Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
Has she seen the new Escape / Vertex? The Echo Boost engines are four or so years ahead of the tech used in the competitor's models you're choosing between.
Both Toyota and Honda are doing styling refreshes on the models you mentioned. When you see the new models, you want to avoid the ugly duck 2011's. The RAV4 has available third row seating.
Or, find yourself a 1999 to 2003 BMW 5 Series (E39) wagon, preferably a 528 or 530 with the slide out tray in back. More utility than a truck, drives better than a new too heavy BMW. ... Or try to sell her on a Subaru WRX (2009's my choice). Drive the WRX and any of the new Corolla or Civic on tall struts lose their appeal and the WRX is every bit as functional.
Life is short, don't drive boring cars.
She's been driving a dodge caravan and loves the utility of the space in back. She also has a mini cooper s, which although a massive joy to drive, is too small for her utilitarian wishes. We are probably going to sell both. I just put new yokahamas on the mini too.
She likes to sit up a little higher and wants the space that's why we are looking at the little suv's. Personally, I like the tahoe, but it is way more vehicle than she needs or wants.
We looked at the jetta sportwagon tdi. Nice little rig, but too little. If they still made a passat tdi, I think we would go that route.
Beamers are great, but even as a car guy, I would dread any transmission problems...Even I dont have a source of inexpensive parts for those.
I had not looked at the eco boost stuff. The newer ford transmissions with 39 external sensors have been giving owners and dealers fits.