[TerryMSU]

Hello:

I am considering a new tow vehicle. I am especially interested in a 2009 Mercury Mariner Premier. My boat and trailer together weigh about 1100 lbs (loaded, but not overloaded). Currently we pull it with a 99 Dodge Caravan (3 liter) with no serious problems although it is a little sluggish. I have been pushing for a Mariner premier with AWD and the V6. I am now wondering if the I-4 will be sufficient. We will use it to go camping with my wife, daughter, and I and pull the boat trailer at the same time. This will be used mostly in Michigan as a year round commuter vehicle.

I know that Tashasdaddy said he has towed with a 2003 mariner with the i-4 with no problems. Any comments from anyone (especially TD)? We hae also considered older Mariners or Escapes back as far as 2006. Generally I would buy used, but the deals on new 2009s are hard to argue against. Anyone have any comments on the reliability and handling of the AWD on these vehicles?

Thanks,
TerryMSU

[IVAZ]

1100 lbs does not seem like it would be a problem. The vehicle is kind of big to just have a 4 cylinder but Im sure it handle the weight. If I could have the V6 thats what I would pick. I bet the dealer would be happy to answer your question also.

[doug glass]

6 cylinder definitely has more towing capacity and remember to take overdrive out of the equation to save on tranny

[Rancherlee]

Really depends on if your area is hilly or not. I wouldn't want to be running the 2.3L back and forth through the gears going up an down hills and such as nothing kills an auto tranny faster than shifting gear @ WOT pulling a load. I test drove both and Really liked the 3.0L and I think they are going to be offering the 3.5L in 2010'. We ended up buying a left over fully loaded Mountaineer V8 instead of the V6 Mariner a few year back due to the Mountaineer being 3000$ cheaper since it was a left over, 3000$ buys alot of gas when there is only 3-4mpg difference between the two.

[TerryMSU]

Actually for 2009, the 4 cylinder is a 2.5 liter with 171HP @ 6000rpm and 171 ft-lbs at 4500rpm. The v6 is a 3.0 liter with 240hp @ 6550rpm and 223ft-lbs at 4500rpm.

TerryMSU

[TerryMSU]

bump

[ckone0814]

+1 with what rancherlee wrote...

hills? v6 for sure.

[jkust]

Originally Posted by TerryMSU

Actually for 2009, the 4 cylinder is a 2.5 liter with 171HP @ 6000rpm and 171 ft-lbs at 4500rpm. The v6 is a 3.0 liter with 240hp @ 6550rpm and 223ft-lbs at 4500rpm.

TerryMSU

Yikes, a lot of rpm's to get those numbers. I wonder where those engines redline.

[Action]

I know that the 3.0L has been upgraded on hp, torque and fuel efficiency and it's tow capacity is 3500 lbs with the tow pkg.
I towed my 17ft doral with a 2007 Ford Escape Limited (3.0L, 200 hp). The boat, motor/trailer was about 2000 pounds maybe a bit over. It was fine, acceleration was adequate, braking was fine....I wouldn't go with the 4cyl though it is just going to be a strain on the engine and drive line, more so then the V6 model.
Just my two cents.

[BassnTruck]

We have a newer Montineer Premier with the 3v 4.6. We really do not tow much with it but it does ok when the Cummins Ram is busy or else where. The v8 dosent get that great of mileage tho. But towning it seems a larger motor get better mileage then a smaller one working harder. We had an escape a while back never towed with it. Thats about all I can comment on this one. Also if you have kids and gear the Mariner will get tight fast.

[jkust]

I don't mean to turn this in to an "I tow with a..." post but I tow my Chap fully loaded and trailer with that same 3.4 liter in another GM vehicle. About 3500+lbs with a 3.24 front drive ratio and 127,000 miles on it. The engine pulls great and believe it or not accelerates ok too. The engine itself is not an issue but the car frame and not a truck frame and lack of 4x4 is on my GM.