I can very much relate to not being ready for a minivan in my life. That was a big factor in getting the Element. It hauls pretty much anything me and one other person would need. If it can’t I probably don’t need it with me anyway. If I had kids, then it might be a different story.
Living in Vancouver you would appreciate the interior, it can be wiped out with a damp rag. The whole thing, seats too! I live in Seattle and have been hugely happy with mine. Although, as one earlier poster mentioned, the “target fixation” syndrome has been a little strange. Also, I am not used to having a vehicle where people stop me in parking lots to ask me about it.
Has anyone looked at the Saturn Vue? It can be customized to include fork mounts on the inside and, form the picture on the website, there is room for 2 bikes and a bunch of other stuff. A fairly basic Vue would cost around $20,000 with ABS, standard trans, stereo and bike rack. The EPA is 23/28 stand. and 22/28 automatic. I saw one on the road the other day and I think I am going to check it out at the dealership.
My vote is a toyota land cruiser. My Wife has a Honda van, the biggest of all mini vans, and there is no question my land cruiser carries much more and much more easily and in more comfort.
I vote for the Jeep Wrangler. It might be called something different in the States. Nothing better than being able to cruise to the triathlon with the top down getting used to the wind in your hair while everyone else is looking board in their standard sedans.
My vote goes to an old beat up VW Camper Van. Built in ice chest and you can probably pick one up from a Dead Head in mourning pretty cheap now that they don’t have to caravan from Greatful Dead Concert to Greatful Dead Concert anymore.
The Saturn Vue is an excellent auto. I haven’t tried to fit my bike in one yet but I think that it would easily. Plus the rear seat is 70-30 vs 60-40 like most so there is just enough room for 1 skinny bike (I think they were thinking skis) and my 2 rugrats will sit more comfortably. The gas mileage with the front wheel drive 4 cylinder is pretty good too! Also, the thing won’t rust or dent and is relatively inexpensive.
I like the 4.4i. I saw my first Cayenne Turbo (light tan colour) the other day. Lots of handles to hold onto but didn’t spot the cup holders. Very nice inside. I’d be interested to know what you think. On a slightly cheaper scale I think the new Volvo V70R wagon (4wd 300 HP) has some rapid bike transporting potential.
If Maserati build the Kubang they’ll be another nice looking SUV on the market.
The other way to go Samok is to get a second hand SUV/big 4by4 which hasn’t gone off-road. ML320, Landcruiser, X5 etc.
No kids? Definietly a BMW M5 with roof racks. The most screaming bad-ass 4 -door sedan on the road will get you to and from races pronto, with a huge grin on your face.
Paul…so they have the Cayenne turbo already out in BC, huh? Nice…I plan to test “drive” one on the 15th…I find it hard to believe that it could knock my socks off as the X5 did and still does EVERYDAY…but I am willing to give it a fair shot…who knows I may be driving one home that day…(Seriously)…I am a sucker for nice cars/suv’s and bikes.
As far as the Volvo…is that the new suv that was just voted suv on the year by MT mag.? I have seen it, but have not taken it for a test drive yet…it is nice looking though. I think that that Volvo and the Acura MDX are very ‘smart’ choices…but, in a completely different category than the X5 and Cayenne. The X5 is like having a truck and sports car in one…it’s a near perfect mix.
If I were limited on my budget…the MDX would win, with the Nissan Murano or Xterra in second. If you have children, you need to go with a vehicle with much more room and leave your ego at home and go with an Element or a minivan…(boy, that’s going to be a hard day for me, but hopefully it will happen
GM…I agree 100%.
If I were to buy a ‘car’…w/out question the M5 would be the car. It’s a rocket.
Just try to drive it w/out a smile on your face…bet you can’t!
