Towing

The registration papers for my 2003 Mazda Tribute V6 lists the tare weight of 1555kg, but according to many websites it should only be 1425kg. The vehicle weight tax applying to a car weighing 1555kg is $448 vs. 1425kg at $293. That's quite a substantial saving. Have you come across such discrepancies before? What chance do I have to get this amended?

I am looking to replace an aging Nissan Pathfinder. We are a busy family of four with two tall teenage boys and a dog who enjoy getting out and about with plenty of outdoor activities. Most of our driving is done on the freeway and we tow a small caravan 2000 kg a few times a year. I don't need a full-on 4WD, but something with some ground clearance is needed. As I see it the possibilities are a 2WD Ford Everest, the new VW Tiguan, Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, or even Toyota Prado. Would you give me some suggestions and recommendations?

My wife and I have a 2010 Honda CR-V Luxury, which is quite heavy on fuel and tyres although it seems a good solid car. We have two young children and we like to pack up and get away, and have found the Honda a little on the small side. We are considering a 2012/13 Land Rover Discovery. Can you give me any advice on what to look out for and any other cars that are worth considering please? We are planning on this being our family car for quite a long time, so we want something with plenty of all round capabilities and are considering a camper trailer when our son is a bit older. My wife and her sister like to take the children and a 7-seater really appeals due to the flexibility of them travelling together on longer trips.

Some time in the next 12 months I am going to be looking for a mid-sized SUV that can tow 2000kg. It can be either petrol or diesel, but I am having trouble finding one with a manual transmission which I vastly prefer to auto. One other thing that would be a pre-requisite is a spare tyre, preferably full sized. Do you have any suggestions for me?

I have a 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5-litre manual I use to tow a cub spacematic with override brakes. It has a gross weight of 1100 kg and a ball weight of 115kg, which is all within Subaru specs The concern I have is that the Subaru booklet states a recommended speed of 80kmh. Where would I stand if I had an accident at the legal speed of 100/110km?