I bought our Prius as a 2nd car for the family. Not only as a gas saver but so my DH had our Subie at home while I was away. This weekend the Subie was in an accident. Now I have to research for a 2nd vehicle again that can tow a small sail boat. Anyone know if the Pri v can "tow"?
I've got the popcorn popping, putting the beer by the recliner waiting for this one to come alive. A lot of the people here think the only reason to have a trailer hitch on a Prius is for the bike rack.
Only if you believe the Prius manual! 6dogs... How small a small sailboat? Are we talking Sunfish or something under 500 pounds?
I've seen Prii towing kayaks and stuff, never seen anything bigger. But doesn't mean it can't be done. many insurance companies will total just about anything these days.
Hey, I pull a 350lb Bushtec trailer with my Harley Ultra. I might try that with the Prius as well this summer.
You can tow anything you want with a Prius. But if it breaks and they trace the reason to you towing something, kiss warranty coverage goodbye.
What about a diesel SUV? Loads of towing capacity and higher mpg's than a petrol version. (I'm not a fan of diesel cars but diesel SUV's make sense)
Per the Prius manual, one should not tow ANYTHING with a Prius. The system is simply not designed for it. If you are foolish enough to try to tow something with a Prius, then you are on your own if it breaks down.
I won't bother with a Pri v for towing then. Will go with a small SUV. Now I just have to research to death that issue & a used one. My DH wants a small truck but they are useless to us & he doesn't see that picture. I think the Honda Element might fit our needs & have to see if they can tow. Small sail boat is like "sunfish" size. I think this boat is about 15 feet. In NC law states that a vehicle is "totalled" if the repairs will cost more than 75% of the value of the vehicle. KBB states that for the year 2007 & 125,00 miles on it (I thought we had more) it is worth in "fair" condition $9,000 & "good" condition $11,000. So, far the repairs are estimated at $6,000 & that doesn't include a new hood or any of the damage under the hood. We are just waiting on the insurance figures to come in.
Insurance uses wholesale value as a basis of totaling a car out. Check with your insurance company to see exactly what they use. It is commonly NADA wholesale value.
