[s-cars] Work vehicle advice needed

Mon Dec 18 08:33:09 EST 2006

Taka...

I have to weigh in on the pickup idea also.  I have been towing trailers
since I started driving, including cross country trips.  Don't skimp on your
tow vehicle.  Safety first.  I have been in a truck with a full load of wood
and a trailer fully loaded also coming down a steep grade and have the
brakes fade to nothing.  Not fun as you could imagine.

I have recently upgraded from a 2002 GMC extended cab 4x4 6.0L gas, to a
2002 Chevy crew cab 4x4 6.6L Duramax.  The difference is amazing, and the
Duramax gets 18mpg to the gas motors 14mpg.  The truck is big, don't get me
wrong, but I drive it every day this time of year.

I think a TD is the best value for a daily driver/tow vehicle, and you can't
beat the mileage for a vehicle that size, or the resale value.  One caveat,
if you start looking for a diesel truck, GMC/Chevy is the only brand with an
auto trans that will take the torque from the motor.  The six speed Allison
autobox is sweet, and has a tow/haul mode also.  Ford and Dodge don't have a
tranny that is up to the job.

Good luck. 

Regards,

				TRANE
Steven Young
Local Operations Manager
Albany Office

-----Original Message-----
From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
[mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Taka Mizutani
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 9:15 PM
To: Theodore Chen
Cc: S-CAR-List
Subject: Re: [s-cars] Work vehicle advice needed

If I get something that can tow, I want it to be able to tow the STi or a
Corvette or a 911. That way, I wouldn't have to get a replacement tow
vehicle if I decide to tow something bigger than the Miata.

Definitely mountains in PA, it's a climb to go to the Glen from Philly, I
don't think it was much elevation going to Summit Point or Lime Rock, and
I've not been to VIR yet.

It's not something I'd do all the time, so there's no way I'm getting a
diesel crew- far too much truck for a few tows a year and most of the time
being used for a daily driver, maybe hauling some light stuff (produce,
lumber, etc.).

Taka

On 12/17/06, Theodore Chen <tedebearp at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> although the touraeg is heavy, the wheelbase isn't that long.  the 
> best tow vehicle would be a 3/4 or 1 ton truck with crew cab and a
turbodiesel.
>
> it depends on how often you plan to tow and where you're going to be 
> towing (a lot of mountains, or mostly flat?).
>
> what's this 3300 lb car you're going to tow, taka?  a miata is nowhere 
> near that, unless you fill it with lead.
>
> -teddy
>
> --- chris chambers <fastscirocco_2000 at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > VW Touareg maybe?
> >
> > 2004 with ~50,000 miles is in the $22k range.
> > But I don't know what it's towing capacity is.....
> >
> >
> >
> > --- Taka Mizutani <t44tqtro at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > > Hi listers,
> > > This may be a little while more in the future, but I will need a 
> > > vehicle that will need the following:
> > >
> > > 4-wheel or all-wheel drive
> > > carry 4 passengers comfortably
> > > enough ground clearance to go through at least 12" of snow w/o any 
> > > issues (any more and I'm not going anywhere- roads will be closed) 
> > > quiet enough to carry a decent conversation on the phone (I want 
> > > hands-free Bluetooth speakerphone- aftermarket or OEM) can tow a 
> > > 6000 lb. load w/o issues (3300lb. car and trailer as the max.
> > > load)
> > > Under $30k, new or used, but financeable within reason (can't be 
> > > more than 5 yrs. old) reliable good safety record
> > >
> > > The towing capacity is an absolute must- if I get a big vehicle, 
> > > it must be able to tow at least an open trailer with a max. 
> > > 3300lb. car on it, comfortably for at least 300 miles, up and 
> > > downhill (trailer would have electric brakes, I'd get an Aluminum 
> > > trailer if possible).
> > >
> > > I think there are no Audis that can do this except maybe the Q7, 
> > > which is way more than $30k, so what can you suggest?
> > >
> > > If I do need this vehicle for work, gas mileage won't really be an 
> > > issue (meaning I'll be able to afford it). :-)
> > >
> > > But I don't want to excessively waste gas for no reason.
> > >
> > > I'm sure that some of you have tow vehicles for going to the track 
> > > and such, no?
> > >
> > > Taka
> > > _______________________________________________
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> >
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> >
> >
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