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Old 10-10-2017, 11:51 PM   #1
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Best Cheap, Light TOAD?

My wife and I have been talking about possibly getting a TOAD for our motorhome sometime in the next few years. We use the motorhome for 1 or 2 big trips per year, and some long weekends, we would be looking for something big enough for the 2 of us to explore and do tourist stuff in, I am 6'0" so needs some leg room, etc. Our coach has a 5,000 pound towing capacity,ideally I would want something in the 2,500 pound ballpark, as we already have 2 4 down towable cars that weigh in between 4,200 -4,500 pounds, we just don't want to use them for this.

So here are the constraints: Something reasonably enjoyable to drive for sightseeing, available on the used market in the $7,500 or less ballpark and weigh under 3,000 pounds, preferably under 2,500, no speed or mileage limitations when towing, manual transmission is fine, my wife says it must have an air conditioner.

I am in no rush to buy here, just trying to come up with a potential short list so if I find a deal on one I might buy it.

thanks
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Old 10-11-2017, 01:41 AM   #2
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I Bought a 2000 2 door Suzuki Vitara in AZ. It has 4 wheel drive and a manual tranny. Curb Weight is around 2,700 lbs. I believe. I paid $3,500 for it, 98,000 miles. I'm 6.2 and it has plenty of room for me. This type vehicle might work for your needs.
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Old 10-11-2017, 07:02 AM   #3
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Suggest to watch the classified section here for a suitable toad already setup. Over time something will likely come along.
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Old 10-11-2017, 07:10 AM   #4
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Suzuki Samuari is one great option. Light, cheap, flat towable, easy to fix, and durable as all get out. Next, but heavier would be a Suzuki Sidekick. Newer, a bit more refined, but still cheap and easy to fix.
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Old 10-11-2017, 07:15 AM   #5
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Chevy Spark manual.
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Old 10-11-2017, 07:15 AM   #6
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Chevy Tracker (older models were Geo Tracker) is the same as the Suzuki. Just sold my two door rag top 4wd this spring complete with Roadmaster tow bar and SMI braking system for $6k. Great little toad. I am also 6'-0" and had enough room. Back seat was a different story!
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Old 10-11-2017, 08:33 AM   #7
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Old 10-11-2017, 08:59 AM   #8
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We had good service with a Chevy Sonic automatic. Have it setup to be towed, and to tow the portable grey tote to the dump. I’m 6’1” and have plenty of room. Can haul 4 adults if needed or a bunch of junk with back seats down. You do have to pull a fuse when towing, but they make a aftermarket switch for this purpose. Takes just a few minutes to hook it up for towing. I use Roadmaster products and they are all well made.

I’m not positive but I think you will find many if not most vehicles will have a maximum speed limit while being towed, as well as a need to start the engine to lube the transmission. I don’t find either a problem but you may.
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Old 10-11-2017, 09:44 AM   #9
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I assume you're looking to four down tow vs a dolly... I do both, but prefer the 4 down for ease of connect/disconnect.

Watch the ads on this and other forums for someone selling their toad. You should be able to pick it up for the cost of the vehicle, and basically get the tow equipment, base plate, brakes, etc. thrown in at no cost..

We "rescued" an old 2003 Saturn Vue, got it running, installed a base plate on it, and we use that as our Toad. Its a 4 banger with a manual tranny, its light, tows and drives great.
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Old 10-11-2017, 10:02 AM   #10
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We've had both a Samurai and '92 Tracker as toads and liked both of them. We had the Samurai first for about 5 years, and and have been using the Tracker for about the last 10 years. Both of these are under 2500 lbs. We run coast to coast nearly every year and after a trip or two at 70 mph I installed a disconnect in both of them. They did fine without it, I just felt better having it.

IMHO, comparing the Samurai to the Tracker, the Samurai is a bit under powered and does not ride quite as well as the Tracker. On the other hand, the Samurai has a bit better ground clearance and is a somewhat better off road machine. We had both for a year or so and finally choose the Tracker for it's better "creature comforts". Mileage with the Tracker is about 25-30 mpg.

Best of luck with your choice.

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Old 10-11-2017, 10:27 AM   #11
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X2 on the Chevy Sonic Hatchback. We have an RS model (more sporty) with 6spd manual. I dolly tow for now.
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Old 10-11-2017, 10:38 AM   #12
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We towed an '05 Honda Odyssey both on a dolly and four down. We needed the room for our goods at cat shows. Quit the business and didn't need that much room but kept it till last year when a friend and member here was selling his Essex and CR-V. Bought the CR-V set up to tow with only 6030 miles on it in 2016. A little moer weight than the OP wants, has a 65 mph speed limit amd needs to be started every 8 hours. None of which bothers me in the least!
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Old 10-11-2017, 10:56 AM   #13
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We have a '99 Saturn SL2 that we towed with a dolly but it is 4 down towable also as it is a manual. I think it weighs 2100 or 2200 lbs. Paid $1900 for it this year and it only had 77k miles on it. We have decided to do 4 down and wanted something a little taller so we bought a '13 CRV. [mod edit] There are quite a few inexpensive options out there. Good luck.
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Old 10-11-2017, 11:27 AM   #14
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X3 on Chevy Sonic.

Our's is a 2012 sedan, with 6spd auto trans. Weighed in about 2900 lbs.
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