Buying an SUV to tow...which one to get 2025
Bigs reply :
I was towing my boat home 70 miles yesterday and bout halfway home the transmission temp light came on . This is a 1991 toyota truck that already seemed like it needed a tranny rebuild even before I started towing with it. I know a tranny cooler would help alot but I dont wanna invest into this truck considering its old, ugly and gets about 15mpg if I'm lucky. So Im thinkin I wanna midsize SUV that I can tow my 16 foot deep V tracker boat, 20 foot center console boat, travel trailer , landscape trailer, etc.. and fit my 2 dogs cages, 10 long rods and reels, tackle, a few friends and whatever else I might need to take with me. I been lookin at 2002-2004 explorers but they are rated the most problem SUV's. Carcomplaints.com has hundreds of complaints mainly focusing on the transmission which is the most important part of the tow vehicle imo. The good part is that they hold no re sale value whatsoever so I can pick up an '04 for less then 8 grand with about 70k miles on it.
My other option is a 2001-2004 nissan pathfinder which is a way way more attractive truck, wayyyyy better interior and just about as much towing capacity(5000). They hold a bit more value tho so I'd be spending more. They also dont get the MPG that the V6 explorer gets, not even close. The flip side is they are far more reliable with few problems reported, just way better trucks in general.I have owned nissan before(maxima) and I loved it. I have also owned many fords too(cobras,saleens,mustang GT) but they arent that reliable from my experience and are built with cheap materials.
So should I pick one of these two or is there another better option for me ? Keep in mind I wanna 4 door mid size SUV that can tow 5000 pounds minimum and get close to 18/20 MPG when Im not towing. I want leather, a moonroof, etc..I was thinkin bout a durango but they suck gas down in a hurry not to mention the front grill and bumper on those makes me wanna vomit. What should I do ? I need to buy something within the next week before I take the boat out again.
Ford explorer owners and pathfinder owners please chime in and help me out !
BrianinMD reply :
I think you answered your own question after checking reliability and resale value.....
Bull Hurley reply :
Ever heard of a Chevy Trailblazer?
Bigs reply :
Very true but thats what a warranty is for. The question is, do I wanna deal with the headache even if I have a warranty. I wanna hear from the guys who have owned these trucks for years.
Bigs reply :
Ya I know about the trailblazers but the interior is flat out dated and ugly on those. GM has been using the same interiors since the 80's, I'll pass on that.
drmnbig reply :
I'm a Ford loving guy but the Explorers are junk! You can have the same mpg's if you bought an Expedition and you won't have anything to worry about. I've got a 00 Expedition with the 4.6 and it tows the boat with ease and I get right at 18mpg on the interstate and 15 in all around driving.
Stay away from the Chevys, only wierdos drive 'em. 
drmnbig reply :
Another thought. Stay away from Dodges if you don't want tranny problems.
ROOKIE02 reply :
im a toyota guy myself, i used to tow my 18ft ranger with my fj cruiser and it was fine until going up hill then it lags a bit but i dont push it, plus the aerodynamics suck on the fj but i bought it for its offroad capabilities, i would suggest a 4runner for a midsize suv its sporty, more offroad capable, u can get it with leather, 4 doors, room for your dogs, tow 5000lbs, plus it holds its value, or go balls out and get a crew cab tundra or sequoia 5.7 i towed my boat with my dads tundra 5.7 going uphill doing 75 mph no problemo just my suggestions get what makes you happy
bigtimfish reply :
I drive an 04 explorer (58,000 miles) and pull my Sea Chaser 175 RG (bay boat) just fine.My boat weight is 1310lbs and a galvanized single axle trailer. I don't know the weight of the trailer. I don't think I would pull a travel trailer or a 20' bay boat or c.c. with it though. No problems yet. But my buddy has pulled his 22' blue wave classic c.c. (big boat)with his wifes explorer.
Bigs reply :
Ok I wasnt aware of the expeditions mpg compared to the explorer, so Im gonna look at some now. And my mother gave me her '01 4runner v6 a few months ago to sell for her. I sold it fast for 11,700 with 62k miles on it via craigslist of course. I hated the way it drove and the way it felt. It was the least comfortable suv I have ever been in. Not to mention the gas mileage was horrible for how slow that thing was. Im also gonna stay away from dodge altogether.
Diablos reply :
The logical choice would probably be a 4runner due to reliability and solid resale value.
If you want an all around rock solid engine make sure to look at any pre-2007 Jeep with the 4.0 engine. These come with all the flashy amenities; leather, ect
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=260194356&dealer_id=625645&car_year=2004&rdm=1249425774993&num_records=25&model=JEEPGRAND&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2002&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=25&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&first_record=51&make=JEEP&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=02746&advanced=&end_year=2006&pager.offset=50&transmission=&doors=&max_price=&cardist=19&standard=false
A really good sleeper is the Mitsubishi Endeavor. It has a pretty solid engine with plenty of power and decent reliability. 225horse 6cyl
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=264190287&dealer_id=73416&car_year=2005&rdm=1249426032044&model=ENDEAVOR&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2005&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=MIT&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=02746&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=53&standard=false
DawsonH reply :
Buy an f150 crew cab. sure the gas mileage sucks, but is has power nice interior options and yeah. buy it.
Bull Hurley reply :
QuoteIf you want an all around rock solid engine make sure to look at any pre-2007 Jeep with the 4.0 engine. These come with all the flashy amenities; leather, ect
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=260194356&dealer_id=625645&car_year=2004&rdm=1249425774993&num_records=25&model=JEEPGRAND&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2002&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=25&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&first_record=51&make=JEEP&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=02746&advanced=&end_year=2006&pager.offset=50&transmission=&doors=&max_price=&cardist=19&standard=false
A really good sleeper is the Mitsubishi Endeavor. It has a pretty solid engine with plenty of power and decent reliability. 225horse 6cyl
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=264190287&dealer_id=73416&car_year=2005&rdm=1249426032044&model=ENDEAVOR&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2005&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=MIT&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=02746&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=53&standard=false
The Jeep is still a Dodge and everything but that 4.0 motor is absolute garbage.
catchbig0bass reply :
The pathfinders are a nice vehicle. The expeditions are nice parents owned one for 6 yrs however gas is horrible. They went to an F-150 extended cab. Im 5'9 and fit very comfortably in the back and has tons of power and room for everything you would need. GM's do suck as far as styling goes I will def agree. Hell Ford was just practically giving away F-150;s. You can probably grab a brand new STX 4x4 for around 16-17 with good options. Or a used one with low miles for 15 or so with more options.
Bigs reply :
Ok so I found a few expeditions I like. Im goin to check out a King Ranch 2005 Expedition with 65k miles and a 2003 expedition with 75k miles. Are the big lexus trucks any good for towing ? Or maybe the landcruisers? I might even brake down and just buy a tundra at this point. How big of rods can I transport with something like an extended cab tundra or f150? I need to be able to throw 8 foot rods no prob
drmnbig reply :
Lexus doesn't make a truck....they are just glorified cars.
retiredbosn reply :
It may sound crazy to you, but get a Suburban, new enough that it has the Vortec engine. I had one and I routinge got 20mpg on the highway, yes it was 4wd and I live in the mountains. Most people think that there is no way that a Suburban gets that kind of mileage. Mine was a 98 with the 350 Vortec. If you are looking midsize then I would recommend the Chevy Trailblazer, that is what I'm driving now, however the gas mileage is a little less than the Suburban, right at 18 on the highway. Good luck
FWIW IMO Nissan and Toyota's trucks are inferior to the Chevrolets. Mainly due to it isn't their forte'. They make awesome cars, but I would stay away from their trucks. The Pathfinders that I've driven get a max of 14mpg. You can also go to fueleconomy.gov and see real world reports on mpg.
Stasher1 reply :
You may have the only Suburban in existence that gets that kind of gas mileage. My 2WD '95 non-Vortec 'Burb and my father's 2WD '99 Vortec 'Burb each get around 15-16. From my experience the newer ones aren't much better, as the '09 Yukon I rented last summer got less than 17 mpg on the highway.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/FEG/noframes/15460.shtml
retiredbosn reply :
QuoteYou may have the only Suburban in existence that gets that kind of gas mileage. My 2WD '95 non-Vortec 'Burb and my father's 2WD '99 Vortec 'Burb each get around 15-16. From my experience the newer ones aren't much better, as the '09 Yukon I rented last summer got less than 17 mpg on the highway.
Nope far from the only one, my buddy is the one who talked me into a burb, my brother in law bought one after driving mine. He figured why drive a mini-van for the kiddies when he could have the burb. Here is a link to real world drivers who report 17.6 and 21.9 for a 2002 4WD burb. Mileage is all how you drive and the quality of gas you use.
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=mpgData&vehicleID=18276&browser=true&details=on
retiredbosn reply :
QuoteLexus doesn't make a truck....they are just glorified cars.
Lexus doesn't make anything, they are just glorified Toyotas 
Bull Hurley reply :
QuoteMileage is all how you drive and the quality of gas you use.
Exactly, I have a 2007 Chevy Uplander van and run only 89 octane non-ethanol gas in it and I get about 2 mpg more than a friend of mine that has the same van and runs whatever gas he finds the cheapest. I could get better than that but my driving habbits prohibit it. Also making sure you keep your tires properly inflated with the correct air pressure makes a big difference, and believe it or not using a good quality 10w-40 oil instead of the "recommended" 5w-30 will make a big difference as well.
done reply :
I have an '02 Trailblazer. With it, I have towed a 18 ft camper form Buffalo, NY to Gastonia, NC. I have towed the camper up and down mountains, I have pull a light jon boat and my new tracker pro team 175 with it. Taken it through snow, off-road, literally through a shallow stream a few times.
It is not a perfect vehicle, they tend to have tranny problems (mine was rebuilt under warranty), because of aluminum sun gears. Overall though with 120k on it so far, it has been a very reliable (knock on wood), very versatile vehicle. The straight 6 runs quiet and gives you a good deal of power (for a 6) when you need it. With a good set of tires and the 4x4 I have not managed to get it stuck yet.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Chevy Tahoe will pull anything!!!!!
lv2fish reply :
QuoteEver heard of a Chevy Trailblazer?
POS
senko_77 reply :
QuoteChevy Tahoe will pull anything!!!!!
X2. I am about to get the 05 Tahoe and I have heard nothing but good things about the way it pulls and it's fuel economy.
5bass reply :
Tahoe. And if you get stuck in the mud in Kentucky at the boat ramp with the trailer attached, you can still get out. Burley knows all about that.
scronny101 reply :
I have an 08 traiblazer, 6cyclinder, 4x4 and it does pretty well towing my 285 stratos.
Fishing Rhino reply :
QuoteLexus doesn't make a truck....they are just glorified cars.
They do make an SUV, which is similar to Expeditions, Trailblazers, etc.
They have three models, the LX, GX and RX. Rule out the RX. Nice vehicle but not suitable for the prerequisites listed.
The LX would handle them all nicely. Seats eight, 383 horsepower, but new, starts at over seventy grand. Used ?.
The GX is a possibility. Seats five to eight, 263 horsepower V8. Starts at about 48,000 new. Used ?
They are upscaled Toyotas. The Toys would probably serve as well, and cost less.
Bigs reply :
ok easy on the lexus bashing. I have owned 3 of them over the last few years and they are by far the best vehicles on the road and alot more then glorified toyotas. My gs400 was the fastest production sedan in the world when it came out in 1998 and still hauls like a bat out of hell.
I really want a lexus lx450 or 470 or a land cruiser but for the money I could have an 05 expedition with low miles or a tahoe. I looked at a 2005 tahoe today with a bullet hole in the door, fun times lol.
I also looked at a 2001 2 wheel drive crew cab f150 with the triton engine for 7500 out the door, best part was it has 70k miles and looks almost new. Bad part is it has a rejection sticker on the windshield and needs 4 new tires to pass. Also stinks like smoke inside and I am not a smoker. Tires cost a fortune , not to mention I dont buy cars unless they have current inspection. Plus I dont want the 5.4 engine, I want the good ole 4.6. But it is the best deal in my area I can find , or at least the best deal that doesnt seem shadey. I also found some nice expeditions and tahoes with high miles for under 5 grand but I rather not take any chances. Esp when dealing with domestic cars which are not reliable after 100k miles. I have ruled out mitsubishis, dodge, 4runners, and anything with over 80k miles. Pickins are slim for what I want, at least in my price range. I'll keep lookin till the right one comes along. Thanks for all the feedback.
riverfisher reply :
My 97 Expedition Eddy Bauer has 178,000 miles on it and still tow's like a banchee. I wouldn't hesitate to tow my boat acrossed country !! It has been one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. The only money I have put in it was for basic maintenance. I have vowed not to get rid of it until I hit 300,000 or it just dies then Ill get another!!
tkite16 reply :
If you dont pull with a Ford or Chevy full size vehicle you are settling for at least third best. **** have not figured out trucks yet. Go to you tube and watch tundra ,silverado and f-150 tests.
Nitro 882 reply :
QuoteMy 97 Expedition Eddy Bauer has 178,000 miles on it and still tow's like a banchee. I wouldn't hesitate to tow my boat acrossed country !! It has been one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever owned. The only money I have put in it was for basic maintenance. I have vowed not to get rid of it until I hit 300,000 or it just dies then Ill get another!!
I have exactly the same story. 178k but a 2000. Love it!
Bigs reply :
just to update my thread, I bought a 1999 Eddie Bauer Expedition tonight with 92,900 miles . Burgundy on very clean tan leather. Got it for 6400 out the door all fees included. Has the 5.4 liter triton engine, 1 owner local car and the carfax showed the same dealership did every oil change and service to the truck since it was new, no accidents either. So Im happy. Now my question is , how hard is it gonna be to wire in a 4 and 5 prong out back since it only came with that weird lookin round thing on the hitch. Alot of fords I have seen have the 4 prong but not this one, oh well. Im bout to pick up a champion I think and it has 5 prong on the trailer, and my other trailer for my tracker pro guide has a 4 prong.
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