a year. It seats must have good back support. It will be in the 2008-2012 year bracket. 4WD is not a necessity. I a buying a seated version not a commercial.

I have kinda narrowed it down to four models.

First Toyota RAV 2.2D I am sure about it dependability however are the older ones 2008-2010 up on 40mpg. I expect from 2010 on they are however the 2.2D from 2010 on seems to have two motor tax rates 390 and 570 what is the difference

Honda CRV 2.2D Again it dependability is not an issue but is it doing 40mpg it is the same model within that year bracket.

VW Tiguan 2.0L or 2.2L from 2008-2010 it tax is 710 and from 2010-2012 it is 280. Are the later ones more fuel efficient. How dependable is it in general any VW I see over the years were not as dependable as Toyota or Honda but the back support on the seats is usually better than Toyota.

Kia Sportage 2.0L from 2010 on I know very little on it online research would suggest it is heavier on fuel that the rest of them. I am not sure about dependability or seats back support.

I have looked at other outside these an eliminated them for one reason or another.

Rows Grower

I'd recommend the Sportage, once you do the oil and filters every 8-10,000 miles they are ultra reliable up until about 250- 300,000 kilometers.

You'll realistically probably get mid to high thirties per gallon, they are comfortable and fast and the bodywork is second to none.

mayota

Rows Grower wrote: »

I'd recommend the Sportage, once you do the oil and filters every 8-10,000 miles they are ultra reliable up until about 250- 300,000 kilometers.

You'll realistically probably get mid to high thirties per gallon, they are comfortable and fast and the bodywork is second to none.

Will any of them legally tow 2 ton?

Hard Knocks

The Hyundai Tucson is quite popular
What about the Scoda ?

Personally I would dare pull a trailer with a 2 wheel drive version especially with weights close to 2T

Rows Grower

Hard Knocks wrote: »

The Hyundai Tucson is quite popular
What about the Scoda ?

Personally I would dare pull a trailer with a 2 wheel drive version especially with weights close to 2T

More or less same as a Sportage with a different badge.

Bass Reeves

mayota wrote: »

Will any of them legally tow 2 ton?

All the SUV's I have indicated are legally capable of towing 2 ton with the engine sizes indicated.

Hard Knocks wrote: »

The Hyundai Tucson is quite popular
What about the Scoda ?

Personally I would dare pull a trailer with a 2 wheel drive version especially with weights close to 2T

Tucson around those years are not legal to tow 2T. If you are towing on road most 2L are capable of towing that it is whether they are legal or not. I will only be towing that weight 10-12 times a year at most. That is why fuel efficiency is important as I will be putting up 18-20K KM/year on it otherwise. 2ton is an 8X5 or 10X5 box with 3-4X 400kg stores.

wrangler

I wouldn't recommend the Rav 4 to anyone, a noisy uncomfortable car, Hilux here was quieter and more comfortable

Bass Reeves

For the amount of towing I am doing compared to the rest of the mileage I am putting up I ruled out bigger commercial jeeps like Landcruisers, hiluxes, Naverras, L200's etc. I have towed this sort of weight with a Ford Kuga I found it adequate but there back end gives a lot of problems with wearing tyres when you tow with them. As well with smaller SUV's in type I indicated you can get a lot of them that have never had a tow hitch on them with reasonabally low mileage. As well they tend to be in vgc. They also tend to be reasonable to buy in the 4-10K bracket depending on year and mileage as well as spec.

Bass Reeves

Hard Knocks wrote: »

The Hyundai Tucson is quite popular
What about the Scoda ?

Personally I would dare pull a trailer with a 2 wheel drive version especially with weights close to 2T

I presume you mean Skoda. They have nothing in an SUV in those years. Anyway it would be like having a ''dini''

Muckit

It is tricky to meet all the criteria as l found myself.

The volvo XC60/XC70/XC90 were mentioned before in similiar tread and should also be given due consideration.

Very hard to get over the 1800-2000kg towing unless u go for an unpopular variant. And good luck trying to find a clean one.

Going automatic and awd seems to increase the towing capacity of smaller engined SUV models. There again the fresher SUVs have the more modern auto box (8spd as opposed to 6 spd manual) that can actually should return more mpg.

