new tow car ideas?

ebv8 · 23-08-2023, 08:04 AM

I'm between cars right now after selling my 2008 SY AWD ghia
that was a POS but it was cheap and did the job

The wife has a 2005 VZ LX8 adventra, tows great but have just killed the auto again luckily under warranty so not looking forward to using this as a tow car again. Once I get it back its going to be for school runs only.

Then I have a BA GT manual and HX holden 202 auto and both are no good for towing and not great for daily driving.

I need to tow my AU racecar which is 1400kg, plus parts/fuel 200kg and trailer is about 500kg so about 2100kg max.

whatever car i get will be a daily (well a few times a week to the office about a 20km round trip) and to the shops and kids sport and so on.

I don't like dual cab utes, I want more ground clearance than a falcon, rwd or 4x4 (no awd) and no diesels and i guess would have to be auto to tow.

The only car I can think of is another Territory, maybe an SZ RWD petrol.

What other cars am I missing that would fill the hole that's around $10-15k?

Citroënbender · 23-08-2023, 08:10 AM

I say it with some reluctance, but maybe a Cruze?

**Polyal** · 23-08-2023, 08:17 AM

An older pajero or prado?

edit: sorry no 4x4.....hm tough one. get yours a A or B series wagon and with the budget it the suspension raised a tad? But you are then at a RWD Territory

smoo · 23-08-2023, 08:35 AM

ML500 Mercedes either the earlier W163 or 164.
W164 some were optioned with low range and rear diff lock.
W164 have airmatic suspension which can be costly to fix but is good for towing, self leveling, raise and lower to hook up trailers etc.
Drivetrains are pretty much bullet proof.
These are awd/4x4 but why no awd? Limits your options by a lot.

Citroënbender · 23-08-2023, 08:42 AM

A couple of Germans crossed my mind (X5 and Toerag), as they’re cheap when rough - but the “no AWD” stricture ruled them out.

If you can trick the transfer case on an X5 like is possible with the late Territories, maybe worth a second look.

**Polyal** · 23-08-2023, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoo

ML500 Mercedes either the earlier W163 or 164.
W164 some were optioned with low range and rear diff lock.
W164 have airmatic suspension which can be costly to fix but is good for towing, self leveling, raise and lower to hook up trailers etc.
Drivetrains are pretty much bullet proof.
These are awd/4x4 but why no awd? Limits your options by a lot.

Ive noticed these o the market and thought it would be a good buy but always worried about the euro parts cost issue?

smoo · 23-08-2023, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

Ive noticed these o the market and thought it would be a good buy but always worried about the euro parts cost issue?

Most parts are pretty cheap out of the US like rockauto, FCP and Pelican Parts etc.
The ML55 AMG also a decent buy and occasionally come up at around $15k but from memory their towing capacity has been reduced and I don’t think they have low range and centre diff lock.
ML55 doesn’t have the complexities and unreliability of the other hi po Euro SUVs of the era like BMW X5 4.8is, Porsche Cayenne and later model ML63 (grenading engines and air suspension).

**FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0** · 23-08-2023, 10:42 AM

I've been thinking about a very similar search to you, except I want a vehicle that has at least 3 litres in capacity (anything less than that is not compatible with towing over 2000kg IMHO), no older than 2013 (my current Falcon ute age), less than 100k kms on the odometer and up to $20k.

Here's the search on carsales. https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?q=...ange(2000..).)

A few out of the box options (may not suit all of your criteria tho):

Nissan Pathfinder. Just not sure on the longevity of the CVT in these.

Subaru Tribeca. Don't know much about them but Subaru tends to have a good rep.

Mazda CX-9. Not sure how well this performs as a tow rig tho.

Jeep Grand Cherokee. Running the Jeep gauntlet tho.

Volvo XC90. Not sure about servicing costs and parts availability.

Have a play with the filters to input your preferences and see what pops up.

Play around with the filters to suit your needs

Hmmm, link doesn't work, seems to be because it has brackets in it. Here it is in plain text. You'll need to add www. to it.

carsales.com.au/cars/?q=(And.Year.range(2013..)._.Price.range(..20000). _.Odometer.range(..100000)._.FuelType.Petrol._.Bod yStyle.SUV._.TowingBrakes.range(2000..)._.EngineSi ze.range(3000..).)

I FIXED THE LINK - IT NOW WORKS

ebv8 · 23-08-2023, 08:44 AM

i like pajero's but they feel big, i like driving sedans/wagon. my old man has a 2013 3.2td and its great but to get a decent one its $20k plus
my neighbour had a 2005 3.8 petrol and was a nugget, went good but endless issues and terrible on fuel and even worse towing.

i also like basic cars that i can work on myself so rules out anything euro

also regarding awd, my experience is limited but anything i have driven with AWD drives terribly compared to the RWD variant. plus i have had too many AWD's now i want a RWD again or proper 4x4

Franco Cozzo · 23-08-2023, 09:32 AM

What about the mighty AU Falcon Ute with a manual box and a wheezer?
.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...SE-AD-15720078

Probably not ideal with a manual box

Says towing capacity 2050kg but unsure if accurate, could put parts/fuel in the Ute to reduce weight of what's being towed.

