I specifically bought the auto because the Mazda-supplied manual is the weak link, and cuts tow capacity to 2200 lbs. I would have loved a 4wd truck, but the price difference is staggering. The particular ramp I use doesn't tend to be too slimy and there are always people around I know who can tie on another truck to me if need be and yank my truck and boat both off the ramp. My house is 1/2 mile from the little ramp where the sunfish goes, and a little over a mile from the big ramp where the bigger boats go, so I wasn't kidding about short distances.

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2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics