What do you drive?

[decodelighted]

Date: 7/20/2009 1:15:32 PM
Author: Luckyeshe

Date: 7/20/2009 12:08:57 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 7/19/2009 8:25:29 PM
Author:Luckyeshe
I have a LandRover, it cost me about an arm and a leg to get it repaired, but heck, I didn''t think I''d be doing this only after 4 years of ownership. (I will admit though, that I have driven my car to the ends of the world because I was in sales and it''s all my fault

) I have a LandRover Freelander HSE 2004 with about 114,000 miles. I got it in 2005 with only 11,000 miles. Yup, I was bad

.

I''m sorry to tell you but there is something terribly wrong with all Freelanders. They stopped making that car. I had a 2002 that was a L-E-M-O-N and I researched the problems and found that the problem was widespread and unfixable. DUMP IT ASAP. I traded mine mere weeks before the warranty ran out -- got a 2005 Toyota Rav 4 and haven''t had a day''s trouble with it in the last 3 yrs. Also looked up my old Freelander''s car fax report & found out whoever bought it from the dealer I traded it to JUNKED it a mere 9 months later. Total garbage. Salvage. Hey, at least you can stop blaming yourself for the Freelander''s woes!
ETA: I will say that it was a very cute & comfy car. I liked everything about it but its awful, awful innards. Was my first NEW car and it broke my heart. I loathe it with the passion of a scorned lover

.

Ok, now I''m feeling a bit better! I kept blaming myself for always being so hard on it and now I feel like you do. I am not quite at loathe yet, but I feel like I''m getting there. How''s the drive in your RAV4? I liked how the Freelander handles since it feels very solid. I always have a worry about tipping over if I take turns to hard....

Glad to help! Are you driving it in a cold climate -- that *really* makes matters worse with the Freelander. Every once it a while it would just dump all its oil out on the ground & stop in its tracks. Kept repairing it -- free under warranty -- but they admitted it would probably keep happening. No known permanent solution -- just stop gap repairs. OY! One time I was stranded with a car full of xmas presents, a grumpy hubby & a tiny dog about eight hours away from home. We left it in a parking lot with the key under the mat & it came back on a flat bed trailer almost a MONTH later.

And Land Rover had to play for a rental car at AIRPORT rental rates because that''s the only rental car place that agreed to come pick us & all our stuff UP! Or, I should say, *I* had to pay & get reimbursed. Sweet baby Jesus I hate that car still.

Anyhoo -- on to your question. I love the drive in the RAV. My 2005 is a bit smaller than subsequent years. Very peppy & stable -- maybe a tiny bit more "car" like than the baby truck feel of the Freelander. The biggest adjustment was getting out of my "status" mentality. I''d fooled myself into believing I was sooooo coool with my Land Rover when in fact I was sooooo FOOL. I did miss the logo steering wheel & dark green color at first. And the rolling down back window which I used with the moonroof to fun drafting effect. But to make the transition less painful I ended up picking a pretty pimped out RAV (moonroof too, leather (which my Freelander didn''t have) etc) Now that I''ve had three great years with it and about 40K miles ... I like it even more than the day I traded. In fact we just traded in my husbands old cars on an 06 Prius -- that''s how much we like Toyotas now. Also a fan of Hondas. The Pilot has closer to the same feeling of the Freelander -- but I found it too big. Liked the RAV 4 way better than the CRV -- CRV feels more stationwagon-like to me, as does the Subaru Forrester. Though both are excellent cars! GOOD LUCK with your search. I say the SOONER the BETTER. End of month is a great time to make a deal!

 

[poshpepper]

I drive a 2004 Toyota Solara (2 door Camry) V6 SE Sport... I

my car.
I got her in Sept of 04 brand new and she now has about 110,000 miles and still drives beautifully. I average about 26mpg although if my hubby is driving it goes down to about 22mpg.. he loves the gas pedal!
I did a few upgrades though...

 

[that_someone_special]

I have a 09 Ford Focus .. It''s 27 MPG CITY and 30-35 on the highway. I LOVEEEEEEEE ITTTTTTTT. We both had money pits previous to this so I am happy!

The next one I want, and this is in 2 years or so (getting ready for babies

) is a Ford Flex. Our car is not that big and I would like something bigger.. like an suv, but car size. But honestly, I''ll drive anything as long as it''s safe, has good gas milage and doesn''t break at every turn. I just want something to get us from A-B.. SAFELY.

