What car - Reliable, efficient, semi-lux, tows a boat.| Off-Topic Discussion forum |

Enyar HalfDork
12/10/13 2:43 p.m.

I've about had it with my 2000 Jetta TDI. I love the gas mileage, I love the diesel, I love that it tows my boat. Unfortunately my hate list is much longer. What pushed me over the edge is every time I fix something, something else breaks. The worst part is that something else is always something cheap but takes 8 hours to replace or 10 hours of reading on the forums. Most recently it's my alternator, trunk and drivers side door. It has 205,000 miles on it and I think it's time to upgrade.

About me: I tow a boat. Two boats actually. One is ~500#s the other ~1400#s (with trailer). I do a lot of things outdoors like surfing, mountain biking, camping, getting dirty. I like leather seats because they keep clean. Roof racks will probably end up on this puppy.

I drive around 16k a year and I very much enjoy road trips. Efficiency is nice but I know I'll take a hit after the TDI.

I like tinkering with things but I have recently learned that I have enough things that need tinkering and I would rather spend my time tinkering on a boat than my car. Reliability would be nice for a change.

I do all my own maintenance and will be doing as much as I can of my repairs. Forums/ community to teach me these things would be a major plus. Thank goodness for TDIclub.com.

I'm looking to spend up to $15k, but realistically 10-13 is probably more like it. I'm thinking 2006 and newer just because I generally jump in 6 year increments. My initial thoughts are TSX or IS250. I live in FL so winter is not an issue.

Bobzilla PowerDork
12/10/13 2:45 p.m.

TSX Uses a one piece aluminum rear subframe. There is no way in hell I'd pull a boat with it. Same with the TL.

Tom Suddard GRM+ Memberand Event Marketing
12/10/13 2:46 p.m.

BOOM!

EvanR HalfDork
12/10/13 2:55 p.m.

Not very lux, but your price range isn't very far off a brand-new Jeep Patriot. For about $17k (after rebate) you can get one with a/c (it's still optional?!), the upgraded 2.4 engine, and the tow package (rated to 2k lbs)

pres589 UltraDork
12/10/13 2:59 p.m.

Buick Roadmaster

Racer1ab Dork
12/10/13 3:07 p.m.

The Panther platform is your friend here.

JohnRW1621 UltimaDork
12/10/13 3:07 p.m.

Saab Turbo Wagon.
Far less than budget.
Good mpg for the storage space they offer.

How about a Saab and a half?
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/cto/4221793181.html

http://sarasota.craigslist.org/cto/4184747620.html

mtn UltimaDork
12/10/13 3:25 p.m.

Bobzilla wrote: TSX Uses a one piece aluminum rear subframe. There is no way in hell I'd pull a boat with it. Same with the TL.

My cousin tows his catamaran with his, no problems. Anecdotes.

In any case, I'd be looking towards an LS400, Panther platform (LOTS of towing capacity available there, although if you go Town Car I'd get rid of the air-suspension), possibly a Chrysler 300, Nissan Maxima, Infiniti G35.