Mid-size or Full-size SUV that can tow
08-02-2018, 03:42 AM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Mid-size or Full-size SUV that can tow
Soon I will be looking for a 4wd mid-size or large SUV that can tow at least 5000 lbs. I have a budget of $5-15k, but the less I spend, the more I have left over for a weekend toy. I'm looking for a comfortable highway cruiser, winter beater and toy hauler.
My top 3 choices so far are:
1. Toyota FJ Cruiser
2. Lexus GX470/460 (460 will be very tough to find in my budget)
3. Volvo XC90 V8 AWD
The FJs are awesome, but anything that has low-ish miles (100k) seems to be priced at $17-18k. It seems very overpriced. However, they don't make these anymore, so they will likely always maintain this high value, even as the miles climb.
The GXs are the same story as the FJs, except perhaps even more overpriced. There seems to be a large demand for these vehicles in Middle Eastern and Asian countries, so I am also competing with buyers from these countries. I would love the idea of turning one of these into an adventure vehicle, building some sort of custom storage system for the back, plus laying down a small foam mattress to sleep on.
How are the Volvos? I love the V8 engine developed by Yamaha, but how dependable and rugged are these? If I were to tow with it every once in a while, would it hold up as well as the above two, or are there weak points? Also how is the Volvo AWD system compared to the real 4wd systems in the above? Will the drivetrain go as long as the Toyotas? The Volvo does appear to be quite a good value in the used market, with some examples as low as $5k.
There also seems to be quite a few American SUVs for sale, Explorers, Trialblazers, etc that meet the criteria. These have no value whatsoever, some selling for as little as $2k. I may also be interested in a fully loaded version of these, such as an Eddie Bauer Explorer that has been well maintained. Even those are quite a bargain compared to the FJs and GXs.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
My top 3 choices so far are:
1. Toyota FJ Cruiser
2. Lexus GX470/460 (460 will be very tough to find in my budget)
3. Volvo XC90 V8 AWD
The FJs are awesome, but anything that has low-ish miles (100k) seems to be priced at $17-18k. It seems very overpriced. However, they don't make these anymore, so they will likely always maintain this high value, even as the miles climb.
The GXs are the same story as the FJs, except perhaps even more overpriced. There seems to be a large demand for these vehicles in Middle Eastern and Asian countries, so I am also competing with buyers from these countries. I would love the idea of turning one of these into an adventure vehicle, building some sort of custom storage system for the back, plus laying down a small foam mattress to sleep on.
How are the Volvos? I love the V8 engine developed by Yamaha, but how dependable and rugged are these? If I were to tow with it every once in a while, would it hold up as well as the above two, or are there weak points? Also how is the Volvo AWD system compared to the real 4wd systems in the above? Will the drivetrain go as long as the Toyotas? The Volvo does appear to be quite a good value in the used market, with some examples as low as $5k.
There also seems to be quite a few American SUVs for sale, Explorers, Trialblazers, etc that meet the criteria. These have no value whatsoever, some selling for as little as $2k. I may also be interested in a fully loaded version of these, such as an Eddie Bauer Explorer that has been well maintained. Even those are quite a bargain compared to the FJs and GXs.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
08-02-2018, 04:45 AM
#2
Registered User
Lexus LX or even the RX is rated for 5k lbs (I think) and there are MANY on the used market for cheap. I would be looking for a used Touareg TDI if I were in your position, but I doubt you will find one for $15k or less!
08-02-2018, 05:10 AM
#3
Ford Expedition 5.4 V8, 2007 or later will tow at least 6000 pounds (9000+ "properly equipped") and the engines run over 200,000 miles routinely. These ride like Town Cars. I've had one with the 5.4 V8 and currently have the 3.5 EcoBoost which I currently drive and tow with.
-- Chuck
-- Chuck
08-02-2018, 06:41 AM
#6
I don't understand the love for the FJ. The mag reviews made them sound like they were god awful, and nobody bought them new. Now everybody wants one.
Clawhammer, I think Toyota Highlanders will tow 5,000. They are boring but extremely solid and plentiful. Grand Cherokee would be another.
Clawhammer, I think Toyota Highlanders will tow 5,000. They are boring but extremely solid and plentiful. Grand Cherokee would be another.
08-02-2018, 07:58 AM
#7
If you're going to tow 5000 lbs, you should buy a vehicle rated for at least 7000 lbs. Never tow at your max capability - first rule of thumb for anyone that tows regularly, especially at highway speeds. Your brakes, transmission and cooling system will thank you for it.
A cheap pickup is definitely your best bet in this regard.
A cheap pickup is definitely your best bet in this regard.
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08-02-2018, 08:09 AM
#8
Volvos are tanks and from most accounts very reliable. I would personally stay away from the domestics. They become more junk as they age. Toyotas, and especially the ones you listed, age well and are uber reliable. I wouldn't buy a domestic with 100k miles, but that's my opinion. Entry cost will be higher with the Toyota, but it'll retain it's value and be reliable. What are you trying to tow? JonBoy is more on point. Brakes, tranny, and cooling are more important. It's stopping that becomes a bigger concern than getting the weight moving.
08-02-2018, 12:58 PM
#10
Registered User
Thread Starter
The RX is a unibody SUV, and it can't tow over 3500 pounds.
Touareg TDI is quite possibly one of the most unreliable SUVs you can buy. I wouldn't touch one with a 10-foot pole.