Ideas for SUV or alternative

[boomhower]

I'm bored at work and thought I might get some ideas. This spring I am going to get a new vehicle. Its purpose in life is going to be a weekend and vacation vehicle, i.e weekly grocery trips, Lowe's, etc. Not for commuting to work, soccer games, etc. We have cars for that.

Now my family consists of me, my wife, a 9 year old, a 2 year old, and a puppy that will be 140-180lbs full grown. And yes it will go on vacation with us. Now I going to be looking in the range of 12k-14k. When gas was at $3/gallon I was going to go with a Tahoe/Suberban but at $4 it is causing me to rethink a bit. A minivan is out of the question. Anything else I should consider that I am missing?

Thanks

 

[JulesMaximus]

Why do you need this vehicle at all? You could just rent a vehicle for the vacation trips or the occasional trips to the hardware store.

 

[xanis]

You need a crossover my friend, but I don't think you're going to be getting one for $14K. If I was you I would start looking at some hatchbacks.

 

[boomhower]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Why do you need this vehicle at all? You could just rent a vehicle for the vacation trips or the occasional trips to the hardware store.

For several reasons but mainly we need a third vehicle. My DD is an old beaten Honda I keep around to drive to work as it is 20 miles each way. I need another vehicle around for when it decides to break down. Plus it is just convenient to not have to go rent a vehicle to pick up a load of mulch or go to Sam's Club.

Xanis: I had the same thought but as you indicated a little outside of the price range right now.

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: boomhower

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Why do you need this vehicle at all? You could just rent a vehicle for the vacation trips or the occasional trips to the hardware store.

For several reasons but mainly we need a third vehicle. My DD is an old beaten Honda I keep around to drive to work as it is 20 miles each way. I need another vehicle around for when it decides to break down. Plus it is just convenient to not have to go rent a vehicle to pick up a load of mulch or go to Sam's Club.

Xanis: I had the same thought but as you indicated a little outside of the price range right now.

Hmm. I think you may want to look at the Honda Fit. You can get a base model with a MT for about $14K, or if you want an AT, about $15K. It should fit your needs perfectly.

 

[boomhower]

Ah crap I guess I didn't make this clear. I will be getting a used vehicle. A Honda Fit is not big enough.

 

[Toastedlightly]

An older station wagon?

 

[Throckmorton]

Dude, if it's for weekends and vacations, gas mileage doesn't matter much. Just buy whatever you want. You can buy a used SUV for a few thousand bucks, but you better do it before gas prices drop a few cents and people start thinking they can afford them again.

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: Throckmorton
Dude, if it's for weekends and vacations, gas mileage doesn't matter much. Just buy whatever you want. You can buy a used SUV for a few thousand bucks, but you better do it before gas prices drop a few cents and people start thinking they can afford them again.

I agree. Get the size vehicle you need, save the price on the purchase and that will buy a ton of gas.

 

[alfa147x]

FIT

 

[Dr. Detroit]

If that dog is really going to weigh 140 -180lbs I don't think any crossover will fit your weekend suitcases + the dog.

I think with the 3rd row folded in the Explorer, Freestyle or Pacifica you will still not have enough room.

I would go with a pick-up truck and a canopy. Stick the dog in the bed and when pooch needs some attention just roll down the power rear window.

With your budget you should be able to get a nice used F150 crew-cab or perhaps a Explorer Sport Trac.

 

[Bignate603]

A decent SUV with a rear seat that lays flat would probably be big enough. You shove the suit cases over to one side and have the dog on the other. I know that my Cherokee would have fit a big dog, I slept in the back of that thing a few times.

 

[boomhower]

Bignate, I had that thought but I would have to get a roof carrier as well. It looks like the Ford Edge is already dropping into the 17k-18k area so next spring they may be within reach. But on the other hand I may just do as some of you are suggesting and getting a full size and be done with it. I had been eyeing 02-03 Yukon XL Denali's pretty hard.

Yeah the dog will get that big, it is a great pyranees. His father is 160lbs and his largest pup is two years old and 203lbs. But on average 140-160lbs is expected.

 

[Colt45]

Station wagon.


I like AWD so I'd go with an Audi. An old MB 300TE would be good for 2wd... They come in diesel too, if you're into that. 300TD. Should be cheap.. spend the change on fuel.
Nothin wrong with an older 5 series wagon either (also available in diesel)... and you can ditch your DD.

Maybe a subaru wagon if you're into japanese stuff.

 

[boomhower]

I actually like the Audi station wagons but I don't like the maintenance bills of used German cars. I had almost forgot about Subaru. Maybe a Forester would work.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Just get a damn minivan. Its perfect for that kind of crap.

 

[boomhower]

Not going to happen for a variety of reasons though some of these may vary on model: reliability, resale value, still poor gas mileage(18MPG van vs. 15MPG truck), and I would prefer 4WD. And yes the old stand-by, I am a man and I will not drive a minivan.

 

[iamwiz82]

I'd stick with the Tahoe/Suburban. You won't be saving that much fuel with a small car if it's a third vehicle.

 

[Bignate603]

I've driven my mother's Forester, she loves it, I can't stand it. The automatic transmission has had this little kick as it goes from coasting to under power that drove me nuts.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Well, now is a good time to buy an SUV if you really want one. My neighbor was telling me of a Chevy Tahoe that was 2 years old with 30k miles on it listed for $15k a couple weeks ago.

 

[CptCrunch]

Ford Edge is a great choice, roomy, good mpg, great engine, and should do 20-22mpg easy. Rented a 2007 model and it was GREAT. Might suggest renting an Edge for a weekend and try it out, or any other vehicle you are interested in, to see if it will work for you

 

[compman25]

I'm in the same boat, but I want gas to go up and hit $5 temporarily. I'd like to get a low mile 08 Yukon Denali for cheap.

 

[theeedude]

Mazda3 Hatchback.

 

[Throckmorton]

Buy a Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee. Not a Wrangler, because they are overpriced.

http://charlotte.craigslist.or...&minAsk=min&maxAsk=max

 

[CupCak3]

My wife and i have a Malibu Maxx. It came in quite handy in the last remodel hauling around 2x4s and concrete. Also very roomy in the back seat for passengers when not hauling large items around. She gets b/t 30 and 33 MPG w/ her commute.