I'm looking for a reliable and affordable vehicle to tow a fairly light camper trailer. Not local towing, but longish trips around the US (so reliable is important) and since I have a fixed income and not a huge hoard of cash, affordable is also important.
I drive an older (2007) ES350 with just over 100K miles on it, in great condition though it needs hood support shocks, which I'll have to part with, which will cover some of the cost.
And I have an older posterior (older than Scotty's by 11 years) which likes comfort and an old partner who really likes comfort. And a small dog who likes travel and seems to get comfortable anywhere. And long trips are easier when there is easily accessible storage inside the tow vehicle. I imagine short driving days - 3-4 hours driving, then stopping for a night or two or three. No real rush, but no breakdowns either.
I'm curious about what YOU think. In your experience what vehicles (with what options) should I consider. I know towing will drop my gas mileage.
What is your budget?
Trade-in or sell my 350 + $ 2-3 K would be ideal, but maybe as much as 5 K for the perfect vehicle.
vehicle you have knowledge perfectly fine for towing that tiny amount of weight you could get a newer one if you don't like that or a Toyota or any vehicle they Maje wille towthat tiny amount
ES350 manual says 1000# limit for towing (Camry too). But I suspect that is conservative.
Would I need to add anything to the 350 to protect teh transmission or engine? Larger radiator? or...?
How conservative is the owner's manual / manufacturer's specifications? If Toyota says max towing is 1000 #, is that so conservative that I can triple it? Double it? How conservative are they?