Tow car / 4x4 / comfort - possible to have it all?

[Onion]

We have a 2015 Captiva in diesel. We actually like it as an SUV. It has 400nm so it seem's to pull the Trackabout OK. We're considering other options though. Two main items of interest are more power for towing and a real 4x4 for some (relatively light) 4x4'ing. Nothing too serious on the 4x4 front, but if we want to go through a decent crossing, we should be able to without worrying. Or up a steep track (OK, not too steep), etc. The Captive with it's 19inch rims and 235x50's isn't really suitable for that. I realise I'll have to go second hand to accommodate the budget. The Captiva is actually reasonably well fitted out in LTZ spec - leather, satnav, climate, electric sunroof, etc, etc. I don't think it's actually possible to get something better than we have without resorting to something quite large (think Crusier) or a lot older.

Our issue is finding something that fits the budget (under 30k would be nice) that has more creature comforts than a truck, is diesel, has a good name, isn't too much larger and has more power than we currently have.

Maybe something older with an upgraded/tweaked engine would fit the bill.

There seem to be too many choices, but as I work through each car it seem's to fall down in one or more ways. I'm scratching for idea's here so if anyone has any thoughts, please do post and I'll answer with feedback.

[ravenhard]

You might just be able to get a Isuzu MUX for you price.

[Onion]

You might just be able to get a Isuzu MUX for you price.

Wouldn't be bad, but they have less torque and a worse power/weight ratio than the Captiva.

[Coolblue80]

I'm a bit biased towards Pajeros as I'm on my second, but could be right up your alley.
Cheers, Mike.

[Onion]

I'm a bit biased towards Pajeros as I'm on my second, but could be right up your alley.
Cheers, Mike.

The Pajero's don't look bad at all. They have slightly more torque and a slightly worse power to weight.
So should I be looking at gearing as well for towing purposes (as well as torque)?

[Alan Loy]

I know its a pain in the a*** but the published numbers do not tell the story.  As you noted gearing is an issue as is where in the rev range the power is. 

Worth driving a few IMHO

[gronk]

Captiva 135kw and 400Nm
MUX 130kw and 380Nm

Apart from vehicle weight, on the road you wouldn't tell the difference between them.

[markymark]

Wouldn't be bad, but they have less torque and a worse power/weight ratio than the Captiva.

That will change this year though - the updated MU-X and D-Max will have the same 130KW as current but 430NM with choice of 6 speed manual or 6 speed auto. Sticking with the old 3L motor but with DPF to bring it up to Euro 5 spec.

[silverfox1111]

I know this wont be popular but have you considered a jeep grand cherokee (wk2).
2012 model would be in your price range, more than enough power (550 nm), very comfortable, more features for the dollars than anything else.
Weve got 105000k on ours with no probs. Best car I've had.
Before you decide on anything, take one for a spin & go in with an open mind.
Silverfox

[PatrolEv]

2nd hand Prado?

[IanS]

I would agree with silverfox, I am biased but they are a very capable tow vehicle and comfortable as well.

[Nomad]

If your happy with your Captiva what about just putting smaller rims with more rubber on it.
Does it have low range?
 

[Alan Loy]

Are there engine upgrades that would give more power without doing crazy things eg better exhaust, larger intercooler?

[Alan Loy]

A strange suggestion as it means going to an older car is the Nissan Pathfinder Ti 550 R51.  With 170kw and 550nm they might suit.

[Merts]

If your happy with your Captiva what about just putting smaller rims with more rubber on it.
Does it have low range?
 

Captivas are not suitable for off-road use. Fine for dirt roads and well maintained tracks, but anything that's steep and/or rutted will be a proble, even with decent rubber. No low range, no centre diff lock, and very little ground clearance.

[Bird]

but as I work through each car it seem's to fall down in one or more ways.

had this chat with 2 different people today.. if I sold the Patrol, theres nothing out there that stands out saying "I'm the replacement you are looking for"... 

I still laugh at a couple modern utes if you drain the engine oil too long the oil pump needs priming..
Technology??? yes, that's a big move forward.

[Nomad]

Captivas are not suitable for off-road use. Fine for dirt roads and well maintained tracks, but anything that's steep and/or rutted will be a proble, even with decent rubber. No low range, no centre diff lock, and very little ground clearance.

Fair enough. I know nothing about them.....obviously 
Secondhand Prado or Paj for my money.

[Pete79]

I know this wont be popular but have you considered a jeep grand cherokee (wk2).
2012 model would be in your price range, more than enough power (550 nm), very comfortable, more features for the dollars than anything else.
Weve got 105000k on ours with no probs. Best car I've had.
Before you decide on anything, take one for a spin & go in with an open mind.
Silverfox

An observation from a few recent trips around QLD; pretty much the only cars towing big vans driving at the speed limit where Grand Cherokees.
I don't know if that says more about the car or the people that buy them, but I don't recall ever getting stuck behind one with a van holding up traffic. I wish I could say the same for most of the other makes/models being used to tow these days.

[Kiwijohn]

I biased as own Colorado7 - we test drove the MU-X and Colorado7, my wife didn't like the MU-X on the road but really liked the Colorado7.

I think both are worth a drive, they are very different but both are good vehicles.

Thanks

John

[gronk]

I wish I could say the same for most of the other makes/models being used to tow these days.

Money aside, there are a few 4wds that outperform the Jeep in all ways.

Grey nomads like them for their price ( and good towing ability ), but haven't read up on their shortfalls......which don't need spelling out here !!

[Bird]

I biased as own Colorado7 - we test drove the MU-X and Colorado7, my wife didn't like the MU-X on the road but really liked the Colorado7.

I think both are worth a drive, they are very different but both are good vehicles.

but as Gronk said not much improvement on neddies - not sure what the solution is..

Captiva 135kw and 400Nm
MUX 130kw and 380Nm


GU 4.2 with 12mm fuel pump,  Garrett Turbo and Laminova Intercooler
or
Good used GU Patrol with Brunswick V8 Chev Diesel Turbo Intercooled...

[Pete79]

Money aside, there are a few 4wds that outperform the Jeep in all ways.

Grey nomads like them for their price ( and good towing ability ), but haven't read up on their shortfalls......which don't need spelling out here !!

Purely an observation there. I know better then to try an convince anyone that a Jeep is anything but a disaster waiting to happen. That seams to be the general consensus here, happy to leave it at that.

But from what I've seen (for what ever reason) they tow big vans really well on the highway and I'm yet to be stuck behind one doing 80 in a 110 zone.

[GeoffA]

.....
GU 4.2 with 12mm fuel pump,  Garrett Turbo and Laminova Intercooler

Do it  , but without the Laminova. They don't flow enough air....

Good used GU Patrol with Brunswick V8 Chev Diesel Turbo Intercooled...

They're a pretty well sorted conversion now, but you'll get better from the TD for fewer $$.....

 

[Railey]

Have a look at the Discovery 3's. Or if you're willing to stretch the budget a bit, an early model D4.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[mrdenn1s]

That Pathfinder idea is a good one for what you want.