Used dinghy, auto trans, under 3000 lbs.

[Snowman9000]

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 used cars would fit those specs? I don't really need a great car for this purpose. It would be my daily driver but that doesn't mean much because DW has a good late model car when one is needed, and I have a PU truck too. It could be nice to have a 10 year old "beater" as a dinghy, as long as it's reliable. It would be a bonus if the tow procedure was very simple and not too restrictive. I've heard a lot about Saturns but don't know squat about the various models.

Not interested in the Smart ForTwo, simply because of lack of cargo volume.

Would consider oddball/unsupported cars such as VW TDI's and such, as long as people have proven them.

[CVD]

CA Traveler wrote:
...The 2WD CRV can't be flat towed.

That is not what I've read. Any particular years you are referring to?

[Vacationer04]

I said no manual transmission and cannot afford $7000. If I could I would buy a newer vehicle. I am not well off like a lot of you are. I'll just keep enjoying my time on a shoe string budget like I havè for several years before having to retire early because of bad knees. I don't go far anyway, mostly state parks 100 miles or so from home. That's why I don't want to have to buy another baseplate & or braking sytem or pump to tow. My original post was to contact "rockhillmanor" to inquire about his Tracker.

[Heisenberg]

Here is a Suzuki in MO.Sorry a MT.

A Chevy in IA.

[Vacationer04]

I am already trying to enjoy RVing on a tight budget so a newer car is not feasonable now. If my wife could drive a MT vehicle it would give me more choices. But at age 62 it would not be something she would be willing ito do. There are too many other possibilities to make that sacrifice now.

[1rickw]

We tow a Honda Fit, Automatic. 2495 lbs. Nothing unusual to do for towing.

[Vacationer04]

I love my '96Tracker 4dr. 4x4 and it pains me deeply to have to replace it after 8 years of faithful service. But rust is quickly taking over the rear quarters. I will continue to search for another to replace it. It has been the perfect vehicle for my needs up till now. I don't want a '99 or newer one because it weighs about 500#s more along with I would have to invest in another baseplate and probably an auxilliary brake system that I don't need now. My '96 Pace Arrow MH on a '95 P30 chassis has all it can do climbing hills now so more weight would be ai issue. It runs great but doesn't have the Vortex engine so it has less HP and torque. I have considered other dinghy cars but either they aren't towable or weigh too much. I am retired now so a newer MH is not in the forseeable future.

[D_E_Bishop]

I love my '95 Sidekick and only getting rid of it because I got a GREAT deal on a '06 Grand Vitara. Sidekick is 2700 lbs the Grand Vitara is 3100 and now that I know how to set the trans it is as easy to tow as the Sidekick. Both are 4X4's with AT.

[CA_Traveler]

My 04 CRV is listed at 3,200 lbs but typically weighs 3.400 with our typical stuff inside. A good toad but over what the OP wants.

The 2WD CRV can't be flat towed.

[Heisenberg]

Use this to find your vehicle. You can establish cost and availability. I see several good 4X4 Trackers in my area.

[Vacationer04]

Posted by rockhillmanor: you have a Tracker to sell.

I would also like to hear from "rockhillmanor" concerning his Tracker for sale. I have one I have towed 4 down since 2005 that is getting too much rust for long term future use.
Please PM me or open your profile to PMs.

[farmboy34]

I recomend you checkout the small general motors cars. I tow a 2004 chev cavalier with a four speed automatic. no changes were necessary.the four speed is the only transmission that is towable.It is used in a large number of small gm cars and some pickups. also the chev malibu. some of the older models are quite inexpensive. also available in pontaic,buick, and oldsmobils. Be sure to do your own research. check the owners manual of the car you are considering or contact the chevrolet corp. for info. this should give you a large number of inexpensive cars to consider.

[chili_s_trip]

EsoxLucius wrote:
Honda Fit also.

X2

[Sooboy]

ronfisherman wrote:

DaveG39 wrote:
look at CRV. they are towable and under 3000lbs. Very popular towed vehicle.

The towing guides that I have looked at say that a CRV 4X2 weighs 3300+lbs. 4X4 is close to 3500 lbs depending on which year you are looking at.

Had my 2009 CRV on a Cat scale recently. With 4 bikes on the rack and only a partial tank of gas it weighs in at 3960 lbs! :E

[Snowman9000]

No, I'm not looking at the legal side, just wanting to keep it light.