[hud 91gt]

Hello everyone,

Getting really antsy driving my 2004 Acura TSX around. It's an amazing car for what it is, but it's not what I need. Purchased it off my grandmother when she gave up her license.

Looking to get a small SUV or truck. I need the vehicle to have a towing capacity of 3500lb +. Not that this will be used often, but it is a requirement. Fuel economy, price(11k or less) and maintenance are all important.

I've been down the road of looking at the Jeep GC and Liberty diesels. Love them, but they scare me. Diesels... the unknown.

The Rav4 V6 is my top pick right now. Towing ability, fuel economy. Faster then my Z. All good things. Not to mention Toyota reliability. But for what they are, they definitely cost the most.

BMW X3. Dirt cheap, can tow, decent fuel mileage. Much more luxurious. I've owned a BMW. Maintenance isn't a pro on this one.

Any other suggestions?

Anyone else have any experience with either of these vehicles?

Other truck options are a Nissan Frontier, or GMC Canyon/Colorado in 2wd.

[fliptuner]

I'd take the Rav V6. Cost is more but it'll hold its value the most too.

I'd stay away from the diesels if most of your driving is in the city. X3, well...no. Frontier is dece but check if it's had any tranny issues (AT cooler in rad fails and mixes coolant/ATF). If you find a good one, install external tranny cooler. Also, fuel economy isn't the greatest.

[snowball]

Is the TSX a 6 speed? :fullofwin:

[Acura604]

Rdx :fullofwin:

[yray]

X3, well...no.

X3 10/10 if blessed by me

[sdubfid]

RAV4 v6 here. Only complaint is small fuel tank and no hybrid option. I have a lift kit from Russia and rear firestone airbags for hauling a dirt bike on the back. 8ft lumber fits inside, a washer and dryer set fits inside. They seem to run mid 14s 1/4 mile.

[Jmac]

The most reliable ones according to prominent sources are the Rav4 and the CR-V.

Just going through Consumer Reports online (since I don't want to dig up Lemon-Aid right now)
- Rav4 is CR recommended for all model years except 2006 and 2007 (2006 was a redesign year). Owner satisfaction is highest on the 2001-2005 generation.
- CR-V is CR recommended for all model years. Owner satisfaction is highest on the 1997-2001 generation (though I personally hate this generation; my parents have a 1998 CR-V and driving it sssuuuccckkksss. Has 450,000+ km on it, though, original drivetrain and very few issues with it since they bought it used in 1999.)

[Autorice]

I also have a rav4 V6. fuel tank is only 55L and fit and finish inside is just ok. yes it's fast compared to other cars in the segment. careful of the earlier ones like was mentioned before. mine seems to have thin paint as I mainly use it for trips to AB and I have a lot of paint chips on the front end.

[hud 91gt]

I went to Pacific Honda today as they had a Rav4 V6 in their used inventory, and my GF is looking to purchase a new CRV.

I figured we may be able to swing a deal on trading in an TSX, and purchasing a couple SUV's off them. Well, it was raining and no sales person to be seen. After cruising the lot, and finding the RAV4 with a sold sign in it, we went back to our safe zone of Kitsilano and bought a brand new CRV from Carter Honda.

BRB while I send Pacific Honda an unsatisfied bitching email.... Man i'm getting old....




On to the topic of vehicles for myself, I think the RAV is still top on the list. No it's not luxurious in any way. But it's reliable and does everything I need. Too bad CRV's can't tow.

[jcmaz]

At work, I find that the Rav4 's with the V6 engine hold their value really well. I think will be difficult to find a lower mileage Rav4 V6 for around your budget of 11k. Also, Rav4 V6 with towing package can tow 3500# as well. Have you considered the Venza V6? I think it may be suitable for you as well.

[hud 91gt]

Is the TSX a 6 speed? :fullofwin:

Nah, Auto.

[hud 91gt]

At work, I find that the Rav4 's with the V6 engine hold their value really well. I think will be difficult to find a lower mileage Rav4 V6 for around your budget of 11k. Also, Rav4 V6 with towing package can tow 3500# as well. Have you considered the Venza V6? I think it may be suitable for you as well.

I've never thought about one before. Thanks, ill take a look.

