Sub Compact Tow Vehicle

[Littlefoot]

Anyone have a sub compact car under 2600 pound set up for towing for sale? We have a 2018 Sprinter Class C motorhome and looking for a light weight option to tow. Feel free to reach out. mvneoh@g.........

[Scoutmaster253]

Originally Posted by Littlefoot

Anyone have a sub compact car under 2600 pound set up for towing for sale? We have a 2018 Sprinter Class C motorhome and looking for a light weight option to tow. Feel free to reach out. mvneoh@g.........

The "Jayco Classifieds" link above has the attached vehicle for sale: https://www.jaycoclassifieds.com/201...-new-york-1266

[norty1]

Originally Posted by Scoutmaster253

The "Jayco Classifieds" link above has the attached vehicle for sale: https://www.jaycoclassifieds.com/201...-new-york-1266

That ad is marked SOLD

[Camper_bob]

"under 2,600 lbs" is kind of a tall order? What else other than a Smart Car would fit in that weight class?

TBH, I was surprised the CR-V came in at 3,300 lbs per that sold listing above though...

Personally, I would begin my search by identifying several specific options that fit my wants/needs. THEN go search for those using any of your favorite P2P "for sale" platforms.

Clarification: I think a better question for the forum would be "what vehicles are available that can be flat-towed and are under 2,600 lbs?"

[Handieman1965]

M.I.A.T.A. (Miata Is Always The Answer) They all weigh around 2,000 lbs.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Handieman1965

M.I.A.T.A. (Miata Is Always The Answer) They all weigh around 2,000 lbs.

Perhaps that's my trouble. It's not that they aren't available, it's that I wouldn't fit in them!

My dad has a Miata. I drove it once. Needed a shoe horn to get me in/out of it!

Roadmaster posted the Dinghy guide for 2023 and prior:

https://www.roadmasterinc.com/media/dinghy-guides/

The only one in the 2023 list that gets close is Nissan Versa-S at 2650 lbs (base curb weight).

Those lists usually only include vehicles that have flat-towing listed in the owner's manual and show a procedure for it. That doesn't mean there are not others that can be flat-towed.

The 2020 link shows the entire guide from that year. The Honda Fit, Chevy Spark, and Nissan Versa all squeak in under the 2600 lb line, base curb weight.

[jyh818]

Your best bet would be a Mazda 3 manual transmission. My 2012 Mazda 3 curb weight is just slightly under 2900 lbs. It's a small 4 door sedan.

[2024Jayco26M]

Originally Posted by Handieman1965

M.I.A.T.A. (Miata Is Always The Answer) They all weigh around 2,000 lbs.

A Miata wouldn't cut it for me. I currently tow a '17 Camry on a dolly. Have been looking for a lighter vehicle or moving to flat towing w/ a Blue Ox type system.

[bauerb1]

I've got a 2013 Ford Focus SE 5 speed. Weight is right at 3000 lbs. according to the scale. Four door makes it fairly easy to get in and out. Just started towing it and so far so good.


Bill

[gypsmjim]

My very first towcar was a 1961 Mercury Comet with a 144 CI 85 HP engine and a std. shift tranny. It was used to tow a boat, not an RV.

Regardless of the lack of power, it DID have a full perimeter frame to handle a good hitch installation.

There were times going up a hill that I had to stop and shift to first gear because even downshifting to 2nd gear didn't cut it.

I towed with that thing for 3 years before trading it in for a Ponch with a 400CI V8.

My current towcar is a 44 year old Ponch that is dedicated to towing. I learned my lesson. Old is better and riceburners are for getting groceries, not for towing.

As always, just my biased opinion.

[dwaynebmsg]

I have a Chrysler PT Cruiser with a 5 speed manual. Don't even know it's back there. Lots of room inside and decent mileage.

[Motorhome2]

Originally Posted by Littlefoot

Anyone have a sub compact car under 2600 pound set up for towing for sale? We have a 2018 Sprinter Class C motorhome and looking for a light weight option to tow. Feel free to reach out. mvneoh@g.........

We towed a 1994 Geo Tracker for 3 years and loved it. Weighed around 2000# and fun to scoot around in. But they are hard to find in good condition.

2 months ago we decided to go a different route and being in a 2020 Jayco 24L Mercedes we needed something light and easy to tow.
After a lot of reasearch we decided on a 2010 Honda Fit. Weighs in at 2480#.
We went with the 5 Speed manual tranny even though the Automatic is Factory approved from Honda for Flat tow. The manual transmission is easier process to go through before starting out. Tranny in neutral, Key in first aux position which unlocks steering, hand brake off and GO!!!
Honda's owners manual states do not tow over 65mph but talking to Honda dealership mechanic, says that 70mph is no problem, Honda just CTA in case of problem.
NOTE: After 2014 Honda no longer approves the Fit for Flat towing due to new CVT transmissions. 2008 - 2014 N0 problem.

So far we are really liking the Fit. Very roomy for a small car and great storage. Tows like it's not back there and really fun little car to scoot around in. Also for what it's worth, I'm adveraging 37.5 MPG fuel economy.

Good look in your search.

[Scoutmaster253]

Originally Posted by norty1

That ad is marked SOLD

I hoped it would still be instructive.

[MEILI]

I went with a ford maverick hybrid but it's at 3600.

[Bluesky46]

It's not for sale, but I tow a 2,300# Fiat500 Cabrio. Just have to be sure it's a manual tranny and those are hard to find, unless you are going to dolly tow.

[norty1]

I have seen several Fiat's being towed lately.

[tdtoomey]

We have a Hyundai Elantra manual trans that we tow with our 2018 Greyhawk 31DS and we have no issues at all. The Elantra comes in at a few pounds over 2900. We don't have any issues with it, but your 2600 pound restriction may really limit your choices.(FYI)

[SmokeyBear]

Originally Posted by Handieman1965

M.I.A.T.A. (Miata Is Always The Answer) They all weigh around 2,000 lbs.

That is what I tow. Although, technically, it's an MX-5. The dropped the Miata nomenclature. (Except in advertising. )