High seat, 4WD and a towbar – that’s all you need
Finally, summer vacation is just around the corner. And you know what? We’re looking for a sturdy tow truck soon. A four-wheel drive model that is, so that we can also handle rough terrain! What’s on the list when we go shopping with 14 grand?
Well, more than enough! From young budget models such as a Dacia Duster 4×4 to very experienced Land Rovers and everything in between. We look for them in the middle of this extensive spectrum: three high-seated C-segment caravan tractors. Even then the choice is huge: from the Audi Q3 to the Volkswagen Tiguan (Volvo’s XC40 is not yet available for 14 grand). And… a touch of adventure is fine. Bring on that holiday!
Jeep Compass 2.4 Limited 4WD auto. – 2012 – 157,007 kilometers – 13,950 euros
When a touch of adventure is allowed, we quickly think of … Jeep! This Jeep Compass is waiting for a new boss in Maasbree for just under 14 grand. Since February 2012 (so the facelift model with the rectangular headlights instead of the round viewers), three owners have traveled more than one and a half tons with it. The asking price includes a 12-month Bovag warranty: that’s how we like it! We also like to see the tough character that (every) Jeep exudes: angular shapes, running boards, a robust-looking dashboard … The 4×4 system, called Freedom Drive 1, has a ‘lock’ function for equal torque distribution between front – and rear axle. Of these three used cars, hill assist is only available on the Compass, a particularly useful feature for a caravan tractor. In short, it won’t let you down easily.
Smooth suspension in combination with tighter damping ensures enough comfort and little leaning, but short bumps are passed on more clearly. With leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, a sliding glass roof, navigation system and 18-inch light metal, you will not be short of anything, but the CR-V offers (even) more! Typically American are the light steering (yet the Compass steers remarkably direct) and the choice of materials. As for the latter: the photos show some signs of wear here and there. That could be better, just like the only two stars in the Euro NCAP crash test (side airbags are missing), the average consumption of 1 in 11.6 of the large 2.4-liter engine that is linked to a CVT automatic transmission (although the CR-V scores little better) and the maintenance intervals of only 12,000 kilometers. In terms of operating costs, the Jeep is therefore expected to be the most expensive.
You are quite spacious, especially in width, but the trunk space is on the tight side at 328 liters. For caravan drivers: 1,500 kilos of brakes are allowed. Just score a towbar, because the 67-XZZ-7 does not have it. You buy this Jeep because of its name and character, not so much because of modern technology.
Signaling
Brand Jeep
Type Compass 2.4 Limited 4WD auto.
Construction year September 2012
Mileage 157.007
Asking price €13,950
Where to buy? Ron van de Laar Cars, Maasbree
Technical data
Engine 4-cyl. in-line, 2,359 cc
Max. assets 125 kW/170 hp at 6,000 rpm
Max. couple 220 Nm at 4,500 rpm
Luggage room 328 l / 1,269 l
max. trailer braked 1,500 kilograms
Avg. consumption 1 in 11.6
0-100km/h 10.7s
Top speed 180 km/h
All data according to factory specifications
Subaru XV 2.0i Luxury aut. – 2013 – 150,947 kilometers – 13,950 euros
Well, if we are adventurous, then Subaru should not be missed, because that is the favorite brand of forest, field, heath and dune rangers! And caravanners! Considering the dimensions of Compass and CR-V, the XV then emerges as an alternative, such as this Subaru XV waiting at the official dealer in Gouda. Due to its sloping roofline, this is more of a raised hatchback than a crossover / SUV. A low seat and ditto center of gravity – thanks to the two-liter boxer engine – suggest sportier driving characteristics, as do the steering paddles with which you can switch the CVT automatic transmission yourself if desired.
Despite (also!) the lowest weight (1,355 kilos compared to 1,505 kilos for CR-V and Compass), this Japanese does his job more obediently than enthusiastically. Sitting behind the wheel, you look out at a command post that provides a lot of information that looks a bit chaotic at first glance, but you soon know your way around. The materials used are nicer than the more efficient workplaces we encountered in older Subaru models, but things still look a bit characterless. It doesn’t heat you up, but it never seems to break!