**DFB FGXR6** · 23-08-2023, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

What about the mighty AU Falcon Ute with a manual box and a wheezer?
.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...SE-AD-15720078

Probably not ideal with a manual box

Says towing capacity 2050kg but unsure if accurate, could put parts/fuel in the Ute to reduce weight of what's being towed.

Bloody hell that's clean, nice to see someone looking after an AU rather than thrashing it into the ground. I'd buy that in a heartbeat!

Citroënbender · 23-08-2023, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

…nice to see someone looking after an AU rather than thrashing it into the ground.

Hear, hear!

Also it’s only the second time I’ve seen that design of pseudo-middle seat. You’d need to travel side-saddle!

ford71V8 · 23-08-2023, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Bloody hell that's clean, nice to see someone looking after an AU rather than thrashing it into the ground. I'd buy that in a heartbeat!

I wish I didnt click the link.
V8, manual, 121k and the real kicker...temptingly close to home.

Swordie · 25-08-2023, 09:21 AM

One advantage the SY Diesel AWD has compared to RWD petrol is a higher towing capacity of 2700kg.

I am no towing expert. My understanding is you want to try avoid the tail wagging the dog. (ie. trailer is heaver than the car.) This is one of the reasons the U.S utes are popular as tow vehicles.

Franco Cozzo · 25-08-2023, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ford71V8

I wish I didnt click the link.
V8, manual, 121k and the real kicker...temptingly close to home.

I'm tempted as well and I don't even like AU Falcons,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Itsme

Nice ute, but technically no good for OP towing requirements, falcon Utes with manual gearbox are legally restricted to maximum tow capacity of 1200kgs, otherwise I would have purchased one many years ago.

I thought as much, its a bit of a joke at 1200kg - thats only 200kg more than my Focus can legally tow.

Hey OP - I know you said you didn't want diesel, but:

This thing is for sale at the moment, $18,500 - 9L 370hp Detroit 6V92T, with Allison 5sp torque converter auto.

Bench seat, you could put your kids in the front no dramas and you could drive it to the office because its nice and small, this thing would absolutely rip with the race car on the back, bifold ramps to make it nice and easy to get the car on the back, with plenty of room to spare for parts, its up 120hp on mine and has one less diff - talk about value for money

Its just like having a ute- no one thinks they need a ute until they have one and then its like wow how handy is having this ute, this one is just bigger

Itsme · 23-08-2023, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

What about the mighty AU Falcon Ute with a manual box and a wheezer?
.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...SE-AD-15720078

Probably not ideal with a manual box

Says towing capacity 2050kg but unsure if accurate, could put parts/fuel in the Ute to reduce weight of what's being towed.

Nice ute, but technically no good for OP towing requirements, falcon Utes with manual gearbox are legally restricted to maximum tow capacity of 1200kgs, otherwise I would have purchased one many years ago.

ford71V8 · 23-08-2023, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebv8

The only car I can think of is another Territory, maybe an SZ RWD petrol.

What other cars am I missing that would fill the hole that's around $10-15k?

I reckon you are answering your own question here.
The SZ is a MUCH nicer car to drive than the SY (owned both) and with that budget range you should manage to find a neat one thats not @ 250,000+ km.
I have not towed with the SZ though however this Barra feels so strong I don't think it would struggle at all

**janddbone** · 23-08-2023, 11:39 AM

Falcon Wagon. Setup suspension to suit. Sorted.

Swordie · 23-08-2023, 12:59 PM

Barra SY.

Consider a trans cooler.

EBSXR6 · 23-08-2023, 02:01 PM

If you haven't already done so, install an external transmission cooler on the Holden.

Dr Terry · 23-08-2023, 02:58 PM

You've "killed" the auto in an LX8 Adventra TWICE ? Those things a pretty tough, they are an upgraded 4L60E called a 4L65E. What have been doing ?

My Adventra LX8 has done 340,000 km & has the original auto in it, untouched. It has done plenty of towing as well. I tow a rather heavy car trailer, best tow car I've ever had.

I'd be looking at fitting a trans cooler & finding another repairer.

Dr Terry

ebv8 · 23-08-2023, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Terry

You've "killed" the auto in an LX8 Adventra TWICE ? Those things a pretty tough, they are an upgraded 4L60E called a 4L65E. What have been doing ?

My Adventra LX8 has done 340,000 km & has the original auto in it, untouched. It has done plenty of towing as well. I tow a rather heavy car trailer, best tow car I've ever had.

I'd be looking at fitting a trans cooler & finding another repairer.