Muckit

If they don't have a hitch you'll have to allow €500 for fitting by a reputable installer or main dealer.

Bass Reeves

Muckit wrote: »

It is tricky to meet all the criteria as l found myself.

The volvo XC60/XC70/XC90 were mentioned before in similiar tread and should also be given due consideration.

Very hard to get over the 1800-2000kg towing unless u go for an unpopular variant. And good luck trying to find a clean one.

Going automatic and awd seems to increase the towing capacity of smaller engined SUV models. There again the fresher SUVs have the more modern auto box (8spd as opposed to 6 spd manual) that can actually should return more mpg.

Road Tax on XC's is crazy on car versions you know when its blank on DD that you are f@@ked

Bass Reeves

Muckit wrote: »

If they don't have a hitch you'll have to allow €500 for fitting by a reputable installer or main dealer.

Usually easy enough to source second hand out of scrap yards or out of the UK. I expect 200 max and 50 to fit. have fitted one or two in my day and none ever fell off

wrangler

Bass Reeves wrote: »

Usually easy enough to source second hand out of scrap yards or out of the UK. I expect 200 max and 50 to fit. have fitted one or two in my day and none ever fell off

The problem now is if you don't get a proper towbar installed the trailer sets sensors mad, on our new car putting the car in reverse turns off the sensors when you have a trailer on

Muckit

Best of luck wiring the 7pin plug too. It's not a splice into the rear light job anymore.

It'd be the insurance ld be concerned about too. Very few garage lads will fit anymore for this reason. I'd prefer to have a receipt from a towbar fitting specialist.

Oh skid control is great too in the newer SUVs to control fishtailing......don't ask me how l know!

Bass Reeves

wrangler wrote: »

The problem now is if you don't get a proper towbar installed the trailer sets sensors mad, on our new car putting the car in reverse turns off the sensors when you have a trailer on

You are correct in that. However unless you are doing a lot of towing it is generally not an issue. It is like reversing a truck with a beeper. Having said that the box comes with most now and is usually on the ones at scrap merchants.

AgriLad

Maybe look at a Kia Sorento?

My father has a 2014 Sorento with 320k on the clock and faultless so far. As long as their maintained their good for ages. Maybe a little bit heavier in fuel than the rest but an absolute workhorse.

_Brian

Have an 08 Tiguan here, 4motion.
It’s great to tow, 40mpg only on very long runs. Tipping about 35-37mpg.
Maintenance is expensive. Probably wouldn’t buy another and I’ve been mostly VW all my life.

Also have a 151 Ford Kuga, 150bhp. More comfortable suv, more space in cabin and boot, cheaper tax, probably 43mpg and more important it is doing maybe 33-35 mpg towing 1500kg long journey. Tiguan mog drops dramatically towing.
The Ford is running same gear as Mondeo and the previous Mondeo we had was easy run with low maintenance costs.

Kuga is a good option, tows well too.

selectamatic

The 2.2d4d toyota engine is sore on diesel and has a number of reliability issues (headgaskets) Now that said they can be reliable but I'd not take the chance.

Another one to avoid would be the 2.2 santa fé they're absolute alcoholics and very unreliable.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/car/21133856

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2010-seat-alhambra-7-seater-1-9-tdi-/20964427

One of these would be my left of field reccomendation.
Reliable oldschool pd tdi stove, no dpf good mpg
Good comfy seats.
2000kg towing capacity
Maintenance and parts are cheap.
They're cheap to buy. I'd be aiming well below 3k

The main 2 drawbacks are they're €750 to tax and they're a bit dated.

Muckit

Bass Reeves wrote: »

Road Tax on XC's is crazy on car versions you know when its blank on DD that you are f@@ked

You are going to face that problem on all older vehicles anyways with their higher emissions. Most modern SUVs have 1.7engines max for this reason. The newer version Volvos seem to satisfy the emissions even with the 2litre engine.

Anyways l don't think you need seats. Would an old old pajero or isuzu not suit you and try get classic tax and insurance.

Albert Johnson

Muckit wrote: »

You are going to face that problem on all older vehicles anyways with their higher emissions. Most modern SUVs have 1.7engines max for this reason. The newer version Volvos seem to satisfy the emissions even with the 2litre engine.

