second vehicle recommendations WANTED

Okay, so with gas above 2.00/gal, I am looking at a new vehicle for my wife. I'll reclaim my 1997 Civic EX coupe.

We need a four-door, with room for two big dogs - 75+lbs each. possibly AWD. She does not want a minivan, so I am trying to get suggestions. I have been considering the Honda CR-V and Element (I like/she dislikes) and, Subaru Forester.

Thoughts - suggestions - and vehicles to avoid.

Todd

Mazda 3 wagon. I know it's labelled "wagon," but these are pretty cool little rides. Plenty of room, sporty, relatively good on gas. Just my $.02

I have always been a fan of the Subaru Outback wagon. It was either one of those or the X and I think im overall going to be happier with the X because of the deep deep snow I will be getting in Montana over the next 4 years or maybe longer.

Audi's make good Colorado cars. My wife didn't want a "wagon", but we ended up getting an A4 wagon (Avant), and she loves it. For a wagon, they are sporty as hell. And AWD... if you get the quattro.

Go with a subaru. I know audis may look sportier and what not, but they have a lot more problems than your typical subaru.

Honda Element. It's four-wheel-drive, tons of room inside, and the second most ugly car on the road. My girlfriend has one and the car is great. Thinking of putting a lift and 35's on the thing.

Oh, by the way, it averages 26mpg.

LOL....

I just bought my wife a Honda Element!

I think you should really have a look at one, I thought they were kinda ugly but they have grown on me a bit.

TON O SPACE!!!

If you don't really need AWD (which few really do need), I'd get a Mazda 6 wagon - sportier and better handling than the Subie, plus cheaper. Considering the amount of utility it has, it's a pretty fun car (especially with a stick).

If you don't need quite that much space and you have a bit higher budget, a Volvo V50 is a pretty slick wagon.

I would say the suburu also, my friend has one and he loves it. Daggerdoggie, if element is the second most ugly vehicle, what is first? I'm just not a fan, but to each their own.

I'd have to say Pontiac Aztec is the ugliest. But then again, those Scion boxes are quite ugly as well.

ok, you can go with a Mazda all day long, but at the end of the day it's still a bloody FORD. At least the Audi is really a Volkswagen with different badging. Subies are great, and you really can't beat the Element for interior space and functionality.

No, the 6 is more Mazda than Ford, though they are admittedly a joint venture. That platform is also used on the entry-level Jag.

The 3 is related to the Euro Focus, but the US Focus is still one generation behind - so for North American purposes, the 3 is unlike any Ford.

What's your point, anyway? Nationality distinctions and brand distinctions are becoming increasingly blurred. As far as your Audi comment goes (related to VW), VW products right now are significantly less reliable than Ford products - this from somebody who owns a VW.

I've had the Element for 2+ years now and I love it. If you don't like cleaning dog hair out of carpet, then you should really look into one. Try some of the online forums, like Element Owners Club, you'll find tons of info from dog owners.
The Subaru I'm sure has a better AWD system, but the Honda has a very capable system as well.

Good Luck

I say go with the subaru. My gf and I owned a WRX and it was a great car. the wagons or coupe with AWD and turbo is a great combination.

fair enough with regards to the Mazda 3, but let's be honest, Mazda is owned by Ford, it's not a joint venture. But that's neither here nor there. Coming from a Mazda ownder (me) not nearly as reliable as my '02 GTI, which never had a single problem with it in 80,000 miles.

Once again, it's all personal preference so get what your wife wants, trust me it'll make her much happier and if she doesn't know what she wants, then get her something she doesn't mind driving and that has good resale value.

The Forester and CRV are gonna be hard to beat functionality/mpg-wise.

If its in your price range, I would suggest the AWD Nissan Murano. Gets the same MPG as the Element and looks better IMO

I'm another Audi fan, so I have to suggest the new 2006 A3. Similar to the A4 but less expensive. We own an Audi A6 that I am thinking about trading in for the new A3. It's the wife's car...and she puts a lot of miles on it. The A3 gets better gas mileage than the A6 and is more pratical, imo.

