ack - am soo confused . . .time for a new car - needs to fit 4 adults plus ski stuff or large dog box - I am talking Giant size dog box

So far we have looked at . . . Oh I forget - but this is the possible list:
Honda CRv - may be too small for box - need to take tape measure next time

Toyota Rav 4 - prob the best fit wise

I would like the Toyota 4runner or FJ Cruiser = but hubby says gas consumption is pants! (but the fj was preeeety )

Subaru Forester

Suzuki Grand Vitara - need to measure the back

Hyundai - not too keen on Santa fe or Tuscion

Hubby not that keen on a us brand car ..


ok - over to you lot . . . .

Good vehicle. The back is ideal for a lab. Need to put the back seats down for a lab sized crate.

Surely less room in the back than a CRV?

Santa Fe excellent value for money IMO.

How about a Ford Escape?

Suburu Forester or an Austin Alegro

Out of your list I would have, and did, go for the Santa Fe Limited. Good value on price and matching features and the 09 onwards are well made.

I've got a 2000 forester...it's got nearly 300K, it's been though a garage DOOR and out the other side WALL and into a HOUSE, and it's still super tight and going strong :-)

...if I wasn't commuting I'd get another Subaru for sure

but if I had a choice next time I'd got for a VW TDi (mainly because I just run up highway kms)

I have a 2007 VW with 225,000kms on it. It's not long for this world despite costing an average of $500/month in servicing and mechanical repairs since new. I wouldn't suggest VW if you intend to use the car for driving.

If you must have a 4WD station wagon I second the Ford Escape suggestion above, cheap to buy and run, fits kids and dogs, can go across snowy fields. A van makes more sense but then you know that already.

I have a Hyundai Tucson which I secretly want to hate, but I can't. It is actually a decent car for round here.

It's too small for your needs (similar size to CR-V), but if I were looking to scale up, it would be very hard to justify not looking at the Santa Fe.

WOW! that doesn't sound good. Having owned many VW's in the UK, I presume they don't take to the climate here then ?

Toyota 4runner!! that's what I would like to get. We have two dogs, snowboard gear, camping gear etc etc. and Mr Fluff willl ahve a smaller, economical car for everyday driving

I don't think it's climate related (except for not being able to open the windows or doors when it's icy out, they plainly didn't test this car in Canada before deciding to sell it) though this is the only VW I've had so I can't compare directly.

I think it's a combination of ill thought design and sloppy construction. For example, the wire that provides power to the headlamps falls off when you drive over a bump, the dealer can fix that with duct tape and glue but it's difficult to do because of the way the lamp is mounted. One would think that VW would have worked out better access to apply the glue and tape by now but they haven't; half the VWs on the road have one or less headlights working. Note that VW don`t have much in the way of dealer support in Canada, everything requires multiple trips to the dealer, one for diagnosis and part ordering, one for the repair, one to fix the repair. This applies even for an oil change or a broken light bulb; no parts or supplies are kept at the garage.

Quite a lot of small parts have fallen off, the straps that should hold the doors open, the bezel that surrounded the instrument cluster, one rear light. The electrical bits have never worked well but now most of the dashboard lights are on all the time and there`s a cacophony of buzzers while one drives. The boot lid works when it feels like it and there`s no handle, when the electrics are having one of their Lucas days you have to take the back seat out to get at the spare wheel or lunch or whatever; whoever decided to economize on the handle and trust to VW electrics wants those electrics applied to his nuts (several times, until they work).

The car is rather fun, no denying that, but it offers the combination of fun and build quality one expects from a older Fiat. It doesn't feel solid in the way the Fords I usually have do at the same age. That said, the few times it`s come to a halt at the roadside have been due to collision or tyre failure, the engine is, touch wood, still going, though the transmission, one of those stupid semi-automatic thingies, has developed clonking and whimsical disengagement at speed.

Again, $500/month in maintenance and lots of bits fall off, you have to want to be seen in a VW.

We have a Tuscon. The missus loves it. You can just about fit skis in, with the back seat down. The wheelbase is no bigger than a Shitfire.

My OH (Ford mechanic) Hates them, does not understand why anyone would want one, says as soon as they have a few miles on them they get harsh to drive - there must be more to it than that but he really hates them.

I like the look of the Ford Edge but I think (don't know) they may be expensive. I would have another Explorer or Expedition as I liked those. We also have Jeeps - Cherokees' and Liberty's' every now and then, as long as you get a V6 the gas mileage isn't too bad. As we always have older cars I don't know what is available to a new car buyer as we never go round the dealerships. Have fun trying out different stuff!

I love my 4Runner. Very useful vehicle. Mileage isn't great, but you can't have everything.

Seconded - we love our Escape. Had planned to buy RAV4 or CRV but the Escape was far more comfortable to drive and better priced.