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I'm considering purchasing a diesel car to tow my medium weight van, I've been looking at a rover 218 turbo or a Citroen xantia. does anybody  have any fores or against on ether makes, and do they have enough power when towing? G M

I'm considering purchasing a diesel car to tow my medium weight van, I've been looking at a rover 218 turbo or a Citroen xantia. does anybody  have any fores or against on ether makes, and do they have enough power when towing? G M Don't know any specific info, but I do know the Rover uses Peugeot's 1.8 unit, and Citroen also use some Peugeot engines.  The Rover will be cheaper for parts, but Citroen's hydraulic suspension is acclaimed for towing (though expensive to fix!). Much as I hate Citroens, I think it would be the more capable lugger... Darren

I'm considering purchasing a diesel car to tow my medium weight van, I've been looking at a rover 218 turbo or a Citroen xantia. does anybody  have any fores or against on ether makes, and do they have enough power when towing? My 115000 mile 1994 model 1905tdi Xantia still going strong and returns 44mpg solo, 28-30mpg towing. Every year to Spain with a full load-just over a ton of trailer, no problems. And diesel is cheap in France and very cheap in Spain (compared to England). A good one can be had for reasonable prices now as there is a replacement to the Xantia about due. The hdi engine is supposed to be even better. Self levelling suspension is great with the van- lower the level to put the towball lower than the caravan hitch- back up, raise the suspension and it hitches itself. I'll go for another when it's time. Some reports said they were a bit plasticky and rattly but I've had no problems, and the hydraulic suspension system doesn't get tired and worn out so it still rides as well as when new. The remote alarm system has given up the ghost, but central locking still works manually. There's not much wrong with it but the local main dealer wants £350 to replace it,(not mend it). Just had to have a replacement hudraulic system pump fitted though, as it was leaking a bit. Working ok but putting a bit of fluid on the driveway. That cost £200. I got the car when it had 52000 miles up in 1996 and this is the first repair costs other then servicing. Tell a lie, it had a new exhaust back box at 93000 miles- £70. It's the vsx with fancy alloy wheels and low profile tyres, very expensive at £47 locally, inc valve and balance. The later models have a catalytic convertor which I believe robs the engine of a lot of power, so go for the hdi if you can. DaveK.

I'm considering purchasing a diesel car to tow my medium weight van, I've been looking at a rover 218 turbo or a Citroen xantia. does anybody  have any fores or against on ether makes, and do they have enough power when towing? I can't speak for the 218, although having test driven a couple when looking to replace my last car, they did seem a bit sluggish even solo. I now have a Xantia (R Reg 2.1 TD Estate), and it is fantastic. I only tow a smallish van (900KG MGW), but you hardly notice it is there it is so stable. It is the sixth car I have towed with on a regular basis, and is far and a way the best of those 6.