SSmall, efficient car that can tow a small boat?

[Siwy]

What would be the best car that is great on gas, can pull a small boat, is reliable and costs lest then $15,000?

Basically, I’m looking to buy a daily commute car, that will hopefully last me the next 10 years, and in a year or two I would also like to get a small aluminum motor boat (1000-1500 pounds). I’ve looked online at different makes and models but there is hardly any information regarding the towing capacities of smaller cars.

So far I’ve narrowed it down to 2004 Subaru Impreza which can tow up to 2000lbs with trailer breaks (1000lbs without) but I've heard that although Subarus are reliable at the same time the parts are very expensive.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

[markc]

But they're hard to find used from recent years, since people tend to hold on to them.

[Brandon]

Used Hyundai Tucson (base)?

[beerbaron105]

small cars can effectively tow 1000-1500lbs of weight no problem, its never posted because the manufacturer wants to brainwash people into buying 6.0L trucks with 10,000lb towing capacities to tow there 1500 lbs of gear.

[Siwy]

Used Hyundai Tucson (base)?

Thanks, I haven't even thought of Hyundai because of it's reliability issues. It has towing capacity of only 900lbs for the V6 model, plus it's fuel economy is pretty bad for a daily commute. Owners report 11.5L/100km http://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/tucson/2006/consumerreview.html

[Siwy]

small cars can effectively tow 1000-1500lbs of weight no problem, its never posted because the manufacturer wants to brainwash people into buying 6.0L trucks with 10,000lb towing capacities to tow there 1500 lbs of gear.

That’s what I’m not clear about.

For example, Honda Civic’s manual says that you cannot tow anything, otherwise you void the warranty. Warranty is not really an issue here but wouldn’t I get in trouble if I had an accident towing a boat with a car that is not supposed to be used that way?

[LuckyDucky]

How about a new 2009 Toyota Corolla? It gets 50 mpg and has a towing capacity of 1500 lbs.

Unfortunately, with taxes, its over $21000, but the 2009 is cheaper than the 2008.

[ES_Revenge]

That’s what I’m not clear about.

For example, Honda Civic’s manual says that you cannot tow anything, otherwise you void the warranty. Warranty is not really an issue here but wouldn’t I get in trouble if I had an accident towing a boat with a car that is not supposed to be used that way?

I wouldn't use a Civic to tow anything. The low-displacement 4cyl engines that Civics are equipped with have low levels of low-end torque--I would definitely not recommend towing with them as you won't have a great time.

Maybe a Prelude with it's 2.2L or a 4cyl Accord, sure; but a Civic? Have fun with that!

Why not get a VW TDI car? Turbo diesel will have plenty of low end for towing, plus have efficiency :) Of course you'll be stinking up the place though :(

[--StayFly--]

a smart car can:cheesygri

[Siwy]

Why not get a VW TDI car? Turbo diesel will have plenty of low end for towing, plus have efficiency :) Of course you'll be stinking up the place though :(

Although, I like TDI Jetta and wouldn’t mind driving a new one with warranty ~ I would be really worried about the used Jetta’s reliability, especially with the German parts being so expensive.

I’m now leaning towards 2005 Toyota Matrix which is pretty much the same as Corolla, with 1500lbs towing capacity (thanks LuckyDucky) , but with more cargo room.

This has been very helpful, more suggestions are welcome :)

[beerbaron105]

I wouldn't use a Civic to tow anything. The low-displacement 4cyl engines that Civics are equipped with have low levels of low-end torque--I would definitely not recommend towing with them as you won't have a great time.

Maybe a Prelude with it's 2.2L or a 4cyl Accord, sure; but a Civic? Have fun with that!

Why not get a VW TDI car? Turbo diesel will have plenty of low end for towing, plus have efficiency :) Of course you'll be stinking up the place though :(

people tow crap in their small cars in Europe all the time! For some reason it appears to be a taboo in N.A.

[UrbanPoet]

I would probably get a 6 cylinder sedan...

Most passenger cars have such slow pick up when @ full capacity w/full trunk let alone towing something!
although towing is a bit different... I imagine people carrying quite a bit of cargo + whatever their towing when they go on boating trips.


people tow crap in their small cars in Europe all the time! For some reason it appears to be a taboo in N.A.

true... but look @ their productivity levels >=)

[bionicbadger]

what about a small truck like a ford ranger? Cheap, not too bad on gas, can tow small stuff, parts are cheap/easy to get

[Capt.]

