I need to replace my Focus and I need to carry logs

What to replace my 2000 Ford Focus 1.6 petrol saloon with? It's starting to rattle a bit and it's only doing 35mpg plus high tax for an old car. I recently purchased a stove and need a lot of timber to supply it. I have been loading up the boot of my Focus with timber logs, which is not ideal (I don't want to pay a few hundred Euro on getting a tow bar fitted as the car isn't worth it). A few bits starting to give trouble - steering linkage, engine missing sometimes, timing belt due, NCT due, four new tyres etc. I only do about 10,000km a year, live in the country (rough roads, potholes etc), two young kids. I was thinking about a 4x4 SUV or pick-up to cover both transporting kids around and for the timber work, or should I look for a more economical car with a towbar? I want to come up a few years (maybe stretch to 2008 for low tax).

Sorry it's a bit longwinded but any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks

K C (Cork)

Apr 2013 Filed under: towing

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Expert answer

I'm not sure I'd recommend a pickup for you, as, until the very recent arrivals of the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger, they were all a bit crude and dreadful. They're commercial vehicles, not family cars. That said, if you want something truly rugged, then what about a Land Rover Defender 130 with a crew cab? Iconic looks and unbeatable toughness, but they can be expensive to buy and run.

Actually my recommendation would be to track down an old-shape Kia Sportage. It's surprisingly good at going off-road, comfy and decent to drive on the road and circa €8,000 should pick you up a good one, potentially with still a bit of Kia's famous warranty left to run. Not as stylish as the current Spprtage it's true, but invest in a sturdy rubber liner for the boot and you should have the ideal log-carrying device.

Hope that helps

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe