Community Forums

bokobird · 11-04-2014, 05:55 PM

I just got a new Equinox as a toad. Setting it up in the next week or so. Had an '06 HHR but with close to 200k miles on it, I didn't feel putting money in setting it up as a toad was worth it. Love the comfort of the Equinox so far, great mileage (32+) even before it's broken in and it has the same 4-cyl Ecotec engine as my HHR, love those things, they last.

**pasdad1** · 11-04-2014, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4tfamily

Our Saab is on it's last legs (wheels) so it's time to get rid of the tow dolly and buy something we can tow 4 down. We are definitely buying used (hate eating too much depreciation) and we need something that will fit a German Shepherd in the cargo area.

We're open to suggestions as well. Our budget is $20K or under.

Ford Escape hybrids up to year 2012 are flat towable. Great vehicle.
Ford C-Max hybrid also is towable, but the escape is larger with more room.

bullheaded · 11-04-2014, 07:16 PM

I know this wasn't on your list but these are inexpensive.

2011 HHR.....had it for 3 years, remove one fuse and was perfect to tow. Room for four adults.

brocja01 · 11-05-2014, 06:42 AM

We are planning on towing our 09 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. You can pick up an 09 for around that 20k mark, and if you're patient, you could pick one up for a little cheaper.

IdahoSRT10 · 11-05-2014, 01:23 PM

2014 is the last year for the Jeep Patriot...$13,000 brand new!. We love ours and plenty of room for the Shepard in back. (1000 lbs. lighter than our Wrangler.)

zip0 · 11-05-2014, 01:49 PM

From you choices.

earlier model (2010) Jeep Grand Cherokee

Right now I tow my 02 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but just bought the DW a 2011 Jeep Liberty for $9500, so we will start using that in the spring.

ronjhall · 11-05-2014, 02:45 PM

We tow a Chevy Captiva. It is basically same car as a 2008-10 Saturn Vue. Tows great and some great deals can be found on them GM released the Captiva to lease market instead of the Equinox. This keeps used price of the Equinox high. Because market is not flooded with off lease vehicles.

lanerd · 11-05-2014, 03:04 PM

Along with the Chevy Equinox, there is also the GMC Terrain which is a sister of the Equinox. Same everything except for a different body style. We now have 60k miles on our 2011 Terrain without a single hic-up. Good mpg, comfortable, quiet, lots and lots of accessories..

Add it to your short list.

Ron

rream · 11-05-2014, 03:37 PM

Lots of discussion about the 14 cherokee, but all missed the 20k op has to spend, no way close on price
Sorry op they wasted you time

Another vote here for an older jeep, we towed a Honda fir and it was a pain an could not drive over 65

tnrvers · 11-05-2014, 03:40 PM

4tfamily,

We too are partial to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, many are towing these and they have a dependable track record, and as my DW says "I've never met a dirt road I didn't like". As other have said, make sure the one you get is a 4x4, isn't the Quardra-Track I, and check the manual to confirm it can be towed 4 down. If the manual isn't available, before you purchase, get on-line with all the specs and verify it is OK.

Also, the Grand Cherokee may cause some weight issues as some of the V-8 Limited editions with the trail packages are close to 5,000 lbs. Of course, the six cylinder models without the trail package are significantly lighter. I only mention the weight issue because your MH make isn't listed in your post, and many of the gas MHs may not be able to handle the higher weights.

Hope this help in your decision.

Tom and Barb
2000 Bounder 39Z

flangley · 11-06-2014, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allegro1x

Give a look at 2005-2007 Jeep Liberties. Should be able to find one in good condition for $8,500 to $11,000. Like any used vehicle it might need some repairs, but from what I've seen they are solid vehicles to tow.

I have a 2005 and I like it as a matter of fact when we are at home I drive it more than I drive my truck. I bought it about 2 months ago and it had 49,000 miles on it and I paid $9000 for it.

AggieDad · 11-08-2014, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronjhall

We tow a Chevy Captiva. It is basically same car as a 2008-10 Saturn Vue. Tows great and some great deals can be found on them GM released the Captiva to lease market instead of the Equinox. This keeps used price of the Equinox high. Because market is not flooded with off lease vehicles.

X 2 on the Captiva. It works with your budget. It's only sold to fleets so you can only buy it used. If you keep your eye out, you'll find they're are a number of them available. Also, if you buy it from a GM dealer, it probably will be what GM calls a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle. That means a 12-Month/12,000-Mile1 Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty with $0 deductible. And you can buy a GM extended warranty as well.

We just bought a 2014 Captiva with 18,000 miles for about $18,000. It has the same running gear as the Equinox. It's being fitted with Blue Ox tow rig and an SMI Stay-and-Play brake system.

An added benefit for us is the Captiva has quickly become the "go to" car. I really hated the Cavalier we used to own (too low and too small for me), and I would drive my Yukon everywhere. Now with the Captiva, taking the around town trips will be a lot more economical.

Ford guy · 11-14-2014, 07:14 PM

Have a 2011 Edge w 50k driven and 30k towed. Been great!

flangley · 11-15-2014, 08:07 AM

I bought a Jeep Liberty about a year ago and love it. I bought a 2005 with 49,000 miles on it for $9000. I haven't driven my truck since I bought it.

Really easy to drive and get in and out of with my back having 6 back surgeries. I can't even tell it's back there and sometimes I wonder who in the heck is traveling so close to me then realize it's mine.