I agree with the towing aspect. Its great. I can have fun and not worry about getting the trail truck home. Plus the tow vehicle is clean when I leave (not dusty/muddy/wet or musty smelling). I also found it to be more comfortable towing than driving long sitances with lots of stuff packed in the Amigo. Oh and for short trips I get about 1 or 2 MPG less towing the Amigo than I do driving the Amigo. On longer trips when I would be towing the utility trailer behind the Amigo I get 1-2 mpg better towing the Amigo.

Downside is buying/parking/maintaining another vehicle and trailer.

Diesels are certainly nice. Big blocks work good to and typically cost less and small blocks will actually get the job done and cost even less. Whatever you I would definately get a 3/4 ton. Its a much more enjoyable experience towing with a vehicle that is easily up to the task than a vehicle that will "work".

For cheap tow rigs I like the old solid axle Chevy's, but any of the big three would work. Unfortunately $5k isn't alot to work with, deisels will be a tough find.

good luck
-Mike