Buyers Check Lists

[james kent]

We are looking to purchase a different tow vehicle. We have found a SUV that came back to a dealer from a lease. it has the power and all optons that one could ask for to tow our little Egg or any upgrade that we might somedy get. Is there a Check List for automobiles similar to the trailer Check list?

[Mike Ames]

We are looking to purchase a different tow vehicle. We have found a SUV that came back to a dealer from a lease. it has the power and all optons that one could ask for to tow our little Egg or any upgrade that we might somedy get. Is there a Check List for automobiles similar to the trailer Check list?

I'd look for a tow package, that usually includes a transmission cooler
maybe a suspension upgrade, light wiring and hitch. A brake controller would
be nice if you have electric brakes.

[Donna D.]

Look at the owners manual for information about towing limits and (if it's there) tongue weights. If it's a PU, it should have tongue weight limits about pulling from the rear bumper... which I wouldn't recommend anyway!

[james kent]

I did find and printed the brochure for the vehcle [Toyota 4 Runner] and the year. It tells me aout the standard features, the options and gives all the technical statistics but I was hoping for a used check list to make one aware of problem areas. I know that Consumers Report comes in handy as a review of general probles that might arise but I want to be able to talk to/confront the sales man as more than just a tire kicker. This beast is loaded with almost every concievable feature for towing just about anything. There' are more coolers than I have beer. Heat, power, Air, and that's just the seats. Mega sound system... and mines gone to the dogs. You need manual just to read the manual.

And then the sales rep runs out of the office and across the lot............
"Oh " He says," it had a 5.7 engine"...I said "Wow, I said, That's equal to a big 350, my Dakota only has a 4.7"..... actually it does have a 4.7, and that is about the same size as an old 283, but with a herd more horses.
"OH!" he says "It will tow up to 6000 lbs..... actually 5000 without and 7000 with an equalizer hitch, I have done a bit of homework.


But hey! It's the same colour as the trailer so what's the problem? ......and that's what scares me. Am i buying by colour alone? And this thing co$t$ the same as did our house when we bought it.

[Alf S.]

Hi: james kent... My son says I buy by sound. If it's got a great sound system it must be great. Otherwise you can't beat a visit to a reputable mechanic for a second opinion. Could be some money well spent Eh!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Dana T]

For a quick run-down of the various models and generations, I usually look at Edmunds reviews -- http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/4runner/review.html

Then for specifics I turn to fora specific to the vehicle -- for Toyotas I look at http://www.toyotanation.com/ as a source of mostly good info (as usual, you do have to sift the wheat from the chaff).

Once I learn which engine the vehicle has I check for things like how often the timing chain/belt needs to be replaced, etc. For that I usually do something like a Google search on the phrase (in this case "timing belt"), engine model number, and limit to the specific site by adding the command "site:edmunds.com" If the engine has specific newer features, like variable valve timing, or is capable of shutting down some cylinders, I look up what the manufacturer calls those items and search for them too. Surprising sometimes how well (or not) these new-fangled features work after several years.

A good mechanic is a wonderful thing to have, especially if s/he has had lots of experience with that model vehicle. Sometimes the problem isn't the engine, transmission, or any of the "major" pieces at all, but having to continually replace heater cores (Ford Crown Victoria) at several hundred dollars a pop, or replacing the AC radiator (some model years of the Honda Odyssey) because they don't have a gravel shield in front of them. Stupid stuff, but it gets expensive!