So, I have car issues–again, that require an engine replacement–again. Same problem as last time, thankfully covered under warranty, but after 6x in the shop for the same problem & 2 engine replacements, I really need to consider a new car. This one is only 5 years old and I love it (Land Rover Freelander–don’t make them any longer) but this is getting old. So what do you guys like to drive? Part of what I love about my little SUV is that the seats are easy clean-up after a muddy 80lb dog, I can transport my bike w/o even having to remove the front wheel, it’s big enough to haul pretty much anything I need to but is not a large SUV at all. Please provide me with some good options. I’m not partial to any particular maker so all suggestions welcome. Thanks!
Part of what I love about my little SUV is that the seats are easy clean-up after a muddy 80lb dog, I can transport my bike w/o even having to remove the front wheel, it’s big enough to haul pretty much anything I need to but is not a large SUV at all.
You sound like a perfect candidate for a Honda Element.
Freelanders are / were pieces of S**T and absolutely lethal in rear ended crash tests.
A much better vehicle of comparable size would be a Honda CRV…wicked, great engine, good visibility, token 4wd, loads of space…and its a Honda so will go and go and go and go…
ah, this is what 2 guys at work told me also, but neither had one. Do you have one? If so, what is good/bad with them?
Well, I like my piece of shit, but am tired of it being a piece of shit 
(I did get rear-ended once–tore up their car but didn’t really touch mine) Anyway, do you have a CRV? Can you really stand up a bike in there w/o taking off the wheel? I didn’t think they had that much room inside? What seat covering options do they have–thought just fabric which won’t work with my dog…
Wait till the fall, Honda will supposedly release a special version or package for the Element:
http://www.motorcities.com/.../09D8G415921695.html
http://jalopnik.com/5203560/honda-element-dog-friendly-concept-is-for-the-dogs.
Subaru wagon. Just as much space (length & width) as you are used to, but maybe 4-6" less depth. Honda CRVs and newer Toyota RAV4s are great too. Tons of space. Now with a big Thule box on top of any of those the amount of space is downright ridiculous for 2 people.
Sidenote: Too bad about Land Rovers generally sucking (This isn’t the firts time I have heard that). In some parts of the world, they use to be about the only way to go. But I think Nissan & Toyota have really clobbered them in the past 10 years.
I love love love my E. Plastic floors, seats that fold up against the side of the cargo area. I can put my bike in without even taking the wheel off. Handles great. Go test drive one. Almost everyone who does ends up getting it. I love it because I don’t have to worry about protecting the carpet on the floors or leather seats. I have 2 dogs and with this I can have them in the back, or a friend’s dog, and not even worry about muddy paws. I can do a full change of clothes in the back becaues there is so much space and the windows are tinted. You can fold down the front seat then the back and have one long bed. It is great.
Land Rovers suck.
The other car I loved was my Miata Special Edition but that wasn’t very triathlete friendly.
Love my '05 Toyota Tacoma Extra Cab. With the rear jump seats folded flat, I can fit 2 90 lb weimaraners (one rides shotgun), and with the rear seats up, I can fit my bike back there no problem (gotta take off the front wheel). Alternatively, I can carry 2 bikes in the bed w/ the optional QR mounts that bolt into the rail system that runs around the bed - could probably fit 3, but don’t have a need. 6-speed manual tranny makes it fun to drive, and it has decent power (V6) - mileage isn’t great, but isn’t the worst either. With my hitch mounted rack, I can carry 5 bikes if necessary, and loads of mulch and crap in the bed. Got 70K on it, and no problems so far. I previously had a 4-Runner that was closing in on 300K miles, but traded it in on the Tacoma - I’m sure it’s still running today wherever it is. I’d look at the crew cab these day (4-door) - when I was in the market, the rear seats didn’t fold flat which made it impractical w/ the dogs, but they’ve fixed that. If you can pony up for the high-end sport package, the 4X4 might be a nice option, but I haven’t missed it except a couple of times in deep snow - you can’t get it in a manual either, which I prefer.
Alternatively, my wife has a Rav-4 which is also nice - automatic, but the rear seats fold flat and can carry dogs, bikes, etc. Plus, you can get a sunroof - automatic transmission only though, but good gas mileage. She used to be a VW person, but after the 4-Runner went the distance, and a crap Jetta, she converted.
I spent over two years trying to find the perfect vehicle for me. The Element was a very close number one, but it just wasn’t right. I finally got a Honda Ridgeline. I cannot say enough good stuff about this truck. Drives like a car, stuffs like a van, tons of room for people and stuff. Lots of power and can tow easily my boat.
A bike will fit in the back seat very easy without taking anything off. Put a cap on the back and you have a great utility vehicle.
Try one, you just might like it.
ha, pretty cool–thanks!
I’m hoping they release this stuff aftermarket for my 2008 edition.
I love my Dodge Ram 2500 with 35" Mickey Thompson’s. Plenty of room for everything, great visibility, seats 5 adults comfortably and has lots of room in the back. Its also very safe.
You guys & your trucks I’m not really a pick-up truck kind of girl
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Jeep Commander is a nice option. With the Hemi is “goes”. Put the seats down and there is room for a bike with-out taking it apart.
“what do you guys like to drive”
Screw modern automobiles. Give me back my classic 1965 Triumph TR4. Could shoot myself for sellling her. There will always be an England.
I don’t own an Element (I drive a 12yr old Volvo wagon) but I have been in them.
~Fair sized rear cargo area
~Plastic floor/seat backs/interior
~Rear seats fold out of the way 2 different ways, and can be completely removed
~Plenty of sleeping room
~(optional I think) rear positioned sunroof makes for really good ventilation
~Honda engine/drivetrain/build quality/reliability
I’m told they drive quite well too, though I’ve never drive one.
Titan King Cab enough room for my bikes dogs and ancillary stuff.
“what do you guys like to drive”
Screw modern automobiles. Give me back my classic 1965 Triumph TR4. Could shoot myself for sellling her. There will always be an England.
That’s a great car if you’re not really into driving… 
Jeeps has notoriously bad reliability. Unfortunately they look so cool.