Finally time to get a tow vehical. 18 ft I/O bowrider. The Merc, 2005, would have AWD and V8. The Buick, a 2006, could be V8 or a really strong 6,rwd with limited slip or AWD. No hills to worry about. Anybody have an opinion?

AWD drive would be nice in Chicago in the winter. Other than that I don't know anything about either of these vehicles.

If the engine (6)that I am thinking about is in the Buick, it was a big diappointment when people started using them. My BIL was impressed with how well his Explorer towed with the V6 and the 4.6 is a good engine.

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Any particular reason you are not looking for a Chevy TrailBlazer or Ford Exploder?




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I did a quick check with Edmunds and C&D. The Mountaineer is rated a little higher in every major catagory I noticed, including the reviews. The Ranier was not seen favorably in quality and fuel efficiency. With used, it is often more a matter of what you find and what condition it is in.

A good friend of mine has a 2004 Mercury Mountaineer that he bought a couple years ago to tow his Baja Islander. He currently has it for sale on Autotrader. I have personally seen and driven this vehicle, about as clean as they come. If you are interested, PM me and I'll give you his contact info.

2004 Mercury Mountaineer AWD, Premier

The V8 in the Buick (5.3L) will probably out preform the 4.6L used in the Merc. I think I give Merc the +1 on the interior design over the Buick. Quality I think tips back toward Buick. The 4.2L I6 used in the Buick is butterly smooth, so smooth you absolutely cannot feel it at idle. It's a rev happy engine, so it cannot bother you having it rev up to accelerate. Just making a note on that. The V8 in the Buick should come with DOD or AFM, which basically means it goes to 4cyl mode when possible. Back in the day, the V8 was rated a higher fuel economy number on the hwy than the I6 was. Ratings don't mean squat, just making the note on the V8.

A bunch of ramblings without officially recommending one or the other!

I have the Mercury's sister (04 Explorer). It has the 4.6L and I love it.

MIL has an 05 Envoy w/ V6. I will say that is rides better than mine. I would think the Buick would too. Of course, that is only my opinion.

I don't think you can go wrong with either. AWD will come in handy at your local slippery ramp...and the occasional treck to unknown waters.

Friend of mine has an 05 Mountaineer. It is a nice truck, nicely apportioned, but it has the V6 but offers decent power. the Ford engines are usually a bit more torquey than the GM, but the GM are typically smoother. Personally, I am not a fan of the I-6 from GM, seems quite peaky.
His mountaineer though has a lot of wind noise at highway speed. Don't know anything about the Buick, but the Trailblazer I've been in is a little quieter.

Any reason your not looking at a Durango? I've put 30k miles on mine, and not a problem. It only gets around 14mpg though with the hemi...

Thanks all for all input!

Capn-No problem with the TB. I grew up in a Ford family so I look that direction first and have heard mostly good stuff about the Exp/Mtnr. Only Chev I've had threw a rod. But it was beat when I got it and probably not well maintained. I never should have bought it and I don't really hold that experience against the bow ties. The wife like the Merc (chick car?) over the Ford.

Roc-Your friends ride looks showroom new and it is tempting, but I'm trying to find something with 20-30 on the meter.

Fire-Only thing against the Durango is what I have heard about the MPG. 95% of the time this vehick will not be towing, it will be sitting in Chicago traffic, so an xtra couple of MPG will be appreciated though I know I'll still be a regular at the pump no matter what I get.

Why the Buick? Have a Park Ave now. 15 years old, 106k on the meter. No problems, love the comfort, 25mpg on the highway at "left-lane" speeds.

I have also considered the Jeep Commander but am concerned about reliability. Newer Pathfinders also but don't see many for sale.

As kind of a different flavor, look at a Saab 9-7X. They are a Trailblazer with a stiffer frame, and somewhat nicer interiors. They can usually be had pretty cheap as everyone runs from the Saab name.

I am a GM man, myself, so the Buick would be my choice. Actually the Chevy Trailblazer would be my choice and I would get the V8. I don't like that I6, too rev happy and too thirsty for fuel.

I'd sure +1 on Pathfinders. I'm on my second ... bulletproof.
Currently @ 46K with zero issues. Strong V6, tows my 20'er just fine.

everyone runs from the Saab name.[/quote]

WM...Thanks for the input. My only experience with a Saab is pushing a friend's down LSD in Chicago. Vapor lock. Thought for sure my death was imminent.