New guy needs help picking a vehicle.

[5speed5]

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

Here I was thinking the Ford Ranger is the thriftiest vehicle with a 5000lbs tow rating, but the Caprice wagon delivers slightly better EPA ratings and probably more cargo space.

Plus, they have that awesome V8 for situations where you need it (passing, freeway entrance ramps, getting out of the way of a downhill speeding semi).

Still, it's a thirsty vehicle, especially around town. Settling for a 1000lbs tow rating will dramatically improve your mileage.

I agree, but it sounds like TEX doesn't want anything like that.

TEX, if what you're towing is under 2000 lbs, get something like a Buick LeSabre, Chevy Impala LS, or Pontiac Grand Prix (with the 3800 V6). My wife had a loaded '03 Impala LS and we'd get 33-34 mpg on our semi-annual 1100 mile round-trip to my inlaws'. That was going 70-75 mph with two (large) adults, two kids and a trunk full of luggage and coolers. I've heard many similar stories from others with that engine.