Okay, car guys - I need your help.

"Paul Thompson" (flyingphotog)
05/04/2014 at 20:10 • Filed to: HELP

My 2006 Ford Escape is dead, and I'm needing a new car ASAP. I need something that can haul a family of four and a Labrador on occasion. We don't do super long road trips but want to be able to haul camping stuff, so it needs a respectable amount of cargo space like a SUV / crossover.

Here in Denver, Subaru Outbacks are like BMWs to Dallas (where I moved from last fall). Outback are starting to grow on me, but what are some other options. AWD would be a smart option. I like the looks of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited but not sure there's enough cargo space, plus the gas mileage sucks in comparison.

I'm also looking at the Hyundai Santa Fe. It's roomy and gets good mileage. Plus the warranty is awesome, obviously. Budget under $20K / $300/mo.

What other options am I missing? I'd appreciate your advice and knowledge. Thanks!

DISCUSSION (28)

Nibbles > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 20:12

Saab 9-3 TurboX Wagon. Surprisingly not rare here in Denver. AWD, good power, good economy, not a Subaru :)

Arben72 > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 20:13

Forester (especially the xt), bmw x3, grand Cherokee diesel, tourag, pilot, crv, mdx. A price range will help.

Paul Thompson > Nibbles
05/04/2014 at 20:14

Thanks! I'll check those out.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 20:24

New or used? Wranger will have plenty of space if you put cargo space up top in the form of a pod or one of those trunks that go in the trailer hitch receiver. I highly recommend the wrangler because where else can you get a convertible four door with a manual transmission and unrivaled 4x4 capabilities?

You could also go the crossover route. All the GM lambda platforms are good bang for the buck. The Ford Explorer is a tad long in the tooth so you should probably be able to get a good deal on it. Also check out the jeep grand Cherokee (great engine options) and its slightly larger cousin the Dodge Durango.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 20:25

So far the qualifications you've given could be met by nearly every midsize SUV or crossover on the market. What's you're budget, and what specifically are you looking for?

Birddog > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 20:25

Nissan Xterra.

The second gen is a really nice machine.

Paul Thompson > Arben72
05/04/2014 at 20:27

I think the Touareg and CRV are a bit on the small side for us.

Paul Thompson > Arben72
05/04/2014 at 20:28

Something used under $20K or that we can lease under $300/mo.

Dunnik > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 20:30

Subies have been popular in Colorado for decades for a reason. The Outback or Legacy wagon should fit the bill.

Otherwise, it's pricey new, but maybe the 2014 Grand Cherokee Laredo or Limited. That new 9-speed automatic transmission is stupidly good on gas for a mid-sized SUV.

Paul Thompson > Birddog
05/04/2014 at 20:30

I've always liked the way those looked. I had a 2006 Altima for a while, and really liked it.

fhrblig > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 20:30

There's a reason that Outbacks are all over the place here in Denver, they're a great mix of utility and mpg. I think that would be a great choice. I do also like the new Santa Fe.

dogisbadob > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 20:35

New or used or either? What's your budget?

Maybe you could check out a CPO Hyundai Elantra Touring wagon (made until 2012). The Suzuki SX4 may also suit you needs. Even though Suzuki doesn't sell cars over here anymore, they are still honoring the warranties, and their 7yr/100k warranty is the best warranty from any automaker (Hyundai's 10/100k only applies to new cars and is not transferable).

The Focus hatchback may also work for you, as would the Honda Fit. The Toyota Matrix is also worth considering.

I'm hesitant to recommend the VW Jetta TDI wagon because VW isn't the most reliable car, but it's the only wagon available over here if you want brand new :(

L7D4R > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 20:36

VW SportWagen (wait for the 2015 Golf SportWagen)

Paul Thompson > dogisbadob
05/04/2014 at 20:38

Either new or used, under $20K.

Nibbles > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 20:39

They aren't good on the gas. I had a 4.0 6MT and utilizing hypermiling techniques I could squeeze out 22MPG. 19 was the average

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 20:43

Mazda5 Sport, preferably with a 6-speed manual transmission. No AWD available, but I've found that mine has gotten me through several winters just fine, plus there's less weight and complexity the other nine months of the year. Plenty of room for four and lots of gear, with six seats available for times when you need them. Sliding doors are the greatest thing ever. Think of it as a slightly taller, slightly longer, Mazda3 and not necessarily a minivan; Consumer Reports categorizes it as a wagon instead of a minivan. It's fun to drive and gets decent (21/28) mileage. Bulletproof reliability in the two years I've owned mine. Surprisingly well equipped, even on the base Sport model, and in a lot of ways it has more features than my old fully-equipped 525i.

If you must have AWD and/or a crossover thingy, I'd say Mazda CX-5. For me it was a choice between these two, but I'm more of a minivan kind of guy.

JR1 > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 20:49

How much cargo room are we talking about? If you mean crossover space you can get a pretty nice 2008 Lincoln MKX here on carmax for 20k

http://www.carmax.com/enus/view-car/…

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 21:02

Given your budget, I'd probably suggest either a Jeep Compass or Liberty. Since it seems no one bought the Compass, perhaps you could get a good deal on one?

Another option would be the Honda Element. You can hose out the interior which is always nice.

Arben72 > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 21:03

Tourag is larger then a outback, but also look at the Toyota rav 4. If you can find one a 328i wagon would be nice too.

Bandit > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 21:06

80s Jeep Wagoneer with the wood paneling or 2nd gen Trans Am. Buy either one in good shape for under $10,000 and save the rest.

dogisbadob > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 21:15

Awesome thanks!

I'm surprised I forgot to mention the Mazda 5 and Kia Rondo. Both would be excellent choices for you.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 21:18

I was able to work a deal on a 2014 Santa Fe Sport FWD with the premium package (Stickers for $30,175) for $329 a month/12,000 miles a year/ $0 Down for my grandmother.

You could get an AWD with the Popular package for about $1,500 less than my grandmothers FWD Premium, which means that the payments may be closer to $300.

Paul Thompson > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
05/04/2014 at 21:40

I've seen the AWD Sport for around $269, but that's bare bones, of course. $0 down would be very helpful too.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 21:47

2008-2010 Saturn Vue. You'd want either an XR AWD or Redline AWD model. My parents have an 08 XR and love it. And it's super comfortable and has enough room in the back for a weeks worth of stuff for a family of 4. Not to mention the 3.6 V6 is just a peach of an engine paired to a really nice 6-speed auto.

shop-teacher > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 21:56

I like the Forester XT (turbo!)

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 21:56

There is always negotiation. Find multiple dealers with similar cars in inventory, and have them fight for your business. You may even be able to get the car for less than $269.

talltrees > Paul Thompson
05/04/2014 at 22:19

Mazda CX-9, Acura TSX Sport Wagon, Accord Crosstour all relatively inspired handlers, good reliability, and enough room for a family.

boobytrapsandtreasure > Paul Thompson
05/05/2014 at 16:02

My wife has a Toyota Highlander. It has been a really solid family vehicle. With the V6 and AWD she is able to motor pretty much no matter the weather. Good luck with your hunt.