[Bhavesh]

Which would you do, and why?

Who has either, or both, and what are the pro's and con's?

[KillBill]

Dude, my vote would be for the 4cyl truck. It gives you much more versatility. It would hitch much easier not to mention you can use the bed to haul things in. I have a sedan now and will be buying a truck soon for that same reason.

[TheIglu]

Whatever you do, don't buy a Tacoma!



See my other post.

[wylee]

[dickhead mode]
Repost!

FWD car or RWD truck

[/dickhead mode]

[ssg]

I've done 4 cyl truck (save your $$ and just get a 6 cyl since it eats the same) I've done a Civic with trailer deal, and that was annoying. Now I finally stopped "saving money" and bought an accord with a bed (aka Ridgeline) and I'm glad I stopped wasting my time with the other shit.

The civic could still get 25-28mpg with a KLR on a trailer behind it.

[Bhavesh]

ok, so I have a tacoma now, but there's a lingering possibility that toyota might buy it back...so I'm back at the crossroad

so what would you do?

buy another 4-cyl truck? or get a civic with a trailer?

for me...

truck pro's:
-I loved the toyota tacoma...best compact pickup truck out there
-convenience for throwing the FZR600 and XR80R in the back (1-2 times/month in winter, 3-5 times/month in spring/summer)
-selectable 4WD: you don't NEED it for snow, but I was damn well pleased I had when I used it
-was fun to drive in all weather/terrain conditions
-w' 31x10.5 BFG A-T's, imho it looked badass!

Truck Con's:
-only 19-21mpg around town, 24mpg highway
-rear end bouncy on bumps
-interior designed to be on the cheaper end because it's a truck
-comfortable seating only for 2; 4 people can only sit for short trips

Civic Pro's:
-30+mpg/cheap
-seats 5 (sort of)
-handles/rides better on the street

Civic Con's:
-can't carry bikes unless I get a trailer
-I have to buy a trailer (and find a place to put it)
-not convenient for carrying bikes
-no 4WD

I want to get another one, but everyone tells me (including "the voice") to do the fiscally responsible thing and get a civic

[Kurlon]

Meet in the middle, get a 'Crossover SUV' ala a Forrester (2400lb tow capacity), Santa Fe or Rav4 (3500lb tow capacity) and get 26mpg freeway, seats 5 comfortably, all the amenities, etc.

[bergs]

Forget the 4 bangers and come on over to the world of 6's.

The 4.0 in my Ranger has decent power, reasonable MPG and it has the LEV certification...with that, I guess you could say I'm doing my part to save the world 15 mpg/ city at a time...

[wylee]

How many miles do you drive a year? I have both now (no trailer), but when it was one or the other, I chose a Corolla (I averaged 37.5mpg with my 05 CE) and trailer over a truck. I drive 30,000+ miles a year; if a truck was my only vehicle, the cost of gas would take all the money I have for toys.

[Bhavesh]

Originally Posted by Kurlon

Meet in the middle, get a 'Crossover SUV' ala a Forrester (2400lb tow capacity), Santa Fe or Rav4 (3500lb tow capacity) and get 26mpg freeway, seats 5 comfortably, all the amenities, etc.

thanks for the suggestions

but the EPA on an AWD w' smallest engine: forrester only gets 25mpg highway, santa fe 21mpg highway, and rav4 25mpg highway...considering that I could get 24mpg highway w' a 4WD, 4-cyl tacoma, I'd rather just get the pickup truck.

IMHO: Doesn't it seem like the others don't handle like cars, can't do the truck duty, and only get adequate gas mileage? why get the worse of all worlds?

Originally Posted by bergs

Forget the 4 bangers and come on over to the world of 6's.

The 4.0 in my Ranger has decent power, reasonable MPG and it has the LEV certification...with that, I guess you could say I'm doing my part to save the world 15 mpg/ city at a time...

ehh...I found that the V6's can be a crapshoot, but for the most part, they hardly ever get above 20mpg around town, or highway...granted there's an exception to the rule, I'd say the majority only get 14-17mpg around town and 19mpg highway in my experiences.