Dr Terry

it lasted 290,000km with regular servicing and was nice and clean but the 3/4 clutch expired and while limping it home the gear on the clutch basket exploded. anyway full standard rebuild, cooler and it was going great but after 2 years and 10,000km it went low on fluid (no visible leaks), the repairer topped it up and the other day on the freeway it started slipping 4th and then wouldn't select gears unless the trottle was down.
took it back he said its low again but was reluctant to top up so he whipped the pan off and there was metal in it.
so it lasted 16,000km so obviously there was an issue but i'm guessing when i get it back it won't be a full rebuild but a refresh and that metal is probably everywhere now and that 4l60 will be junk so i'll leave it for the school runs... its a cool car but its long in the tooth and don't want to rely on it for towing on long trips especially after its history.

an SZ RWD 4.0 might be a winner but not many around they are all diesels

Franco Cozzo · 23-08-2023, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Terry

You've "killed" the auto in an LX8 Adventra TWICE ? Those things a pretty tough, they are an upgraded 4L60E called a 4L65E. What have been doing ?

My Adventra LX8 has done 340,000 km & has the original auto in it, untouched. It has done plenty of towing as well. I tow a rather heavy car trailer, best tow car I've ever had.

I'd be looking at fitting a trans cooler & finding another repairer.

Dr Terry

I dunno, I reckon the 4L60E/4L65E are made out of cheese and carrots compared to the BTR, I blew the 4L60E in my Caprice at around 120,000km, lost 3rd and 4th gear.

Although I did rip skids in it and put it down the drag strip a couple times, on the last run it did the big flare on the 2nd to 3rd change

Then overtaking on the highway a couple years later, kick back to 2nd, then it bashed the limiter and suddenly no 3rd or 4th gear, only had 1st/2nd gear and no 3rd/4th.

If you're gonna tow with it then I reckon the entry level shift kit to increase the line pressures + a large trans cooler would be the go to make it live a bit longer.

Dr Terry · 23-08-2023, 04:39 PM

2 years & 16,000 km on a full rebuild. In NSW you would be covered by a statutory warranty. The repairer would lose any case if you went to Fair Trading.

I work in the auto trading & have seen many cases like this.

There is no reason that 'box would not have done another 200,000 - 300,000 km.

Dr Terry

ebv8 · 25-08-2023, 09:59 AM

the old SZ RWD 4.0 is wining the race so far but not many around
I'd like a TS with the better dash ICC and cloth trim but i'm in no rush so i'll keep looking
Yesterday while on a bus up to Sydney I started noticing 120 series prado's, i've always liked the shape but they had too much toyota tax, $10k plus for something nearing 20 years old with 400,000km. however if one popped up with under 250,000km even in diesel that might be ok.

however knowing me i'll buy the first clean AU sedan i find on marketplace, i can get a 2300kg towbar for one of them and i'll have a spare parts car at the track.

Citroënbender · 25-08-2023, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FC

This thing is for sale at the moment

I have to wonder, what was he hitting with the ball pein hammer?

Doesn’t SZ1 have the “screen of death” risk/issue?

**fordomatic** · 25-08-2023, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebv8

the old SZ RWD 4.0 is wining the race so far but not many around
I'd like a TS with the better dash ICC and cloth trim but i'm in no rush so i'll keep looking
Yesterday while on a bus up to Sydney I started noticing 120 series prado's, i've always liked the shape but they had too much toyota tax, $10k plus for something nearing 20 years old with 400,000km. however if one popped up with under 250,000km even in diesel that might be ok.

however knowing me i'll buy the first clean AU sedan i find on marketplace, i can get a 2300kg towbar for one of them and i'll have a spare parts car at the track.

Territory for the win. Cheap and easy to fix all the issues they have, which is many.

Prado will be our next family car, for the 10k price difference of petrol vs diesel, there is years and years worth of fuel, also cheaper to maintain the petrol. Impossible to find anything well priced with under 200km though.

**DFB FGXR6** · 25-08-2023, 07:47 PM

Bit over your budget, but this SY II looks pretty good -
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...13522981/?Cr=7

SY II TS LE in the lovely Seduce -
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...1937232/?Cr=12

Or this SZ is well priced vs km's -
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...15325018/?Cr=9

**fordomatic** · 25-08-2023, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

SY II TS LE in the lovely Seduce -
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...1937232/?Cr=12

Or this SZ is well priced vs km's -
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...15325018/?Cr=9

Have these gone up in price? I payed 12.5k for my one owner SYII Ghia with 100km on it 18 months ago.

Ben73 · 12-09-2023, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Territory for the win. Cheap and easy to fix all the issues they have, which is many.

Prado will be our next family car, for the 10k price difference of petrol vs diesel, there is years and years worth of fuel, also cheaper to maintain the petrol. Impossible to find anything well priced with under 200km though.

I have a 150 series petrol Prado and it’s good, but it sure likes a drink. My least fuel efficient car I’ve owned by a long shot and I’ve owned several V6 petrols and a V8