- Sep 9, 2003
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I think I'm going to be buying a boat. Well, strongly considering anyway. But I'm going to need a tow rig, as I don't currently own anything I'd feel safe towing with. I know nothing about trucks, what ones to avoid, etc. The boat probably won't be much as boats go, the one I'm currently looking at is an 18.5 ft Sea Ray. Even though it's a relatively small boat, I'd still like to leave a comfortable margin between the max tow rating of the vehicle and the boat + trailer weight. This truck will only see occasional use, when I need to tow or haul furniture or something.
Ideally, I'd like something with a V8, although I'd consider a very capable V6 / I6. 4x4 is a must. Want to spend roughly $3000 or less - I don't mind if it's a guzzler or somewhat old (mid '90s is fine with me). I'm partial to Land Rovers, although would consider others The problem with the Land Rovers I'm looking at is the 188 hp V8 :roll: ugh. I understand that anything I get won't be a rocket, but I'm also looking for something with a decent amount of power that won't leave me foundering on an onramp with a boat in tow, or run out of steam on a grade.
So far, the short list - V8 trucks:
Land Rover Discovery (only 188 hp, possible reliability issues)
Jeep Grand Cherokee (problematic 5.2L V8?)
Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon (most in the $3k price range have a billion miles on them)
Dodge Durango
Ford Expedition
Any reason not to get a capable V6 / I6 truck for this?
Jeep Cherokee
Infiniti QX4
Nissan Pathfinder
Toyota 4runner
...???
Don't want a Suburban or an Excursion, way too huge. Don't want a pickup either, looking only at SUVs right now. Are there any specific models / engines / etc I should stay away from? What is a good value for a capable tow rig around the $3k price point?
I'm just in the looking around / deciding what to get phase right now. Probably won't actually buy something until March / April when the SUV market softens for the summer.
So, any recommendations or tips on things to avoid?
Ideally, I'd like something with a V8, although I'd consider a very capable V6 / I6. 4x4 is a must. Want to spend roughly $3000 or less - I don't mind if it's a guzzler or somewhat old (mid '90s is fine with me). I'm partial to Land Rovers, although would consider others The problem with the Land Rovers I'm looking at is the 188 hp V8 :roll: ugh. I understand that anything I get won't be a rocket, but I'm also looking for something with a decent amount of power that won't leave me foundering on an onramp with a boat in tow, or run out of steam on a grade.
So far, the short list - V8 trucks:
Land Rover Discovery (only 188 hp, possible reliability issues)
Jeep Grand Cherokee (problematic 5.2L V8?)
Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon (most in the $3k price range have a billion miles on them)
Dodge Durango
Ford Expedition
Any reason not to get a capable V6 / I6 truck for this?
Jeep Cherokee
Infiniti QX4
Nissan Pathfinder
Toyota 4runner
...???
Don't want a Suburban or an Excursion, way too huge. Don't want a pickup either, looking only at SUVs right now. Are there any specific models / engines / etc I should stay away from? What is a good value for a capable tow rig around the $3k price point?
I'm just in the looking around / deciding what to get phase right now. Probably won't actually buy something until March / April when the SUV market softens for the summer.
So, any recommendations or tips on things to avoid?