Looking for SUV recommendation

[Búzios]

Hey folx,<br /><br />I currently own a Ford Ranger 3.0 (150hp), pulling a 16ft bowrider. It's worked out OK, but I'd like the added utility and comfort of an SUV (family). <br /><br />My price limit is $13-14,000. I was thinking maybe a Pathfinder, Cherokee, Durango, etc, Perhaps some of you could share your experiences with these? <br /><br />Discl: I know some won't touch a SUV with an 8-foot stick, but I just don't buy that all SUVs are unsuitable for towing!

 

[ED21]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

I think any one of those would pull a 16' boat. Check the load rating. My Explorer 6 cyl. 205 hp pulls my 16' alum boat easily. With only the step bumper hitch it is rated for 3500 lbs. I'm guessing you could get a '98(mine)or even newer & probably the others for your price range easily. <br /> It's 5:00 somewhere.

 

[Crabjoe]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

For a 16 footer, any of those will do fine. I have an '95 Cherokee (XJ) with the I6 and AW4 auto and it has no problems pulling 3500lbs. <br /><br />The only downside is stopping because the rear drums don't like to self adjust like they are suppose to. So if you go with a XJ, make sure to adjust your rear drums b4 heading out.<br /><br />BTW, I have a '01 Expedition also and the Jeep pulls just as good and stops the same (with the rear brakes adjusted). Plus the Jeep is easier to manuver.

 

[JB]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

Actually, Buzios, Many "SUVs" are very suitable for towing, including the three you mention.<br /><br />Just check out the tow rating before you buy.

 

[dhammann]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

The 2001 2wd Blazer is in that price range. With a 4.3 V6 and 6000lb towing capacity your 16 footer would be a piece of cake. I have an '03 and it does a great job pulling 3500lbs. I know from experience that it has better pulling capacity (traction) than a full size Ford F-150 that I have borrowed several times. The ramp I use is steep and makes a 90 degree turn before the boat is out of the water. The PU spins and fishtails while the Blazer does'nt slip a bit.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

You might also find some reviews/ratings over at Trailer Boats Magazine link

 

[CCrew]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

Out of the three you posted, I'd only consider the Pathfinder personally. Chryslers transmissions and I aren't the best of friends.. They'd be much better if they could make one that lasts!<br /><br />Why not an Explorer? You can even get a V-8 in them... I have a 2003 with a 4.0, and it doesn't sweat a 19footer..<br /><br />-Roger

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

Out of all of those choices, the Cherokee is by FAR the most reliable, and you can get a really nice 2001 (last year they made them) in your price range. I used to have a '90, wrecked it a few months ago, and bought a '96 because I liked it so much. Gets relatively good gas mileage (16-22) and with the 4.0 inline 6 (190hp) and the automatic transmission you are doing something wrong if you don't see 300,000 miles. I pull my 16' glastron with it, can't even tell it's back there. Also it's one of the lightest SUVs, so it really gets up and goes with that 190hp...<br /><br />CCrew - the AW4 tranny in the cherokee is made by Asin Warner, not chrysler. It's the same one used in Supras and Land rovers, and one of the most reliable ever produced...

 

[Búzios]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

Would that be the square cherokee or the rounded laredo? Not sure about the technical distinctions between the two, just that the older model looks tougher. I think it's the Sport, right? Guess that just shows the layman I am. <br /><br />Thanks for the replies.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

Originally posted by Búzios:<br />Would that be the square cherokee or the rounded laredo? Not sure about the technical distinctions between the two, just that the older model looks tougher. I think it's the Sport, right? Guess that just shows the layman I am. <br /><br />Thanks for the replies.

All of the Cherokees look nearly identical. The "rounded" model is the GRAND cherokee, much more expensive and not nearly as reliable. After '97 they changed the body slightly in the regular cherokee, looks like this one. Before '97 they looked like this. The 'regular' cherokee comes in Classic, Sport, Larado, Limited, Pioneer, and Cheif. All of those are just different trim levels.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

Hey,<br /><br />SUV's are just fine for towing and in some cases I find them preferable.<br /><br />Very difficult to recommend a year brand and model when recommending a used vehicle.<br /><br />I would check the tow rating and rear gear ratio prior to purchase and then buy the best unit you can find for the $.<br /><br />ZmOz points out a vehicle that might give you the max bang for the buck. They have a frame, (Grand Cheroke is unibody) a proven engine and drive line, and are no longer made. Depreciation is heavy on these models but that is not an indictment of the product. Parts are easily available, and serviced by almost everyone. If you upgrade to a larger boat, be careful this rig has average brakes and is a fairly light vehicle with a modest wheelbase.<br /><br />Japanese imports tend to be more expensive, and don't even think about a honda, kia or a hyndi.(sp) I would also be looking at an automatic tranny if you are going to trailer any kind of load.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

Originally posted by POINTER94:<br />Hey,<br /><br />SUV's are just fine for towing and in some cases I find them preferable.<br /><br />Very difficult to recommend a year brand and model when recommending a used vehicle.<br /><br />I would check the tow rating and rear gear ratio prior to purchase and then buy the best unit you can find for the $.<br /><br />ZmOz points out a vehicle that might give you the max bang for the buck. They have a frame, (Grand Cheroke is unibody) a proven engine and drive line, and are no longer made. Depreciation is heavy on these models but that is not an indictment of the product. Parts are easily available, and serviced by almost everyone. If you upgrade to a larger boat, be careful this rig has average brakes and is a fairly light vehicle with a modest wheelbase.<br /><br />Japanese imports tend to be more expensive, and don't even think about a honda, kia or a hyndi.(sp) I would also be looking at an automatic tranny if you are going to trailer any kind of load.