 

[zoebartlett]

I have a Toyota Corolla and my husband has a Tyota Prius. We love them! Our next cars will most likely be Toyotas too. We don't feel the need to change.

ETA: I'd love to try the RAV4 someday. I drove a Jeep Compass a few months ago when we rented a car and I loved it. I loved sitting up higher, and I didn't feel like I was driving an SUV. It didn't get great reviews on CR though so I won't get one (not that we're in the market for a new car right now).

 

[pinkstars]

I have a 1996 Toyota Camry, I bought it in 2003 with 104,000 miles and it now has almost 175,000 miles.
It''s been a good car to me, but the gas mileage isn''t ideal(24 mpg in the summer, 20-18 mpg in winter.)

BF had a 2000 Toyota Camry and it was wonderful, but then he wrecked it and now we have to get a new car.
We''re hopefully going to get a 2005 or 2006 Toyota Prius!
Or if that doesn''t work then I would be happy enough with a 2006 Honda Civic.

 

[Camille]

Black MB MS550, Pearl Cadi.

 

[Elegant]

Date: 7/20/2009 9:59:25 AM
Author: Moh 10
I am very surprised so many people resign themselves to car problems.

I guess people really do buy, and love, cars that are poorly rated for reliability.

One poster even wrote, '' I will be purchasing the extended warranty on it because I do expect it to have problems, like all cars do, but it costs a bit more.''

To me a car is like a washing machine.

It is just an appliance that does a job.

It is not a status symbol or a source for ''fun'', as in going from 0 to 60 in X seconds.

Okay preachy rant over.

That poster was me. I''d like to defend myself...don''t know why, but here it goes:

I have always dreamed of owning a Range Rover, but when actually siting in it, felt it was WAY too big. When they came out with the LR2, I was so happy because I finally found the car that truly made me happy. It was a brand new model but based on the old Freelander model. There actually weren''t any reliability ratings on my LR2 since it is was brand new model year. I had heard things about Land Rovers, especially the Discovery, and how unreliable they could be.

But.

My LR2 is a luxury SUV. I hate cars. I have been in several accidents in cars and they do not suit me as a driver - the accidents that were major were not my fault. It does its job - I drive it in total comfort and it has all the tools I need in a car - navigation, etc.

Most people from California buy/drive cars for pleasure, that''s just the way it is and hs been...for the majority of drivers here. I also owned a Porche 911 and absolutely LOVED that car because it handled like a dream - and I would HIGHLY recommend that car, or any Porsche, to anyone. This car is made for performance and looks good doing it.

In regards to the 0-60 in X seconds, my bf owns a car that when merging onto the freeway, you press the damn gas pedal and nothing happens. In California traffic, you need to be armed with a vehicle that actually has some horsepower to do its job.

I''ve owned a Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Audi, Porsche, Scion, and Land Rover - my personal preference is to not own a Toyota or Honda or Scion. I hate them because of past experiences and refuse to purchase another car from those makers...ever...period.

My car is my tool and it does its job very well. Now I am off my soapbox.

 

[Thomperchik]

I drive a sweet 2007 red Acura TSX. Before that I had an ''08 Accord coupe. I loved it but it turned out to be a lemon.

I''m hoping to one day buy an Audi A5.

 

[diamondringlover]

I drive a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, its a love/hate relationship

hubby drives a 2005 Chevy Silverado, it has lots of issues

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 7/20/2009 4:41:14 PM
Author: Elegant
When they came out with the LR2, I was so happy because I finally found the car that truly made me happy. It was a brand new model but based on the old Freelander model. There actually weren''t any reliability ratings on my LR2 since it is was brand new model year. I had heard things about Land Rovers, especially the Discovery, and how unreliable they could be. But. My LR2 is a luxury SUV. It does its job - I drive it in total comfort and it has all the tools I need in a car - navigation, etc.

You sound just like I did ... before the heartbreak. Substitute in "Freelander" for "LR2" and that was my case exactly. And then the rain. Oh the oil-soaked awful rain. I hope they fixed whatever was terribly terribly wrong with the Freelander in the LR2 -- but I personally wouldn''t count on it. Aren''t they owned by FORD now? I wasn''t feeling so luxurious sitting on the side of the road four-five times in 2 yrs.

