I need a small SUV
#17
i drove a freestyle once and it was fairly quiet and nice but front legroom wasn't adequate for me and the interior was very dated even back then.
but any of the 5-7k cars should be adequate.
you said you need room for your dogs and a vehicle to go to/from work. info on your other priorities would help.
an element will be MUCH bigger inside than a freestyle for example, but the element is also almost certainly noisier when driving. do you care? i don't know.
how far is your to/from work?
how big are your dogs?
etc.
but any of the 5-7k cars should be adequate.
you said you need room for your dogs and a vehicle to go to/from work. info on your other priorities would help.
an element will be MUCH bigger inside than a freestyle for example, but the element is also almost certainly noisier when driving. do you care? i don't know.
how far is your to/from work?
how big are your dogs?
etc.
#20
#21
True, but you still have to use some caution and common sense with the hose, and try not to get water splashing up under the dash or into the power window/door-lock switches, where it could corrode or short things out.
#24
Agreed....probably a good idea. As I stated above, a hose, unless used VERY carefully and sparingly, has the potential to corrode and short things out inside.
#25
#26
- Some versions have a CVT, which I would avoid.
- I've read reports that they have brake problems.
- Some versions have a fairly useless 3rd row seat that adds weight and takes up cargo space.
- Complaints about the 3.0L engine being inadequate for the job.
I looked at the Taurus X (renamed from Freestyle in 2008-09). While it was an OK wagon with a larger engine and no CVT, it was just OK. I felt that it lacked the passenger and cargo space I would expect in a vehicle over 200" in length.
IMO, Subaru Outback, Forester, or Honda Element. Be sure you are comfortable in the Outback. Over time, I felt mine was just too narrow in the seat and didn't provide enough front or rear legroom. Read up about head gasket problems in older Outbacks.
If you are thinking CRV or any "nicer" SUV/wagon, look into Canvasback covers for the cargo area. I had a set for my Outback and they worked great for the dog. The Canvasback covers protect not only the floor, but the fabric on the sides of the vehicle and the seat backs.
Last edited by caddyowner; 09-10-11 at 04:41 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Slapshot1
RC F (2015-present)
19
05-07-18 07:23 AM
Hoovey689
Car Chat
29
11-12-12 08:28 PM
Hoovey689
Car Chat
48
03-30-12 02:16 PM