What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Replacing Nissan X-Trail

Nissan Columbia, Jeep Cherokee or Hyundai Santa Fe: which should I choose? All seem to have reliability issues. I really like the drive, where my bad back is concerned, of my 2001 X-Trail, but it is falling apart and needs replacing. I tow a horse trailer twice a week, weight all told about 1700kg, but would like a bit more oomph so am looking at cars with 2000kg minimum tow weight. My budget is about £10,000.

I do lots of short journeys but twice a week on consecutive days a longer round trip. Am going round in circles with my research and no help from 'disinterested in cars' husband!

Many thanks in advance

Asked on 13 January 2013 by Rebecca Butler

Answered by Honest John
A later 2.2 litre diesel old shape X-Trail is probably your best bet. Not a big fan of the 2006 - 2010 Santa Fe, but the manual is at least geared for towing and it is very good off road. The Santa Fe was improved enormously from 2010 when it got a new chain cam 2.2 R Type engine, but that's over your budget.
Similar questions
What would you suggest for an SUV 4x4 with towing capacity of 2000kg to tow a horse box. My ideal car, a Volvo XC60, is like looking for hen’s teeth. Budget is £20k.
What is the best vehicle to tow a 1000kg horse trailer? With two horses, it's maybe another 1000kg (though it probably will be just under this). So, in total, 2000kg. I was thinking along the lines of...
I have a limited budget of £4000 and am looking for a reliable and economical 4x4 vehicle to tow a single horse trailer (need 1500kg kerb weight).
Related models
Tough and very capable off-road, manual and auto both pull 2,800kg, emissions of 222g/km with manual, leather comes as standard.
Sleek looks and good quality interior. Refined and quiet on the move. Seven seats. Well equipped as standard. Excellent 2.2 CRDi diesel.