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Unicorn Driver · 02-10-2019, 07:42 AM

Hi,

My wife and I are toad shopping and trying to narrow down the field. We are going to flat tow.

The toad will not be used in winter, nor will it be used for long journeys as already have a full sized 4x4 SUV and a AWD sports sedan.

It will basically be a run about when away on rv trips. Will probably use it to drive to work (15 miles total) during the summer.

We will be carrying Kayaks on it so would like factory roof racks. Also like the idea of a hatch back/SUV style for storage space.

Thanks,

MSHappyCampers · 02-10-2019, 09:20 AM

We love our 2013 Honda CRV AWD!

Unicorn Driver · 02-10-2019, 09:26 AM

Thanks Joe,

A CRV is certainly on my radar:-)

MSHappyCampers · 02-10-2019, 09:31 AM

Just remember that it has to be 2014 and earlier!

Unicorn Driver · 02-10-2019, 09:37 AM

Thanks Joe,

With the premium price of them it will be much older than 2014 if I get one :-)

Rockwood27 · 02-10-2019, 01:49 PM

Here's my toad. It's a 2016 Chevy Sonic hatchback LTZ with 1.4L turbo engine and auto transmission. The roof rack is from Chevy, but not factory installed. The cargo box contains my 2 person inflatable kayak (SeaEagle.com) and other stuff. The car will easily hold 4 adults. The back storage area (behind rear seats) is on the smaller side, but the rear seats are 60-40 split. We dragged it 6,000 miles from New Hampshire to the west and then south to Florida. We put an additional 5,000 miles on it during the trip, with several 400 mile days. I think it is fairly comfortable to drive. The car weighs about 3K lbs and averages low to mid 30's mpg.

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Unicorn Driver · 02-10-2019, 02:01 PM

Hi Rockwood,

That's exactly the type I want.

How's the performance with the turbo?

Rockwood27 · 02-10-2019, 04:09 PM

Performance?! It's about the same as the 1.8L non-turbo, but gets better gas mileage and has a timing chain (no belt) for better reliability. It has enough get up and go to merge safely onto the highway. It's not as much fun as the Ford Focus ST (250 hp) it replaced.

Unicorn Driver · 02-10-2019, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockwood27

Performance?! It's about the same as the 1.8L non-turbo, but gets better gas mileage and has a timing chain (no belt) for better reliability. It has enough get up and go to merge safely onto the highway. It's not as much fun as the Ford Focus ST (250 hp) it replaced.

Thanks Rockwood,

I would love a Focus ST or Golf GTI but neither are flat towable.

Vaark · 02-10-2019, 04:31 PM

Jeep Cherokee is one of the popular choices. Ours has 20,000 miles towed and 10,000 miles on the odometer.

aether_one · 02-10-2019, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unicorn Driver

Thanks Rockwood,

I would love a Focus ST or Golf GTI but neither are flat towable.

The Focus 2.0 Liter is flat towable with either standard or automatic according to the owners manual.

jcussen · 02-10-2019, 06:22 PM

Honda Fit up to 2013 is probably one of the lightest 4 door hatchbacks you can get. About 2600 lbs.

grumpy0374 · 02-11-2019, 07:49 AM

Sounds like your looking for a used vehicle. Look at a 4-6 year old Subaru Forrester with a manual tranny. Subie's with a manual can be flat towed, no modifications needed, no speed or mileage restrictions.
Plenty of interior space, all wheel drive, and reliable.
And, most Subi Forresters are usually adult owned and well maintained.
We tow a 2013 Subi Crosstrek, over 40,000 towing miles with not a down day.
For us it's perfect, but the Forrester will give you more room and is fully capable of carrying your kayaks...Subi even makes racks to carry them.
Grumpy