How To Find Used Cars

Q.We just bought a Motorhome and now we need to buy a small (used) car to tow along behind us for when we get to where we're going, so we don't have to go to the market or sightseeing in a 33 foot vehicle. I'm sure this raises a multitude of questions, but here are my initial ones. My plan is to buy a towbar rather than a dolly as I've been told that's the best approach. Is there a consensus on that, or should I reconsider a dolly? I have a limit of a 3700 pound towing capacity. No problem, there are plenty of small cars out there. The question is, how do I figure out which one(s) will tow without piling mileage on the towed vehicle's odometer, and which vehicles can't be towed at all? Is there any need to have braking in the towed vehicle? Is it a requirement in some states or is it just good sense, and if so, how is it best accomplished? Is there some good web site or book that you can recommend for me to find out all the stuff I need to know about this, or is this a learn as you go process?

A.Cars that are towed are also called "Toads" ..."Towds" and "Dinghy." Here is a linkfor MotorHome Magazine's Dinghy Towing Guide: http://www.motorhomemagazine.com/output.cfm?ID=952129 On that page you will also find other links to charts showing what cars can be safely towed "Four Down" without adding some special equipment. There are quite a few fron drive GM/Chevy cars with 4-speed automatic transmission that can be towed and after removal of one fuse they do not rack up mileage and do not run down the battery. There are also many others. Look through the charts for several model years to get and idea of what will work well for you. I have towed a 1998 Chevy Cavalier and now a 2006 Chevy HHR. Both with 4-speed auto. They both worked out well for us. Try to pick one that is under 3000# would be a suggestion.

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