 

[Moh 10]

Date: 7/20/2009 4:41:14 PM
Author: Elegant


In regards to the 0-60 in X seconds, my bf owns a car that when merging onto the freeway, you press the damn gas pedal and nothing happens.
In California traffic, you need to be armed with a vehicle that actually has some horsepower to do its job.

No.
I'm not "armed", and I'm fine.
I guess I don't think of driving as some competition, or war, to win.
No wonder you have been in many accidents.
I've never been in one.

FWIW I'm in California too, and I guess I DO drive for fun since I consider it a fun challenge to achieve over 60 MPG, from a hybrid the EPA rates at 40.
You wouldn't believe how stress-free driving is when getting there on minimum gas replaces minimum time.
I get a huge smile on my face when the 405 is creeping along at 45 MPH because at that speed I can get about 70 MPG!!!

I have been driving for MPG over four years on the freeways of Los Angeles.
When merging into freeway traffic instead of flooring the gas pedal to get in front of that car I just slip in behind it.

Works every time. YMMV.

Drive whatever and however you like.
No problem.
But your statement, "In California traffic, you need to be armed with a vehicle that actually has some horsepower to do its job." is not true.
I get there without an aggressive car or aggressive driving style.
Plus lowering gas consumption is good for our national security.

 

[tigian]

Date: 7/20/2009 12:01:48 PM
Author: Luckyeshe

Date: 7/20/2009 10:54:14 AM

Author: Barcelona

Are you still in sales? How far is your average trip? And what is your budget?


Things I would consider if I was in sales:


How comfortable the seats are if you do long trips

How large the trunk is if you need to carry luggage

How many people you can fit if you need to take clients out

The origin of the car - depending on your industry (since you have a Land Rover I assume having an American made car is not important)


Personally I would buy an Audi A4 or A6. While I don''t own either of them, we do have other Audi''s and have owned others in the past. They are great to drive, very comfortable and have nice interiors. They have been very reliable, but some repairs can be expensive. As long as you care for the car they should treat you well.

Fortunately, I am no longer in sales

. I wanted a bit of a bigger car when I originally got my Rover because I also have dogs (1 husky about 75lbs and 1 papillion about 10lbs) and I moved around a lot

. The backseat of my Rover was foldable and it gave me lots of room for my dogs and my stuff whenever it was time to move. I''m ok with the idea of having a hatchback. I was looking at the RAV4 and the Honda Fit. I also like the Scion Xb as well. I''m trying to find a good car that will get good gas/mileage ratio and potential fit kids and dogs in there when the time comes. I''ve only had 2 cars so far and my first was a Honda Civic and my second is the Rover. I think I''d go back to having a Honda or a Toyota. I''m also looking at Tacoma''s too.


I am enjoying reading about everyone''s cars. Keep ''em coming please!

DH has a Honda Fit and absolutely loves it. It doesn''t feel as small as it looks, but drives very zippy. It is amazing how much room it has. We have moved furniture, tons of luggage, etc. We also have 2 big dogs and they fit comfortably in the Fit.

Our only complaint about the car is the cloth seats. It is a magnet for dog hair and he has to vacuum and lint roll often.

 

[ts44]

I drive a 2000 1.8t VW New Beetle in Techno Blue. I L O V E this car. I got it when I was 18. People always compliment me on how new it looks, they can''t believe it''s almost 10 years old. The next question is "but aren''t these maintenance nightmares?" The 1.8t engine had its issues for sure and they aren''t making the New Beetle with it anymore, but mine has always been very reliable. I think the car feels the love and returns it.

Maintenance issues thus far:
-replaced window clips: cost me nothing at the dealership because it was a known issue, the clips they use to hold the glass on to the window mechanism were plastic and they tended to snap after a few years, the newer New Beetles with the body redesign no longer use plastic clips.
-hyperactive check engine light: this is an endearing feature of the 1.8t engine. It''s completely harmless and doesn''t indicate anything as far as I and 6 mechanics could tell. This is one of the reasons they discontinued the 1.8t. It pops on every 5-6 months and turns off after a few days.

I would recommend a New Beetle to ANYBODY. They are wonderful little cars with zip and personality. Mine has been a daily driver through 100 degree heat and Cleveland blizzards (just pop some snow tires on in October, take them off in April, and you''re good to go!). It fits anywhere and the mileage is better with the newer engine. The body redesign they did a few years back looks real spiffy too with the shaved wheel covers and the sharper bumpers. The only caveat is that if you wear men''s shoe size 13EEE or larger, your feet will hit both pedals when you try to drive, my boyfriend discovered that.

