which vehicle

A Chevrolet Tracker 4 x 4 might also be an option. It has a transfer case that can be shifted into neutral and has a little more ground clearance than a CRV. Not sure if I would do any serious off roading with it.

We tow a Subaru Impreza. Only manual shift Subaru's can be towed. It weighs about 3200 pounds.

A used Honda CRV should be in your price range. They come in all wheel drive, automatic transmission and are comfortable to drive, unlike some Jeeps. However, they don't have the ground clearance to do any serious off road trips and for that kind of travel, you'd need a Jeep

You may even be able to find a Honda already set up for towing. However, even if you don't, the baseplate and hardware isn't all that expensive.

If you're planning on off roading I wouldn't buy one but we have a Ford Edge all wheel drive. It's about 4300 lbs.
Just put it in the accessory position and tow.

I believe most 4x4's with a "traditional" 2-speed transfer case can be towed 4 down, as long as you can put the transfer case in neutral. For example, our Chevy Suburban is 4-down towable. Not that you'd want to tow it behind -- it is as big as the RV, almost! But is doable.

The problem is that many of the smaller 4x4s don't have a traditional transfer case -- they are awd, and don't have the ability to shift the transfer case to neutral. I would go Jeep Wrangler, personally.

Most of the small SUVs have a manual option, and even some autos can be towed 4-down. I would be looking at a RAV4, CRV, or Escape. Those are all common towed vehicles (aka "toads") so you might be able to find one setup already. And all of those are fuel efficient and reliable. Wranglers are pretty much the only option if you want to do some true off-road exploration, but they are a little rougher on the roadway, and use more fuel.

donn0128 wrote:
Nope, lots of used manual transmission Jeep Wranglers on the market for sale. Buying a new one you might have a problem finding the exact one you want, But why buy new when used they are so plentiful.

trying to keep the cost down, so new, is not an option.

Nope, lots of used manual transmission Jeep Wranglers on the market for sale. Buying a new one you might have a problem finding the exact one you want, But why buy new when used they are so plentiful.

Honda CRV is my choice. Better ride and better MPG.
Behind a Winnebago journey 40H.

the bear II wrote:
We have manual transmissions....

Mostly you see jeeps being towed behind motorhomes in Southern California.

sorry, I thought most of yoursv were automatics.:)