Look sportier??? They not only look sportier, but they handle 10 times better on the road than a Suby. We were actually looking at Outback's also. Since we also have two big dogs (80 and 100#) that go everywhere with us, we needed the space of a wagon. After driving an A4 Avant and an Outback, it was a no brainer for us. The Audi is a sport wagon. Handles awesome and has good power. Mileage is around 31 on the highway and 24 around town. Way more fun to drive than the Outback. We were also keeping the X, so didn't need the ruggedness of the Outback. The only Suby that will perform like the Audi and allow space for the dogs is the WRX which doesn't have as much room and costs more.

Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe- both come with AWD optional - and around 25-30 mpg.If you get a GT or XRS model - you get the 2zz engine (Same as the Celica and Lotus Elise).

We looked at those too. Not a bad vehicle and plenty of room inside. I think they were around 30 k for a new one with AWD.

Before I bought my X I looked at almost every small SUV offered, including CRV, Toyota Rav-4, Ford Escape, the new Chevy Equinox, Hyundai Santa Fe... I desperately wanted the X but wasn't sure if I could afford its price and the gas mileage.

Best out of those was the Toyota but I hated the dealer and walked out vowing not to buy one. I love the CRV... the only downside (that I don't think has changed for 05) is that the shifter if you want automatic is on the dash. Not on the column, not on the floor, on the DASH. That was a deciding factor for me... I could never get used to it. Other than that, loved the vehicle.

I also like the new Ford Freestyle, though they came out after I had bought the X.

This is very true too... I just had this argument with my uncle who retired in May from GM after 37 years. He looked at my X parked on the parking pad and started in on it being a "foreign piece of s***" and how it usurps money and jobs from Americans... I pointed out that it was built in Kentucky and he stopped rambling.

I forgot to mention... I also looked at Saturn VUE... and to go along with the quote above, Saturn VUE's have Honda engines. Built to Saturn's specs, but still, a foreign engine.

I don't know, I used to drive a '98 Audi A4 quattro that was very reliable and a super nice car to drive. My '89 Audi 90 quattro was also very reliable and an exceptionally well built car. Wish I still had it! On the other hand, most people I've known with Subarus have had a lot of problems, some of which were serious. Blown engines, etc. That said, the new Subarus are pretty sweet. Thank God they finally figured out how to turbocharge their cars without having the engines blow every 30K!!! There are always Volvo wagons too. My Sister has a V70 T5 that's damn smooth, and my SIster-In-Law has a V70 Cross Country that's nice too.

Todd, I think the best thing is to just get driving different cars and see what you like!

The A3's are hot! Glad Audi finally decided to send them here! Someday I will have another Audi. Would love to pick up a babied ur S4/S6, not that I would mind a new one!

Subaru Outback. My stepmom has had one for 3 years now, and LOVES it. It's nice to drive, but I'd recommend the V6.

I can understand why everyone is saying the Honda Element, but I just can't get used to those. They may be functional, but the form is still fugly.

Come to think about it.....why not check out the Hundai Santa Fe? My soon-to-be in-kaws bought one last year and absolutely LOVE it.I've ridden in the back a few times and it was very roomy/comfortable even for me (6'-1", 245#).

How about, dare I say it, the Jeep Liberty, or a newer used Jeep Cherokee(not the Grand Cherokee, just the regular Cherokee......maybe a 99 or a 2000?)?

Can't agree with you more, fuckin ugly, lamo car.

Hey Todd,

Be like our "3G's" Gas Guzzling Governator, and
get a Hummer! Then you can feel superior to everyone in Colorado!

Just kidding. I hope you don't get rid of your X since I want to hang out with you and your son next year. We still need to talk...

Mark

Another thing to consider is that I'm pretty sure Honda is making a hybrid CRV for 2006.

