People who tow trailers with cars

[ajd187]

I would steer clear of the universal wiring kits, as salt always seems to eventually get into and corode the "T" connections.  The ones from eTrailer are plug and play with your stock harness, with no splicing.

I agree, these look really easy to install.

They don't have them for all cars though.  The Jetta requires splicing and looks like a pain in the ass.

[ajd187]

Ok so after months of chatting about this I'm going to start the process tomorrow.  Already bought Rick's 3 place trailer so I'm all set there.

Here is my short list:
Jetta Sportwagen - I-5, DSG trans.  TDI is out of the budget and they are RARE, there is exactly 1 for sale in Rochester right now used and new are almost $30K.  I sit in the one TDI for sale around here (at Van Bortel when Iwas getting my oil changed).  It had good cargo room and a huge front seat.

Ford Escape - I4, auto.  The newer ones are better reliability wise (this is a 2010) and I have always had decent luck with Fords.  They are also pretty inexpensive ($16700 for an XLT with Sync).  Honestly I think it will be too small inside but I'm going to check anyway.

Toyota RAV4 - I know this car already, and they are huge inside.  Also more reliable than an Escape but more expensive.

Toyota Matrix - Decided to look at this after hearing it was on Chris' short list.  I sat in a Corolla this weekend and my knees hit the wheel with the seat all the way back, so it is probably too small.  But worth a look, even if it is a big ugly.  It looks like they took a clay model of a Rav4, and stepped on it.

[Trail Ryder]

As much as I would like to see you buy American, I would stay away from the Escape.  The design is dated and the I4 can be anemic.

Personally, I like to have 1 vehicle that is good for towing (and sleeping in), and one that is comfortable and good on gas.

If you have 2 4-cylinder SUVs, then hauling 2-3 guys and 2-3 bikes may be tough (and kill your MPG).  The TDIs tow awesome.

I used to tow with 200 HP V6 Taurus and when hauling 1-bike, it did great.  But when towing 2 bikes with a passenger, the mileage was no better than my Blazer.

[bardeenm1]

I'm sorry the only one I would consider would be the Ford.  I'm the jerk that continues to say buy American even know everyone else has 50 reasons why not to.  The blue oval has stood on their own 2 legs and I also have had good luck with my 2 fords.  I would of purchased another F-150 but the 2008-2009 trucks when I was looking were out of my price range.  My next truck will most likely be another f-150(no complaints about my Dodge).   The escapes are sharp looking with to me nice fit n finish, I though have not compared with the Toyota. The escapes have been out for years and are 2 or 3 years into the current model design I believe.  This should have the bugs worked out I would think.  I am not familiar with the motor in the escape though.

How do the warranties and the MPG rating stack up?  Post what you are looking to get for your truck and the specs in case I come across someone looking.

[redrider911]

You guys are lucky with your fords. Mine must have been built by a bunch of 4th grade boce students that od' on their drugs after a night of binge drinking.

[ajd187]

As much as I would like to see you buy American, I would stay away from the Escape.  The design is dated and the I4 can be anemic.

If you have 2 4-cylinder SUVs, then hauling 2-3 guys and 2-3 bikes may be tough (and kill your MPG).  The TDIs tow awesome.

Yeah the *only* reason I am looking at the Escape is because it's cheap, and I've had good luck with my truck (as well as family members with various other models).  But, I noticed that it was smaller cargo space than the Rav4.  One advantage is that the front seat is more comfortable.  Clearly no one at Toyota who drove that car in initial testing was over 6 foot.

Depending on what I get for my truck, a V6 Rav4 *might* fit the budget.  A V6 Escape is out though, most of them are 4wd and the mileage is sad (17/21).  I am pretty sure I want to get something that I drive to tow with, it's just easier that way. 

I agree the TDI is awesome, but it's $5000 more than the gas one of the same year/condition/mileage.  That buys a lot of gas   The JSW is huge in the front seat, and has more cargo space than both the Rav4 and the Escape.

