Thinking about new (used)tow vehicle

[Aaron Coffee]

Thinking about new(used)tow vehicle and would like some input. Kind of been looking online at Dodge Magnum station wagons, my cirteria are tow rating, my first teardrop weighs right at 1,000 lbs, and my second weighs just under 600 (wouldn't be twoing both at the same time). Better mileage than my 98 Dodge Dakota (19 mpg, if I take it easy), will need to haul a soap box derby car (80 inchs long), something a little more comfortable than the Dakota. Debating between the v6 with all wheel drive (only 1,000 lb tow rating) or an RT rear wheel drive(3,000 lb tow rating). Price and miles, soemthing with around 50,000 miles, for under $15,000.
Anyone have any experience with Magnums, or any other suggestions? Have thought of minivan, but don't know if I want the minivan image(no offense). Might try to hit some car lots this weekend with a list of criteria and a tapemeasure.
Thanks
Aaron

[Mukilteo]

here's one
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[packerz4]

I LOVE my Honda Element! So versatile, 24 - 27 mpg... not a minivan... and you can camp in it! 1500# towing capacity. it's a 4 banger though, available in 2wd or AWD when needed.

they stopped mking them this year, but if you can find a new one, it pretty easy to get a brand new one out the door for $23K. i bought mine 2 years ago, it's an '04, had 55K miles on the clock and I paid $13K out the door.

did I mention I LOVE THIS CAR? i think it will be a clasic one day, kinda like the vw vans!

[packerz4]

also Slow: how the heck did the government force you to retire?

just did a quick search of your area. UPS is hiring all sorts of positions... drivers, package handlers, and mechanics!

Hell, Walmart is hiring in their Service Dept for a mechanic/service writer.

my post may get deleted, or maybe I'll get banned from the forum, but hey, quit your bitching and make something happen! it's not the government's fault.

I don't post often. But I've just had enough about your jobless-ness. This guy wants some info on cars... not your employment status.

[SteveF]

If you want something similar to your Dakota, I've been pretty happy with my 5-cylinder Chevy Colorado pickup. Better mileage than a six, more power than a 4, pretty roomy and comfortable...

[pigcooker]

I have a mini-van, I know you said you do not want one, however, you might change your mind. 2007 Chrysler T&C, 3.3 V6, Stow&Go seats, a full sheet of plywood fits inside, with the rear door closed, 4 wheel disc brakes, 3500 # tow capacity, I get 18mpg city, about 22-24 hwy., w/o trailer, about 20mpg with 900# teardrop,on the highway, and I currently have a 6x12 alum cargo conv. getting 14 -16 mpg towing it on hwy. Wind makes a difference. $15,000 in 08, with 11,00 miles. May be worth a look !
Doug

[Kevin & Sandy]

I don't have first hand experience with a Magnum wagon, but I really like the look of them.
We sometimes use our VW Sportwagen to tow with and have plenty of room for gear.

[pete42]

I too am looking for another vehicle maybe not one to tow with but an everyday driver.
finding one to haul my mobility scooter I may end up with a new tow as well. I'll be watching this post.

pete

[rbeemer]

Hey Aaron,

If you can wait 2-3 yrshttp://news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/05/cummins-feds-developing-four-cylinder-diesel-for-nissan-titan.html

But with what you want you might see if you can get a older used small truck, your race is a little over 6.5 ft long and I do not know how wide or tall your racer is. You might be able to find an old Volkswagen diesel truck or Datsun truck that will be able to handle your towing capacity easily.

[Aaron Coffee]

Think for now I will stick with the Dakota, do some minor repairs and tuneup, get the ac fixed(priority for next summer) get a roadside assitance plan, save my money for vacations. Try to squeeze another 30,000 miles out of the Dakota. It is only 2 wheel drive but have pretty good light truck tires, so I should be ok for winter. Besides I also have a niece that races soap box and if I build a rack I can haul 2 cars in the pickup.
Thanks
Aaron

[Roly Nelson]

After driving my 02 Camry for 10 years, and getting 28 mpg hauling my TD, I've elected to get a 2012 Chevy Cruz, with the 1.4, 4 banger engine with turbocharger and plan to get 40 mpg hauling my 245 lb Stacker TD. New cars of this era have so many bells and whistles, I can't believe it. I knew if I didn't make this switch at age 79, my daughter might not let me drive as I grow older and driving a new car then, would have only been a pipe dream. (Anybody looking for a good Camry? I've got one for you!)

BTW, the Cruz has more power with a smaller engine than my Camry has with it's larger engine. I sure do enjoy the 6 speed automatic tranny, and the bright red metalic color helps this old timer find it in a Walmart parking lot, where the Camry often got lost among all of the other silver-grey cars. I did it now, since there ain't no telling how much longer the old candle is going to burn. (white cars get more speeding tickets than red ones, because there are more of them on the road)

Roly, planning lengthy trips, now that camping season is "in" here in So Calif. (let go camping, West Coasters!)

[pete42]

But Roly at our age we should be sitting by the fire in a rocking chair not building TD's and converting cargo trailers.

Long time ago I heard someone say anyone that's 20 years older than you is old, I was 18 at the time it seemed true then it seems true now.

I think my aunts are old, one is 89 other 99

I too like the chevy cruz.

pete

[Aaron Coffee]

Roly that brings up another good reason to keep the Dakota, a green pickup with a maroon topper is easy to spot in a parking lot.

[StandUpGuy]

.... Have thought of minivan, but don't know if I want the minivan image(no offense). Might try to hit some car lots this weekend with a list of criteria and a tapemeasure.
Thanks
Aaron

I bought a used minivan recently as my future tow vehicle. I have not used it to tow yet but I wish to say that it is quick powerful and not too bad on gas mileage. I get 18 mpg around town and 25 on the highway. Minivans are front wheel drive however and I believe it is better to have rear wheel drive for towing. I was going to buy a used pick up but was very disappointed by what was available for resale. Too many miles and too high of a price. My minivan was with average miles and a very low price and in very nice shape.

[tartosuc]

.... Have thought of minivan, but don't know if I want the minivan image(no offense). Might try to hit some car lots this weekend with a list of criteria and a tapemeasure.
Thanks
Aaron

I bought a used minivan recently as my future tow vehicle. I have not used it to tow yet but I wish to say that it is quick powerful and not too bad on gas mileage. I get 18 mpg around town and 25 on the highway. Minivans are front wheel drive however and I believe it is better to have rear wheel drive for towing. I was going to buy a used pick up but was very disappointed by what was available for resale. Too many miles and too high of a price. My minivan was with average miles and a very low price and in very nice shape.

I agree, i'm in the market for a used vehicul to tow and i find that the best value for the money and towing capacity is within the minivan market.