OTM-- need suggestions

[miataspeedracer]

If I needed:

4 doors
Abiltity to easily accommodate one or two large dogs
Cability to haul crap ( pick up bed preferred, but would consider SUV option)
5,000 lb. Tow capacity
Reliability
Automatic tranny
Price tag under $10 grand

What would you recommend?

[tailchaser]

Other than the auto tranny, I'd suggest one of these... http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/1875720633.html

[MiataMike]

Other than the auto tranny, I'd suggest one of these... http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/1875720633.html

Engine: 5.9 Liter 8 Cylinder Engine Exterior: Black Cylinders: 6 - Cyl.


I wonder how many cylinders it really has.

[tailchaser]

Probably just 6... maybe there are some spares in the glove compartment...

[miataspeedracer]

Thats a bit too big.

[tailchaser]

Thats a bit too big.

That's what she said.

[OZMDD]

I'd go this route:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1876932222.html

[CHeavin_2006]

Engine: 5.9 Liter 8 Cylinder Engine Exterior: Black Cylinders: 6 - Cyl.


I wonder how many cylinders it really has.

I'm just gonna go in the middle and say... 7?

[miataspeedracer]

I'd go this route:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1876932222.html

Not a bad pick. 180K miles is a lot, though. I like the 4-door Tacoma as well, but it's hard to find a good one under $10G.

[HudsonHawk]

Look at the first gen Dodge Durango with either a 5.9 or 4.7 V-8. The 5.9 would be preferable for towing. The rear and middle seats fold down to give you a flat floor all the way up to the drivers seat.

[motorollow]

I have a full-size Chevy conversion van with a 5.7 L V8. I can put 12 ft. boards inside and shut all the doors. And carry about 10 large dogs in complete comfort too!!

[Rob®]

I just picked up a 2001 Pathfinder for ~$6k after taxes and registration and all that stuff.

- Says to have 5000lb towing capacity
- Auto
- 4 doors
- rear seat is a 60/40 and folds flat (if you remove the headrests first)
- Can't beat Nissan reliability
- Can be had for under $10k very easily. Even the Infinity version is less than that
- I got an honest 21mpg on the way to San Antonio the other weekend

[altiain]

If I needed:

4 doors
Abiltity to easily accommodate one or two large dogs
Cability to haul crap ( pick up bed preferred, but would consider SUV option)
5,000 lb. Tow capacity
Reliability
Automatic tranny
Price tag under $10 grand

What would you recommend?

If you really only need 5k towing capacity and are serious about your price cap, I'd find the nicest, lowest mileage 3rd generation ('95-'02) 4Runner and buy it. Those things are literally indestructible.

[Titus]

I thought you already had a Honda Ridgeline that meets all these requirements? Looking to flip it for something cheaper?

[goofygrin]

If you really only need 5k towing capacity and are serious about your price cap, I'd find the nicest, lowest mileage 3rd generation ('95-'02) 4Runner and buy it. Those things are literally indestructible.

I second this motion. Everyone I know that's had one or has one loves it (or loves it and misses it).

[miataspeedracer]

You are correct, sir. The Ridgeline is THE perfect vehicle given my search parameters. Great truck. Problem is, it's not a lot of fun to drive. I'm hankering for a more fun DD, and can't justify the Ridgeline payment for what would be an occasional vehicle when the need arises. I'm thinking of finding a cheap quasi-replacement for the Ridgeline (it might see 2k miles/year max.) and buying something more fun for everyday driving. Just plotting at this point...

[CosmosMpower]

Honestly the type of vehicle you're talking about probably isn't going to be fun to drive anyway (SUV/Truck).

[tailchaser]

Honestly the type of vehicle you're talking about probably isn't going to be fun to drive anyway (SUV/Truck).

Pay attention... that's why he's not planning to drive it!

[miataspeedracer]

Good thought. The enclosed version of the Tacoma..

[Electro]

There is a reason I picked up my Quad cab Tacoma. :) Good luck with search... There's plenty to choose from here in the Benbrook and Granbury area if you need me to keep an eye out.