AAA towing question: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Oct. 20, 2008 1:03 p.m. jpaturzo New Reader

So I am looking at a challenge priced '74 914 after work today. I have no trailer, and if I did, I doubt the Fit would be up to towing it. I do however have the ultra AAA road service plan that allows up to 100 miles a day of free towing. The car is 93 miles from home base. It would be going from southern MA to southern CT.

My question is, has anyone ever used AAA to tow a car that clearly has no plates and has obviously not run in 10 years? I only have minimal bribe money for the tow truck driver, and I want to make sure I can get the car off the sellers lot as fast as possible. Thanks.
Oct. 20, 2008 1:14 p.m. Paul_VR6 New Reader

I done that before but had put plates on it and made sure that it looked as much like a running car as I could. AAA does have some corp wreckers and they might give some scrutiny, but the contracted ones usually care less. Just use your tow money for the tip.
Oct. 20, 2008 1:59 p.m. jrw1621 Reader

Similar experience to above. Make sure it looks roadworthy and push it off the dealers lot and onto a public street for better probability. It is very much "up to the driver."
Oct. 20, 2008 2:02 p.m. PubBurgers HalfDork

I've always had to have tags but condition doesn't seem to matter. I've gotten some true heaps towed before.
Oct. 20, 2008 2:49 p.m. therex SuperDork

Tags are the important bit. My friend and I were towing a 944 (Callaway turbo!!!) back from Pennsylvania, and got a flat on the trailer (with no spare). We called AAA as we just wanted the 944 towed back, and they told us to pound sand.
Oct. 20, 2008 2:50 p.m. jpaturzo New Reader

Thanks for all the advice. I'm leaving in a few minutes, so I'll see how things work out.
Oct. 21, 2008 7:09 a.m. jpaturzo New Reader

Turns out my father has another buddy who owns a towing company, that does AAA calls. Problem solved. Now I just have to decide if I want a 914 that has its fair share of rust holes.
Oct. 21, 2008 10:13 a.m. curtis73 Reader

I've not had trouble with this until the last few years. They are really cracking down on it to the point where two of my cars are "blacklisted" and they won't tow them anymore unless they are running and operational again. The last time I called to have my bonneville towed they wouldn't do it. It was pretty obvious; the engine and tranny were out, the doors were off, the body work was started, and it was stripped bare. Now if I call to have it towed, its on record and they won't do it. I would probably be able to convince them to come out and judge for themselves, but they're getting picky.

Their policy is only for roadside emergency assistance on otherwise viable, registered vehicles. But, its up to the driver.
Oct. 21, 2008 10:29 a.m. Keith SuperDork

I had this towed by AAA:

I also used AAA to repossess a car once.