[VAL] best tow vehicle

["Randy Unter" <runter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tom, the Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, and Lincoln Aviator (EMA) use
essentially the same chasis, with the Explorer and Mountaineer using the
same power train. Even the interiors are the same. The only real difference
is exterior body panels. The Mountaineer  is only available as an AWD for
4wd, the Explorer offers PT and Auto 4WD, and AWD as options. Mercury
packages everything together. Most of the models sold in Denver are 4.6 Ltr
V8's with AWD and Leather interior. I think the key factor that makes these
vehicles tow so well for their size is their 5 speed automatic
transmissions. They have two 2nd gears-one for economy,  a lower one for
pulling/acceleration. This allows the engine  to stay in the torque band
when accelerating, or downshifting. When I compared the EMA to the 5.4 ltr
Expedition with 4-speed, the Expedition was sluggish by comparison.
I did extensive analysis of the different tow vehicles with a complete
indifference to brand name. What I considered in order was:
1. Safety-Government and Insurance institute crash test results. Had to be 4
star or better.
2. Performance- Acceleration: 0-60 mph < 8.0 seconds; braking: 60-0 mph <
130 feet; slalom speed (speed through cones to test lane change and agility>
55 mph; turning radius < 38 feet; fuel type-regular; Fuel mileage > 15 mpg
city, > 18 mpg highway. ( I was coming out of a performance Volvo and wanted
near sport sedan like performance that I could park in tight, urban parking
structures)
3. Operating cost- I only wanted to pay for gas and nothing else. Ford
rolled a maintenance package into the lease for $20/month, less than half of
what it would have costed if I paid for routine maintence. I pay for nothing
else except tires which should last 50k miles.
4. Reliability- After my high-cost Volvo experiences, I didn't want any
hassles. Checking with Consumer Reports and friends who owned them for
highly reliable vehicles.
5. Towing- > 7000 #'s.
6. List price- under $40K

Applying this criteria netted only  3 vehicles, although I tested the Tahoe
and Denali (GMC).  The Tahoe met the criteria except for braking. I don't
understand why GM continues to make 1/2 trucks with marginal brakes (I've
owned 5 of them).
The Denali is a fabulous vehicle, meeting my criteria except it costs +$50K.
So that left only the EMA three, however, the Aviator is $50K loaded up.
Also, I found the Aviator was not much difference in performance over the E
and M, even though it sports a 32 valve version of the 4.6 ltr. V8 and a
trick computer controlled suspension.
I chose the Mountaineer over the Explorer stricly for cosmetic reasons and
local dealer who "dealt". The Explorer would have been fine as well for the
same price.
I would suggest that others use a similar evaluation scheme when seeking a
tow vehicle to sort through the dozens of vehicles before setting foot on a
dealers lot. I have found that salesmen at car dealerships really don't know
the types of information I presented above and are selling hype and emotion.
So be armed and you will wind up with a vehicle you will enjoy down the
road. I have used the criteria for the last 4 vehicle acquitions, and have
been satisfied with all of the purchases. I only drive those vehicles that
meet or nearly meet the criteria.
Randy