In any case, the advertisement photos show a spotless used car, despite five previous owners. Neat! Such an XV is a pleasant companion to travel with: comfortable, equipped with modern (safety) systems (five-star Euro NCAP crash test, driver’s knee airbag and reversing camera), but when it comes to pampering, it has to beat the others. let go. This also applies to the interior space and – remarkably – the towing weight: only 1,200 kilos braked! The 11-ZNH-1 is economical. That, combined with the low weight and the proverbial reliability, suggest the lowest mileage costs. Here too you have to arrange a towbar, but Bovag warranty also seems to be included. Unless the caravan is too heavy, an XV appears to be a rational choice as a caravan tractor.
Signaling
Brand Subaru
Type XV 2.0i Luxury auto.
Construction year February 2013
Mileage 150,947
Asking price €13,950
Where to buy? AutoFirst Gouda Van Dam and Stolk BV, Gouda
Technical data
Engine 4-cyl. boxer, 1,995 cc
max. assets 110 kW/150 hp at 6,200 rpm
max. couple 196 Nm at 4,200 rpm
Luggage room 380 l / 1,270 l
Max. trailer braked 1,200 kilograms
Avg. consumption 1 in 15.2
0-100km/h 10.7s
Top speed 187 km/h
All data according to factory specifications
Honda CR-V 2.0i-VTEC Executive auto. – 2012 – 160,454 kilometers – 13,950 euros
It is less adventurous than Jeep and Subaru, but we are still happy to present you this Honda CR-V. Honda is also a real enthusiast’s brand and if we include the year of manufacture, mileage, asking price, motorization and equipment of the 58-TDT-5 (two former owners), this occasion is definitely an alternative to consider. Also because it does have a towbar as standard! Unfortunately, you have to pay extra for warranty. For twelve months that is no less than 950 euros, but then there is also an extensive delivery and mobility package, including things such as a lamp set and a first aid kit. And that while the CR-V is already the most luxurious as standard. Everything that the Compass has on board, this CR-V also has, as well as, for example, an alarm, a tire pressure sensor and xenon lighting, including headlight washers.
In terms of space, the Japanese does not disappoint either. In the front he has to let the Subaru go ahead (the automatic transmission lever on a peninsula makes the CR-V nice and spacious), but taller people are best off in the back of the Honda, while ‘broad-shouldered’ in the Jeep are best off. At the very back, the generous trunk space is striking, both with the rear seats folded up and down. The relatively high fuel consumption and the score of 4 stars in the Euro NCAP crash test show that the Japanese is no longer the youngest and is clearly a generation older than the Soeb.
However, the Honda hits back when it comes to sitting and driving: a pleasant seat and sufficient views in all directions, an ever-confident and stable driving behavior, even when things go a bit faster. With a towing capacity of 1,500 kilos when braked, it equals the Compass and with its service interval of 20,000 kilometers it surpasses it (the XV also: every 15,000 kilometers). This creates an image of a used car that seems to be less pronounced than the other two, but which is more consistent across the board.
Signaling
Brand Honda
Type CR-V 2.0i-VTEC Executive auto.
Construction year February 2012
Mileage 160,454
Asking price €13,950
Where to buy? Vakgarage Kroon, Veenendaal
Technical data
Engine 4-cyl. in-line, 1,997 cc
Max. assets 110 kW/150 hp at 6,200 rpm
Max. couple 192 Nm at 4,200 rpm
Luggage room 524 l / 1,532 l
max. trailer braked 1,500 kilograms
Avg. consumption 1 in 11.9
0-100km/h 12.2s
Top speed 177 km/h
All data according to factory specifications
Which of these four-wheel drive caravan tractors is right for you?
From the extensive range of four-wheel drive caravan tractors, we chose the Honda CR-V, the Jeep Compass and the XV from Subaru. The latter is the most modern and will be the cheapest to maintain, but is also the least generous when it comes to space and luxury, while its towing capacity is remarkably disappointing. For more towing capacity, the Compass and the CR-V are eligible. The first touches you with its adventurous nature, but its age repels you again. Remains the CR-V that never really drops stitches. Or would you prefer something else? Let us know, plenty of choice!
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl