Which "pre owned" truck/SUV for my tow vehicle?

[Moose-Hunter]

Howdy Folks...

After a ton of searching and with my head spinning from looking at ads... I must ask you all for your advice.

My big diesel Ford is just that... TOO BIG. It runs great and pulls the boat with ease. But it's just too big and I have no need for such a monster anymore. My boat is not that heavy (+/- 3500 lbs.) to require diesel power that's for sure. And the idea of a fith wheel is now down the road.

Requirements...

A good running gasser with plenty of torque. V-8 I assume. Auto trans trumps a manual. Gas mileage... Would be nice but realistically, it WILL BE my tow/outdoor/all around vehicle.

The ability to sleep in the back if need be. Such as a mid size SUV where the rear seats can be pulled or P/U with topper. P/U must be able to seat four "in a pinch". Four full sized doors would be nice but certainly not required. I'm typically a Ford guy, but I'm not married to the idea. "American" made would be nice though. It also needs to fit in my garage. Length is no problem as I can stuff a full sized Suburban in there. However, height may be an issue. My F-250 Superduty just squeaks in under the door at 85" tall.

Now the kicker... As mentioned in the title, this will need to be "pre-owned". I've saved about $15K for this purchase. And that needs to cover EVERYTHING! Vehicle AND any extras it's going to need right away. Such as a topper for instance. Or better tires... Suspension work or what ever...

Any vehicles stand out in your mind as to what I should look at?

[Jeremy airjer W]

Chevy Trailblazer and the Toyota 4 Runner are the first two that come to mind. I'm not sure if you will save any fuel while towing but you will probably save during your daily commute.

[brian6715]

I have an '05 Trailblazer with 100k on it. I have owned it since 58k, and haven't had anything go wrong yet. They seem to be a very solid, well built vehicle. They have a ridiculous tow rating too!

As for mileage, don't expect more than 18-19 on the highway, and 12-14 in town. Not that great at all, but it has the towing capabilities you ask for.

[ted4887]

I would also second a Trailblazer or Envoy. I owned a Trailblazer for two years, and never had anything go wrong with it. They are very solid vehicles IMHO. You should be able to find a relatively new Trailblazer that meets your financial needs easier than you would a pickup too. Those tend to run a few thousand more than the same year/mileage SUV.

[Jeremy airjer W]

A jeep grand Cherokee wouldn't be a bad option either. I'm not sure how the 4.7 handles the towing but a nice commuter non the less!

[LightningBG]

If you do go trailblazer or envoy, make sure to get the v-8. my 6-cyl doesn't like towing all too much. It'll do it, but it isn't happy.

[Moose-Hunter]

Thanks guys!! I've been doing a little looking and have come up short every where I go.

As for the Trail Blazer... I'm not diggin' it. Sorry guys but it's too "soccer-mom-ish" for me in stock trim. After a lift, tires and wheels it would work. Then I'll need to re-gear for towing. And trying to find a V-8 version is tough.

It made my short list even with it being a GM product. (Settle down, I've never owned a Chevy before.) I've also started to edit my "gotta have" list a bit. Now... Regular cab P/U's are included as long as the towing power and 4x4 requirements are met. A long box, standard cab F-150 with a topper and such.... Might just be the ticket. Now just to find one to test drive.

Keep the suggestions coming! I need all the help I can get!!

[Macgyver55]

After owning several Tahoes, pickups etc, my Avalanche is by far the most convenient/versatile vehicle I have owned. It is certainly something to consider if you haven't.

[luckydog25]

I agree on the Avalanche, I am on my 2nd one and love it!! The only problem is finding one for 15k. If you do it will be beat up a bit with alot of miles. I would look for an a early 2000's F150 with lower miles, probably the best bang for your buck...IMO. Find an 02 for 12k, add topper and tires. Check out the the list of craig...there are quite a few.

[Ryan_V]

I would keep the diesel. You already have it, know its been cared for, its obviously set up how you want it, plus there is no such thing as "too much power"! I think you would be disappointed in less truck. A diesel does better on milage, and certainly power. As they say... "if it ain't broke......"

[Moose-Hunter]

I would keep the diesel. You already have it, know its been cared for, its obviously set up how you want it, plus there is no such thing as "too much power"! I think you would be disappointed in less truck. A diesel does better on milage, and certainly power. As they say... "if it ain't broke......"

I hear ya, Ryan. Problem is... It is broke. At least the body is anyway. The bed is basically held together with the spray-in liner. And the rear cab corners are about to explode in rust. Won't be long before I jumpo in the bed to launch the boat and go right through. About a week after that, I'll come out in the morning and find my 7.3 idling away in a big grainy pile of orange crud.

[Moose-Hunter]

I took a Trailblazer for a test drive today. This vehicle is NOT for me. It drove way too much like a car for my tastes. I also looked at an Avalanche... Interesting vehicle but again... Not for me. you could say it's a bit too unconventional for an old guy like me. Back to the search.

[tonkapat]

imo opininion the used vehicles today are way overpriced. I was looking for a used vehicle last week and finally made the decision to buy new. 15k for a vehicle with a 100k no thanks.

[Ryan_V]

My bad...didn't realize the truck has cancer! Thats too bad when the body falls off a good diesel, even if it is just a ford!

[Ryan_V]

Sounds like you should look for another diesel. Nothing you've looked at seems to turn your head. There are some good used diesel trucks out there! With your budget, your should find something, it just won't have the 50k, which for a diesel doesn't matter, they get broke in at a hondo!

[hanson]

I just don't think there is a substitute for diesel towing power.

Nothing against Trailblazers or mid size SVUs but they are not "tow" vehicles people... don't fool yourself. I wouldn't even say my 5.3l GMC Sierra is the greatest tow vehicle in the world but it does do the job. I wouldn't want to pull a 20' glass boat with it all over the place, my 16 footer is fine but I'd want a bigger truck to do a bigger boat more often.

[Macgyver55]

I just don't think there is a substitute for diesel towing power.

Nothing against Trailblazers or mid size SVUs but they are not "tow" vehicles people... don't fool yourself.

True to a point, but don't kid yourself........there is such a thing as overkill, and at some point practicality has to come into play. Buy your "tow" vehicle based on what you are planning/going to tow, not by what it is capable of towing.

[Mid-Lake Rock]

A jeep grand Cherokee wouldn't be a bad option either. I'm not sure how the 4.7 handles the towing but a nice commuter non the less!

I have a bud that owns the Grand Cherokee with the 5.7 Hemi. That thing easily tows his 19" Lund. He had me drive it from the city up to Longville and I was really surprised at how well it pulled the boat. It has some snap to it as well. I don't know what the prices are on a used one with a Hemi, but it would be my choice.

[Moose-Hunter]

After test driving a ton of "pre owned" vehicles, I've come to the opinion that these people are quite proud of their JUNK. Yes I said junk! And they're looking to retire on each and every sale. Dealer and private party... Didn't seem to make a difference. They all wanted top dollar for "vehicles" that should be sent to the scrap yard. It's absolutely amazing!!

All that said... I'm done with used carp and the lies that go along with them. I'm going to bite the bullet, take the depreciation hit and buy new. This means I'll be buying another P/U. Most likely a 1/2 ton, comfortably equipped with big power and a tow/camper package. Throw on some decent skins and I'm GTG for the next quarter million miles. I hope.

[SkunkedAgain]

Man....and I was following this thread so that I could upgrade to a nice pre-owned truck as well. Disappointing to hear how exacerbated your search became!

[Ryan_V]

Big power...... HALF TON? never heard those 2 things in the same sentence before!

[delcecchi]

Well, if you believe that other thread, an F150 with the Eco-Boost motor would be hard to beat. And it is only maybe 10-15K over the original target.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Big power...... HALF TON? never heard those 2 things in the same sentence before!

[Jim Almquist]

Great truck for towing!!!!

[Moose-Hunter]

Big power...... HALF TON? never heard those 2 things in the same sentence before!

It's kind of a stretch coming from a diesel owner... But a guy can dream, right?