I recently completed an extended and exhaustive tow vehicle search and ended up deciding on a nice used guzzler (1991 Landcruiser) which I knew would be capable of towing our new boat, purchased for under $6K. I literally looked at everything even remotely capable of the job, over a 4-5 month period. We wanted to only have 2 total family vehicles and ultimately decided to share the economical one wherever possible and limit the miles on the tow vehicle to less than 6,000 miles per year: towing and occasional driving when we need to go separate directions. So far we've only needed to start the landcrusier about twice a week and are on target to stay under 6,000/year. Fuel economy is only 12MPG in mixed city driving, which stings, but keeps me disciplined not to drive it frivolously. I sold my 05 2WD Tacoma 4cyl. to finance this switch, and could not justify the additional price of a 4WD V6 Tacoma (my first choice) or V8 Tundra (second choice) as a replacement/tow vehicle. In an earlier towing thread, someone on this site suggested getting an old Suburban or 3/4 ton pickup, keeping it just for towing, and not worrying about the fuel economy. That's basically what we ended up doing. This wouldn't work as well for a family that needed to commute with 2 separate cars each day, as the fuel cost would become onerous. Two others that came to the top of my list are the early 2,000's Toyota Sequoia (basically an enclosed Tundra but don't hold their value nearly as well), and Ford Expedition (basically an enclosed F150, devalue quickly, and always many to choose from). I did learn that 4WD pickup trucks of ANY make hold their value better than any other type of vehicle, based on a used/new price ratio. Interesting fact: you can pick up a nice used early 2,000's Landcruiser, which cost over $60K new (and is as refined, durable, reliable and capable as they come), for under $15K with very little effort. Happy towing to all! Mike.
