I want to update tow vehicle

[Tyme2fish]

I currently own a '99 Ford Ranger XLT extended cab, 3 liter, 2WD, a '96 Ford Aerostar XLT 6 cylinder, all wheel drive and a '97 Mountaineer all wheel drive that my son drives.

I need to have a 4WD at home to get to work on some of the winter days.

I'm thinking of trading the Aerostar in for a Subaru Forester that will not tow my 2600lb boat. That vehicle will get me to work on snowy conditions.

Then in '07 I think I'll trade the Ranger in on a Ford F150 crewcab 2WD that can tow the boat safer than my Ranger.

Any thoughts on my plans? Feedback wanted!!!

 

[roscoe]

Re: I want to update tow vehicle

Sounds like a good plan.

Are you are intending to use the Subaru as a daily commuter, and the truck just for towing and hauling?

If so, put resources into a new or newer Subaru, and pick up a little older F150 to save some bucks.

Well, thats what I would do, if I had a pot to pizz in.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: I want to update tow vehicle



Are you are intending to use the Subaru as a daily commuter, and the truck just for towing and hauling?
Yep, that is the plan.

 

[DJ]

Re: I want to update tow vehicle

For 07 Ford offers some nice AWD's.

-Fusion/Milan
-500/Montego
-Freestyle
-Escape/Mariner/Tribute

You can find good used Escape/Mariner/Tribute AWD's now.

4WD on the 150 sure would be nice on boat ramps. Plus, it would then be dual purpose-tow/snow.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: I want to update tow vehicle

Due to my budget, I was thinking more of buying a late model (2004 and up) used vehicle. The Forester just caught my eye but I'm willing to look at other crossover SUV's with AWD.

 

[walk-on]

Re: I want to update tow vehicle

I used to haul my 17 ft fiberglass deep vee with a 95 Dakota V6 3.9L and it was hard on the truck unless I was going downhill. A couple years ago I bought a new F150 with the 5.4L motor and I can hardly tell the boat is back there.

I can't imagine towing my boat with anything less than a full size truck now, but I didn't know any better back then....I used what I had. Now if only I'd bought an F250, I'd have more choices for the truck camper I want to get. Of course, I own a boat so I can't afford a truck camper.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: I want to update tow vehicle

Better yet, get rid of the aerostar and the ranger and get a F-150 4wd. No need for the subaru.

 

[roscoe]

Re: I want to update tow vehicle

Only 2 things I don't care for in the Subaru.
1- the price.
2- no room for big feet, or regular sized feet in big boots.
I tried driving my mother's last winter, and one boot covered both the gas and the brake. Same thing happened in Montana back in '85.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: I want to update tow vehicle

I'm going to trade the Aerostar in on a 2004 Ford F150 4x4 Crewcab 5.4L V8 Auotmatic Tranny.
I'll keep the Ranger for driving back and forth to work and try to keep the wife from beating the 4x4 to death on her shopping trips. She can't drive a shift,which the Ranger is a 5 speed.

 

[JB]

Re: I want to update tow vehicle

I think the pre-owned Forester is a good choice for a grub getter or a commuter. It has been Consumer Report's top small suv for several years (No, not Consumers Digest. CR takes no advertising. CD sells it's ratings to those who advertise there). They do rate the '07 RAV 4 higher if you want to invest in a new one.

A '00 to '06 Forester and a similar aged F150/250 4X4 for towing sounds like an excellent family fleet.