[underscore]

My inlaws have a Rav4 V6, it's a great vehicle to daily drive. Fuel economy is good, it's comfy, reliable as hell, surprisingly fast with the V6 and can cruise the highway no problem. Having people fail to pace me on the Coq in a powder-blue Rav4 is hilarious.

I've got a 3rd gen (WK) Grand Cherokee diesel. It's great on fuel, tows 7500 lbs and the Merc engine is solid if you do a couple easy reliability mods first. Also great on the highway but you can't really cruise above 130 if that matters to you (it can do 130 over absolutely anything though, even up the Great Bear). It's quick but in traffic it can be a bit slow to react vs the Rav, so for things like trying to make a quick merge in traffic the Rav is better. Diesel is cheaper but harder to find, at least around here, so the Rav is also more convenient.

All things considered I'd go for a V6 Rav over a diesel Grand Cherokee, the main reason I bought mine instead of a Rav was for more heavy-duty offroading. The Rav handles lighter stuff no problem but I wouldn't do anything extreme with one.

[thumper]

why is the subaru forester not on your list? towing? both forester and crv are under the tow weight you were looking for.

[hud 91gt]

Maybe a bit of a miscommunication there. 3500lb towing is the absolute minimum. So CRV is out, so is a Forester. The CRV was purchased for my fiancé. A spindly 1,500lb towing. But that MPG!!

[punkwax]

I'd double check the RAV4 then. Our V6 Sienna's capacity is 3500lbs

[hud 91gt]

RAV4 V6 is 3500lbs. It's an amazing little vehicle. The 4 cylinder is like 1,500 I do believe. Punchy little motor that 3.5L.

[thumper]

https://www.cars.com/articles/top-10-best-compact-suvs-for-towing-1420680544464/

out of all of the above for model years older than what is listed, i knew someone who blew up the transmission on a ford escape while towing a tool trailer, and a v6 outlander that is overloaded to 4000lbs that is still going but i am expecting bad things to happen because he beats on it all the time.

[underscore]

a v6 outlander that is overloaded to 4000lbs that is still going but i am expecting bad things to happen because he beats on it all the time.

It's not just about what the drivetrain can pull, it's about what the brakes can stop and what the chassis can keep under control.

[Renthal]

i'm looking for a small suv as well. Got an 01 Qx4 that i've had for 5 years and its been damn near bomb proof. Takes premium gas though or else it eats MAF's.

my bro had a V6 Rav that was awesome and he loved it.

I'm going to look at a Trailblazer SS lol
need something that is that size, can tow 6k, and put a smile on my face. My commute is only 5 mins so why not eh.

[sonick]

Echo everybody's sentiment, I am very happy with my V6 RAV4. I have a pre-facelift model so missing some modern features and luxuries, but it's reliable and utilitarian.

My only gripe is my Sport trim with stiffer springs is pretty rough over non smooth roads. would suggest finding limited or non sport.

[saveth]

i'm looking for a small suv as well. Got an 01 Qx4 that i've had for 5 years and its been damn near bomb proof. Takes premium gas though or else it eats MAF's.

I've got a 2001 Pathfinder le which is basically the exact same car and it's treated me very well. I use regular fuel and I don't have a constant problem with the Maf sensor. Do you happen to use a k&n filter? The oil on those filters are known for ruining maf sensors.

[Renthal]

No k&n for me. I believe the motor is tuned from the factory for premium with the qx's. when I did run regular it pinged pretty good, threw check engine lights. Replaced maf, continued running regular and blew another Maf at 300$ a pop. Have run premium exclusively for a couple years now, no pinging no check engine lights.

[oldsnail]

Rdx :fullofwin:

RDX's towing capacity is less than 1000lbs. That is the recent one too!

that is why i got the MDX. 7000lbs

i just have a small boat.

[hud 91gt]

Found out my goal of 3500lbs may be a little light for towing. So the Rav is kind of on the limit.

I emailed a few low KM Liberty Diesels to see if they want to trade for my TSX. Surprisingly they both seem interested. I know they can be maintenance nightmares, and are nothing close to the Cherokee diesel, but 5k towing, and fuel economy of a Geo Metro. I might do it.