Agreed! The wife has one it's actually a pretty nice ride. 17" wheels, heated leather seats, climate control, bose system with 6 disc in dash changer and built in subwoofer, auto with manual shift and it will move too. I never would have thought I would like driving a wagon.

My first choice for an AWD sporty wagon would be a BMW 325xi (or 325i for two wheel drive). Sporty looking (doesn't scream boring), and fun to drive, especially with the manual transmission. The price is about the same as an Audi A4 quattro wagon, so not exactly cheap. Try to find one without a lot of useless options (premium package, navigation, etc.). You may have to special order, since dealers like to stock really loaded versions. IMO BMW's seem to cost less to maintain than Audis, especially as they get older. The Audi is also a very nice ride, though.

The BMW 3-series is about to come out with a new model. I believe the new wagon version will be in 2006 sometime. Bargain hard on an old one. :rolleyes:

Surprised that no one has mentioned the Scion xB yet.

Love it or hate it, these boxy wagons offer exceptional space and versitility for their fuel mileage. xB or Element would be my choice.

Luxry wagons like Audi or Volvo are great, but how much gas money are you gonna save when you spend $35,000+ on the vehicle to begin with?

Well, if you decide on getting a Euro vehicle, check out:

Volvo Overseas Delivey site

BMW Overseas Delivery

Mercedes Overseas Delivery

Saab Overseas Delivery

Conspicuously absent? Audi, which does NOT have a Euro-delivery option.

Me, for reliability I go by what I see dumped on the used car lots - and you always see a row of volkswagens (Jetta's mostly) and Jeep Grand Cherokee's. Not very inspiring.

I would much rather have the Mazda or Subaru - just go sit in the Subaru for a while. I rode along with a friend in his Outback and the seats were very uncomfortable.

Or heck, the Murano. Isn't Nissan supposed to have their Scion/Element competitor out next year too? Or is it further off still?

The most important part of his post has been ignored by alot of you. He has two 75lb dogs! Those smaller "wagons" just ain't gonna cut it. I have three 40-50lb dogs and there's no way I'd be able to comfortably get them into an A4 or 325i wagon/hatchback.

My wife drives a Volvo XC70 (AWD) and I love it. It has plenty of room, is fun to drive, is the most comfortable car I've ever sat in, and it's sturdy enough to handle rougher roads and terrain.

I'd also second the Element. These things have grown on me, although I'm still not crazy about the looks. I have to admit, they drive well and have tons of room inside. Plus, as someone else mentioned, no need to deal with dog hair with that interior.

The Outback is a good third option.

I wouldn't get a CR-V just because...well, I can't stand those things. No good reason.

Not true. As I stated in my first post, I have two big dogs - 80 and 100 pounds. They fit fine with room to spare in the back of our A4 "wagon."

Of course, you'll have to make other arrangements for gear/luggage if you are road trippin' with the hounds. We have a rocketbox which probably holds more than the rear end of the Audi.

Huh. My buddy has one and I wouldn't be able to comfortably fit my dogs back there unless the back seats were down. Maybe it's a matter of the definition of comfort hehe (and acknowledging that 3 medium dogs take up more space than 2 large dogs).

And of course, Go Bucks!

I know most people won't like this but...

I would look at and get a crew cab pickup.

Plenty of room and useful bed for hauling.
As a second vehicle, it would be used as such and it is always great to have the bed for hauling.

Well, of course we put the seats down. If there will be more than the two of us in the vehicle with both dogs, we take the X. They would fit in the way back of the Audi, but they wouldn't have much room at all.

Back atcha!

Ah ok, I was looking at cars where you would be able to still use the back seats (for kids and such).

Priceless pic...ah Columbus.

My wife's car is a 2002 (non turbo) Forester, we love it. It get 24 MPG.

Todd,
I'd check out the Volvo V50 AWD. We have the sedan version(S40 T5 AWD) and absolutly love it. Fast ,safe, decent mpg (23 city to 30 hwy) . We chose it over the Subaru Legacy GT Limited. We test drove every AWD car out there (except BMW) and the Volvo was our final pick.

