Off roading and towing

[jlbutl]

Yeah, but it never showed him pulling it out!

[Ron Burgundy]

I would like to have a Jeep again. It was tons of fun when I lived in Colorado, but I don't think it will be the right vehicle to tow with. Plus we want to have a big truck or SUV to take trips with. That Expedition you found looks like it is in great shape. Looks like it has a small lift on it, or possible just oversize wheels. I'm torn between that or a F150. This will be my wife's car most of the time so the wife will probably have some input. Like Ray said Florida is very flat, and my boat is only 20' so I should be okay with a light tow package.

[Bamaman]

There are many vehicles that fill the bill, but a Jeep is not the best. Maybe an older Jeep Cherokee would do the job.

The problem is the $5K budget. That just about locks you into an older tow vehicle, many of which don't have low miles and may be a maintenance hassle.

I would go for a good used pickup truck as a better value. At this point, they will hold their resale value, and they're easily sold if kept in good condition.

If you were willing to put in a little more $, I would be looking for the last generation Explorer with the 4.6 V8. It has enough power and enough vehicle to pull a pontoon without problems.

Remember: A pontoon boat's length can cause sway problems, and their lack of aerodynamics make them tow substantially heavier than they actually are. It's best if a longer wheel base and heavier tow vehicle is used.

[Ron Burgundy]

The problem is the $5K budget. That just about locks you into an older tow vehicle, many of which don't have low miles and may be a maintenance hassle.

That's my biggest concern also. Ther are tons of vehicles out there in my price range, but most are about 10 years old with well over 100K miles on the odometer. I really don't want to get something that is going to nickle and dime me to death. I've even considered just renting a truck when I need to tow the boat somewhere.

[Ron Burgundy]

I found an add on craislist for this Tahoe so I emiled the owner for more photos and this was the reply...





Hi,


Thanks for replying to my ad. I'm in a hurry to find a buyer because I have a family emergency and I need to sell it before September 14. My name is Bethany. I'm an Air Force Staff Sergeant stationed at an AF Base in Anchorage, Alaska. The SUV is here with me.


I'm the original owner. This 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT has 125,160 miles, Silver with Beige Leather Interior, Automatic 4SPD, 4 wheel drive, 5.3L V8. 3rd Row Seat (7 Pass), Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Heated Seats, Tow Package, Traction Control and more... It has no damage, no scratches or dents, no hidden defects. It is in immaculate condition, meticulously maintained... The title is clear without any accidents, liens or loans. Non-smoker. It is rust free, salt free and has a clean undercarriage.


Here you can find more pictures of the SUV: http://s1001.photobucket.com/home/taho_pictures/index


The price is $2,970. If you want to buy this SUV I will take care of the delivery to your door (with an AF cargo plane to the nearest AF Base) and I will offer 5 days to inspect the vehicle and take it to your machanic from the moment you receive it (and the option to accept or reject it), before I'll have your money. So if you need further information please get back to me as soon as possible.


I look forward to hearing from you.
SSgt. Bethany Cortes




My Question - Why are you advertising this vehicle in the Tampa section if you are in Alaska?

I don't want to disrespect this person if she really is a USAF staff seargent, but this has scam written all over it IMO. What do you guys think?

[jlbutl]

Scam...

[badmoonrising]

Yep, definitely a scam.

[Ron Burgundy]

This scammer probably advertises in all cities with a major USAF base. What a POS they are.

[jlbutl]

Hm, of course she does exist and is in Alaska. Either its a real smart scammer or a real person who doesn't realize CL is full of scams like these....

http://www.jber.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123239038

[Ron Burgundy]

Hm, of course she does exist and is in Alaska. Either its a real smart scammer or a real person who doesn't realize CL is full of scams like these....

http://www.jber.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123239038

Hmmm, now that's a little intersting. How did you find that story?

[hinklecrew]

try looking for an extended cab truck and you can add a camper shell. i have a ford myself, but gm products usually maintain better fuel mileage, loaded and empty. fords are generally more economical in front end perchasing.

[jlbutl]

Hm, of course she does exist and is in Alaska. Either its a real smart scammer or a real person who doesn't realize CL is full of scams like these....

http://www.jber.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123239038

Hmmm, now that's a little intersting. How did you find that story?

My google-fu is strong!

[Ron Burgundy]

Hm, of course she does exist and is in Alaska. Either its a real smart scammer or a real person who doesn't realize CL is full of scams like these....

http://www.jber.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123239038

Hmmm, now that's a little intersting. How did you find that story?

My google-fu is strong!

LOL

I still think it's a scam. They choose Alaska because it is remote so low chance of someone actually wanting to see the truck in person. Scammer finds a photo of legit military person, and uses their name. Gives sob story, and targets cities with large USAF population.

F'in pathetic!!

[margaritaman]

The last time I saw a scam ad on CL I asked for an address to see the boat and a phone number and never got an answer. I bet if you write to the ad it will ask you to send a Western Union money transfer.

[Ron Burgundy]

...

The last time I saw a scam ad on CL I asked for an address to see the boat and a phone number and never got an answer. I bet if you write to the ad it will ask you to send a Western Union money transfer.

I just replied to the email with this, "Looks nice, but how would I make payment??"

I'm pretty sure what to expect...