racking my brain over next vehicle purchase

[FLORIDA]

I've had post here about what vehicle to buy next a few times already this year so whats one more to end 2014. Right now I travel in a 02 durango that gets 18mpg on the interstate. I can't wait for the day when I get 27-30mpg. I travel with a mini rigid gangbox that is about 4 ft bY 2ft, 18 inches tall plus luggage so I need some room. Honda fit and toyota matrix vehicles just aren't quite enough especially if I have someone going to the job with me. Scion xb or honda element could work, and the xb is definitely in the running but it could get cramped with box, luggage plus a passenger. Gm doesn't seem to get much love now a days but the gmc terrains size would be perfect, but all I here is horror story's online about the 2.4 ecotec. I'm shopping around 2-4 years old, 9 to 12 thousand price range. What mid to large 4 cylinder suvs stand out among the bitog community. I buy used with some mileage so I would would prefer something with proven reliability. I know these posts are vague but I value all the opinions I get to help with my selecton, thanks.

 

[sciphi]

Honda CR-V/Toyota RAV4.

Or, look for a used V6 minivan. It sounds like most of the driving is highway, so a modern V6 minivan should get about 27 mpg or so with plenty of space.

 

[spasm3]

How looking for and older low mileage Hyandai elantra touring wagon? I don't think they sell those new anymore. I think they get about 22-23 city 29-30 hwy.

 

[lawman1909]

2-4 year old car and only a budget of 9-12k?? 9-12k for a mid size would get you a 5+ year old vehicle with many miles. I would look at a Honda CRV. I typically get 28-30 on the highway.

 

[Skid]

I have a first gen (2006) xB as a daily driver and love the car, but wouldn't recommend it for long drives on the interstate - seat cushions are too short and pinch the thighs.

 

[FLORIDA]

Hard to find the elantra touring around here. I still think it might be a little small.

 

[FLORIDA]

Originally Posted By: lawman1909
2-4 year old car and only a budget of 9-12k?? 9-12k for a mid size would get you a 5+ year old vehicle with many miles. I would look at a Honda CRV. I typically get 28-30 on the highway.


I'm not against a 5 year old vehicle as long as it had less than 100k.

 

[Bud_One]

What about a Ford Transit Connect ? 2010s are in your price range.

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted By: Bud_One
What about a Ford Transit Connect ? 2010s are in your price range.


Thats a good suggestion! Don't they get almost 30mpg hwy too?

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted By: Bud_One
What about a Ford Transit Connect ? 2010s are in your price range.
Pretty sure the Fore Transit's transmission dies at around 80k-100k miles.

 

[earlyre]

Epa rating is 22 City, 25 Hwy, 23 combined.

Mechanically, it's a first Gen Focus, so there should be parts-a-plenty to be found.

 

[Bud_One]

Originally Posted By: spasm3
Originally Posted By: Bud_One
What about a Ford Transit Connect ? 2010s are in your price range.


Thats a good suggestion! Don't they get almost 30mpg hwy too?


earlyre beat me to it

Per Fueleconomy.gov it gets 22 city/ 25 hwy - but as we all know... your mileage may vary.

http://tinyurl.com/pvyqg3x

 

[QuietPortage]

Spend a few dollars more and get 40 MPG.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?listingId=621138077

 

[01rangerxl]

Are there any vehicles you notice other people in your line of work using frequently? Often in work vehicle situtations, that's a good indicator of what does the job very effectively within your budget.

What about a previous generation I4 Escape? Reliable Duratec 2.3, common vehicle that shares parts with other common Fords, decent MPG for a box, resale will be lower than the current models, etc. Not as much space as a Transit Connect, but a little less conspicuous and more of a "regular car."

 

[HangFire]

Go boring. Get a 10th Gen Corolla and enjoy the reliability. Just follow the factory service interval except add drain and fills on the "lifetime fill" transmission, and change the trans filter which the dealer swears is a screen... but it's a filter.

 

[147_Grain]

Originally Posted By: HangFire
Go boring. Get a 10th Gen Corolla and enjoy the reliability. Just follow the factory service interval except add drain and fills on the "lifetime fill" transmission, and change the trans filter which the dealer swears is a screen... but it's a filter.

Great advice! We love our high MPG Corolla's which are simple to maintain and provide low cost expense for years to come.

 

[01rangerxl]

The Corolla is a great idea until you try to put this in it...

Which it seems the OP will be doing regularly.

 

[crazyoildude]

i like the hyundai santa fe's they come in both 4 and 6 cylinder and get pretty good gas mileage from both of them the 6 has 276 horsepower and is powerful. they are comfortable and reliable and if you go to a hyundai dealer and get a certified one it will have the remainder of the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty. I like the Santa fe better than the Toyota suv or my now gone range rover money pit.

 

[EdwardC]

I don't think you'll be getting much better gas mileage in am Element, but I think its a great option. And reliable.

I think that an SUV or truck might be the best bet for longevity. I feel that an econowagon may not like carrying all that weight all the time.

Maybe a ranger or Tacoma with the 4cyl?

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted By: EdwardC

Maybe a ranger or Tacoma with the 4cyl?


I was thinking of mentioning those in my first post, but didn't think OP would be interested given what he was already looking at.

I agree though, the basic requirements would have me looking at small trucks.

Room for one passenger, gang box can be secured in the bed, plenty of luggage space for 1-2 people with a Super Cab or Access Cab, I4s get up to 30 on the highway, they are comfortable, and they are reliable. You won't have room for a 3rd person comfortably, but if that's not an issue a small truck is perfect for this.