low cost no hassle toad

[docj]

Originally Posted by Percival6

The Honda CRV would work, Honda certifies it for towing up until model year 2013 or 2014 (can't remember which.) The newer models changed the drive train and it is no longer 4-down towable from what I've heard.

CR-V's up through and including 2014 can be flat-towed, both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive varieties. We own a 2014 AWD CR-V and we are quite satisfied with it as a toad. The 2015 cannot be towed because Honda is introducing CVT transmissions throughout its models and the CVTs can't be towed.

My understanding is that the only North American Honda that will be towable would be a standard transmission version of the HR-V, a forthcoming SUV based on the Fit's platform. That would have been too small for us.

[Dr4Film]

U gotta love those Saturn Vue's especially the V-6 ones that have the Honda Drive-trains.

I bought my 2006 in 2009 with 24,000 miles. It now has 94,000 miles with about 2,000 towed. It gets carried in my cargo trailer most of the time.

I do not plan to give it up unless I have a catastrophic failure.

It gets the job done comfortably.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[JBDISCOVERY]

We have a 2006 Saturn Vue six cylinder SUV. GREAT CAR. Over 100,000 miles plus towed for another 40,000. Brakes, Shocks, Struts, battery, plus regular oil and filter changers. Could not endorse any other SUV based upon our enjoyment of the VUE. A good number are offered on the web. All are towable four down. HONDA engine and transmission
Regards
JimB

[usinvestment]

Kia Soul manual shift, though to beat this one. A great daily driver as well. Easy to tow four down. As a toad I put two 10FT kayaks on top with three mountain bikes on the back of the Soul. It's fun to drive and easy to maintain and easy to tow at a reasonable price.

[NITEHAWK]

We originally towed a 1996 Geo Tracker 2 wheel drive manual shift. OK but not desirable for an everyday vehicle. We now have a 2006 Saturn Vue AWD. It has a Honda drivetrain, plastic side panels, sits high enough so getting in and out is quite easy. Also a much more comfortable ride compared to the Tracker. The AWD only kicks in when the front wheels start slipping.
The Vue has many more amenities than the Tracker and parts are readily available. Cost two years ago? $10,000
Made my own baseplate, made my own fuse disconnect for the ign fuse, made my own towing lite harness by adding 1157 lights/sockets to the taillights so now wiring harness is not visible. Installed a Readybrake to actuate the Vue's brakes.
Not a single problem in two years/8,000 miles.

[srh]

I have a 2008 Explorer Sport Trac, 4WD, Very easy to hookup - just push the 4x4 Auto button and you are good to go. I have towed it for over 1200mi over two days without unhooking it and the battery is still good. Also, the ride is very smooth. I also have a 2010 CRV. If I tow it for 10 or 12 hours the battery will be dead, not so with the Ford. I bought the Ford on eBay already setup to be towed, and has all the options that the Explorer could have at the time including rear entertainment, climate control, heated seats.

[Easyrider]

The Chevy Captiva is the new rebadged version of the Saturn Vue. We like ours a lot.

[charles tuit]

Originally Posted by LVJ58

Our 2003 Suzuki XL-7 has been a most dependable trouble free vehicle easy to set up & tow.

Good luck with your choice & safe travels

Have the same 2003, XL-7, 4 wheel drive. Been towed 160,000 plus driven an additional 98,000 miles. Battery, brakes and front wheel bearings only. I highly recommend a Suzuki XL-7 or Vitara. The Chevy Tracker is basically the same vehicle as it was made by Suzuki. Make sure it is 4 wheel drive.

[Dr4Film]

Originally Posted by Easyrider

The Chevy Captiva is the new rebadged version of the Saturn Vue. We like ours a lot.

2 years of production only. It has been discontinued for 2015.

You will only find a used one or may find a new one still sitting at the dealership.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[LVRVLUVR]

what about the chevy HHR

[stew1]

Fiat standered under 3000 pounds easy to tow

[Dr4Film]

The Chevy HHR was listed as 4-down towable in the 2010 FMCA Towing Guide. Both the Auto and Manual transmission vehicles were listed as approved.

The FMCA Towing Guides for 2011 through 2015 did not list the HHR.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[docj]

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

The FMCA Towing Guides for 2011 through 2015 did not list the HHR.

That's because the last ones were manufactured in May 2011 and sales ended later that year.