Interior Space plus High(er) Mileage: Does it exist?

[herm0016]

tacoma or frontier or colorado with a cap?

2wd tahoe should get around 17 or 18 mpg. I get near 16 with my 4x4 full size pickup, the tahoe has better aero and less losses being 2wd.

that expo probably gets around 14 mpg if i remember them correctly.

how about a ford flex?

 

[kornphlake]

A Chevy Astro van, with the right rear end, can get 22ish MPG on the freeway which is as good or better than most of the mini-vans and SUVs out there (unless we're seriously considering 2010 or 2011 models) ride height is more like a truck/SUV than a mini-van while the size is more like a mini-van than a full size van. They're not the safest vehicles on the road, although statistically Astro drivers are less likely to be killed in an accident according to Wikipedia. It's becoming difficult to find an Astro with low miles as they haven't been produced since '05, but with proper maintenance they'll go 200k+ miles. I'd think a cargo version might be most suitable unless your friend needs to haul people, no windows means the cargo is a little more secure.

I really like the Transit Connect, or if you've got a bit more money and driveway space the Dodge Sprinter is a good van.

Edit: A cargo van also doubles as a mobile billboard for her DJ services, just sayin'

 

[herm0016]

nissan also has new vans out that are pretty cool to check out if you go that route, based on the titan. no cargo van, except the astro, will be helpful with mpg though.

 

[BoberFett]

Honda Element?

I mentioned that one too her today, she thought it was an interesting choice. The rear suicide doors would make it easier to load equipment.

 

[Rifter]

As mentioned a truck with canopy would be a good idea. Or just get whatever vehicle you want and tow a small enclosed utility trailer with the gear in it.

 

[Doppel]

If towing a trailer isn't an option the only other one is a van of some size, be it a micro like a Mazda5 (a 2009 can be had with low miles for as little as $12-13k), or a genuine minivan. SUVs cannot compete with a modern minivan except in their very largest versions and get much worse mileage. There's a reason people who say they'll never own a minivan buy one: they realize the things are unbeatable at what they aim to do.

A utility trailer is probably the cheapest approach, assuming a lot of miles are driven without needing the capacity.

 

[senseamp]

Jetta TDI Wagon is 30 mpg city 42 mpg highway.

 

[kornphlake]

nissan also has new vans out that are pretty cool to check out if you go that route, based on the titan. no cargo van, except the astro, will be helpful with mpg though.

I believe the Sprinter can get 30mpg, which is pehnomenal for a vehicle of it's size. Finding one used and in good condition can be a challenge.

 

[vi edit]

Yet another option that's pretty cheap is the Taurus-X. It's got the new 3.5L in it. Basically a little more...rounded? Flex. Same platform and similar space.

They are cheap used.

 

[BoberFett]

Yet another option that's pretty cheap is the Taurus-X. It's got the new 3.5L in it. Basically a little more...rounded? Flex. Same platform and similar space.

They are cheap used.

I already suggested the Taurus-X (rebadged Freestyle) and we might go look at those sometime.

 

[BoberFett]

Jetta TDI Wagon is 30 mpg city 42 mpg highway.

Interesting. That is a nice boxy interior, might be worth a look.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I have an 08 Forester.
It's got decent capacity and the back end isn't curved very much.
I get about 25mpg mixed, or around 28 on the highway.
Biggest thing I've ever carried in the back is 2x 30 inch wide lower kitchen cabinet pieces as well as a bunch of gallons of paint and some shelving and misc things... It's not "HUGE", but It'll carry a decent amount of equipment with the seats down.

There is not much legroom in the back seat, but it's fine for kids.

According to edmunds, 68.6 cu.ft max cargo space with rear seats down.


Found this when looking up more info ..
I think it may provide to be very handy. It does not list cargo area with seats down, but it does list the cargo area behind the seats .... and it breaks it down by category and mpg....

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...conomy-1205-fuel-economy-cargo-haul/index.htm

Anyhow, I'd recommend a minivan due to the fact that they can haul a lot of shit and still get semi decent mileage. But, if thats off the table, It may be hard to beat a Subaru.

 

[Subbaculcha]

Saw Honda Element mentioned. When I looked at them awhile back, the rear seats moved out of the way, LOTS of room.