[Closed] Buying a used car with a tow bar fitted?

Piston rings would be my worry if its been hauling round a big caravan

Realistically your average clutch dragging oap ( my grandparents included) will do morecdamage to yer clutch . Caravan owning oaps - world of hurt 🙂

I had towbars on my last 2 cars neither were used for towing. Just for bike rack.

I bought a Mondeo off a guy who had a caravan. Bought at 38k miles, now £100k and no problems at all

I think I'd be wary if it were a trade sale with a towbar fitted as you have way of knowing what it's been pulling. Obviously witha private seller you have a better chance of establishing what it's being used for. I have a towbar which is mainly for a bike rack and two or three trips a year pulling a small trailer. If they have a dirty great big caravan on the drve you can walk away.

Beware if they all have caravans.... went to look at a van at a lovely caravan park near warrington, nearly smoked the tyres getting out fast

It's ex lease. Ticks every box as I want the tow bar but just thought I'd ask.

Ticks every box

Last 4 cars had tow bars fitted, only ever had bike racks on, unless there's a caravan sat on the drive I won't worry.

I specifically LOOK for a towbar on cars I look at, as I don't want to pay £250 to get one fitted!

Mazda 6 estate. Clutch would be my main worry if its been dragging round some bloody big caravan.

covered in GB stickers? Sweeties and sick down the back seats? Then it's a long haul euro cruiser. Avoid

There's every chance that 99% of it's miles have been done without a caravan though look for wear on the tow ball, does the flap on the electic hookup open easily?

I want the bar for a bike rack so saves me a couple hundred quid probably.

Subject to a little bit of detective work this probably outweighs the downsides.

As said its ex lease so when it's pulled in its probably had all those kind of things sorted before handing back or they'd be getting a hefty bill.

Bought at 38k miles, now £100k and no problems at all

I'd hope so after spending that amount!!! 😉

I recently had a tow bar fitted by an independent mobile fitter, he said his main work was [b]removing[/b] tow bars for car dealers 😯

I'm looking at a 6 too, 2.5 sport hatchback, incredibly good value

It's bought!

As said its ex lease so when it's pulled in its probably had all those kind of things sorted before handing back or they'd be getting a hefty bill.

I bet the valeters saw little or nothing out of that hefty bill, judging by the state some lease cars are in after auction, the only clean ones are where the fees are so severe they keep the drivers in a state of dirt paranoia throughout the term.

If its got the second grey socket also then its a fair bet, bit harder to tell with the new Euro socket. It really wouldnt bother me. Modern diesels are well up to the job.