Used dinghy, auto trans, under 3000 lbs.
I had convinced myself that I was going to buy a new car as a dinghy. But the choices are few under 3000 lbs, with auto trans. I still might go that route. (Fit, Fiesta, Sonic) I'm wondering what...
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That description fits the Honda Fit (pun intended). Ready to tow, ready to drive, it will be 2600 to 2800 pounds, but could go over that if you use it as a cargo trailer.
GM has towable automatics in the "near 3000 pound" curb weight class, the Cavalier/Sunfire/Cobalt range and its Saturn/Buick/Olds clones, but some of them are somewhat over that weight when fully accessorized and ready to drive and tow. The HHR retro wagon is popular for this use, but somewhat heftier than a base model two-door Cobalt, particularly at high trim levels with the optional larger engines.
Curb weights are misleading numbers, particularly for a whole model line, because the weight will be for the lightest model with the least optional equipment, quite likely not even including the extra weight of that automatic transmission you must have.
The Fit seats fold down for carrying bulky objects (or fold up for bulky objects of another shape), an advantage you don't get in a subcompact sedan like Cobalt or Ion. But you do need to check your bulky object against the space and the openings, Fit is roomy but not as roomy as the larger HHR, PT Cruiser, Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe, Honda Element, most of which will be a little heavier than your target weight, and not all are towable as automatics.
GM has towable automatics in the "near 3000 pound" curb weight class, the Cavalier/Sunfire/Cobalt range and its Saturn/Buick/Olds clones, but some of them are somewhat over that weight when fully accessorized and ready to drive and tow. The HHR retro wagon is popular for this use, but somewhat heftier than a base model two-door Cobalt, particularly at high trim levels with the optional larger engines.
Curb weights are misleading numbers, particularly for a whole model line, because the weight will be for the lightest model with the least optional equipment, quite likely not even including the extra weight of that automatic transmission you must have.
The Fit seats fold down for carrying bulky objects (or fold up for bulky objects of another shape), an advantage you don't get in a subcompact sedan like Cobalt or Ion. But you do need to check your bulky object against the space and the openings, Fit is roomy but not as roomy as the larger HHR, PT Cruiser, Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe, Honda Element, most of which will be a little heavier than your target weight, and not all are towable as automatics.