Cherokee is unibody as well. And yeah, there's tons of parts available for them, because most parts are interchangeable from 1987-2001. I would never pull more than about 3500-4000lbs with it though...

 

[dhammann]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

Use the depreciation factor to your advantage. A late model 2wd Blazer can be had for this amount. Although it is not as refined as the Japanese imports, it has a solid and reliable drive train. My daughter has an Xtera which is really a pathfinder and my Blazer beats it on fuel mileage and comfort. The Cherokee has it’s problems (3 in my family with tranny problems tells me the odds are pretty high) besides that I don’t think much of unibody construction on a tow vehicle. Ford explorer would be a good choice too. Chevy has always been there for the moderate person and is the most economical to repair and that sounds like the bottom line your looking for.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

Originally posted by Big Dee:<br />The Cherokee has it’s problems (3 in my family with tranny problems tells me the odds are pretty high)

I don't mean to keep pushing the Cherokee, but either you don't have the AW4 automatic in them or somebody wasn't treating them very well. The manuals do have their share of problems. You're doing something very wrong if the tranny doesn't see 300,000 miles. The same is true for land rovers and supras that use the same tranny. Ask any tranny shop about the AW4 and they will probably tell you they hate it, because all it ever needs is a fluid change. I would be willing to bet it is THE most reliable automatic transmission ever constructed. And again, the Cherokee is not that great for towing something large, but a 16' boat is nothing, you won't even know it's back there. The same is true for any mid size SUV.

 

[KM2]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

I think all of the vehicles you mentioned plus a few others would be good choices for towing your boat. Find one you like, color body style etc.. In your price range your are looking for something about 3 or 4 years old. Use carfax and edmunds.com so you know the vehicle history and don't pay too much. Good Luck<br />Kevin

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

I have a 1999 Chevy suburban and I tow with it. It tows great. My father works at a Gm dealer as a service tech and bought a 1997 gmc Jimmy brand new. He ordered it with the tow package 4x4 and limited slip 3.42 rearend. That Jimmy tows my 17.5' glastron as well as my big suburban. It has no problems at all. He has done All the normal upkeep and that truck runs as well with 90k on the ticker as it did new. He is buying a new Envoy and I like his gmc so much I am buying second hand even though I don't really need it. I hate to sound like a traitor to the Gm name But my friend has a Ford powerstroke F250 and it is really nice also.

 

[Jeff Peacock]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

I drive a 99 2wd F-150 XLT extended cab, and I'll never drive another vehicle to the lake. The only problem is the lack of 4x4, but that will (one day) be remedied. I've found I really don't need it much, as most boat launches are no problem with 2wd.

 

[DJ]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

I have found that the 02' or newer Explorer/Mountaineers do just as well with the 4.0L-V6 as they do with the 4.6L V8 for loads under 5K. Over that, the V-8 shines. The independent rear suspension makes a real difference in load carrying stability.<br /><br />The non towing mlieage on the 4.0 is an honest 17+mpg, with the trailer tow package.<br /><br />The 4.0, V6 has the nice five speed auto which holds the speed better than the four speed auto behind the 4.6, V8.<br /><br />The Expedition/Navigator is an entirely different class. The Navigators I've towed with are horses. They'll pull just about anything under 8.5K-EASILY. Plus, they have load leveling suspension (also independent rear)-a real plus.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

My Daughter has a 98' Blazer 4WD with the 4.6 and it pulls my toon(3000 Lbs+-) better than my F-150 with the 5.0. It does have the Tow Package, too. As a matter of fact, it pulls it easily! Awesome power for a 6 Cylinder(Vortex) and quiet to boot. That is one good engine!! 150,000 miles on it now and never, ever had a problem. They also tow a "small" trailer all over the country that goes about 2000 Lbs, for art shows, so it has been run hard. Still runs and looks like new! I cannot recommed this vehicle highly enough! And I'm a Ford guy! I think the tow rating is around 5000#. Great power, great trans and quiet! Love it...

 

[Búzios]

Re: Looking for SUV recommendation

Thanks again for all the feedback, very much appreciated. <br /><br />Not trying to play devil's advocate, but I was surprised however that the pickup camp didn't come out and voice their opinions. I remember just before purchasing my ranger being advised to stay miles away from SUVs, due to weaker tranny and construction. Myth? I guess for a 3000lb load it shouldn't matter that much.