Hate to rain on your parade here, but the point of needing a second car is because of poor gas milage...not exactly what pickups are good for.

I also had an S40 T5 and absolutely loved it (had to sell already because we're moving abroad)...and the V50 version is also excellent. But just like I was saying with the Audi, if you're going to have your dogs in there you'll need to put all the seats down flat...hence my recommendation of the fuller-size wagon so you can still use those seats if you want.

Why not a Murano?

This is moving very nicely.

My wife is VERY price sensitive, so I must stay in the lower 20K range. I also live in an area where we do not have Audi/Volvo dealers. Service is an issue in the first couple years. I do not want to have to take time off work to go to the dealership.

Crash test safety is leaning towards the forester, but the lack of rear airbags is a concern. I have not seen the Maurano show up on best picks/buys list. I have been very happy in the past looking at this type of information.

Too bad the imports are not advertising employee pricing. I guess I'll have to really know the pricing.

Thank you for the ongoing discussion and comments.

Todd

slighly off-topic, but an interesting article on who owns what when it comes to cars

That price range rules out a lot of what's been mentioned here like Volvos, Muranos, etc....

That leaves cute utes like Rav4's, Asscapes, CRV's, etc. in contention, but given those choises, the Subaru looks better. I like the looks of the outback better than the forester tho, but the forester is better suited to K9s.

Yep, that price range does knock out the Volvo,Audi,Murano, and upper end Subaru. Believe it or not but a loaded Subaru Outback/Legacy is $32,000 also.

Subaru's ARE expensive, but man are they comfortable! I test drove a Subaru Imprezza (spelling?) once and it was a sweet ride... and comfy too. Great safety ratings too!

I disagree on your reasoning. Our second vehicle has always been the vehicle used for work or play. The first vehicle was the one that was used for common sense driving (better mileage).

Try reading the above (original post) with emphasis on the bold parts.
New vehicle for Todd's wife.
Relegates (or elevates depending on you POV) the X to a fun vehicle for weekend trips, hauling stuff, etc...
BETTEER GAS MILAGE FOR THE NEW VEHICLE

Explain to me where exactly the pickup comes into the picture here?

I'd say another Xterra :p

To each their own.

We still would look at a truck. A second vehicle in our opinion is one that is not driven all the time. Thus the mileage and price of gas is not that important.

I guess you want me to say go look at an Element or something to that effect. But I won't. I still say a pickup. My brother has a Mazda crew cab and gets 24 mpg.

I don't see any problem with that.

Jeffo65,

I think you missed my intent. I am married, I have an Xterra, which may go into occaisional use. It functions as the truck and I have a small utility trailer (you did not know that).

The new vehicle is for my wife, yes, my BROTHER might like a pickup, but she would not.

I am seaching for what is basically a compact SUV or even a station wagon. I ruled out a number of potential vehicles due to very limited price point. I do not think that many crewcab trucks have the creature comforts of the three "first thought" vehicles.

Sorry that you got confused by my search for comments.

The second vehicle is for DAILY driving. She works, I work, we have a big kid and dogs. She frequently hauls both the two foot and both four foots at the same time.

Those damn domestic companies have a couple really good offers out there right now. I may look at a couple big dealerships in Denver on Saturday.

CAR Hunting continues......

Todd. I don't believe anyone's mentioned the Dodge Magnum. A lot of car and ponies for the money. As for recent product quality / consumer satisfaction polls, I really don't know. But I rode in one the other day and thought it to be a cool, quick ride , with (dog room ).
Edit to add- Uhh, my first choice would be another X as well

I still say another Xterra.

I got what I think is a good deal this Saturday. Went looking at some vehicles. Was looking at an 06 Forester with and upgrade package. I realized that the base model 2005 Outbacks had the same features. I ended up 2K below the invoice price, so I think all in all it went okay.

Hopefully, this was a wise investment.

Todd