Anyways l don't think you need seats. Would an old old pajero or isuzu not suit you and try get classic tax and insurance.

I'd agree with the above, most of the SUV's mentioned will be in the higher tax bands due to the engine sizes in the years proposed. The brief is a tall order for any vehicle imo, I'd personally suffer poorer fuel consumption if a vehicle was reliable and cheap to maintain. Replacement parts and servicing are often quite expensive for SUVs in my experience, a "proper" jeep usually isn't any more expensive to maintain in many cases.

If I remember correctly the op has mentioned driving a van in previous comments. If this is the case then I don't see why a commercial option can't be considered, the cheaper road tax would go a fair bit towards any increase in fuel consumption. I've learned through experience that when buying any machine it's prudent to purchase something capable of doing what's required of it at ease. If you buy something just about able for the workload it gets more abuse and is always working hard. Again if a van is your current transport then extra seats may not be a necessity, the increase towing and off road capacity of a commercial jeep will be a bonus at some stage.

The decision is of course yours but I'd find it hard to look beyond a short wheel base land cruiser, a mitsubishi pajero or shogun. They might not fully live up to the fuel consumption desired but will exceed your expectations in other areas imo. Look around any mart yard or similar set up, there's a reason it's mostly full fat commercials. My advice would be either stick to a caddy van or buy a proper jeep, I'd leave the other imitation "mammy wagons" to the school run.

Bass Reeves

I have done a fair bit of research on this.

Yes a seated version is not completely necessary. However it is impossible to get open driving on a commercial vehicle and even if you do you have to pay through the nose for it. Trying to insure them as private raises the tax issue. When you add in the cost of CVRT V NCT a seated SUV is my choice. There is four car's in our yard and If I have a van I can only drive that unless I am named on the policy. If you have an accident it can be very expensive to name on a policy. It can even be expensive to name you on the policy anyway. My youngest lad got insurance in his own name last year if i was named it was 200 extra and I have no points or claims at present.

The insurance cost of the four I put up in my first post is from 370-430 euro with open driving for myself. Car tax on these is 750 from 2008 on and gets cheaper. As I said my towing is limited. When you add in extra fuel etc option like some mentioned will add 2000/year onto the choice

wrangler

wrangler wrote: »

The problem now is if you don't get a proper towbar installed the trailer sets sensors mad, on our new car putting the car in reverse turns off the sensors when you have a trailer on

You can just turn off the reversing sensors while reversing with the trailer. Any car I’ve driven with sensors has a very prominent off button for sensors.

Bass Reeves wrote: »

I have done a fair bit of research on this.

Yes a seated version is not completely necessary. However it is impossible to get open driving on a commercial vehicle and even if you do you have to pay through the nose for it. Trying to insure them as private raises the tax issue. When you add in the cost of CVRT V NCT a seated SUV is my choice. There is four car's in our yard and If I have a van I can only drive that unless I am named on the policy. If you have an accident it can be very expensive to name on a policy. It can even be expensive to name you on the policy anyway. My youngest lad got insurance in his own name last year if i was named it was 200 extra and I have no points or claims at present.

The insurance cost of the four I put up in my first post is from 370-430 euro with open driving for myself. Car tax on these is 750 from 2008 on and gets cheaper. As I said my towing is limited. When you add in extra fuel etc option like some mentioned will add 2000/year onto the choice

Very surprising getting named put up your sons insurance, I’m named on a few cars and it’s either cost nothing or actually reduced the price of the insurance on the car. Also you are automatically insured in your wife’s car and she on yours no need to be named etc.

Albert Johnson

Bass Reeves wrote: »

I have done a fair bit of research on this.

Yes a seated version is not completely necessary. However it is impossible to get open driving on a commercial vehicle and even if you do you have to pay through the nose for it. Trying to insure them as private raises the tax issue. When you add in the cost of CVRT V NCT a seated SUV is my choice. There is four car's in our yard and If I have a van I can only drive that unless I am named on the policy. If you have an accident it can be very expensive to name on a policy. It can even be expensive to name you on the policy anyway. My youngest lad got insurance in his own name last year if i was named it was 200 extra and I have no points or claims at present.

