Hi folks, I'm in the market for a used SUV that can tow a boat. My current DD is a compact car that gets 27/33mpg so this is going to hurt! Since I'll be looking at 2008+ vehicles, most everything under $15k has 100k miles or more. I used to try buying cars that had between 80-100k miles thinking the first round of maintenance had probably been done. Anyone have any different thoughts on what mileage to avoid? I'd obviously test drive and thoroughly inspect under the hood and undercarriage for any vehicle but I'm looking for suggestions. I'm still kinda shocked that you can't get a decent SUV w/ less than 100k miles for less than $15k but I digress....

So what I've looked at are Pathfinders, Highlanders and Wrangler 4-dr Sahara. I'm strongly leaning towards the Pathfinder IF I can find one with a towing package. I've driven a buddy's wrangler a lot and it's enjoyable to drive, though has very cheap interior. If anyone has a horror story with any of those cars I'd appreciate a warning. Thanks!!

 

With that kind of mileage, I'd ask if the SUV was used for commuting on highways to haul passengers, rather than one used for work and towing in stop-and-go city or rugged outdoor scenarios.

The undercarriage is best inspected thoroughly.

 

In some ways, for the purposes you want, hard to beat a used Toyota 4Runner. Shouldn't be any trouble towing most smaller or reasonably-sized boats, they typically last 200-300K miles if well-maintained, are reliable, and drive reasonably well, though you can expect a firm ride. Some Highlanders can also tow up to 5000 lbs, but I'd feel more comfortable towing that kind of weight with a body-on-frame vehicle like a 4Runner.

 

I got a smoking deal on a 2004 V8 limited 4WD 4Runner with 90k on the odometer.....I paid $2000 but it was from my lovely mom who upgraded to a 2015 4Runner. We only made the deal to keep any family members in check.

I love it, the 4Runner is so solid that I can't believe that I used to drive a Tacoma 4WD around with a non solid frame.

What size is the tow you are planning to do?

 

suv market is so hot that's why used prices are still pretty high.
you might look at a used explorer too. i just sold my (granted '06, not '08+) right at 100k for just $6K trade-in value it would have been perfect for you. it was completely reliable.

 

It depends on just how large that boat is. Sometimes, large vehicles don't respond well to towing big loads. It's a combination of spring rates, shocks, and distance from the axle centerline to the hitch. My old Travelall was a little uneasy with a 5500 lb boat and trailer, and it was a bit of a handful downhill until I got the balance right by moving the axles back 8" to put more weight on the load leveling hitch. When I replaced the IH with a new Suburban, the Chevy with a longer overhang and 3/4 -ton rating didn't even know that boat was back there.

If the vehicle's not going to be your DD, but primarily a weekend ride, DIY project lumber and parts chaser, and part-time tow vehicle, you can save a lot of money by keeping your smaller car for commuting. Those mileage figures they throw around for big SUV's rank right up there with fishermen's lies. My Suburbans, 350 CID, 4WD, 3/4 ton K-20's were supposed to get 16-18 highway mpg - but in fact did about HALF that with the boat on behind. Just be sure to get the big fuel tank option.

 

LexsCTJill, I really like 4Runners and I had a hard time finding one in Ohio that wasn't rusted into 100 pieces.

I'm starting to get scared away from smaller SUVs after reading some horror stories about pulling boats with things like explorers and 4runners. This is a 17.5 ft boat on a single axle trailer, probably 1800-2200 lbs total depending on how much fuel is in the boat. Some of the lakes are 50 miles away so that's a long pull. I know the smart chioce for hauling anything is a solid frame truck I just hate V8's for the 95% of the time you aren't pulling anything. My father has a silverado SS w/ a 6.0L and it only gets 11.5mpg pulling a trailer.

As for my personal situation, my DD is an 06 Cobalt SS w/ ~198k and it's a perfectly reliable car but I also have my SC300 NA-T. And because the SC is a track/weekend car that could explode, it may be a good idea to have something capable of pulling a car hauler. I work from home so gas mileage isn't a huge concern, so long as whatever I get is reliable. Decisions!!

 

Maybe an F350 Dually if you are scared of mid size or smaller SUVs. ???

 

Have you looked at used Tahoes? The newer ones with either the 4.8 or 5.3 V8 under the hood are better on gas than you'd think. The ones that guzzle gas are the Denali's, Escalade, Silverado SS, 3/4 ton Suburbans, etc that have the bigger 6.0 or 6.2 under the hood and the full time AWD option.

Also, you might want to consider expanding your search area and taking a one way plane ticket to find something without rust issues.

As for the Nissan Pathfinder, NO, NO, NO, and a HELL NO. Read and learn, my buddy is out of $3000 replacing the transmission and radiator on his 2007 Nissan Frontier. Transmission failed at 100k miles a few months ago, and now the a/c compressor took a ***** on him last week. This was a 1 owner, clean as hell truck he bought 2 years ago with 70k miles on it, he's still paying on it too.

http://www.nissanproblems.com/trends...-transmission/

 

I was a fishing guide for 15 years. I towed an 18" flats boat, 3700#, 100 miles round trip on flat terrain, 100 days a year. I did it with a Ford Explorer V6, a Ford Explorer V8 and a Volvo V70 GLT 5 cylinder turbo wagon. All vehicles had tow package upgrades. Even if you'll be towing 4 x month for 5 months a year, you'll be fine with any 6 cyl rated at 3500# tow capacity. A 6 cyl with higher torque at low rpms would be something to consider as a benefit. An 8 cyl will be completely effortless.

 

I think an Audi Cross Road wagon might work?

 

I looked at 2015 engine specs and it reaches full torque at 1500 rpm. That's low rev high torque. Subaru has a couple of models as well. Most folks on this forum would advise you that the dependability/repair cost on Audi are a poor bet though. I'd go with a Toyota, Subaru or Volvo if American is not your taste.

 

If I was you I wouldn't by a 7 year old vehicle in Ohio I would look for vehicles down south. You ever thought about looking at a crew max Toyota Tundra

 

That's a good option, a lot of people have put a hard tonnue cover on their crew cab pickups and made them the family car. Of course that option isn't any cheaper or a better value than buying an SUV, especially if you decide to go with a Tacoma or diesel truck, resale on those are ridiculous.