I actually had a 2wd 3.0 V6 ranger which had less horsepower & less torque than the Tacoma 4-cylinder, but only got 12-15mpg around town, and up to 18mpg highway. Sub 4-cylinder performance, and V8 gas mileage? it won't happen again...if I'm going to get 15mpg, I'd rather get a fullsize

Originally Posted by wylee

How many miles do you drive a year? I have both now (no trailer), but when it was one or the other, I chose a Corolla (I averaged 37.5mpg with my 05 CE) and trailer over a truck. I drive 30,000+ miles a year; if a truck was my only vehicle, the cost of gas would take all the money I have for toys.

I only had the Taco 8 months, but I drove 13k miles...blowing that out makes it ~19,500miles/year

this might make it worth getting a civic...even though I loooved my truck

[Kurlon]

I dunno where you're looking up milage info, but it's not correct.

(All AWD version)
2008 Rav4 Base - 2.4L i4 / Manual - 166hp / 165lb-ft - EPA 19/26
2008 Rav4 Limited - 3.5L v6 / Auto - 269hp / 246lb-ft - EPA 19/27
2008 Hyundai GLS - 2.7L v6 / Manual - 185hp / 183lb-ft - EPA 17/23
2008 Hyundai Limited - 3.3L v6 / Auto - 242hp / 226lb-ft - EPA 17/24
2008 Forester 2.5X - 2.5L Flat 4 / Auto - 173hp / 166lb-ft - EPA 20/26

I don't have the numbers for the 2009 Forester as none of the dealers have brochures for them yet, but I believe the stickers had them at 19/26, engine is the same as the VVT that showed up in 2007 Foresters.

I've got this info handy as I've been researching upgrading my 2002 Forester, so these cars are all very familiar to me. I use my Forester as a gussied up truck with a cap. I've hauled dirt in it via a tarp liner, I've had pitbikes shoved in the back of it, etc. Right now it's got most of my tools and spare parts, along with my race gear. It'll happily tow 1500lbs of bike and trailer without complaint, and will soon be towing closer to 2000lbs once my new enclosed trailer arrives.

The Santa Fe and Rav4 are just as capable, but also bring more HP to the party for the same fuel economy. My weakling (of the group) Forester has a 2400lb tow capacity, the other two are rated at 3500lbs. Civics and Camerys, 1000lbs max.

As far as the ride, my Forester is a car, handles nice, rides superbly. The 09 rides a little taller, but still maintains a firm car-like ride. The Santa Fe is similar, the only 'standout' is the Rav4, if you go with the Sport trim its a bit stiffer, more like a sports car with more body roll than you'd anticipate. The Santa Fe and the Rav both have very quiet interiors, all the accouterments, etc.

Basically, if you're thinking of the pre 07 crossovers, these are nothing like them. They are no-longer cars with bad lift kits and wheezy motors, they've grown up and are quite versatile machines now.

[wylee]

Originally Posted by Bhavesh

I only had the Taco 8 months, but I drove 13k miles...blowing that out makes it ~19,500miles/year

this might make it worth getting a civic...even though I loooved my truck

By my calculations (Taco average 22mpg, Civic avg 34+mpg, and $3 gas) you would save $80+ a month in gas and the insurance would be a little cheaper on a car instead of a truck.

If you're happy with the 4 cylinder Taco, I'd stick with it providing you can comfortably afford the extra $90-110 a month. To me, that $90 would be my KLR payment.

I hate the guttless 4 popper in the Taco, so I'd end up with a V6. The lower MPG of the V6 combined with the amount of miles I drive makes owning a truck as my primary transportation foolish.

[CMG241]

The wife's 4cyl Element has no problem pulling 1500lbs of enclosed trailer, barely know its there. Problem is its the max tow weight

[BostonSVkid]

Those mileages are bull crap. My maximas SUPPOSED to get like 26-28 highway and 21-22 city. Guess what WRONG!!! My car get 16 city and MAYBE 20 highway. EPA mileage doesnt mean crap and it totall bullshit.

Originally Posted by Kurlon

I dunno where you're looking up milage info, but it's not correct.