The insurance cost of the four I put up in my first post is from 370-430 euro with open driving for myself. Car tax on these is 750 from 2008 on and gets cheaper. As I said my towing is limited. When you add in extra fuel etc option like some mentioned will add 2000/year onto the choice

I don't doubt that you have your homework done on the matter, you're some man to weigh the job up in fairness. Without being in the situation and having only a rudimentary knowledge of SUV's in general my advice isn't worth any great amount.

If I was in your situation it would boil down to either a Toyota Rava or the Kia Sportage. I would probably go for the Rava, it's not the most glamorous or indeed comfortable but any I've encountered seem very reliable and affordable. The insurance issue is becoming more of a problem each year imo, open driving and naming on policies is always going to lead to price increases in the future. May I ask if the proposed towing is limited and as someone with a financial outlook on all things farming as to why you've decided on a SUV??

Keepgrowing

Do not buy a late model Kia Sorento. Bought a seven seater new in Feb 18, has to be the worst car I’ve ever owned.

Will deffo be going German or Japanese next February. Had a 13 year old Land Cruiser 8 seater before that and what a joy compared to this yoke.

It’s the poor build quality that bugs me, the lower tax isn’t worth it !

greysides

Have you looked into the Subaru Forester?

reps4

Outlander has to be considered also

Who2

Open drive was e40 on my hilux this year. I can’t see a €2000 saving on diesel, as that would get me over 10000 miles in the hilux. If an suv is laboring it will be drinking harder than any Jeep.

Reggie.

Bass Reeves wrote: »

I presume you mean Skoda. They have nothing in an SUV in those years. Anyway it would be like having a ''dini''

Oi... less comments like that.......

selectamatic

greysides wrote: »

Have you looked into the Subaru Forester?

Terrible diesel engine. Petrol variants are normally very reliable (2.5L fond of headgaskets) but they're quite thirsty.

Bass Reeves

Albert Johnson wrote: »

I don't doubt that you have your homework done on the matter, you're some man to weigh the job up in fairness. Without being in the situation and having only a rudimentary knowledge of SUV's in general my advice isn't worth any great amount.

If I was in your situation it would boil down to either a Toyota Rava or the Kia Sportage. I would probably go for the Rava, it's not the most glamorous or indeed comfortable but any I've encountered seem very reliable and affordable. The insurance issue is becoming more of a problem each year imo, open driving and naming on policies is always going to lead to price increases in the future. May I ask if the proposed towing is limited and as someone with a financial outlook on all things farming as to why you've decided on a SUV??

The ones I picked tick the box so. Most are a decent size vehicle to dive. I am getting older and they are easier to get in and out of. They are all legal to tow 2 ton and as I posted earlier towing will be limited to about 15-20 times/ year. In the price bracket I picked there is a fair good choice in the seated versions and as I posted earlier a lot of clean ones that have no towing done. When you factor in CVRT costs V NCT it just opens up your choices.

I have not driven the Honda CR-V yet but they have 4wd and along with the RAV have the name of being dependable. Yes parts for SUV are expensive but are easier to get second hand as more are scrapped. Very easy to get body parts as a lot of petrol ones are scrapped. To get 2T towing capacity in a van you have to go into the bigger ones like a Transit or Vivaro. When you add in the hassle with insurance (I could not transfer my insurance onto the daughters car to NCT I made the stupid mistake of telling them what it was for) seated versions really come into play.

I have seen a few high spec of these SUV's as well and it costs little more to get one of these. They start in 2008( away from old tax rates when dealing with a 2.2L engine) at about 4k for a clean example with sub 200k kilometers and you go up from there. 2012 is the outside of my budget but as well towing capacity of SUV's went all over the place.

2 ton towing capacity allows me to carry 3 stores in an 8X5 box. Generally if I am buyng I use a haulier to bring home.

Bass Reeves

Who2 wrote: »

Open drive was e40 on my hilux this year. I can’t see a €2000 saving on diesel, as that would get me over 10000 miles in the hilux. If an suv is laboring it will be drinking harder than any Jeep.

I was not just comparing diesel costs. I was comparing the running costs of a LC commercial compared to an SUV. A Jeep doing 30mpg compared to 40 mpg will cost just over 1k extra in fuel when doing 20k kilometers a year and that is at 1.3/L. As well you have to go back 4-5 years in years for same money. Very hard to get clean Jeep's that are 15 years old.

