Advice wanted - please

[justmicky]

Hi all,

My mate is looking to buy a car for towing (caravan) and he has shown me this advert:

http://www.preesall-garage.co.uk/17348/carstock.htm

(Page 3 item 22)

2004 53 plate R75 1.8 Connoisseur SE, 75000 miles - silver. Anyone got any opinions as to whether it is suitable or not, £3995 a good price or not (should he haggle that down)?
1.8 engine up to the job or could he really do with something a little bigger?
Does a 53 plate 1.8 petrol engine come with the new type head gasket fitted? Or could he have the dreaded HGF syndrome.

Thanks for any pointers

[JohnDotCom]

Really think for towing a Caravan, a Diesel with all that extra Torque would be a far better choice than the 1.8 engine.
Only a personal point of view.

No 1.8's were ever fitted with the new Head Gasket as Standard,
they didn't come out till after MGR had ceased production.

[dustybin]

the 75 is a heavy car to start with, depends what weight of caravan he pulls, how many people in the car when he pulls it,it all adds up,but go for something bigger engined or better towing car and lighter,my old turbo never liked pulling my caravan but the saab has no problem my wife forgets she is towing it sometimes..but at the end of the day it´s always personal choice ....

[StevenWilliams]

Diesel or Petrol 2.5 V6 if you have the money for the fuel.


A 1.8 is a little underpowered for the 75 so I'd hate to tow with it and they get hot enough just driving the car around I think adding the weight of a caravan is asking for trouble.

[James.uk]

:wss: :wss: :wss: I don't think a 1.8 petrol engine is suitable for towing. Either go for the CDT or---

Get a Citroen Xantia with self leveling and the turbo diesel in it. perfect car for towing.. :bowdown:
..

[StevenWilliams]

:wss: :wss: :wss: I don't think a 1.8 petrol engine is suitable for towing. Either go for the CDT or---

Get a Citroen Xantia with self leveling and the turbo diesel in it. perfect car for towing.. :bowdown:
..

Who the heck is SHE?


Also looking at the website for the garage in question I seriously doubt if a 2004 MG ZT 120 is worth £5k in the current market. I've seen them go as low as £3k for the 1.8

[derekosb]

Hi Mick

Thought I would try the obvious route.

From the Owner's Manual: Towing Weights

Technical Data

TOWING WEIGHT

Max trailer weight (unbraked):
All models 750 kg (1654 lb)

Max trailer weight (braked):

1.8 petrol models:
Manual transmission 1200 kg (2646 lb)
Automatic transmission 1400 kg (3087 lb)

2.0 petrol models
Manual transmission 1450 kg (3197 lb)
Automatic transmission 1600 kg (3528 lb)

2.5 petrol models
(manual & automatic) 1600 kg (3528 lb)

2.0 diesel models
(manual) 1600 kg (3528 lb)

Max nose weight † (Tow hitch downward load) 100 kg (221 lb)
Maximum tow hitch overhang 1157 mm (45.6 in)

Gross train weight (maximum weight of vehicle plus trailer):

1.8 petrol models
Manual transmission 3140 kg (6923 lb)
Automatic transmission 3340 kg (7365 lb)

2.0 petrol models
Manual transmission 3450 kg (7606 lb)
Automatic transmission 3600 kg (7938 lb)

2.5 petrol models
(manual & automatic) 3600 kg (7938 lb)

2.0 diesel models
Mmanual transmission 3630 kg (8003 lb)

Max roof rack load 80 kg (176 lb)

† To increase stability, it is recommended that you adjust the nose weight to the maximum limit, when loading to the maximum trailer weight.

Note: When towing, the maximum gross vehicle weight can be increased by up to 100 kg (221 lbs), provided road speed is limited to a maximum of 62 mph (100 km/h).

Hope this helps.

Derek

[moonstoneboy]

Plus, if you go for the diesel and it is a heavy van get the CDTi version - you might find the CDT a little under powered.

Paul

[justmicky]

Thanks guys for the info, will let my mate know.

Cheers

[scgfull]

A word of caution regarding manufacturers maximum permitted trailer weight. These are maximum weights that the car can tow in a given circumstance.

Most organisations have a maximum towing ratio of 85% of the towing vehicles weight to give a stable towing combination.

Obviously the greater maximum permitted towing weight given by the manufacturer, the easier it is for the car to manage towing.

I hope that makes sense!