I have a unmodified 2003 Maxima 6-speed, and have been considering buying a used truck, most likely a Toyota, to haul stuff too bulky or sloppy (such as landscaping supplies) to put in my max. However, in my research I have discovered that the market on used trucks is quite strong...these things hold their value quite well. Best deal I have found so far is a '90 Toyota, 4cyl, 5spd, 4X4, 86,000 miles, new clutch and timing belt last year...they want $4700. Ouch. $4700 for a 14 year old truck. The 4x4 would also be quite nice, however, for winter driving. It would aid in keeping the nice car nice.

So, I have been considering a much less expensive alternative, that is getting a hitch and buying a small trailer. I know what my owner's manual says, but I was just wondering what everyone's opinion was on using the Maxima to tow. Is it a bad idea? Too much wear and tear? Anyone else face this dillema?

Thank you for your time.

 

I don't know if I would represent many people because I am very meticulous about my car. If it were up to me, though, I would go, and get the beater. It's worth it IMO.

 

A maxima should never tow anything IMO. I agree with the beater truck idea. towing stuff with cars is just stupid i saw this very nice eclipse and then i noticed the trailer ball on the back along with a masive crack in the rear facia from what looked like hitting a trailer. Bad idea to tow with a car
WHEELMAN

 

Get a truck.. I hate ppl who have trailer hitches and back up into me

 

Don't listen to the haters: it can be done.

I have a 2K3 Max SE 6spd with a Hidden Hitch tow kit. I have been using it all spring and summer to tow my racing kart trailer to and from the track. My racing partner has a Honda Pilot and uses it to tow it as well (we take turns). In the Max you can remove the ball and you can't see the hitch at all. It looks great. The Max's engine is noticably stronger than the Pilot for towing though the Pilot has a much greater tow load rating (mainly because of the increased sidewall of the Honda's tires).

My only concern was transmission cooling and suspension lag. I checked out the transmission issue and was told by two dealers it isn't a problem since I have a manual. The suspension lags a bit (stock) but not too bad considering the load is just over 1000lbs. I wouldn't recommend going much over this unless you change to a tire with a higher load rating!

Today I've just received my Eibachs and Tokicos and am having them installed next week. The Eibachs have a similar load rating to stock but are supposed to sag much less since they are progressives. As a plus they'll give a firmer ride than stock.

IF you can't afford the truck now, you absolutely can safely tow with a Max. Personally, I'd prefer to have a truck to tow with even though I really, really, really HATE trucks! Simply put, trucks are designed for towing first off and Maximas aren't BUT the Max is definitely up to the task if you have to.

BTW - I've been told on more than one occasion that my black Max looks awesome with our bright red team trailer behind it!

 

it can be done, if you can afford it the truck route will definitely be the way to go though