[Twix]

Buy an old Land Rover like I did. I bought mine for $3000 CDN, that's like $3.50 US. Plus, if I can't find a parking stall, I just fine a Prius and push it out if the way

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by Twix

Buy an old Land Rover like I did. I bought mine for $3000 CDN, that's like $3.50 US. Plus, if I can't find a parking stall, I just fine a Prius and push it out if the way

Which year and model ?

[Nkc]

I like my 17 Jeep grand Cherokee SRT. It does everything I want it to do, no questions asked. Only downside is the gas mileage in which I've come to appreciate for all the things that it can do. I'd love myself a trackhawk but that's a bit silly for my wife's daily. I'd love it if it was a bit more efficient on gas, aside from that, it's all gravy.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by Nkc

I like my 17 Jeep grand Cherokee SRT. It does everything I want it to do, no questions asked. Only downside is the gas mileage in which I've come to appreciate for all the things that it can do. I'd love myself a trackhawk but that's a bit silly for my wife's daily. I'd love it if it was a bit more efficient on gas, aside from that, it's all gravy.

I thought you guys got rid of that car? I've been driving our '14 GC Overland Hemi for the last year and it's the first car I've had in a while that I'm not itching to get rid of. VERY nice vehicle and a real hoot with the Corsa exhaust and MOPAR CAI.

[hooligan_G01]

Originally Posted by Mr Carrots

the golf sportwagen is a much better car than the alltrack, but sadly I couldn't persuade my wife to take one instead of an X1

VW are still hurting so they'll probably go for 10% off, at least. Tune it up and it's a solid little cheap sub 20k doggywagon

It is, I just REALLY wish they'd give it the 2.0 from the GTI instead of the 1.8L.

[vooonoo]

I saw some people on here say Hyundai. I had a Hyundai for a little longer than 5 years. After about 2 and a half it went to shit. They recommend the the timing belt be changed at 60k, around 30k it started to make a terrible sound. It sounded like the engine was going to explode. It was of course the timing belt. Had it changed then again at 60 it started to make the same sound. So i traded it in, not wanting to deal with that again.

The car rattled like a motherfucker while driving, there were so many different sounds of things being loose after a couple years. The car was well maintained oil changed every 3k. I did the plugs wires and coils on it bc the performance was going down hill at 30 k. It was getting about 20 mpg before i did the plugs it shot back up to the 30s.

The whole car seems like it was made out of cheap plastic. The only good thing it was easy to work on for you DYIers. Oh and it came with a spare tire! the new ones don't any more

[Nkc]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

I thought you guys got rid of that car? I've been driving our '14 GC Overland Hemi for the last year and it's the first car I've had in a while that I'm not itching to get rid of. VERY nice vehicle and a real hoot with the Corsa exhaust and MOPAR CAI.

Still got it. Couldn't find anything that can replace it. Was thinking of getting a 1/2 ton + a smaller efficient commuter but it just didn't make sense financially and I can't make space for another car. The Jeep is a keeper.

[Captain Blood]

Originally Posted by sid369

The MB C300 lease is up in a couple of months and looking to replace it with another car.

Thinking of saving some money and not buying any luxury car anymore.
What would be a good compact/midzise SUV that has good power and a bit fun to drive?

I have a V6 RAV4 and wish they still made V6, but they don't anymore. I also want something reliable with the most upto date technology.

The new Subaru is suppose to be very nice.

[Twix]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

Which year and model ?

It's a 2002 Discovery

[Mr Carrots]

Originally Posted by hooligan_clt

It is, I just REALLY wish they'd give it the 2.0 from the GTI instead of the 1.8L.

Agreed, obviously we'll never get the r wagen but even the gti version would be a huge win. Instead we get 2 versions of the 1.8, one jacked up 6 feet and covered in plastic cladding

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Mr Carrots

Agreed, obviously we'll never get the r wagen but even the gti version would be a huge win. Instead we get 2 versions of the 1.8, one jacked up 6 feet and covered in plastic cladding

Exactly why I skipped the wagon and just got a GTI. The 1.8T is a dog. Have yet to need more space than the GTI offers, holds my 3yo and my beagle just fine. Even fits my 29er mountain bike when needed, I've been too lazy to either remount my old roof rack or throw on a trailer hitch.

SUV's aren't for me, so I have no knowledge of what's going on there.

[sid369]

what do you guys think of the new VW tiguan? they have redesigned it this year and its does look like it got some more space inside, not sure how it drives though.

[KingOfJericho]

How long do you plan to keep it? You can't expect Toyota reliability, durability, or longevity with a VW product.

[ItsGary]

Toyota Highlander Hybrid. We own an 08 Highlander Hybrid Limited and get pretty amazing gas mileage. Around 9.4L/100KM around 450-475KM gas range on a full tank. Easily get a bit over 500KM with the newer ones.

Cheap, reliable, roomy, you can carry 7 people with the Limited.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by sid369

The MB C300 lease is up in a couple of months and looking to replace it with another car.

Thinking of saving some money and not buying any luxury car anymore.
What would be a good compact/midzise SUV that has good power and a bit fun to drive?

I have a V6 RAV4 and wish they still made V6, but they don't anymore. I also want something reliable with the most upto date technology.