Funny New Beetle story:

Back in 2000 when I got the car, I was meeting a friend at his house and I rolled up in my super-shiny New Beetle and he started laughing and laughing. I asked him what was so funny, and he said you got a BEETLE aha that''s such a lame car. He proudly pointed at his brand-new Jetta and said THAT is a real car. I said, my Beetle has a turbo engine. And he said hahaohhhh no...your car is faster than mine!

He got rid of that Jetta in 2004 when the transmission fell out of it.

 

[Elegant]

Date: 7/20/2009 5:33:16 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 7/20/2009 4:41:14 PM

Author: Elegant

When they came out with the LR2, I was so happy because I finally found the car that truly made me happy. It was a brand new model but based on the old Freelander model. There actually weren't any reliability ratings on my LR2 since it is was brand new model year. I had heard things about Land Rovers, especially the Discovery, and how unreliable they could be. But. My LR2 is a luxury SUV. It does its job - I drive it in total comfort and it has all the tools I need in a car - navigation, etc.

You sound just like I did ... before the heartbreak. Substitute in 'Freelander' for 'LR2' and that was my case exactly. And then the rain. Oh the oil-soaked awful rain. I hope they fixed whatever was terribly terribly wrong with the Freelander in the LR2 -- but I personally wouldn't count on it. Aren't they owned by FORD now? I wasn't feeling so luxurious sitting on the side of the road four-five times in 2 yrs.

Hey!
Knock on wood, I haven't had any problems with my LR2. They are owned by Ford now, yes. I will purchase the extended warranty. The thing is - I have had my fair share of cars and don't like economy cars. I really liked my Audi A4, but I just don't like cars; just as a personal preference I feel more comfortable in an SUV...as bad as some may think I am.

As for the OP - how about the Q5 from Audi. I drove the Q7 and loved it, but wanted a smaller version - now they have the Q5. I have a Rottie and a Maltese and I also need a roomy vehicle. I also like the new BMW SUV.

I also like the look of the Tacoma and really wanted one a while back, but I never did end up test driving it or anything.

 

[Elegant]

Date: 7/20/2009 5:38:45 PM
Author: Moh 10

Date: 7/20/2009 4:41:14 PM
Author: Elegant
In regards to the 0-60 in X seconds, my bf owns a car that when merging onto the freeway, you press the damn gas pedal and nothing happens.
In California traffic, you need to be armed with a vehicle that actually has some horsepower to do its job.

No.
I''m not ''armed'', and I''m fine.
I guess I don''t think of driving as some competition, or war, to win.
No wonder you have been in many accidents.
I''ve never been in one.
FWIW I''m in California too, and I guess I DO drive for fun since I consider it a fun challenge to achieve over 60 MPG, from a hybrid the EPA rates at 40.
You wouldn''t believe how stress-free driving is when getting there on minimum gas replaces minimum time.
I get a huge smile on my face when the 405 is creeping along at 45 MPH because at that speed I can get about 70 MPG!!!
I have been driving for MPG over four years on the freeways of Los Angeles.
When merging into freeway traffic instead of flooring the gas pedal to get in front of that car I just slip in behind it.
Works every time. YMMV.
Drive whatever and however you like.
No problem.
But your statement, ''In California traffic, you need to be armed with a vehicle that actually has some horsepower to do its job.'' is not true.
I get there without an aggressive car or aggressive driving style.
Plus lowering gas consumption is good for our national security.

Wow

I guess you have it all figured out. That''s great.

 

[radiantquest]

I drive a 2002 Intrepid.

 

[miraclesrule]

I thought for sure this thread was started by Dancing Fire. But it wasn''t.

 

[Elegant]

Date: 7/20/2009 9:50:05 PM
Author: ts44
I drive a 2000 1.8t VW New Beetle in Techno Blue. I L O V E this car. I got it when I was 18. People always compliment me on how new it looks, they can''t believe it''s almost 10 years old. The next question is ''but aren''t these maintenance nightmares?'' The 1.8t engine had its issues for sure and they aren''t making the New Beetle with it anymore, but mine has always been very reliable. I think the car feels the love and returns it.

Maintenance issues thus far:

-replaced window clips: cost me nothing at the dealership because it was a known issue, the clips they use to hold the glass on to the window mechanism were plastic and they tended to snap after a few years, the newer New Beetles with the body redesign no longer use plastic clips.

