Help me choose a new Tow Vehicle

[Larry C]

I am in the market for a new vehicle. I am open to your comments and suggestions.....

I want something that will be a fuel efficient daily driver, especially with gas prices inching up daily above $3 a gallon.

My teardrop will be an Ultralight that I will not let exceed 500-600# loaded. I really would like a utility type vehicle, but a sedan is not out of the question.

I recently sold my pick-up and would rather not buy another one at this time.

I am not a lead foot and a good 4 cylinder would serve me fine for just a vehicle.

However, I feel a tow vehicle needs something more. My concern is whether there is a 4 cylinder vehicle that truly has the reserve power to pull my ultralight in all conditions from flatland to mountain.

Am I just kidding myself thinking a 4 cyl will work or should I just go for a 6 cyl?

Now... what vehicles should I consider for my new daily driver/TV, either a 4 banger or 6cyl. Remember my personal goal is:

1) fuel efficiency
2) enough power to tow in most conditions
3) utility
4) $25K or less

Your input is appreciated,

Larry C.

[Miriam C.]

When I went looking what I wanted and what I was willing to pay for had a big gap. Some of the cross-overs had a drive train that wouldn't allow it to tow.. We wanted the Nissan buttttt no tow...

[Juneaudave]

A Subaru Forester would be high on my list...I'm not sure what they get for mileage.

[Gage]

You might also think about a Honda CRV. They ride nice and get good gas mileage to boot. Plus it will tow the teardrop with no problems. They are also the most dependable our there in it's class. What ever you buy, buy it on the internet, you'll get a better deal. Don't even deal with a salesman.

[ssrjim]

http://www.nissanusa.com/juke/

[Wild Bill]

I agree with the Honda or a Toyota Rav4. 4 or 6 depends on what % do you plan to tow and how far, Are you planning cross country month long trips or short weekend adventures? Not sure what the expected mileage differences are between a 4 and 6 cylinder. I would recommend the v6 for more power when towing, may use more fuel but I think you will be happier with the performance. I would only consider the 4 cyl if you have a high mileage daily commute and plan to only tow a few hundred miles per year. Good luck. Bill

[parnold]

Subaru Impreza is my next vehicle, and seems to fit all your criteria. I have a long commute every day, and as management, don't get the luxury of calling in when it's snowing so the AWD is a huge selling point. The impreza is one of the three least expensive AWD vehicles I have found, and has very good resale value.

[TerryLawson]

1) fuel efficiency
2) enough power to tow in most conditions
3) utility
4) $25K or less


This reminds me of a sign at a local shop!

You can pick only 2

1 You want it done Fast

2 You want it done right

3 You want it done cheap



If you want it done fast and right it wont be cheap!

If you want it done fast and cheap it wont be right!

If you want it done right and cheap it wont be fast!

Terry

[cathymb]

I love my Honda Element. I can sure cram alot of stuff in the back, and no carpet. Just wipe clean. The seats are very easy to remove, too. It fits all of your criteria.

[newrollo]

I really like my 5 cyclinder Colorado four door. I get about 22-26mpg towing my 700lb Wazat. I have two wheel drive posi-traction and with snow tires and 200lbs in the rear it does well in snow. Just wanted to mention the striaght 5 option. I think there are some other I5's out there.

[Miriam C.]

http://www.nissanusa.com/juke/

http://www.nissanusa.com/juke/specifications.html
Unfortunately I think this is one of the cars that have the problem towing. You might talk to the dealer..

I think this is the culprit
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) [*] with Traction Control System (TCS)

[Steve_Cox]

We've towed a lot with 2 different Honda CR-V's and get a lot of down shifting out of overdrive at speeds over 75. Oh yeah, that's illegal in most states. What I really would like to have is an AWD Subaru.

[Rock]

You can't go wrong with the CR-V or a Subaru. The subis get pricey and the mileage isn't great due to their choice AWD system. Either in 4 cyl will pull your camper around the globe several times. The Element is a heavy version of the CR-V so mileage is not good, especially highway. I might go used on one of those pretty soon.

The Ford Escape is not bad at all - still based on the old Mazda 626 platform. I don't believe that it's available in 4WD with the 4 cyl, but if you don't need 4WD the 4 would be fine to tow. Great utility. Also maybe the Toyota RAV4 in 4 cylinder. Might be available in 4 cyl/4wd.

After that things get over the price limit for utilities. I don't really consider the Koreans, but the KIA Sorrento/Rondo fits in there, but the depreciation is brutal. There are still some hatch/wagons out there that would be great TVs I think.

Then there's used which opens up a huge array of options..like a Subaru Impreza STI.

[angib]

Unfortunately I think this is one of the cars that have the problem towing.

I think this is the culprit Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) [*] with Traction Control System (TCS)

I doubt that is the reason, as it has the same features in Britain, but is rated to tow 2750 pounds (but with a maximum 165 pound hitch weight).

I think it's more a case of national expectations - smaller vehicles can be sold in the US with a zero tow rating, but the same manufacturer wouldn't try that in Europe.

We also get a diesel model with exactly the same peak torque, but 50% higher mileage....

[Shadow Catcher]

We are on Subaru's #12 and 13. Mine has the H6 Nancy has the H4 cyl. GREAT bad weather cars and mine (the more thirsty) gets 25mpg on the highway at a sustained 80MPH. I do not buy them new and expect to get between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. Toyota despite their problems and Honda (neither one as good in bad weather) but probably a bit better on MPG are also good choices.