A vehicle for towing vehicles

April 21, 2009 6:48 PM

Asking for a friend – Australian recommendation for a used vehicle under A$10,000 that is relatively reliable and is able to tow a car trailer (with car on it), but is reasonably comfortable and not too thirsty to drive around town when not towing.

Further points:
could be a car (wagon body), 4wd or ute
preferably V8 to give necessary umph for towing
should have a chassis (or rear suspension suited to heaving towing)
dual fuel (or can convert) – diesel considered

It would not necessarily be the household daily runabout when not towing, but it would be preferable if it wasn't completely impractical to take to the supermarket.

Towing is likely to be short trips (under 20km), or up to a few hundred kilometres at a time (primarily within Victoria). Will be used for towing 2-4 days per month.

Apparently the following have been ruled out already, but will take anecdotal evidence if that seems unfair: Subaru Forrester GT, Holden Rodeo ute.

posted by AnnaRat to travel & transportation (3 comments total)

You're not going to get a V8 in any decent condition for the price. A 6 cylinder ex-fleet Commodore or Falcon, however, might be perfect for your friend.
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 7:00 PM on April 21

They would prefer recommendations under $10K, but up to $15k may be considered if that makes all the difference.
posted by AnnaRat at 7:02 PM on April 21

You're not going to get a V8 in any decent condition for the price. A 6 cylinder ex-fleet Commodore or Falcon, however, might be perfect for your friend.

So not true, there are literally tonnes of good 2003-2005 commodore wagons around. Just look in carsales.com.au (have a look)- even on gas.

You won't need a V8. The commodore V6 is plenty good for towing- regardless, you will get a V8 for that price. A mate just bought a fantastic 2005 commodore wagon on gas for 5k.

It's a buyer's market
posted by mattoxic at 7:09 PM on April 21