I am starting to look for a new tow vehicle. I tend to buy 1-2 year old cars and run them for a 100k miles or more.
In the past I had a 2004 Trailblazer extended with three row seats. I now have a Saab 97x (still a Trailblazer). The Saab is the shorter chassis with two row seating. Both of these had the 4.2 inline 6.
I tow a 30’ RV that weights 4,400 empty, probably pushing 5,000 full. The Trailblazer chassis tows them fine unless I’m in large hills. The drawback is fuel economy when towing at 65 is about 8mpg. Without the trailer it runs about 17mpg. I can squeak 20-21 highway if i stay under 75. Like that happens. [emoji2]
I’ve been looking at the VW Tourage, Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 all with the 3.0 turbo diesel. All of these are rated to tow 7,700 pounds and will get 11-14mpg towing, much better mileage without he trailer. I ruled out the Jeep due to my personal concerns of reliability.
I am spoiled with the Trailblazer / Saab as I put 160,000 miles on the Trailblazer and have 145,00 on the Saab. Other than an exhaust manifold every 40k the reliability has been fantastic. For that reason I am considering a gas engine Traverse but that is limited to 5,200 pounds and I’m afraid the gas mileage will suck. It does have a much better trans that I have now which may make towing easier.
Do any of you have experience with any of these? I’m curious how reliable they are, ease of towing, mileage when towing etc.
Thanks!
In the past I had a 2004 Trailblazer extended with three row seats. I now have a Saab 97x (still a Trailblazer). The Saab is the shorter chassis with two row seating. Both of these had the 4.2 inline 6.
I tow a 30’ RV that weights 4,400 empty, probably pushing 5,000 full. The Trailblazer chassis tows them fine unless I’m in large hills. The drawback is fuel economy when towing at 65 is about 8mpg. Without the trailer it runs about 17mpg. I can squeak 20-21 highway if i stay under 75. Like that happens. [emoji2]
I’ve been looking at the VW Tourage, Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 all with the 3.0 turbo diesel. All of these are rated to tow 7,700 pounds and will get 11-14mpg towing, much better mileage without he trailer. I ruled out the Jeep due to my personal concerns of reliability.
I am spoiled with the Trailblazer / Saab as I put 160,000 miles on the Trailblazer and have 145,00 on the Saab. Other than an exhaust manifold every 40k the reliability has been fantastic. For that reason I am considering a gas engine Traverse but that is limited to 5,200 pounds and I’m afraid the gas mileage will suck. It does have a much better trans that I have now which may make towing easier.
Do any of you have experience with any of these? I’m curious how reliable they are, ease of towing, mileage when towing etc.
Thanks!