So if it's American I am really a Ford fan, but want something that will tow the S to the track and back without too much hassle.

Really want 4x4 with leather under $25k used and not new.

Test drove a Honda Pilot today but dont like the fact that it doesn't have all time all wheel drive

 

Did you look at tow ratings? You need to factor car plus trailer.

At that price a used quad cab pick up is what I would buy.

 

^ This.

Definitely want to look at tow ratings, and if your trailer+s2000 comes in at above 90% of the tow rating of the vehicle then pass on it and get something with more towing capacity. That's a good way to fry transmissions and differentials. I would recommend a package with an independent transmission cooler, I love mine. A lot of todays ATs are good too as long as you've got that.

Trailer+car is considered pretty "heavy" towing.

 

You don't want all-time AWD on a tow vehicle. It's tougher on your diffs, tougher on your tires and you have a lower tow rating as well.

 

Should be able to find a newer AWD Durango R/T with ~50k on it in that range. I'd highly recommend one with the 8speed but in that price range, the NAG1 trans may be the only choices. Have an '11 a Citadel myself and its superb compared to the lousy interior quality of previous Dodge vehicles.

 

2009-10 VW Touareg TDI can be had for around that price. 7,700lb towing capacity, 400 ft/lb tq, 18/25 mpg, 4x4, vinyl "leather" interior is base model, but they do have a leather option.

 

Why not rent? Unless you are tracking twice a month, it's usually cheaper to rent than to own a truck. You can get a F250 for $90/day or less from Enterprise Truck rentals

I borrow a trailer and rent a truck for track events that are further than 3 hrs away. Usually costs me $500 or so, with gas, for four days of renting.

 

Grand Cherokee, full size pickup, or the rental suggestion would be my pick.

 

Crazy guy alert:

What do you guys think about the current Accord Hybrid for towing a heavy load? OK, so you'd need to have a custom hitch fabbed up because anything off-the-shelf would be Class I, but beyond that, consider the potential strengths:

• Max torque at 0 RPM
• No transmission. No torque converter. Nothing to fry.
• Aggressive regenerative braking capacity: lower traditional brake requirements
• Stiffer rear springs (for battery pack), and heavier rear end for stability
• Crapload of amperage available for trailer lights and accessories

If you can tow a car with a Fleetwood sedan, convince me you can't tow with that Accord.

 

I would never want to tow a vehicle/trailer combo that outweighed the tow vehicle. Plus, even with a brake upgrade plus a brake controller you'd still be the proverbial "Tail wagging the dog" down the highway.