Small boat / cheap multipurpose tow vehicle.

lncoop

lncoop

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Re: Small boat / cheap multipurpose tow vehicle.

Prolly have to swing for a drop hitch though.:rolleyes:
 
642mx

642mx

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Re: Small boat / cheap multipurpose tow vehicle.

TerryMSU said:
Jon (and others):

If I could afford a Highlander, I would be looking at MUCH newer Santa Fe's. I can buy two Santa Fe's for the price of the similar Highlander (miles, years, and equipment). By the way, have you driven a Hyundai lately? They are not the vehicle that all of us older people think of, when we think Korean car. For that matter, neither are the new Kias (which used to be real JUNK).
However, thanks for the input. I had test driven the Highlander, and you are right. It is a very nice vehicle, just not one I can afford right now.

TerryMSU
Click to expand...

The new Kia's are very nice and have a lot of neat features. I wouldn't be afraid to own one. Same with the Hyundai.... there is nothing wrong with them either. And you right, the Toyota's still hold a good price over the rest, but thats not important to everyone.

With the said, Terry. Buy the newest, lowest mileage vehicle that fits in your budget. If you can get any kind of a warranty (even a 30 day) push for it to be thrown in the deal.

I would also take it to a mechanic (before you buy) and have them check over the whole vehicle. They may charge a couple hours of labor, but it may be money well spent.

Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
LippCJ7

LippCJ7

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Re: Small boat / cheap multipurpose tow vehicle.

I hear Incoop is going to tow his latest purchase with his mountain bike, hows that for "Small boat / cheap multipurpose tow vehicle"!!!!:D
 
lncoop

lncoop

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Re: Small boat / cheap multipurpose tow vehicle.

LippCJ7 said:
I hear Incoop is going to tow his latest purchase with his mountain bike, hows that for "Small boat / cheap multipurpose tow vehicle"!!!!:D
Click to expand...

Perhaps, but not until I have a trailer for it. To that end, stay tuned for my next acquisition. Promises to be very entertaining and provide many a laugh at my expense. Details to follow..........Bwahahahahah!!!
 
T

TerryMSU

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Re: Small boat / cheap multipurpose tow vehicle.

TerryMSU said:
Ok, now I have tied it down somewhat. Wife will be driving this vehicle around town when I am not using it for fishing. I would like AWD or 4WD for winter use here in Michigan for snowstorms. She prefers AWD as it is seamless in terms of driving. So here are a couple of options...

Car 1 is a Hyundai Santa Fe 2002 AWD with 140K miles, 2.7L, towing package. New tranny at 100K, Timing belt OK. Dealer is putting a new catalytic converter in one of the headers. (when I first test drove it, the Cat plugged up as I was driving it.) They want $5900. Vehicle is very clean with one minor issue. This dealer is actually a detailer who carries a few cars on the side. This one concerns me because of the transmission replacement. Why did they need to replace the transmission? Was it due to excessive towing loads? BTW, the transmission now has a cooler on it.

Car 2 is a Hyundai Santa Fe 2003 AWD with 83K miles, 3.5L, no towing pkg. Timing belt replaced at 75K. Vehicle is very clean with a couple of minor issues. This is a consignment vehicle thru a small dealer. Asking $8800, but I will not go that high. Location is west Michigan. Only real issue on this one is the price, and maybe the 3.5L motor. I have heard that it is rather "finicky" and can be a money pit.

Any thoughts? I will be using it for around town and for pulling a small boat trailer (about 1200-1300 pounds loaded). Has anyone used either of these drive trains to pull somewhere near that weight?

TerryMSU
Click to expand...
Well the final solution is in and here is what I ended up with...

We were seriously considering Car #2, but it sold out from under us.

Car #1 ended up being the purchased vehicle. The catalytic converter was not the issue. It was a couple of plugged injectors. The trailer it towed was a small 4x6 trailer with camping stuff once a year. I talked him down by another $500. I will be putting two front struts, one rear wheel bearing, possible brakes, and replacing all 4 tires. It has two fairly decent ones and 2 bad ones on it, but the better ones will not match a new pair close enough, so I need to replace all 4. I am considering BF Goodrich Long Trail T/A touring tires. Any comments? Remember this is west Michigan with some snow.

Thanks for all the input,
TerryMSU
 
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