(All AWD version)
2008 Rav4 Base - 2.4L i4 / Manual - 166hp / 165lb-ft - EPA 19/26
2008 Rav4 Limited - 3.5L v6 / Auto - 269hp / 246lb-ft - EPA 19/27
2008 Hyundai GLS - 2.7L v6 / Manual - 185hp / 183lb-ft - EPA 17/23
2008 Hyundai Limited - 3.3L v6 / Auto - 242hp / 226lb-ft - EPA 17/24
2008 Forester 2.5X - 2.5L Flat 4 / Auto - 173hp / 166lb-ft - EPA 20/26

I don't have the numbers for the 2009 Forester as none of the dealers have brochures for them yet, but I believe the stickers had them at 19/26, engine is the same as the VVT that showed up in 2007 Foresters.

I've got this info handy as I've been researching upgrading my 2002 Forester, so these cars are all very familiar to me. I use my Forester as a gussied up truck with a cap. I've hauled dirt in it via a tarp liner, I've had pitbikes shoved in the back of it, etc. Right now it's got most of my tools and spare parts, along with my race gear. It'll happily tow 1500lbs of bike and trailer without complaint, and will soon be towing closer to 2000lbs once my new enclosed trailer arrives.

The Santa Fe and Rav4 are just as capable, but also bring more HP to the party for the same fuel economy. My weakling (of the group) Forester has a 2400lb tow capacity, the other two are rated at 3500lbs. Civics and Camerys, 1000lbs max.

As far as the ride, my Forester is a car, handles nice, rides superbly. The 09 rides a little taller, but still maintains a firm car-like ride. The Santa Fe is similar, the only 'standout' is the Rav4, if you go with the Sport trim its a bit stiffer, more like a sports car with more body roll than you'd anticipate. The Santa Fe and the Rav both have very quiet interiors, all the accouterments, etc.

Basically, if you're thinking of the pre 07 crossovers, these are nothing like them. They are no-longer cars with bad lift kits and wheezy motors, they've grown up and are quite versatile machines now.

[brewmaster]

I don't know if this helps at all, but here is my 2 cents.

I tow tow a light weight dedicated 2 place motorcycle trailer (Kendon Trailers) with my 1999 VW GTI (it has a whooping 115 HP). It tows great and I still get about 25 mpg towing it with two bikes and a car FULL of gear.

That brings up the only real draw back for me. With all the sh*t you need to take to the track for racing/track days it pretty much fills the car. I have gotten used to the packing routine but it would be easier having more space to put everything. Therefore a small 4 cyl pick-up with a cap would be really good also.

I however do enjoy the 30 mpg and fun handling of the car when it isn't doing towing duty!

Cheers & Beers, Steve

[schleppy]

I was considering the same thing you are, and now I have a 2007 Ford Ranger 4 banger. I like the truck, but I wish I bought a more fuel efficient car, especially considering how little I'm actually using the bed.

I say pick fuel economy and comfort, go with a car.

Consider a VW TDI? Tons of torque (good for towing), cheap if you score a used one, and mid 50's MPG.

[ultraTwist]

Originally Posted by Bhavesh

Which would you do, and why?

Who has either, or both, and what are the pro's and con's?

I can't read all these responses, but a Civic with a trailer is pretty much useless. I've been in Hondas that couldn't pull themselves up a hill. Are you buying new or used? You could get a bigger car or wagon and pull a trailer. I pull my trailer with two bikes behind my Passat wagon no porblem. Before that I had a Volvo 850 wagan, it was rated for 3300lbs. I pulled a full sized car out of a snow bank with it one time. Another time my frinds car died and I towed it home, didn't even notice it was there. I've seen quite a few Outbacks pulling bike trailers. Or you could do what my cousin did and I thought was really smart. He had a small new reliable car that he used normally and he bought a used Nissan 4X4 pickup very cheaply for his dirt bike trips. That thing was surprising, I kind of wish it was still around.

[SSearchVT]

How often do you haul your bike - and where do you haul it?

With a truck - you can throw the bike in the back, and hopefully most of the gear - some of it will need to stay in the cab with you. Especially if it rains, or you stop at a busy rest area and don't want it stolen. But - you're hauling that box around everywhere when you don't need it.

