Mind sharing some of the options you got? Also, what was the price if you don't mind me asking? I too am looking for an aluminum trailer to tow the s2000 and a miata (not at the same time).

 

So I'm going to bring this back from the dead because my father is in need of a new car and we will probably be replacing his RX300 with something suitable for me to use for track days for me.

I've reread the thread over and over and considered many things. Met a few people asked questions as far as trailer and SUV combinations. As far as trailer goes, there's no place to put it where I currently live so the option of renting a UHAUL auto transport trailer was brought to attention and it seems that will be the current choice of trailer for the S2000. The S2000 at most would weigh in at around 2900LBS. Taking to account that recommended payload could be anywhere between 10% to 15%, I'll just throw both those numbers in there.

S2000: 2900LBS (overestimating)
UHAUL Auto Trailer: 2210LBS to 2500LBS (New VS old model)
TOTAL TOWING WEIGHT: 5110LBS to 5400LBS (give or take)

Payload: 2900LBS+2210LBS=511LBS-766.5LBS OR 2900LBS+2500LBS=540LBS-810LBS

I've tried to research here and there as far as vehicles to purchase. So now we're looking into, still an SUV, in the $30K to $60K range. Huge range, I know, but that's just an estimate as to what is affordable for me at the moment. We're still looking at Japanese models, and possibly some European models. My parents still want to steer away from good ol' Merica models, although buying a truck would be ideal.

What we've currently looked at recently that was a NEW SUV was Toyota Sequoia, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Armada, Audi Q7, VW Toureg, and Mercedez Benz GL450. Obviously huge price range between these cars. All the towing capacity ranges from 5000LBS to 9000LBS. I'm more inclined to drop our 5000LBS towing capacity choices.

As far as used cars go, they're primarily the same options as new, but the amount of mileage on them and how long the car will last scares me, just to save a few bucks. Although few bucks in this case means thousands, but you get the point.

All in all, I probably do about 10 to 15 track days a year now. Track days recently have just been around the Midwest. Furthest so far was Mid-Ohio, so that gives you an idea of how far I would be travelling for track days. My father will be the one primarily using the car. He only drives short distances. Maybe the occasional 4 hour drive to Wisconsin for golf, but that's it. I know my parents love the peace of mind with a brand new car, which is maybe what we might steer more towards as far as warranty goes.

Still any suggestions or input as far as the choices above or OTHER SUV's to consider would be much appreciated guys. Thanks!

 

The SUVs with 5 k towing capacity will struggle with your load. Primarily because the uhaul trailers are very heavy.

If in the future you only plan to use an open trailer, here are the best options:

1. Mercedes GL350 (get the diesel for gas mileage)
2. Audi Q7 ( get the diesel)
3. BMW X5 ( get the diesel) notice a theme
4. Toyota Sequioa. Awesome truck, horrible mileage. Maybe overkill for an open trailer, but by far the most capable. If this thing could pull my enclosed, it's what I'd be driving right now.

5. I'd drag them kicking and screaming to a GM dealer and check out a new Tahoe or Youkon. Great for tow, great room, new ones getting better mileage

6. Run far far away from Nissan armada. Horrible reliablilty

 

I believe my parents want to stay away from diesel, but I'll mention it to them. Glad you mentioned the horrible reliability with the Nissan Armada, but does that pertain to the new gen or the last gen? Today I plan to check out the Audi, and possible the Mercedes.

 

Probably more prior gen, but their trucks are not known for good reliability, which is what the armada is based on. Also resale value sucks. If they love the truck, just know those things going in,and adjust accordingly.

If they want to stay away from diesel, Tahoe looks even better. Not telling you guys what to do, but the new diesels are WAY better than the older ones. I'd bet if they stood behind the car they wouldn't even smell or hear a difference from the gas model. Do a sneaky son thing, and have them drive one without telling them (especially Benz). I'd bet u can fool them.

 

Yeah, steer away from the toureg as well. Not very reliable and very costly to fix. $1100 for brake job? No thanks. 3+ month wait for a driveshaft thats known to go bad? Screw it.

 

I loved my Q7 TDI, I towed my ski boat with it a few times and it was great. The benefit to the TDI is the superior gas mileage over the gas versions, plus the TDI performs better than the gas V6. I had no issues with my Q7 for the 50k miles I put on it, I'd get another one in a heartbeat.

My brother and father have both had GL Mercs, and my dad has the current GL550. Nice truck, but too expensive for what it is and pretty poor gas mileage.

I'd also agree with BlueBarchetta, the new Yukon/Tahoe is a really nice and capable truck, definitely worth a look.