Economical tow vehicles

[Taylor95]

There was one important thing I forgot to mention: it will be my wife's business vehicle. So it can't be too old or ugly. We were thinking about a large SUV because it can seat a lot of people, which would be nice. Was diesel ever an option on the older models (early 2000s or so)?

[redpoint5]

3 manufacturers make a half ton diesel pickup now. The Ram apparently can get 30 MPG.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...m-1500-diesel/

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Taylor95

Was diesel ever an option on the older models (early 2000s or so)?

AFAIK the last year for Diesel half-tons before their recent comeback was '99, for the GMT400 Chevrolet C and K series and the GMC Sierra. Odd enough, at least until 2004 there were export-only Diesel versions of the Tahoe.

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by Taylor95

There was one important thing I forgot to mention: it will be my wife's business vehicle. So it can't be too old or ugly. We were thinking about a large SUV because it can seat a lot of people, which would be nice. Was diesel ever an option on the older models (early 2000s or so)?

A quick search and I found a diesel 2000 Ford Excursion that can tow 10,000lbs (or so Google says) for $5,900. It does have over 300,000 miles though and only gets 17-18mpg (also googled). With careful driving you might get 20mpg or better.

Edit:

I also found a 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec 4MATIC diesel with 155k miles for $6,990. I'm not sure what kind of fuel mileage it gets though, but is rated for 7,500lbs towing.

[Taylor95]

The excursion sounds very good actually. I think it is closest to what I want/need!

Those half ton diesels look very nice. The other day I was looking at some of the newer Rams. They definitely have a luxury look to them. Surprisingly a 2014 Ram on Carmax was not a whole lot more expensive than what some people wanted for their 2004 truck on Facebook.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Isaac Zachary

I also found a 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec 4MATIC diesel with 155k miles for $6,990.

Not sure to which extent a modern Mercedes-Benz could be considered economical to run, due to maintenance cost. Everything is more expensive when the 3-point star is there...

[Piotrsko]

The excursion diesel is a permanent camper shell version of a short bed regular F250 with the F350 spacers, so all the appropriate stuff applied. Rated to 16000 max. Vehicle and trailer, CLASS 5 towing and can get +20 mpg, +25 with the handshaker 2wd. Economy dives in traffic. Slush box needs extra cooling, couple of maintenance oddities but can run 500,000 miles with normal maintenance. Stay away from the 6.0 & 6.4

[Autobahnschleicher]

Originally Posted by Taylor95

There was one important thing I forgot to mention: it will be my wife's business vehicle. So it can't be too old or ugly. We were thinking about a large SUV because it can seat a lot of people, which would be nice. Was diesel ever an option on the older models (early 2000s or so)?

I'd consider getting 2 different cars at that point.
One for towing, one for not towing.

[Taylor95]

Yeah, I've heard bad things about the Ford 6.0. So we will get the Excursion if I can find one and if my wife doesn't think it is too big. Otherwise we would probably have to settle for an Expedition.

We have 2 vehicles right now already. We will probably end up with 4, with each having its own purpose.

[hayden55]

The 2004 Sequoia with the 4.7L V8 and 2WD has been doing well for me. 55-70mph trips it gets about 18-21mpg and average for my tanks are about 16.5mpg locally. Bulletproof reliable and still drives like a new car at 218k miles after doing the timing belt with aisin parts for $250. People compliment the looks with the white paint job and the limited pack wheels. Sequoia is rated for 6500lb but a Tundra will tow 7100lb.
Towing the boat or jet skis it gets the same gas mileage as the 3.0 Ranger that normally gets 23-25mpg avg so just remember all the gas burners get about the same mpg towing.
Purchased for 4000 so it was pretty cheap as well. Friends who have bought similar mileage Tahoes in the last year with the 4L have rebuilt 1-2 times so careful with those.