Older Diesels were good buys, but the newer you get now the more complication has been added, DPFs EGRs and now adblu injection into the exhaust with euro 6.

Toyota hybrids are probably the most reliable and well proven of all, every taxi driver and his dog can't be wrong, but as said there's very little in your budget, the most obvious would be a Toyota Auris but it will be ageing and probably very high mileage, on the other hand find an Auris (estate or hatch) with the 1.2 turbo petrol engine and it will return close to Diesel fuel figures...the other issue with hybrid Auris is how nickable the CAT is, its said that insurance is expensive for that particular model for that reason alone.

An Avensis 1.8 petrol would probably tow your caravan OK, surprisingly good on fuel too.

So long as avoid the very top spec most Toyotas come on sensible size tyres which as well as being well priced give a decent ride.

The critical element may be "do you really want to sell the caravan". If it is something that gives you pleasure it may be daft to deny yourself. Tents and floor level living becomes less attractive with advancing years.

MPG is only important if you do a high mileage or select a completely uneconomical car.

Example 10,000 miles per annum at 40 mpg = 250 gallons. At 50 mpg - 200 gallons. Cost difference at £6 per gallon = £300pa. This may be small compared to other equally important issues - reliability, servicing costs, insurance costs etc.

I am assuming the current car is fairly old - with an £8k budget a car of a size fit for towing (eg? Focus, Astra, Qashqai, etc) is likely to be 6-8 years old. Newer tech - hybrids etc - will have limited impact at that age. The weight of the caravan may be the key element to consider.

Edited by Terry W on 21/08/2024 at 18:31