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I'm struggling with which car to buy next. I need it to tow a boat, and require large boot space.

I had narrowed it down to a Ford Territory and a Lexus RX300.

The Lexus is a lot more expensive for a smaller boot (want to do a lot of camping but could put things in the boat or trailer) but it's not so 'plasticky' inside. Loved to drive both vehicles and decided on the Ford because of price, but petrol costs worry me.

I loved driving the Toyota Prado (3rd choice) and it would suit our family and lifestyle needs but was scared stiff as a passenger in suburbia.

I live out in the sticks but drive a lot around town. Need to know about running costs and reliability of the three vehicles as I can't decide any other way.

Ren

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 9 September 2009

The Territory sounds the obvious choice to me but .........

The early versions had a reputation for high fuel consumption and later AWD models were upgraded with a 6-speed transmission.

The four speed transmission however is still used in the Rear Wheel Drive model albeit modified to help reduce fuel consumption.

Certainly for general all round use including towing, the Territory is a good choice and you see a lot of them used for a similar lifestyle to your own.

You would need to think really hard about buying a Rear Wheel Drive only in my view depending on how you launch or retrieve the boat. Many vehicles without All Wheel Drive really struggle on some boat ramps especially getting the boat out of the water. The size of the boat is also an important consideration when thinking about the correct vehicle size and driveline configuration.

I don't believe the Lexus will achieve any better value apart from some comfort levels and you will be paying extra for the badge.

The Prado is a great vehicle and will do everything comfortably but you need to feel comfortable driving around town and into shopping car parks etc.

If towing the boat and going on long camping trips on a regular basis was the priority I would suggest you look at a Prado diesel but if compromises have to made then the Territory is a good choice.

Any petrol vehicle used to tow a boat and carry the family and camping gear is going to be expensive to run. It's a matter of weighing up your needs and finding a vehicle which ticks most boxes for you.