I know someone who does quite a bit of towing with his Toyota Matrix. He towed a small aluminum boat with a 9.9 hp motor no problem. He even towed a 17' aluminum with a 100 hp motor once! I've also seen him load the back up his car with rocks/bricks and a small trailer loaded up. He was close to dragging on the ground with this setup.

Pretty tough little car I have to say. Some of those weights were definitely over manufacturer specs.

[guppy98]

I wouldn't use a Civic to tow anything. The low-displacement 4cyl engines that Civics are equipped with have low levels of low-end torque--I would definitely not recommend towing with them as you won't have a great time.

Maybe a Prelude with it's 2.2L or a 4cyl Accord, sure; but a Civic? Have fun with that!

Why not get a VW TDI car? Turbo diesel will have plenty of low end for towing, plus have efficiency :) Of course you'll be stinking up the place though :(
Ah feeding the North American "nanny state" myth. When we lived in the UK, we used to tow a rather large glider trailer with our 1.6l Vauxhall Cavalier (4cyl).

Hell, the Jetta in Germany has a towing capacity of 1400KG with brakes (and that's the older 2.0 motor).

I think the towing thing in North America is because of the massive over-litigation and warranty junk rather than actual capacity of the cars to tow particular weights. There's no reason a civic couldn't tow mechanically IMHO.

[VivienM]

Depending on what the OP's insurance and parking situation is like, why not just get the commuter car, and then get a 5-10 year old truck in 1-2 years to tow?

[Siwy]

what about a small truck like a ford ranger? Cheap, not too bad on gas, can tow small stuff, parts are cheap/easy to get

Getting a truck so that I can go fishing 5 times a year is probably not a good idea since I will be spending 99% of the time in the city. Even though Ford Ranger seems like a very efficient truck (on the highway at least), it can’t much the gas milage of a small sedan in a stop and go traffic.


I know someone who does quite a bit of towing with his Toyota Matrix. He towed a small aluminum boat with a 9.9 hp motor no problem. He even towed a 17' aluminum with a 100 hp motor once! I've also seen him load the back up his car with rocks/bricks and a small trailer loaded up. He was close to dragging on the ground with this setup.

Pretty tough little car I have to say. Some of those weights were definitely over manufacturer specs.

Thanks, that’s reassuring!


Depending on what the OP's insurance and parking situation is like, why not just get the commuter car, and then get a 5-10 year old truck in 1-2 years to tow?

We’re trying to lead a more frugal life and owning two cars goes against the idea. I’m lucky that my wife and I work close to each and my schedule is flexible enough to accommodate her schedule, so one car is enough for us.

[TheCheez]

I have a Mazda 3 that should be capable of towing however the dealer laughed at me when I asked about it. Since then I have definitely seen 3's with a hitch on the back towing a small trailer around I'm not sure if they were even the larger motor or not.

My lease is up in less than 1 yr and I too would like something that is capable of towing a small trailer or even a small fishing boat. Actually a nearly identical situation to Siwy. I drive a motorbike as much as weather permits and we carpool 1 vehicle the rest of the time. In the future we'll be looking for a small towing capacity for the odd time we need it, on a daily driver.

[at1212b]

Isn't there much more ground to cover, overall general higher speeds, and more aggressive drivers in N.A. (ie. Harsher enviornment) then Europe? Therefore more of a hazard to tow with a smaller weaker car vs doing it in Europe?

I mean if the average car in Europe is a 3-4 cylinder, with gas that is 3x expensive, and with less distance to cover, that same application will not be as successful here with V6-V8s, further distances, more congestion, aggressive driving, gas is more easily burned and wasted.

I would think the overall reliability of the car would be compromised in the long run (about 3-5 years). Esp the Tranny and possible greater issues with alignment, steering and body down the road. As the smaller unibody FWD nature of cars are horrible for towing/external pressures.

Even with vehicles that might have a tow rating of 5000lbs let's say, few will regularly operate at the recommended maximum limit, even with all the necessary added on (or factory) equipment, and even then. Also have to consider the weight that is in the cars. ie. passengers, cargo, junk, as even when its at or near capacity, a few pounds can make a big difference.

Here's an interesting thing I found:

Towing:
Hyundai Elantra: No, this is not a typo. The Elantra offers 3,086 pounds of towing capacity when trailer brakes are used (without the brakes, it tops out at 1,000 pounds). That's not much by truck standards, but for a budget-priced compact sedan, it's exceptional. Note that this is 1,000 pounds more than full-size sedans like the Cadillac DeVille and Mercury Grand Marquis are rated to carry.


But again, if its a once in awhile thing, looks like the Matrix is also a good choice.