Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Tug boat

Tug boat

We have a Volvo XC90, which we are looking to replace. We no longer need a 7-seater but it might be useful on occasions. We need to tow a 1,500kg boat trailer combination on occasions. We would like to downsize to a medium sized part time 4x4. It must be diesel, auto if possible but not essential. Choice appears to be CR-V, KUGA, Santa Fe or possibly latest Qashqai. Our budget is around £18k - £19k in total.

Asked on 21 August 2010 by JA, via email

Answered by Honest John
A Santa Fe or a Sorento are the best. Excellent, powerful chain cam ‘R’ Type 2.2 litre engines, more powerful than the Volvo's. Sensibly priced (sometimes discounted), with long warranties. Autos plated to tow 2,000kg, manuals 2,500kg.

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
Similar questions
My 2000 seven-seat E-class has finally reached the end of the road as the suspension needs serious work (probably as a result of speed bumps that blight our part on London). I need a replacement and have...
I am looking to change my Golf in the not too distant future and am looking for a mid sized diesel auto 4 x 4. I have studied your web site and driven the new Kia Sorento, which was very impressive. However,...
I am faced with a dilemma that I hope you may be able to help me resolve. I am the proud owner of a 2004 Range Rover Vogue automatic that I have owned since new. It has done 53,000 trouble free miles....
Related models
Best handling crossover apart from Mazda CX-7. Comes with useful split tailgate. Economical 2.0 TDCI engine. Two-wheel drive version available which emits just 156g/km.
Roomy and versatile. Very comfortable, pleasant and relaxing to drive. not at all cumbersome. 2.2 i-CTDI diesel is excellent.
Relaxed motorway cruising. Comfortable ride. Excellent on very rough tracks. Available with seven seats. Good value. Much improved from 2010 with new 2.2-litre diesel.
Strong diesels including impressive 2.2-litre. Comes with seven seats. New six-speed automatic. More premium feel than previous Sorento. Great value for money.
Slightly larger version of Qashqai with seven seats, impressive economy from most engines incuding 2.0-litre petrol, pleasant to drive.
Handsome-looking, safe seven-seater brimming with kit and practical touches in its high-quality cabin. D5 is the one to go for.