Something cheap to tow? Future vehicle shopping.

Buy more money?

Everything went up. You aren't wrong about the prospects for a $10k truck.

Try a 2010-2014 Subaru Outback with the 6 cylinder 3.6R. They tow very well and the old-school 5 speed transmission is a tank if (someone) takes care of it. Nice driving cars overall.

MPG ain't awesome, but better than those trucks.

Good luck!

 

Why replace a good thing? IF the motor does go bad replace it...It hasnt so stop trying to make your life complicated

 

Does image matter? Not sure how much weight you want to tow but how about a van? Something like a GMC Savanna/Ford E-150/Chevy Express for $2-3k

 

...can you still get those that cheap? Less clapped-out than a 2010 Prius with 193k on it?

The classic downsides of vans are parking, fuel economy and maintenance... need child-sized hands with the strength of three men.

 

So would 150,000,000 other Americans.
Right tool for the job.
You're looking for something to tow about 1500#, presumably over relatively short trips.

Handy as they are for hauling stuff, a truck isn't the only tool for that job.

I'd look into a minivan or not-so minivan as mentioned above.
For $10,000 you should be able to get something that will more than suit your needs.
The little "Hello Kitty" microvans that you see companies like mine use are also a good pick for used under $10,000....BUT...remember that they lack rear-view mirrors if you're a rhinoceros.

My dark-horse nomination would be something like an Elantra.
Back in the early 2000's they cheap, reliable, and boasted a very high tow rating.

They also have rear-view mirrors.

 

For starters, there's no such thing as safely towing something on the cheap, let alone with 35 or higher MPG...

But fear not, as always, I'm hear to push the envelope of cheapest of DIY cheap that will get you up into the high 35 MPG range while towing.

What you want to look for is an old Highlander or Lexus 400H that has a failed hybrid battery and a stolen catalytic converter. People sell these for cheap because the cost of repairs the Toyota Stealerships quote are more than the value of the car so they give up.

Why one of these cars would be ideal for a DIY person who tows stuff is you can install a functional aftermarket cat for $100 and then you can add a 320V Project Lithium pack for SUVs for $3K... This system will give you surprising results because these oversized battery packs might not be so great as OEM Nickel-based power, but as Lithium power you're gonna have a huge amount more amps to play with and 35mpg when towing would be possible.

I've already helped several people with this setup and its amazing how well it works. And if you use my affiliate link I'll give you unlimited tech support, as well as help you with finding the vehicle: https://projectlithium.com/?ref=9qLPw