Looking to buy a car to pull a caravan...

I am looking at buying a second car that will pull a caravan. I haven't bought the caravan yet. I am considering a 2015 or 2016 diesel car, but as I've never owned a diesel car before, I'm concerned I could be buying trouble, even from reputable dealers.

Is it possible to buy a 9- or 10-year-old petrol car to pull a caravan, and what make of petrol would be the best? I understand the weight etc to pull a caravan.

Doteen

Nov 2025 Filed under: towing

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Expert answer

Hi Doteen,

A car's history and how well it has been serviced is important no matter what fuel type it is. The added complication with modern diesels is that their DPFs – and other components - can clog up if they're only used for short trips. I don't believe where you buy the car has any bearing on that. It's all about how the car was used.

Make sure all the warning lights are working and going off when the car is running, insist on a detailed and complete service history and take the car for a decent test drive (again, regardless of the fuel).

A diesel car will be far more economical than a petrol one when it comes to towing and for the most part will be better suited to the job in terms of low-down pulling power (torque).

Nonetheless, if you'd prefer a petrol car, that's entirely doable. Just don't go for a small-engined, lightweight car and expect it to do a good job. Cars such as the Ford Mondeo, Skoda Octavia, VW Passat and others all came with powerful turbocharged petrol engines, though they're much rarer and hence harder to find than the diesel equivalents.

Hopefully that has given you some food for thought but come back to us with more information on the weight of the caravan you're buying and your budget for the car and we can help further if you need it.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor