Tow car with a twist

I really would like to replace the blazer not that it isnt good but with 193,xxx she is just getting old the squeaks, rattles, and, groans attest to that. The trailer Im looking at is 1445lbs the Monza hovers around 2300lbs with the heaviest car Ill be pulling in the foreseeable future being about 2900. I would prefer an SUV and I only need 5 seats. Id like it to be fairly new or at least low mileage. Decent fuel economy would be a plus. The budget is around $15,000

Here is the twist, for my job I need a "nice" but not overly flashy car to cart clients around in I will be using the truck for a daily driver so it has to fit this purpose(another reason the blazer isnt really getting it done)

Any suggestions?

Lincoln navigator

v8 trailblazer/envoy/ranier

landcruiser, you can get a late FJZ80 series 1997 or early 100 series for that amount of money. I would look for a 99 or later 100 series with the v-8

The lincolin and rainer are out sorry Im 18 I cant deal with an old person's car quite yet.

The only V8 variant of the trailblazer I can find is the SS a little out of my price range but I might have a look at one I found one for $22,000.

Reading up on the landcruiser right now. I sort of like the look. Very nice interior 13/16 for MPG ratings I guess that is about on par for this sort of vehicle. One think I noticed was the 6500lb towing capacity. A WJ grand cherokee is about the same spec wise but half the money any good reason why? Does anybody know WJs anything wrong with them?

Thanks everybody

Look again, at the trailblazer/envoy or even an older escalade all three should be available with a v8. My brother in law's trailblazer had the 5.3 in it. For that matter look into an 02/03 F150 lariat crewcab. My dad has an 03 5.4 v8 leather interior, had no trouble at all with a HEAVY trailer with a full size tractor loaded up on it, get's about 17mpg. I'm begging him to let me help him fab a turbo system for it.

patgizz wrote: v8 trailblazer/envoy/ranier

I've been looking at those. Boy have they depreciated.

The buick versions are worth little.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-BUICK-RAINIER-V8-CXL-SUNROOF-HEATED-SEATS-NAV-48K_W0QQitemZ110445163359QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item19b70b735f

Not an SUV, but any interest in a P71 Crown Vic? It'll tow plenty, seat plenty, get 20mpg, comfortable, cheap maintenance, etc...

What's wrong with just a loaded Tahoe/Suburban?

You can find them all over the place, they are very comfortable are great at towing.

Or, if economy is a problem, just a loaded Excursion with the Powerstroke.

(A little high the price range, but here is an example) http://winchester.craigslist.org/ctd/1393762006.html

-Rob

landcruiser gas mileage is pretty crap. You'll get better in a Tahoe or Sub... Unless you "need" the offroad capability of a cruiser, I'd suggest a domestic that is more suited to the road. The parts also demand a premium, again a domestic is your friend here.

Buick Roadmaster Estate?

Impala SS: just enough flash, plenty of power, and a 3.08 rear (better than the 2.93 in the other B-bodies for towing). I tow 3500 regularly with mine.

I would think any of the B-bodies would work with the right mods, I wouldn't suggest a stock Roadmaster; A much better set of shocks (Bilstein HD's are availale), possibly a stiffer set of springs like Chevy 9C1 parts, and 3.55's for the rear axle. Aux trans cooler, maintenance / fluids, maybe an upgraded wheel/tire package for the fun of it.

Basically take the ~$15k that Boneyard has to spend, save half, put the other half into a tow car with upgrades.

For 15k you can get an older BMW X5 or X3... Porsche Cayenne are are also starting to touch that price range....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-BMW-X5-4-4i-59k-MILES-FOR-A-GREAT-PRICE_W0QQitemZ160370149300QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item2556ce47b4

The WJ is a fine vehicle for the money. You can get the 4.7, but I'd go for the 4.0L and get better mileage as well. Keep the trans fluid changed and you should be ok. I've had 14 or 15 Jeeps, everything from a WJ to a 46 flat fender. I've NEVER had a problem with one that wasn't related to the PO either not performing maintenance or being a bone-head.

Jeep Liberty diseasal? I hear the CRD (?) is a great little motor, and it's been known to get 30mpg. It's what I would buy....

Tahoe or Yukon with the 5.3. Plenty of power, decent MPG for a full size SUV, lots of room and luxury, and it will run forever. I have a 99 GMC Z71 extended cab with the less desirable 4.8. With a dynomax cat back, K&N filter, descreened MAF, and synthetic fluids, I get 15mpg going back and forth to work - and it has 208,000 miles on it. It will pull my overweight 78 Camaro and a metal trailer. Personally, I would look for one with the more desirable factory locking rear diff. It's worthless in 2wd mode going up a wet driveway with LS power and without the locker. I had a former co worker with a 99 Chevy Z71 5.3 with over 300k on it - former abused construction vehicle. GM LS motors are a wonderful thing.

NUFF SAID

I think if age on his current car is an issue, despite how awsome the B-body is I think something that is atleast 13 years old is not the best option.

There's a used car up the lot from me selling a diesel Excursion for $13k.

More power than you'll ever need, and plenty of comfort for your clients. And ~20mpg when you're carting them around.

Some great ideas. Its not so much the age with the blazer as its just a broken never loved piece of crap.

I like the B body but would you buy a house from somebody that rolled up in one?

I still like the WJ, it was my first thought. The Liberty CRD is appealing as well. It would make me look about the biggest hypocrite in the world but I like the X5. Can anybody point me in the direction of a good enthusiast site for the Liberity or X5? Anybody have one?

In reply to ReverendDexter:

I'm not a Ford guy, but the diesel Excursion rocked

Dodge missed the boat by never making a full size SUV with a Cummins

Wait, you're a realtor? I thought all those goons bought Hummers. Get the Landcruiser.

Briefly, like 2004, there was a 3.0L, diesel Grand Cherokee as well.

X5 would be perfect.