A car with a trailer - more storage area for the gear in the car. The trailer can be set up with a lock box to keep some of the gear secure. The trailer does need to be stored, registered, and mantained. Everyday life - the car is a little more convienent.

It all comes down to where you live - do you have room to store a trailer without tripping over it all the time, and how often the bike will be loaded up.

[CMG241]

having an enclosed trailer is great since you can keep all your track gear in it never mind a place to store da bike.

[nt650hawk]

My 98 V6 3.4 tacoma was 19-21 with light traffic. New Tundta V8 5.7 is getting 17 mpg. If i go on a long trip no wind =19 mpg. Key is being light on the right foot.

Wife's Toy Corolla S can get 45 mpg.


Have we forgotten why we are here. It's called 2 wheels (Motorcycles) people. Season is about to start and there is 7-8 months of 35-(50) mpg. Park the truck and ride. I'll be doing this in about 1-2 weeks. Yea, Right now $65 a week sucks. But I have figured out buy using the bike for 8 months I am going to save over $1000 in gas. This averages out between the two to be roughly around 30mpg a year. Which is not bad for owning a V8.

[Kurlon]

Originally Posted by BostonSVkid

Those mileages are bull crap. My maximas SUPPOSED to get like 26-28 highway and 21-22 city. Guess what WRONG!!! My car get 16 city and MAYBE 20 highway. EPA mileage doesnt mean crap and it totall bullshit.

BS or not, for the Rav4 and Forester they match my real world experience with the two vehicles. Also bear in mind the EPA altered their test methodology, so ratings prior to 08 (I think, may have been 07?) are lower than they would have been on the old system. You could look at two years of a given car where nothing changed, and the later year unit would show lower milage as a result of the change.

[BostonSVkid]

Originally Posted by Kurlon

BS or not, for the Rav4 and Forester they match my real world experience with the two vehicles. Also bear in mind the EPA altered their test methodology, so ratings prior to 08 (I think, may have been 07?) are lower than they would have been on the old system. You could look at two years of a given car where nothing changed, and the later year unit would show lower milage as a result of the change.

If you want pure mileage get a car and a trailer (if you have a place to put it).

If you want a truck get a truck.

I am selling my maxi now to get a 4 banger because I have a 5 mile commute to work everyday and it kills my mileage driving in stop and go.

Put it this way. This summer we will be lucky if gas doesnt hit $4/gallon so I would go mileage myself and will be.

Oh yeah and if you live in mass they are proposing a 50 cent tax on gas right now.

[Kurlon]

I like the mix I get with my Forester. Decent enough milage that it doesn't kill me commuting 60 miles a day, plenty of enclosed cargo room that I can carry tools, gear, parts, etc without worry, or 5 people plus a good chunk of gear/tools, and tow capacity to handle two bikes in an enclosed trailer without straining. Works for me, based on the OPs post it seemed like a good mix for them as well. But thats my opinion.

[CMG241]

Originally Posted by BostonSVkid

If you want pure mileage get a car and a trailer (if you have a place to put it).

If you want a truck get a truck.

I am selling my maxi now to get a 4 banger because I have a 5 mile commute to work everyday and it kills my mileage driving in stop and go.

Put it this way. This summer we will be lucky if gas doesnt hit $4/gallon so I would go mileage myself and will be.

Oh yeah and if you live in mass they are proposing a 50 cent tax on gas right now.

5 mile commute and stop & go mileage is killing you? you're kiddin right? What year Maxima do you have? I have an 06 with 3.5 that gets 20-22mpg that I am about to sell, want it??

[rjh200]

I have to throw in my 2 cents here. 4 banger trucks are useless and the 6's dont get that much better mileage than the 8's do. My 05 Crew cab Silverado gets about 14mpg city and 18 highway and I am not at all easy on the gas. I have averaged just over 20 mpg on a long highway trip mulitple times. The 08 are supposed to be even a little bit better and with a chip you can get a little bit more mileage out of them. If gas mileage is that much of a concern then buy the car and a small trailor but for me the convenience of the truck is worth the couple extra bucks. Also like others have said I commute most of the summer on the bike so during that time I am getting 50mpg and it averages out pretty good.