The Acura RDX (the newer V6, NOT the older turbo) is a solid vehicle. Best vehicle we currently sell.

[mccoy817]

I don't own an SUV yet but if I want to I'm interested in Mazda CX-5 or Ford EcoSport.

[nittany]

check out the CX-5 or CX-9, apparently C&D listed both as 10 best SUVs too

https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...egment-feature

[mccoy817]

I love that Ford F-150 Raptor pickup. I can add a headache rack on it to support my Kayak.

[FriskyDingo]

Originally Posted by Mr Carrots

the golf sportwagen is a much better car than the alltrack, but sadly I couldn't persuade my wife to take one instead of an X1

VW are still hurting so they'll probably go for 10% off, at least. Tune it up and it's a solid little cheap sub 20k doggywagon

Disagree. The Alltrack loses nothing in handling, gains AWD, and DSG. It's the more fun to drive of the pair. The added practicality is just a bonus.

[FriskyDingo]

Originally Posted by sid369

what do you guys think of the new VW tiguan? they have redesigned it this year and its does look like it got some more space inside, not sure how it drives though.

I work at a VW dealer, and I've driven them extensively. Currently looking into buying one for my wife.

I was underwhelmed with the powertrain at first. It seems very hesitant to get going from a stop, and even in 'Sport' mode, shifts earlier than I'd like. It's adequate for 1-2 people, but I assumed it'd struggle too much with more than that, so I was about ready to write it off.

Then I ended up taking one last weekend for an extended drive to really rule out or possibly change my mind. It definitely did the latter. I'm guessing the transmission has programming to learn your driving habits, because this model felt considerably stronger than usual. It had 2,000 miles on it already from being a demo, so that is the only assumption I can make.

With 3 adults and 2 children, it had no problem getting up to normal speeds and didn't feel labored in general. Once had highway speeds, it didn't have much punch, but that's to be expected. It consistently got 3-4 mpg higher than it's rated at as well. To top it off, the AWD system handled the snow, light ice, and slush I encountered without breaking a sweat. A full-throttle takeoff from stoplight in partially frozen slush produced almost no wheelspin, only drama-free acceleration.

I will say this, the AWD model has the Driving Mode selector lifted from the GTI and R, and the Sport mode really livens it up, along with giving the steering some much needed added weight and sharpness. I would buy the AWD model just for that.

Aside from that, it's mostly positive. The 2nd row seat is massive. You can easily put a 6'+ passenger behind a 6'+ driver. And then you still have loads of room in the back. Other impressions- Nice ride/handling combo. Very smooth ride and competent handling. Feels like what it is- a larger, higher Golf. When pushed, there does seem to be a slight disconnect between the front and rear axles, but below 8/10's, it's actually quite happy on a curvy back road. Noise levels are low, general refinement is good, and the base stereo was quite decent. There are some cheap materials here and there, but overall fit and finish is good.

It's not as dynamically engaging as my GTI by any means, or even a CX-5 truth be told, but it's a very solid all-around package with lots of room, and a great warranty. Plus, they just got a price drop. The SE is like $1,600 cheaper now, and the SEL is $2,000 less.

I'm now pretty confident I will buy one for my wife.

[CP911]

Originally Posted by vooonoo

I saw some people on here say Hyundai. I had a Hyundai for a little longer than 5 years. After about 2 and a half it went to shit. They recommend the the timing belt be changed at 60k, around 30k it started to make a terrible sound. It sounded like the engine was going to explode. It was of course the timing belt. Had it changed then again at 60 it started to make the same sound. So i traded it in, not wanting to deal with that again.

The car rattled like a motherfucker while driving, there were so many different sounds of things being loose after a couple years. The car was well maintained oil changed every 3k. I did the plugs wires and coils on it bc the performance was going down hill at 30 k. It was getting about 20 mpg before i did the plugs it shot back up to the 30s.

The whole car seems like it was made out of cheap plastic. The only good thing it was easy to work on for you DYIers. Oh and it came with a spare tire! the new ones don't any more

LOL. Similar experience with my 2012 Kia Optima. I've posted about it around here somewhere...agree with other comment that Hyundai has come a long way, but still not good value with longer term ownership. There is a reason they are $20-$25k cars. The # of features a car offers for the $ isn't everything.

I'm in a similar situation as OP looking at more affordable hatchbacks/compact suvs for a possible 3rd backup vehicle next year. Probably going to lease since it's going to be driven sparingly. Needs to be AWD for these nasty Midwest winters.

The new CR-V looks nice. Been meaning to test drive one. I drove the new Pilot and it was just okay...

Driven VW Alltrack. Great handling and driving cars, but I find the concept of an estate car with a < 105" wheelbase a bit silly. GTI makes more sense if you're gonna go with a hot hatch type of car.

If money was no object I'd be looking at X3/X4, F31, Audi Allroad, or a Volvo, but for a backup lease vehicle, it's hard to justify spending that kind of extra dough for a few more inches of rear leg room.

[Sheck44]

We just bought a 2015 Toyota 4 Runner and could not be happier.
Not the greatest on gas and the tech is so so, but what an amazing truck to drive

Cheers
Steve