Notices
Racing & Drivers Education Forum
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Best non pick up tow vehicle under 20K?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-04-2006, 04:40 PM
  #1  
993944S2
Addict
Rennlist Member

Thread Starter
 
993944S2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 1,670
Received 69 Likes on 33 Posts
Default Best non pick up tow vehicle under 20K?

Looking for suggestions. I'm pulling a 944 on a trailex. I figure max weight with all kinds of extra junk will be 5500 lbs. The wife does not want a pick-up. Any leads or suggestions would be appreciated.

Don
Old 03-04-2006, 05:02 PM
  #2  
shiners780
Rennlist Member
 
shiners780's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,008
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Hey Don,

I use a full size cargo van. You could get a full size conversion van: plenty of room inside for all kinds of stuff, comfy chairs, heat/ac for chillin' at the track, dvd player, etc., all the comforts of home. My Chevy 3500 6.0 liter pulls my trailer with no problems.

Jim
Old 03-04-2006, 05:13 PM
  #3  
touf
Pro
 
touf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San diego
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I bought a 2002 Chevy tahoe full options (Including tow package) 55K miles for 17K in San Diego.
Love it so far.
Old 03-04-2006, 05:18 PM
  #4  
earlyapex
Addict
Rennlist Member

 
earlyapex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Monterey, CA
Posts: 3,162
Received 62 Likes on 32 Posts
Default

I tow with a 05 Toyota 4-Runner V8. My wife would not allow me to get a full sized pickup. It's done well so far, pulling a 18' TPD enclosed trailer and 911SC.
Old 03-04-2006, 06:15 PM
  #5  
agio
Racer
 
agio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Paradise
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I have used the Jeep Laredo for years--3 were V8's one was V6. They've come a long way in fit and finish...and for the price and value.
Old 03-04-2006, 08:31 PM
  #6  
mac993
Burning Brakes
 
mac993's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

I know you said no pickups but my Ridgeline is amazing. It is NOTHING like an F150 or other truck. Rides, feels, and is quite as a car but with pickup utility. My GF hates trucks and loves my Ridgeline.
Old 03-04-2006, 08:34 PM
  #7  
Geo
Race Director
 
Geo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Houston, TX USA
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

The conversion van idea is a good one.

In Rochester I should think a 4x4 SUV would be well received.
Old 03-04-2006, 08:37 PM
  #8  
Matt Marks
Burning Brakes
 
Matt Marks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Grand Cherokee. Tows 6500 and even with the regular V8 has no issues hauling 6000 lbs of car/trailer/tires from VA to Watkins Glen which is a lot of mountain driving. Lots of good low milage 2002/2003 models out there for $15k if you shop around.
Old 03-04-2006, 08:38 PM
  #9  
Bull
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
 
Bull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 12,346
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

I have an '03 Ford Expedition Dog Hauler and Tow Vehicle. Not one warrenty problem since new, at 51k miles now.
Old 03-04-2006, 11:28 PM
  #10  
pedsurg
Three Wheelin'
 
pedsurg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Tampa
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

How bout the new xterra. 260+ horses and a six speed for less than 20K.
Jack
Old 03-04-2006, 11:49 PM
  #11  
hacker-pschorr
Administrator - "Tyson"
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
 
hacker-pschorr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Up Nort
Posts: 1,589
Received 2,204 Likes on 1,243 Posts
Default

Just curious, why are so many wifes against pickups?
Old 03-05-2006, 09:56 AM
  #12  
Bull
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
 
Bull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 12,346
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Hacker-Pschorr
Just curious, why are so many wifes against pickups?
I'm also curious about that. When I met my wife she had a Dodge 4x4 pickup (owned a gourmet catering bus., always marry the Chef!), and thinks I should get one again soon.
Old 03-05-2006, 11:16 AM
  #13  
Gary R.
Rennlist Member
 
Gary R.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Valencia, Spain
Posts: 15,586
Received 272 Likes on 166 Posts
Default

Mine was all for a full-size, 4 door (mine is ext. cab) PU as I am the "school bus" for my two step-daughters and I had some NASTY experiences towing my enclosed V-Nose with an undersized/marginal set-up. Of course it wasn't $20K though I do see used non-diesel ones out there for that.
Old 03-05-2006, 01:08 PM
  #14  
Racerrob
Rennlist Member
 
Racerrob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,312
Received 19 Likes on 13 Posts
Default

I just went through this process very recently. I bought a 97 Tahoe with the tow package. There are numerous other used SUV's out there, however, that will handle your needs. Durango, Expedition, Suburban, etc...Get one with a tow package and check the tow ratings. Remember the ratings include all passengers and stuff you are carrying so the "lighter" SUVs usually wont cut it. Get as much extra capacity as you can. Also, a longer wheelbase helps. Good luck!
Old 03-05-2006, 02:20 PM
  #15  
MPD47
The Carnage King
Rennlist Member
 
MPD47's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I tow with an '01 Jeep Grand Cherokee with all the little tow goodies. I honestly wish I bought a truck instead.


Quick Reply: Best non pick up tow vehicle under 20K?



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 11:28 AM.