Hello from a chick with a Legnum

[HDi fun]

The do look a bit old I agree, but then again the Passat is hardly in its first flush of youth.

I think they're a better drive than the VW though - the ride and handling defy the looks, especially on the higher spec models which have firmer damping. The replacement 407 is more striking to look at though.

Subaru has launched a 4 cylinder diesel recently. Have not driven one but they're very capable cars as well by all accounts.

At the moment there's masses of choice in the premium used market and prices are very keen as a result of the domestic economy being shot to ribbons.

Peugeot says 1500kg max braked trailer weight with nose load of 80kg. You must be shifting some large horses though Passat Est is 1600kg max (2007 year model)

[Leggynum]

What about something like this or are they just plastic rubbish? I think this is the sort of 'style' and 'shape' i'm looking for. Either that or i'll end up with some huge mama that is just going to defeat the object lol

http://www.totalvauxhall.co.uk/page/...ll_antara_info

[HDi fun]

Don't like Vauxhalls personally but that's not to say it's not a good contender.

If you really need to move 2000+ kg trailers then 4x4 is probably the sensible option apart from a heavyweight 535d or 320CDi.

Given you're towing animals I assume you have to do some gentle off road stuff so the ground clearance and 4wd will be very very beneficial.

[Leggynum]

4wd is essential as the lanes are just nasty in the winter. That was one bonus of the Legnum Ground clearance not so much of an issue I don't think as the worst it would go across would be a slightly bumpy field but never true 'off roading'. Oh I don't know, i'm getting to fussy now.

[HDi fun]

Originally Posted by Leggynum

4wd is essential as the lanes are just nasty in the winter. That was one bonus of the Legnum Ground clearance not so much of an issue I don't think as the worst it would go across would be a slightly bumpy field but never true 'off roading'. Oh I don't know, i'm getting to fussy now.

I wouldn't rush at 4wd in the interests of handling on bad road surfaces alone.

It doesn't really make that much difference apart from off the line traction or applying heavy loads of throttle halfway through a bend. It does little to stabilise steady state cornering and nothing to stabilise braking at all.

A high sided 4wd will fail grip wise long before a standard car simply on account of its high centre of mass. Most makers of standard cars now use traction control and stability management as a cheaper (and arguably inferior) alternative to full time 4wd to deal with poor traction and lateral grip in poor conditions.

There is another point here though. If you really do struggle with bad roads in the winter (likewise, we do so here as well, it's the middle of nowhere) then fitting M+S (mud and snow) tyres to ANY car during the winter months will make an unbelieveable difference. Take 'em off after the winter 'cos they're noisy on dry tarmac and wear out bloody quickly as well.

This is turning into an interesting discussion so keep going.

Rgds,

P.

[Leggynum]

Interesting HDi fun, very interesting. On the twisty turny lanes there is a definite difference in a 4wd grip wise I have found. On a straight road then I would agree with you. I stonked through the snow and ice this year in a Nissan Nivera ( which is useless unless you have the back end loaded) and pulled many people out of the ditch at the bottom of the hill and rescued a friend who I saw sliding backwards round a corner and back half way down the hill in their BMW Estate. How I did this? 4WD.
Good idea about the M&S tyres but realistically I am never going to do that, I know I won't

[HDi fun]

Last winter we were stuck with a little old (ancient) Seat Ibiza 1.9D. Proper D as well - noisy and slow. I won't go into the reasons why here other than to say that I had a very bad crash in Summer 2009 and didn't drive much at all for some months. There was no need to replace the car that was written off, one car was adequate for us.

It really acquitted itself brilliantly on deep snow and ice, as a simple and basic fwd car. In fairness I have had well over 20 years and over 700,000 miles to practise in bad conditions (and good ones as well) and it can be done, even on the standard Michelin summer tyres fitted to it - oops Paul is a hypocrite . Of course a 4wd vehicle would be better but to get the very best from it you'd really need the winter tyres.

If you're really after something like a BMW X5, for example, then buy one by all means, regardless of your needs. We all have choices and it would be a good one and a pleasant place in which to be whilst driving. You don't really need to drive them at all, just adopt the role of a controlling passenger who happens to be in the driver's seat.

But you won't necessarily find it better than a well set up 2wd car on tarmac, regardless of the conditions.

We're in Nth Bucks, not so far from you and it's a bit windswept and overgrown all year. In winter we're well off the map as far as gritting goes.

My concern is the 2000+ kg you need to tow on occasions. It's never good to pull a trailer (even a braked one) whose weight is greater than that of the tow-car itself, regardless of the type of vehicle. You can wind up with 'tail wagging dog type problems'.

So possibly on sheer mass alone a true 4wd off-roader would be a good compromise. Let's be fair, much as I've pushed aside the problems with high centre of gravity etc. the current LRD is very very capable on road. Toyota's Landcruiser likewise.

Over and out,

Rgds,

HDi (Paul).

[Leggynum]

Don't often say this so don't tell anyone but......you're right

I have to be realistic and I love the look of the X5, to me they look lush but am I going to want to throw the dog in it and all my dirty boots etc...probably not. A good old Disco would probably do me just fine. I have heard they are a bit unreliable though, not sure how true this is.

Thank you everyone for all your help

[charger69]

Originally Posted by Leggynum

Don't often say this so don't tell anyone but......you're right

I have to be realistic and I love the look of the X5, to me they look lush but am I going to want to throw the dog in it and all my dirty boots etc...probably not. A good old Disco would probably do me just fine. I have heard they are a bit unreliable though, not sure how true this is.

Thank you everyone for all your help

sounds like you need a land rover defender.
the username of yours looks to me like leggings no offense.

[Leggynum]

Originally Posted by charger69

sounds like you need a land rover defender.
the username of yours looks to me like leggings no offense.

[charger69]

Originally Posted by Leggynum