Who2

Bass Reeves wrote: »

I was not just comparing diesel costs. I was comparing the running costs of a LC commercial compared to an SUV. A Jeep doing 30mpg compared to 40 mpg will cost just over 1k extra in fuel when doing 20k kilometers a year and that is at 1.3/L. As well you have to go back 4-5 years in years for same money. Very hard to get clean Jeep's that are 15 years old.

The thing about hilux was and land cruisers are they are that popular they are constantly producing spurious parts which can’t be said about a lot of the others. I’ve driven a lot of different vans cars and jeeps and the thing about lc and hiluxes are they cost damn all to maintain

greysides

selectamatic wrote: »

Terrible diesel engine. Petrol variants are normally very reliable (2.5L fond of headgaskets) but they're quite thirsty.

In what way? I have a notion might replace my Land Cruiser 95 with one...... whenever it's time comes.

selectamatic

greysides wrote: »

In what way? I have a notion might replace my Land Cruiser 95 with one...... whenever it's time comes.

They have a bad habit of breaking crankshafts.
Big end bearing failure is prevalent too.
Injector issues are common enough and difficult fix/access due to the layout of the boxer engine.

Quite simply the boxer diesel engine is just awful and most mechanics in the country including some of subaru Ireland's own are reluctant to work on them.

Apparently things got better after 2012 but I'd certainly not bother taking the risk.

greysides

selectamatic wrote: »

They have a bad habit of breaking crankshafts.
Big end bearing failure is prevalent too.
Injector issues are common enough and difficult fix/access due to the layout of the boxer engine.

Quite simply the boxer diesel engine is just awful and most mechanics in the country including some of subaru Ireland's own are reluctant to work on them.

Apparently things got better after 2012 but I'd certainly not bother taking the risk.

Yikes thanks. Honda CRV it is then.

granturismo

reps4 wrote: »

Outlander has to be considered also

I occasionally towed a horse box with a 08 outlander and it worked well. Great driving position for me, and the rest of the family liked if for long journeys. We used the outlander for holidays in the UK and France, very practical for a family and no problems towing that weight on small road, motorways or fields. I fractured my spine a few years ago and next to a Citroen picasso it was the most comfortable car for me to drive.

I never had any mechanical/electrical issues with the outlander.

The older Rav 4's rear door hinge was on the side and I know some people had opening it if a trailer was hitched.

Albert Johnson

Bass Reeves wrote: »

The ones I picked tick the box so. Most are a decent size vehicle to dive. I am getting older and they are easier to get in and out of. They are all legal to tow 2 ton and as I posted earlier towing will be limited to about 15-20 times/ year. In the price bracket I picked there is a fair good choice in the seated versions and as I posted earlier a lot of clean ones that have no towing done. When you factor in CVRT costs V NCT it just opens up your choices.

I have not driven the Honda CR-V yet but they have 4wd and along with the RAV have the name of being dependable. Yes parts for SUV are expensive but are easier to get second hand as more are scrapped. Very easy to get body parts as a lot of petrol ones are scrapped. To get 2T towing capacity in a van you have to go into the bigger ones like a Transit or Vivaro. When you add in the hassle with insurance (I could not transfer my insurance onto the daughters car to NCT I made the stupid mistake of telling them what it was for) seated versions really come into play.

I have seen a few high spec of these SUV's as well and it costs little more to get one of these. They start in 2008( away from old tax rates when dealing with a 2.2L engine) at about 4k for a clean example with sub 200k kilometers and you go up from there. 2012 is the outside of my budget but as well towing capacity of SUV's went all over the place.

2 ton towing capacity allows me to carry 3 stores in an 8X5 box. Generally if I am buyng I use a haulier to bring home.

All of the above are valid reasons, I agree that since changing to a jeep I've noticed how much harder it seems to get in and out of lower cars. The seating position is much more preferable in a jeep (I'm actually not that old despite how this sounds) compared to most cars. Being legally able to tow whatever you choose is most definitely a prudent consideration going forward. The money involved isn't excessive for a circa 10 year old vehicle, a 15 year old land cruiser would cost similar money in most cases. I also agree that a wider selection of well minded examples would be available compared to there commercial comrades.

