Help me decide on a tow vehicle

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So, I need a tow vehicle to tow my drag car, which weighs about 1300kg, probably less but lets just say 1300kg for now. Will have some spare tyres/wheels, some race fuel and tools, as well as obviously the trailer, which i haven't purchased yet. I'd also use it to tow other cars as i do like a project, especially old American muscle, so the towing capacity would have to factor that in too.

I currently have a 2014 F11 BMW 530D, which I do really like, it has been reliable and done lots of long 6+ hour non stop trips, it even has the factory fitted electric tow bar. I used some online calculators, and it seems just don't think it will be capable to tow that sort of weight safely. I'm not up to scratch on towing as it is, I've never done it before so if I'm completely wrong there, please correct me!

My budget is around 8-9k, which is the trade in value for my BMW. I can add a little more on if needed and its the right car. It will also be a daily, so no vans.
It needs plenty of boot space, as I also have a few dogs, and the obvious need for tool box space.
Also, comfortable for 5+ hour drives, as i tend to get lower back pain after a while.
Doesn't need to be ULEZ compliant.

I have been looking at the following, but they all have their issues. My budget is looking at the higher end of the mileage scale. I'm happy up to around 125k miles -

• 2012 Range Rover 4.4 Diesel - ZF8 box. Obvious things first, its a Range Rover, they're always broken. But from what I've read so far, the 4.4 diesel is the better of the engines that are available. I don't mind a 5.0 Supercharged, but i think they're out of my budget, and a diesel is more likely better for towing. Highest towing capacity of the 3 listed I believe. Stopped looking at the Sport, as saw some people say they have some issues towing??
• 2010-2013 BMW X5 30/40d - ZF box again. Same engine as my current BMW, and pretty reliable other than usual BMW issues and suspension issues a 4x4 tends to have. Interior is basically the same as my current BMW too. Probably a little less space in the back to the Range Rover. Smaller engine but shouldn't really struggle. Less towing capacity.
• 2008-2014 Volkswagen Touareg - High towing capacity, can be had a little cheaper than the above cars. Can have catastrophic HPFP failure, but doesn't seem to be as common in the UK, compared to the US and their dirty fuel. Maybe not as comfortable as either of the above and a little ugly at times.

I'm open to any other suggestions so please throw them in, and if there is a reason why one of the above is a good/bad choice or if you own/owned any of them for towing or just daily use, I'd also like to here your opinions!

 

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Have a look here, just a suggestion.

2024 Winners

www.caravanclub.co.uk

Nothing on any of their lists is within my budget.

 

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Get an accurate weight of your track car with trailer/parts.

Your F11 can tow 2 tons, I’ve done a lot of towing with a 530/535d up to that limit and it is excellent.

It's up to 2ton but doesn't it have to be 85% which should be about 1800 or less?

Honestly, avoid the Range Rover. Only buy a Range Rover if you have a warranty.


Does it have to be a car?

I tow quite a lot and find a rwd pickup to be the best thing bar a long wheelbase rwd transit.

If you are peaked by the pickups, l200, ranger and Mercedes are perfect for road trips towing. Iveco, hilux are very utilitarian.

Plus you can keep all the tools out of your driving space so no clanging.

It’s a shame the big three Japanese brand stopped making the suvs based off the pickups like the surf. As they were a good compromise.

It doesn't have to be a car, just no vans but unless the truck is extended cab it's no good anyway for the dogs and also prefer auto

 

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Thanks for all the suggestions so far. Good to know I might get away with using my current car. Although, I am going to have to retrofit a reverse camera so I can keep an eye on the trailer and see what I'm doing!

I think I'll get a trailer and get it on a weigh bridge with the car and tools on, then see how much it all weighs, as suggested. I might test drive a couple of the cars as well to see how they fair too.

I don't do many miles as I work from home, I just drive to the gym 5 times a week and sometimes take the dogs somewhere so the usual worries of fuel costs and maintenance arent too much of an issue.