We are looking to get a pop top and possibly another vehicle in the near future to travel. We have a Corolla and looking to get a 10 foot van. We need to fit in bikes and stuff so are thinking of a small cargo van type thing with the back a bit higher than the Corolla wagon. The shape fits the VW 5 seater Caddy but I hear they are not so good. Any suggestions? We want economy and reasonable quality.
Hello Koala, you could also look at the Little Renault Combi van, they are very popular in Germany and Europe, and getting a good report in Aus as well, Also may I suggest that you look at the 'Jurgen' range of lightweight vans, !! they are now made in Australia, I looked at them at the Caravan Show, and was very impressed, We spent 3 months in Europe last year and was amazed at the number of 1.6 and 2.0 liter hatchback cars, towing up to 14 and 15 ft caravans -- Also I am surprised to hear you had bad reports on the VW Caddy !! as I have a friend that has one , done over 130000 klm trouble free, and he loves it, ? Good Luck with your final ddedecision,
-- Edited by dazren on Saturday 14th of February 2015 06:01:07 PM
The Caddy will be the same as a Magna for towing and with the same problems all due to it being front wheel drive. If you encounter wet grass or a steep gravelly hill you will regret it. VW servicing is expensive - my wife has a New Beetle and they charge $320 for a simple oil/filter change.
Reasons we went with the Avan was weight, less wind resistance and they are fairly solid...cheap to buy but hold their resale (paid $17,000 for 2007 model 3 years ago). We use a pop-up ensuite for camping.
The vehicle we chose was a Ford Territory for more or less the same reasons as the Avan - cheap ($10,000 for 2006 model), solid and reliable as they use proven Falcon mechanicals and very comfortable to drive. They use less fuel than petrol Prados, Patrols and Landcruisers despite what you will hear.
Bottom line really is how much you want to spend, and go from there.
Good Luck.
Thanks again Doug. Good to hear positive input on the Avan. People say they were troublesome when new but if we can actually find a little one with the wrinkles ironed out it sounds good. They are impossible to find where I am. We love the Corolla so that's a strong option for us. GVM and ball tow really are a challenge with the Corolla. We'll merrily keep looking. Thanks everyone.
I agree with Hako about front wheel drives. I'm in the process of selling my Nipper, not for that reason, but I would never tow anything with a front wheel drive vehicle again.
Just went to the local caravan camping expo and there was only the avan sportsliner that the Corolla will tow. That doesn't leave room to take much. We will take a closer look at all these suggestions, thanks.
Hello Koala, you could also look at the Little Renault Combi van, they are very popular in Germany and Europe, and getting a good report in Aus as well, Also may I suggest that you look at the 'Jurgen' range of lightweight vans, !! they are now made in Australia, I looked at them at the Caravan Show, and was very impressed, We spent 3 months in Europe last year and was amazed at the number of 1.6 and 2.0 liter hatchback cars, towing up to 14 and 15 ft caravans -- Also I am surprised to hear you had bad reports on the VW Caddy !! as I have a friend that has one , done over 130000 klm trouble free, and he loves it, ? Good Luck with your final d