-hyperactive check engine light: this is an endearing feature of the 1.8t engine. It''s completely harmless and doesn''t indicate anything as far as I and 6 mechanics could tell. This is one of the reasons they discontinued the 1.8t. It pops on every 5-6 months and turns off after a few days.


I would recommend a New Beetle to ANYBODY. They are wonderful little cars with zip and personality. Mine has been a daily driver through 100 degree heat and Cleveland blizzards (just pop some snow tires on in October, take them off in April, and you''re good to go!). It fits anywhere and the mileage is better with the newer engine. The body redesign they did a few years back looks real spiffy too with the shaved wheel covers and the sharper bumpers. The only caveat is that if you wear men''s shoe size 13EEE or larger, your feet will hit both pedals when you try to drive, my boyfriend discovered that.

I love the VW Beetles - they are so cute!!!
To the OP - I don''t know if you covered this or not, but do you still have a big dog where you need big trunk space?

 

[AGBF]

Date: 7/20/2009 5:24:52 PM
Author: diamondrnglover

I drive a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

I'm pretty sure that's what I have, too. I know it's a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and I think it's the Limited. It now has 110, 000 miles on it-the same number of miles on our 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee-however. My husband's Honda Civic Hybrid (I forget the year) has nice, low mileage. I am hoping for the début of a greener 4-wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicle, though. I really don't want to give up that feature now that I have gotten used to it. Connecticut isn't Canada, but it's not Florida, either. I like a car that can handle snow.

AGBF

 

[MishB]

A Volvo C30, like Edward''s car in the Twilight movie. But mine is nicer, I have cream leather interior.

 

[omieluv]

Infinity G35X (all wheel drive) - great in the snow/ice/rain.

 

[asscherisme]

I drive a minivan and really miss driving a regular car! But because I have 4 kids and also find I'm frequently transporting at least one or two friends, its the most practical.

I'm craving a cute little sporty car. Mabe I'm going through a mid life crisis

 

[vip0802]

BF and i share my silver 2004 Acura TSX 6-speed manual with navi. he used to drive a Saturn, but after the transmission dropped, he donated it since the cost to fix it was more than the car''s worth. the TSX is my fanciest car to date, and i LOVE it! it''s so reliable and practical, but sporty at the same time. BF is 6''4 and drives it rather comfortably too! i bought it used in 2007, and it was originally a lease that had 39K miles on it. it''s now at 76K since we drive a lot and i tend to drive it pretty hard. i haven''t had any major repairs done to it...just the basic maintenance stuff like my 60K mile check up, oil changes and new tires. i have friends that work at the dealerships and tire shops, so my costs for any of my car''s needs are way lower than most. even if i didn''t get these great deals, i think the regular prices for Acura maintenance are pretty reasonable compared to some other makes of cars.

i''m not sure what your budget is, but i think any Toyota or Honda/Acura SUV will be a good fit for you. they''re all super reliable, and roomy for your dogs (and future kids). if you''re looking into hybrid SUV''s for the gas mileage, Toyota offers the Highlander Hybrid. 27/25 mpg i believe. here''s a useful linky that charts out the costs of owning a Highlander Hybrid. it includes insurance, gas costs, repair & maintenance, etc... you can also use it to check any other car you''re interested in. i hope this helps and good luck in your search!

 

[MikeAth]

I drive a 1.2l Fiat Punto 2006 - my first car still! It''s ridiculously small, but does 55mpg on a good day. I still love it

 

[Po10472]

Here''s my baby, triple harvest moon beige VW beetle cabriolet.

This was taken last summer when we went camping round northern France, Belgium, Germany. This was outside the Moet et Chandon Champagne house in Epernay, was a good day.

 

[atroop711]

Date: 7/21/2009 2:11:11 AM
Author: asscherisme
I drive a minivan and really miss driving a regular car! But because I have 4 kids and also find I''m frequently transporting at least one or two friends, its the most practical.


I''m craving a cute little sporty car. Mabe I''m going through a mid life crisis

we''re thinking about taking the minivan dive since we have 3 kids and no room in our Murano...we''ll see but I can''t see my husband going through with it...even if it''s his idea.

 

[Moh 10]

Elegant, sorry if I came on too strong.

