Contemplating buying a used 3dr 1.6 dynamic(metallic grey). It has a tow bar. Looking for advice on how easy they are to remove. I believe once removed will leave a segment missing from bumper and unsure if it will look odd.Also can a body repair place repair bumper back to original condition.Appreciate any advice.
General tow bar advice?
- Thread starter lawless62
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General tow bar advice?
James M
Established member
A little off topic, but I was gonna get a towbar until I realised my licence doesn't cover me tow 
I knew more recent licences didn't cover this, but I passed my test in 1997. I wonder how many people actually realsie this? A lad I know, and who passed his test after me recently got himself a towbar fitted. Fortunately we pointed it out to him before him went ahead and started towing.
As for the car you are looking at, I would be more concerned as to what its been towing rather than the modified rear bumper, as if it has say, been towing a caravan every weekend from new, its not going to have done it any favours, especially if it hasn't had the extra servicing this requires carried out.
I knew more recent licences didn't cover this, but I passed my test in 1997. I wonder how many people actually realsie this? A lad I know, and who passed his test after me recently got himself a towbar fitted. Fortunately we pointed it out to him before him went ahead and started towing.
As for the car you are looking at, I would be more concerned as to what its been towing rather than the modified rear bumper, as if it has say, been towing a caravan every weekend from new, its not going to have done it any favours, especially if it hasn't had the extra servicing this requires carried out.
James:
DVLC Trailer Towing - Driving license B+E category's
All people who have passed their standard car driving test after 1st January 1997 are required by law to take a further test to tow trailers or caravans where the gross train weight of the vehicle and trailer is above 4250Kg.
4.25 tonnes is miles off a fully laden car and average sized caravan..
DVLC Trailer Towing - Driving license B+E category's
All people who have passed their standard car driving test after 1st January 1997 are required by law to take a further test to tow trailers or caravans where the gross train weight of the vehicle and trailer is above 4250Kg.
4.25 tonnes is miles off a fully laden car and average sized caravan..
you should haggle the price down when buying car with tow bar say ooo its been towing stuff so engine and gearbox have had more stress on them. they will say its only been used for a small garden rubbish trailer say thats what they all saylawless62 said:
It's true sometimes though, although rarely. However, I can't imagine the Stilo 1.6 being able to tow much....
Sounds like you will have to have a look how the towbar is fitted, some require removal of parts of the bumper, others don't.
Sounds like you will have to have a look how the towbar is fitted, some require removal of parts of the bumper, others don't.
James M
Established member
Is that right Paul? looking at my licence I thought I wasn't allowed to tow full stop.
What I am actually after towing eventually is a horse box, not sure how much these actually weigh, but a small single horse one should be less than that.
I was thinking about going in for the test anyway, as is my GF, but if I don't need to, thats great
Comparing my Dads licence (passed in 1967) to mine is a joke, I can basically drive a car and ride a 50cc moped, my Dad is able to drive most things, such as minibuses, tractors etc.
I'm also currently thinking about doing my bike test, but unsure whether it is worth the extra cost to go down the direct access route.
Oopps, sorry for the thread hyjack lawless
What I am actually after towing eventually is a horse box, not sure how much these actually weigh, but a small single horse one should be less than that.
I was thinking about going in for the test anyway, as is my GF, but if I don't need to, thats great
Comparing my Dads licence (passed in 1967) to mine is a joke, I can basically drive a car and ride a 50cc moped, my Dad is able to drive most things, such as minibuses, tractors etc.
I'm also currently thinking about doing my bike test, but unsure whether it is worth the extra cost to go down the direct access route.
Oopps, sorry for the thread hyjack lawless
My parents are the same, although Mum had to take her minibus license to carry school children.
TBH I don't know 100%, the site you want is:
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/dl_t...G LICENCE FIRST OBTAINED SINCE 1 JANUARY 1997
But it's all complicated! I have B on my license and that seems to say I can do a lot. A horse box wouldn't be anymore than a caravan I am sure. The only problem is the weight ratio against your car - not having a clue about the weight of a horse + box I don't know what to say lol.
TBH I don't know 100%, the site you want is:
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/dl_t...G LICENCE FIRST OBTAINED SINCE 1 JANUARY 1997
But it's all complicated! I have B on my license and that seems to say I can do a lot. A horse box wouldn't be anymore than a caravan I am sure. The only problem is the weight ratio against your car - not having a clue about the weight of a horse + box I don't know what to say lol.
James M
Established member
B is what I have on my licence too Paul, I suppose its everything I need, but I really want a bike licence now too.
My car should cope with a horse box no probs, being the Diesel its quite heavy, around 1300kg IIRC.
As for the 1600, I would have thought it would cope ok as an occasional tow car, though realistically the Stilo is a little small for any serious caravan types, except maybe the Multiwagon.
My car should cope with a horse box no probs, being the Diesel its quite heavy, around 1300kg IIRC.
As for the 1600, I would have thought it would cope ok as an occasional tow car, though realistically the Stilo is a little small for any serious caravan types, except maybe the Multiwagon.
Cheers for the advice.The car has done is less than 2 years old 20,000 miles and looked after.Guy who's selling seems genuine ,its his daughters who has moved abroad.He says they only used a trailer a few times for garden rubbish.Just hope its not a pain/causes problems removing tow bar.Paying £5,250
James M
Established member
Dave you must have a crystal ball
TBH mate, I think the price is a little high, take a look at this:
http://www.parkers.co.uk/pricing/us...?deriv=22298&plate=69&pay=false&buyorsell=buy
I guessed at the car being an 02 plate, but obviously it could be a 51 or 52 as well being from 2002.
I'd haggle him down a little, especially considering the towbar, unless of course it is LOADED with all the extras in which case it may command a slight premium
TBH mate, I think the price is a little high, take a look at this:
http://www.parkers.co.uk/pricing/us...?deriv=22298&plate=69&pay=false&buyorsell=buy
I guessed at the car being an 02 plate, but obviously it could be a 51 or 52 as well being from 2002.
I'd haggle him down a little, especially considering the towbar, unless of course it is LOADED with all the extras in which case it may command a slight premium
lawless62 said:
I would be interested in the towbar if you buy the car.
