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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,423
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,423 |
I wouldn't expect 20mpg from most of those. Either of the Subarus would be the bext from that list.
How about a Dodge Magnum? SXT or RT have a good mix of sporty/utility. Is a PT Cruiser large enough because there is $4500 in rebates on 2004 models. Puts a GT in the $20k range brand new with 21/27mpg.
I've owned my house for 4 years and have done a lot of remodeling. I find my pickup very valuable, but obviously not much fun as far as sporty driving goes. How about a 2003 F-150 Harley Davison. You basically get a Supercrew with Lightning motor.
I recommend a small utility trailer if you have a place to store it and focus more on the sportiness of the tow vehicle. Almost anything can tow 1000 pounds which is fine for a light 4x6 or 5x8 utility trailer.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,840
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2002
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My vote goes to the Nissan Murano. CVT transmission will keep your gas mileage up and it's just got deadly good looks. Especially in black.  Maybe I just don't see the hype surrounding the Subarus that everyone else does? 
Troll. 1997 VW Jetta MkIII GLS 5spd
All hail my appearance on CEG!
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,015
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Nov 2000
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Originally posted by JVT:
For the price, performance and utility factor, I'd say you CAN NOT go wrong with the Subaru Forester.
-J
Have to agree here, after owning a 2003 XS (wish I had the XT!)
Compared ot any of the other small SUV's nothing can touch the Subaru when it comes to:
Fuel Efficiency (26-30mpg)
Passenger Comfort (5 adults easy)
Interior Appointments (6 CD, Climate Control, Heated Seats, Heated windshield mirrors, All Wheel Drive) etc.
And it handles like a car, not like a shrimp boat!
The XS was not bad performance wise, i.e. it wasn't a total dog like my g/f's CRV (slow as fugg!) and with the XT version your up to the performace figures of the Porsche Boxter!  
2000 SVT Turbo 295hp/269ftlb@12psi
#1 for Bendix Brakes Kits!
Knuckles rebuilt w/new bearings $55
AUSSIE ENDLINKS $70
Gutted pre-cats $80/set
A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine!
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 173
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 173 |
I gather from your comments that you are unwilling to look at minivans as a potential solution. In terms of space utilization, they are hard to beat, especially compared to most SUV's. I realize that they may not be as glamorous or trendy as sport-ute's and many people dismiss them out of hand as "soccer mom" conveyances, but to my mind they offer much more utility than SUV's, while giving up only the limited off-road capabilities that most SUV's have. Sienna, Odyssey, new Grand Caravan (w/Stow 'n Go seating)...worth a look.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,431
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Mar 2001
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I recommend both Forester for daily commuting and minivan for overall construction hauling. (Our old Windstar took almost everything you threw at it, and boy did we do some large projects when we had it!)
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 631
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
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Posts: 631 |
Pathfinder/QX4. Took mine to 140,000 without a single problem. Drives sporty for a truck. 2001 and newer get the VQ which gives them adequate power:240hp. You can get a 02 or 03 in the low 20's with low mileage. I would steer towards the qx4 if you can find a good deal. It looks better, rides better, has the Skylines AWD system and has a little nicer interior, Xenons, comes with a better warranty and the good service you get with the g20. (The Pathfinder LE has some of the goodies)
The downside is that the backseat is kinda tight (I'm 6'1 250), it is still a truck and you are looking at high teens for gas mileage.
05 Legacy GT Turbo 5speed
99 SVT GRN/TAN (sold)
06 Ford Explorer EBv8
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 5,725
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OP
Hard-core CEG'er
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We'll have to definitely take a closer look at the Subarus. We had a Legacy Outback Limited as a rental in Oregon and really liked it. That may be a good choice.
I can't be seen driving a mini-van, but I do appreciate the suggestions!
For Sale:
- Sony PSP with a Baseball 2k6 and the movie Crash. $100
- 1973 Karmann Ghia Convertible w/ Auto-Stick. Needs Restoration. $1200 OBO
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,015
Hard-core CEG'er
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Joined: Nov 2000
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If you end up getting a Forester XS, iI still have an axle-back exhaust I had custom made for it. It bolts to the last flange of the system and replaces the stock pipe and muffler for a stainless steel pipe and Magnaflow muffler, complete with hangers.
Sounded sweet - just have no use for it anymore after I sold the Forester.
2000 SVT Turbo 295hp/269ftlb@12psi
#1 for Bendix Brakes Kits!
Knuckles rebuilt w/new bearings $55
AUSSIE ENDLINKS $70
Gutted pre-cats $80/set
A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine!
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,496
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,496 |
How about a Pacifica, GF had one as a rental for a week and man I loved that car. I thought the 250HP moved it pretty well too. Great interior.
Magnum would be my next choice. Utility plus HP makes it a real winner.
Buick Rendezvous Ultra? Gets the 3.6L from the CTS.....
Money doesn't always bring happiness. People with ten million dollars are no happier than people with nine million dollars ~ Hobart Brown
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 18
New CEG\'er
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New CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 18 |
Not sure others SUVs on your list but my wife has a RX300,quality is good,good handling,the only drewback is slightly under power.Seem lot of RX300s coming out to the market,so find a good deal should not be a problem.
I would also look at Honda pilot,it's a pretty capable SUV(but beware tranny porblem?)
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