toad is dead

[Burwoods]

We are in the middle of vacation and the vehicle we tow...dead. seems buying something else better then new engine. Want to tow four down with little to no modifications. Suggestions please. We had a standard tracker 4x4. An automatic would be nice but not necessary.

Thanks signed bummed at campground

[Burwoods]

Heisenberg wrote:
They will not run w/o a timing belt, that is for sure.

had to do with the speed and the voltage being put out...you know as a woman, I am just happy when I stick the key in and everything works the way it is suppose to...lol.

[Heisenberg]

They will not run w/o a timing belt, that is for sure.

[Burwoods]

Heisenberg wrote:
What was the problem?

Where to start...they replaced thermostat, battery, water pump, hoses, and alternator...I think that was everything, there may have been more...lol. As it would not stop over heating within a few minutes of driving, after each of those things being replaced. They did a pressure test twice and all was good. Three mechanics later and there is a timing belt that was off, needed replacing that was not allowing the alternator to put out the right amount of voltage or whatever..this is Sally answering this. The last mechanic did a test on the alternator and what it was putting out and found the problem..then it was replaced and all was good. So much of the engine is new now, why get rid of it...lol. The shop (Canadian Tire) did not charge us for those parts, put it all through warranty, discounted the labour we were charged because it took them so long to repair and none of the replaced parts were the problem except this timing belt (I think it is called a timing belt) I am sure you all will know. If it was not for the cost of the rental car, we would have gotten out rather cheap. Vacation was great, just a bit more expensive.

[jerseyjim]

Exactly what I did with my Chevy S-10. IMO the most useless pickup ever made.

[Fifty4F100]

I would probably push my PT Cruiser into the closest ditch.

[Heisenberg]

What was the problem?

[Burwoods]

Mr.Mark wrote:

Burwoods wrote:
Just to update and finish off this thread we started. We fixed our tracker, and are pleased with the decision.

Thanks

You should have never fixed that Tracker without our permission.... so, you have to sell it now. It's what Judge Judy would insist on.

Ha ha!! Glad it all worked out!

MM.

LOL...thanks

[Mr_Mark1]

Burwoods wrote:
Just to update and finish off this thread we started. We fixed our tracker, and are pleased with the decision.

Thanks

You should have never fixed that Tracker without our permission.... so, you have to sell it now. It's what Judge Judy would insist on.

Ha ha!! Glad it all worked out!

MM.

[Burwoods]

Just to update and finish off this thread we started. We fixed our tracker, and are pleased with the decision.

Thanks

[carp65]

We have a 2001 Tracker. Had to replace the motor in 2010. Found one in
Melbourne, FL--2006 Suzuki with 65,000 miles. Fit like a glove, and total
cost was $2,400.00, including installation. Still driving the Tracker and love it. Only negative
thing is age and finding parts. Could not get a rebuilt short block--none
available. Beat buying a different "toad".

[nemo45]

A Saturn Vue would be a good used toad. But, you're going to have to get a base plate for it. Also, a Chevy Equinox or GMC Terrain are good tow vehicles. We have 52,000 care free miles on our 2011 Equinox with about 12,000 of it being towed.

[WILDEBILL]

MM I just got this CR-V in May and have 11500 miles on it + 8000 behind the RV. Average gas mileage all driving 30 mpg.
Bill

[mci7]

Have towed many over the past 30 yrs, Rabbit Diesel 4 spd, Ford Escort 5 Spd, Honda Element awd, Ford F150 5 Spd, Honda CVR. Never any issues at all with any of them. The F150 is getting more toad experience due to either the golf cart or the CanAm 800 ATV max.
Todays ISM500 never notices.
Dave M

[Mr_Mark1]

WILDEBILL wrote:
CR-V CR-V CR-V Did I mention I like my 2014 CR-V all wheel drive Don't know it's back there and is getting 30+ mpg. Had dealer do the install on the baseplate (Blue Ox) and lights as part of the deal.
Bill

Bill, I too, have raved about the CR-V as we are on our second Honda (2007 and now a 2013).

They just do everything right, seat five, weigh about 3,500 lbs, all wheel drive, 30 mpg hwy, decent power from a 4 cylinder engine, etc. We just need to start the engine every 800 miles (?) which we never do in a day and there is a limit of 65 mph which we exceed occasionally. Never a problem with 57,000 miles of towing on the first one with an additional 68,000 miles of driving. Currently, we are at 15,000 miles of driving on the 2013 with 10,000 miles of towing.

It's not a Jeep Wrangler. If a person wants a true off-road vehicle, go with a Jeep. We did not need that capability so the CR-V was prefect.

My understanding is that the new 2015 CR-V will not be able to towed four down because the new transmission will be 'variable'. And, they don't offer a manual trans.

When it's time to move on to another tow vehicle in 5 yrs. or so, if the choices were as they are today, I would consider the Jeep Cherokee or maybe the Cadillac SRX if I wanted a nicer toad. Never know what the future might offer.

MM.