 

[ts44]

Date: 7/21/2009 3:34:28 AM
Author: Po10472
Here''s my baby, triple harvest moon beige VW beetle cabriolet.

This was taken last summer when we went camping round northern France, Belgium, Germany. This was outside the Moet et Chandon Champagne house in Epernay, was a good day.

So cute! Love the Harvest Moon convertible!

 

[wifey2b]

Date: 7/20/2009 5:51:20 AM
Author: strmrdr
95 dodge intrepid

Drove exactly 1496 miles in the last year.
My insurance company makes me fill out a survey every year for the last 3 years because they don''t believe how little I drive.

Ok - you guys are going to laugh when you see what I drive...uhuh...but mine is a 1997 dodge intrepid - and yes Strm liked what I drove and went home and got one cuz his little Plymouth had given up the ghost...so now my question is - was it me or the car that he was more impressed with on our first meeting giggle - ok - mebad!!! Oh...mine is green with rust and his is ummm, what color do you call it honey?

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Date: 7/20/2009 5:45:29 PM
Author: tigian

Date: 7/20/2009 12:01:48 PM
Author: Luckyeshe

Fortunately, I am no longer in sales

. I wanted a bit of a bigger car when I originally got my Rover because I also have dogs (1 husky about 75lbs and 1 papillion about 10lbs) and I moved around a lot

. The backseat of my Rover was foldable and it gave me lots of room for my dogs and my stuff whenever it was time to move. I'm ok with the idea of having a hatchback. I was looking at the RAV4 and the Honda Fit. I also like the Scion Xb as well. I'm trying to find a good car that will get good gas/mileage ratio and potential fit kids and dogs in there when the time comes. I've only had 2 cars so far and my first was a Honda Civic and my second is the Rover. I think I'd go back to having a Honda or a Toyota. I'm also looking at Tacoma's too.


I am enjoying reading about everyone's cars. Keep 'em coming please!

DH has a Honda Fit and absolutely loves it. It doesn't feel as small as it looks, but drives very zippy. It is amazing how much room it has. We have moved furniture, tons of luggage, etc. We also have 2 big dogs and they fit comfortably in the Fit.

Our only complaint about the car is the cloth seats. It is a magnet for dog hair and he has to vacuum and lint roll often.

I'm telling ya, check out the Toyota FJ Cruiser! (haha, no bias intended here!) All rubberized flooring makes for EASY cleanup. In the back, it's great - especially with dogs, also with groceries, moving stuff, luggage on trips - everything is a cinch. I did get a small rug to put in the back so groceries don't slide around, but I just take that out when throwing other stuff in. The back seats fold flat too, so all that is even easier when no one's sitting in the back. The flooring is that way throughout the entire vehicle though - cleanup is as easy as knocking out the floormats (I purchased the rubber ones) and wiping off the floor with a damp rag. Seat material is black and stain/water resistant - it's GREAT, and so comfortable too. Only drawback would be if you want a true 4-door vehicle for kids. The FJ has 4 doors, but the 3rd and 4th are suicide style - they open backwards after you open up the main driver or passenger doors. Hehe I'm gonna at least give it a try! But it drives like a dream - so smooth and responsive. I'm sure you'd love it. It's actually on the Tacoma base, I believe. I'd be happy to give you some more info or even show you some up close pics if you're interested.

Tacomas are nice. You'd need the true 4-door version, of course, if you wanted kids to fit - those with the tiny backseat are hardly worth putting anything back there. I wanted a Tacoma for a long time though, b/c it's the perfect blend of my dream fun vehicle (a truck!

) and reliability/quality. You'd have to put your doggies in the bed of the truck though, you realize? Not safe for doggies.

Great for hauling lots of stuff though.

What about the 4Runner? I think you'd love everything about that vehicle - they are super nice. Would be my choice vehicle probably, if I had to upgrade from the FJ once I have a family (haha and if I can come up with the extra $

).

My supervisor has a Rav4 and he loves it. It's smaller and drives/rides just like a car. But still has all the room for people and cargo. Just is carpet, and less overall room. Probably gets better gas mileage than the FJ though, or the 4Runner or Tacoma too.

I also knew somebody with the Honda Fit. He was in a band and used it for traveling with the band - he could fit all the band equipment - drum set, instruments, equipment - everything fit in that thing. Looked like a fun box on wheels, and worked great.

Just depends on what the most important thing is for you - size/room, gas mileage, or utility of various features.