Certain second hand parts will be available but faults such as flywheel kits, clutches and the like are often a problem in SUV's and won't be as easy sourced. I'd vote for the Rava over the Honda as I'd imagine that it would be easier to source the Toyota and any subsequent parts. I haven't researched the van options in any great detail and insurance will vary depending on your own situation although it definitely pays to shop around for everything.

If you could push the budget up to circa 2010 then it may avoid the higher motor tax bracket. Just to add more confusion I would recommend a look at the Suzuki Vitara, some of the older versions had an actual "low box" and we're almost like a mini commercial jeep. I understand that the use of a haulier would mean that the towing could be minimised. My final thoughts on a commercial vehicle such as a land cruiser would be that the initial outlay and running costs may be higher but reliability would most likely also be improved. As regards resale an aged SUV will be next to worthless where as a functional commercial would probably still be worth most of what you paid for it.

Bass Reeves

Vitara towing capacity is low some are even below a ton. The insurance issue is really catching the commercials. when you are paying over 1K/year extra in fuel it is hard to make that up in maintenance IMO before you even consider the insurance issue. Higher motortax is not really the issue in these the ones I picked max out at 750 euro/year. If you pick up the right 2008 SUV you be a long time making the saving on the car tax side.

I am not really accepting of the maintenance side of bigger jeeps. While there may be more spurious parts bigger parts cost more money. Trying to find a well minded older LC or Hilux or any other 4WD as you hit the 15 years of age is a daunting task especially if you are doing 20K/year and maybe a tad more. I am not gone either on the argument of them holding there value anything with an engine devalues. As well buying out of a dealer is even more expensive again. On bigger jeeps dealer charge a bigger premium compared to smaller SUV's

Albert Johnson

Bass Reeves wrote: »

Vitara towing capacity is low some are even below a ton. The insurance issue is really catching the commercials. when you are paying over 1K/year extra in fuel it is hard to make that up in maintenance IMO before you even consider the insurance issue. Higher motortax is not really the issue in these the ones I picked max out at 750 euro/year. If you pick up the right 2008 SUV you be a long time making the saving on the car tax side.

I am not really accepting of the maintenance side of bigger jeeps. While there may be more spurious parts bigger parts cost more money. Trying to find a well minded older LC or Hilux or any other 4WD as you hit the 15 years of age is a daunting task especially if you are doing 20K/year and maybe a tad more. I am not gone either on the argument of them holding there value anything with an engine devalues. As well buying out of a dealer is even more expensive again. On bigger jeeps dealer charge a bigger premium compared to smaller SUV's

That knocks out the Vitara so, the towing capacity is an important consideration with any proposed vehicle. I'm surprised that the insurance is such a problem. I've been insured with liberty for years and find them very helpful with any issues but this will vary between companies. The motor tax isn't a massive issue I agree but I would find it somewhat painful to pay €750 annual tax on a vehicle that was worth circa €5000, that's only my viewpoint though and yours obviously differs.

The maintenance figures will vary depending on the condition of the vehicle and yes bigger parts usually cost more. A well minded example of any of the proposed should minimise such expenditure but your still going to spend money each year regardless. Labour is going to be the same on any of the above and some of the parts will be expensive no matter what the brand. Trying to find a well minded aged commercial jeep is a learning experience but not outside the realms of possibility. I agree that anything with an engine devalues but the rate and extent of devaluation varies. Look up a 2000 reg land cruiser or similar and a comparable aged SUV, the SUV if any are still roadworthy will be pittance but the land cruiser will still be worth a couple of grand.

I understand you came in with the intention of an SUV so I'll leave the commercial arguement at that. In summary I'd chance the Rava and wish you good luck with any purchase.

josephsoap

_Brian wrote: »

Have an 08 Tiguan here, 4motion.
It’s great to tow, 40mpg only on very long runs. Tipping about 35-37mpg.
Maintenance is expensive. Probably wouldn’t buy another and I’ve been mostly VW all my life.

