First timer here. Considering taking a job soon which will involve towing repossessed vehicles back to compounds. I have been told the best car for this purpose is a Volvo, but which one? Budget is limited but I don't want to buy something that is so old it may compromise reliability. Also what do I expect to get regarding fuel economy when towing a vehicle in the UK – most journeys will probably be 360 miles round trip with empty trailer, then approx. 60-100 round miles to the compound with car on the trailer. Petrol or diesel? Any help would be much appreciated. Many thanks.

850 with auto box...will require towing when the box goes...sorry im joking....

850 with auto box...will require towing when the box goes...sorry im joking....

I think we have a cultural gap here of some sort. Here in the states when contemplating the question of what vehicle with which to tow a car-loaded trailer, we would not be thinking of a Volvo - we would be thinking of a humongous truck. The essential problem is that rear wheel drive is better for towing but most RWD Volvos are 4 cylinders with like 114 HP. The best Volvo for the job would be one you built yourself - a RWD customized with a huge V8 engine - which is not as far fetched as it might sound - there are people in the US who do such conversions. But seriously I would be very surprised if a Volvo was the right answer for your task.

There was a Volvo 850 flatbed on e-bay last year. Turbo, 5-speed. Looked hideous but apparently came out of the Swedish Volvo shop that makes the Volvo ambulances, hearses and limos.

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, "Winter Beater/RR station car/NYC car", 154k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1, Mobil-1 since new, Michelin Arctic Alpins

A Volvo lorrey/truck, diesel of course. If you want to be a tow car driver, the best bet is to have a flat bed truck - no trailer - which lowers to form a ramp to pull the car onto. Estimated MPG, about 10-12.
Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 88 245(165K mi)

Amen. Volvo truck, not car.