[ajd187]

I'm sorry the only one I would consider would be the Ford.  I'm the jerk that continues to say buy American even know everyone else has 50 reasons why not to. 

I thought like this too, but then I looked into it a little.  Ford makes lots of cars in Mexico (Fusion, Fiesta), or has ones with trannies made in China (Mustang).  They are better than the other American companies though for sure.

The Rav4 and Matrix are built in Ontario (Cambridge and Woodstock) both of which are between Detroit and Buffalo.  The Jetta (all Jettas, globally) are built in Puebla, Mexico, about an hour south of Mexico City.  Interestingly they are the most reliable VW too.  they've been building cars there for a long time though.

How do the warranties and the MPG rating stack up?  Post what you are looking to get for your truck and the specs in case I come across someone looking.

The VW is Certified Pre-owned and comes with a 24 month/24000 mile warranty.  Any Toyota I'd consider would be CPO as well with a 12 month/12000 mile warranty.  The Ford has 24500 miles on it so it's still got some factory warranty left,  and I would probably extend that out.

I have a CL ad for the truck, I'll send you the link. I have it listed for 16 but I would take less.  I know about what I hope to get on trade in and should find that out tomorrow.

[redrider911]

How about a jeep!!

[bardeenm1]

How about a jeep!!

You gotta love the two tards standing right in the middle. 

[ajd187]

The jeep Srt 8 might Get good mileage. Haha!

[Trail Ryder]

I have a CL ad for the truck, I'll send you the link. I have it listed for 16 but I would take less.  I know about what I hope to get on trade in and should find that out tomorrow.

Ahh ... just keep it, so those of us with minivans can envy you ... except at the gas pump.

[ajd187]

Ahh ... just keep it, so those of us with minivans can envy you ... except at the gas pump.

Every time I put gas in it my stomach turns.  26 gallon tank, at $3.63/gallon (Red Apple in Ontario).  Usually around $75 every week, more when gas goes up.  The cars I'm looking at average approx 25 mpg and would cost half that.  Even with a payment I'd still be ahead or at least the same (with a newer car too).  And 99% of the time it's carting around nothing but my ass.

Routan blowout, maybe I do need a van, LOL:
http://www.dorschel.com/VehicleDetails/new-2011-Volkswagen-Routan-4dr_Wgn_S-Rochester-NY/1143099473

[bardeenm1]

 I think if you can get pass the image you will like a minivan more then those girly SUVs you are looking at.  Vans are "super" useable.  Sorry super seems to be used to describe everything these days!  but really vans are great if you don't need to tow weight.  I would drive the van in my family and have the wife drive a smaller vehicle if I didn't need a full size truck for the camper.

[ajd187]

I think if you can get pass the image you will like a minivan more then those girly SUVs you are looking at.  Vans are "super" useable.  Sorry super seems to be used to describe everything these days!  but really vans are great if you don't need to tow weight.  I would drive the van in my family and have the wife drive a smaller vehicle if I didn't need a full size truck for the camper.

Maybe.  We have one of the girly SUVs and I like it though. HAHA. 

We have the space in the girly SUV so we don't need a van.  But the price is right, that's for sure.

BTW the wagon can tow up to 2000 lbs.  It's IMO the coolest of the bunch despite the white exterior and tan interior.

[bardeenm1]

I think if you can get pass the image you will like a minivan more then those girly SUVs you are looking at.  Vans are "super" useable.  Sorry super seems to be used to describe everything these days!  but really vans are great if you don't need to tow weight.  I would drive the van in my family and have the wife drive a smaller vehicle if I didn't need a full size truck for the camper.

Maybe.  We have one of the girly SUVs and I like it though. HAHA. 

We have the space in the girly SUV so we don't need a van.  But the price is right, that's for sure.

BTW the wagon can tow up to 2000 lbs.  It's IMO the coolest of the bunch despite the white exterior and tan interior.

What year is the wagon? They do like pretty cool and useable.  I'm sure whatever you find will fit your needs good. I just can't tell you how useable a van is though when you no longer have a truck you will still be able to haul most anything you need.