Also have a 151 Ford Kuga, 150bhp. More comfortable suv, more space in cabin and boot, cheaper tax, probably 43mpg and more important it is doing maybe 33-35 mpg towing 1500kg long journey. Tiguan mog drops dramatically towing.
The Ford is running same gear as Mondeo and the previous Mondeo we had was easy run with low maintenance costs.

Kuga is a good option, tows well too.

The Kuga could be a decent buy, some of them have 2100kg towing capacity

http://www.towingcapacity.co.uk/car-make-model/ford/ford-kuga/

Notoldorwise

There is currently, a 09 volvo xc60 with full service history on done deal. €570 tax and 180 bhp. With hitch for €6750. Don't know the seller. Have an xc60 myself. It is the most comfortable, stable, reliable car. Keep it serviced and you'll knock years out of it.

uck51js9zml2yt

josephsoap wrote: »

The Kuga could be a decent buy, some of them have 2100kg towing capacity

http://www.towingcapacity.co.uk/car-make-model/ford/ford-kuga/

I have a Kuga AWD. It's a nice car.

Willfarman

We had a rav on trial last year and no way would I trade our avensis against it. It would tow little more. The boot seemed to hold less. It’s on only a midrange car on big wheels with the disadvantages of s Jeep such as poor handling, increased diesel, swaying feeling driving on back roads but no real working abilities like a Jeep.
Would you consider something like a skoda superb estate bass. Great yoke on a trailer with premium car brand comfort.

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/21015925

Bass Reeves

Willfarman wrote: »

We had a rav on trial last year and no way would I trade our avensis against it. It would tow little more. The boot seemed to hold less. It’s on only a midrange car on big wheels with the disadvantages of s Jeep such as poor handling, increased diesel, swaying feeling driving on back roads but no real working abilities like a Jeep.
Would you consider something like a skoda superb estate bass. Great yoke on a trailer with premium car brand comfort.

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/21015925

Avensis and Octavia both only have 1500kgs towing capacity. I agree SUV's are smaller inside than larger saloons. But I am at the stage that I dislike driving cars. Have driven midsized vans and SUV for work for last 30 years. I always had a small van at home as well. I expect to be using this more from now on. Used to only put a few thousand up on the old vans. I agree that cars are every bit as good to tow but very few are not legal to tow 2ton. Some of the Superb's are but I just prefer the straighter seat.

TBH I know it is a lifestyle choice not totally a farming one. Kids are all grown so I will be in this 90% of the time by myself. We had an avensis but one of the lads have it now as the better half is driving an IX35. So I have decided to kinda treat myself and I am looking at the SUV but it must be able to tow 2ton.

Hard Knocks

Bass Reeves wrote: »

I am looking at the SUV but it must be able to tow 2ton.

Sidetracking, so apologies
For a max weight of 2 Ton, will Trailer size be restricted to 8ft x 5ft, guessing fairly modern with decks at 800kg & without at 700kg (open to correction).
The max load is 4 300kg weanlings, or 24 50kg lambs

Would an 8x5 be too big?

Bass Reeves

Hard Knocks wrote: »

Bass Reeves wrote: »

I am looking at the SUV but it must be able to tow 2ton.

Sidetracking, so apologies
For a max weight of 2 Ton, will Trailer size be restricted to 8ft x 5ft, guessing fairly modern with decks at 800kg & without at 700kg (open to correction).
The max load is 4 300kg weanlings, or 24 50kg lambs

Would an 8x5 be too big?

if you are loading out of a dodgy crush by yourself that is all that will fit in

Muckit

Bass Reeves wrote: »

if you are loading out of a dodgy crush by yourself ....

That is a whole topic in itself. Nobody, especially a part time farmer working alone should be at this and beef prices on the floor.
Spend the money. Write off against tax. And claim back the VAT. Have some respect for yourself man. No wonder the factories have us where they want us.

Muckit

The Skoda superb 'scout' will meet the towing criteria. But they are low.

Willfarman

Muckit wrote: »

The Skoda superb 'scout' will meet the towing criteria. But they are low.

A neighbor bought one a few years back. After having jeeps and various cars he loves it more than all. Very comfortable. Nicer than the wife’s bmw. and pulls an 8 by 5 like nothing.

Dakota Dan

Most of the cars mentioned here are not SUV’s they are crossovers.