Towing with a civic
 

I read a couple posts dating several months back about towing things
with a Honda civic. I too am considering getting rid of one of my
present vehicles, a Ford Ranger and buying an 03 Civic Si. My wife has a
2000 Civic hatch back and the thing has a lot more get up and go with
three adults aboard then the 3.0L V6 Ford Ranger. The little 4 banger in
the Honda puts out only 20 less horsepower. The new SI has a real low
geared first gear and would most probably not have a problem pulling a
1500 lb load. My concern is the integrity of the body and the strength
of the attaching points for the hitch. The Ranger has a real frame which
gives it an edge as well as the ability to use a class III hitch. Now,
I'm not looking to tow the Queen Mary, but I do have a very light 16'
Avenger speed boat with a 90 hp Mercury outboard that I'd like to tow
about 30 - 40 miles to a couple rivers here in Florida. Am I being a bit
overly optimistic in assuming the Civic Si could handle this task? I
also have a 5.0L mustang (1990) that can easily tow the boat, but the
rear of that car where the hitch attaches makes me worry about metal
fatigue and possible failure of the attaching points. What experiences
have others out there had with the Civic with respect to towing things.
I test drove a couple Si's this past month and really like the car. It
has a ton of cargo space and plenty of power for my needs and driving
style.
Thanks,
Bill B.