[fliptuner]

How far will your commute be, if you move to the tri-cities?

[FlyinOrange]

I emailed a few low KM Liberty Diesels to see if they want to trade for my TSX. Surprisingly they both seem interested. I know they can be maintenance nightmares, and are nothing close to the Cherokee diesel, but 5k towing, and fuel economy of a Geo Metro. I might do it.

KJ or KK?

[GabAlmighty]

You don't want a 4runner? Pretty sure that will tow what you need it to.

[hud 91gt]

Commute for me is to Richmond, but I only have to do that maybe 4 times a month. I work out of town so the vehicle is basically used for pleasure use only. Around town, and back and forth to the North Shore/Squamish for some outdoorsie stuff.

KJ or KK? The earlier one was only made with the diesel. I like the looks of the later one though.

4Runner? I don’t like the Toyota Tax. I did see a decent one with lower K in my price range though. I’m sure it’s long gone by now. V6 is still pretty mediocre on fuel.

[fliptuner]

I asked cause the shorter your commute, the more you might be willing to spend on fuel.

Pre-07 Tundra V8's get about the same economy as same year Tacoma's and T4R's (maybe less cause lighter). They don't carry the same premium either.

Going forward, if you get a house, you're probably going to find a truck more useful and the cab is sufficient for multiple passengers or a car seat.

[hud 91gt]

The thought of reno's has gone through my mind, as well as other household issues where a truck would come in handy.

This gets me a little excited though. I for some reason have a fascination with diesels too.
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/31/5f/04/315f04f67cc9d244f23e7e1100916a24--jeep-liberty-renegade-jeep-renegade.jpg

[fliptuner]

I loved the liberty diesels when they first came out. Then I started reading how people were having a hard time sourcing parts. Also, diesels don't like short trips and cold running. You'll see the most benefits on long drives.

One more benefit of getting a truck is, instead of towing a trailer to the island, just load up the bed. Save money on the ferry and easier to maneuver and park. When you go camping, no sleeping on the ground.

[underscore]

Agreed about the short trips, mine takes nearly my entire commute to reach operating temp (a 3L engine warming 10L+ of coolant doesn't help) whereas my old Jeep only took a few blocks.

This gets me a little excited though. I for some reason have a fascination with diesels too.

I saw a lifted KJ diesel with steel bumpers in traffic the other day, it was epic.

[FlyinOrange]

The thought of reno's has gone through my mind, as well as other household issues where a truck would come in handy.

This gets me a little excited though. I for some reason have a fascination with diesels too.


Looks like a 06/07 KJ Limited, possibly with off road package (tow hooks + skid plates).

If you have the VIN - try running it through here: https://www.jeep.com/webselfservice/jeep/index.html?screenName=customer&country=us&emailUrl=goToEmailForm%2528%2527R%2527%2529
That should provide the build sheet and give you a good idea of the options.

At least with the diesel you will avoid problems with failing valve springs and valve retainers, though you will still need to keep an eye on the lower ball joints (especially in our climate).

[hud 91gt]

I loved the liberty diesels when they first came out. Then I started reading how people were having a hard time sourcing parts. Also, diesels don't like short trips and cold running. You'll see the most benefits on long drives.

One more benefit of getting a truck is, instead of towing a trailer to the island, just load up the bed. Save money on the ferry and easier to maneuver and park. When you go camping, no sleeping on the ground.

There seems to be a couple diesel specific distributors now which deal with any of the diesel specifics. I think availability is now decent. The other part of the vehicle is all Liberty so easy to source.

[hud 91gt]

Looks like a 06/07 KJ Limited, possibly with off road package (tow hooks + skid plates).

If you have the VIN - try running it through here: https://www.jeep.com/webselfservice/jeep/index.html?screenName=customer&country=us&emailUrl=goToEmailForm%2528%2527R%2527%2529
That should provide the build sheet and give you a good idea of the options.

At least with the diesel you will avoid problems with failing valve springs and valve retainers, though you will still need to keep an eye on the lower ball joints (especially in our climate).
Thanks for the info. That picture was just an example. It is the same though, limited package. The guy seemed to have dropped off the face of the planet, but still sent me his ICBC report. Not sure whats going on there. We will see.