Been a while; thoughts on a new DD?

So I have the ZZW30 nearly all paid off (yeah, I'm one of those tools that keeps putting himself in a payment situation because I have issues with delaying gratification), which means I'm getting tired of having NO GORRAM ROOM in my car and turning 4k rpm on the highway.

The MR2 replaced my series of Broncos, and I've been thinking back towards the freedom of having all that room, all that clearance, and giving none of the, uh, cares, about bombing through potholes, parking lots, and going bumper-to-bumper up and down 100% grades in San Francisco. But I also recall the terrible handling, inability to cruise at speed without 90dB of windnoise, and having to swipe my card twice to fill the drum of fuel it called a tank.

More directly, I'm looking for something with an automatic trans (I know, ugh), enough torque to not be constantly swearing at having an uncooperative automatic, decent handling, enough room for 3xDog.Large, can cruise comfortably at 75-80mph getting at the very least 20mpg, has AWD or 4WD to enable giving the finger to chain controls going up into the Sierras, will be fine to regularly truck around a toddler, and is as cheap as I can get away with (of course).

My current shortlist, which I'm not completely content with, is the following:

• V70R

• Cayenne S (or better)

• Escalade

All used, of course. Of the three, I like the idea of the Volvo the best. AWD, taarbo, should cruise like a missle. I have exactly 0 familiarity with Volvos, so I have no idea what they're like to work on or how much parts typically run. Hell, I've never even owned a European car. The Cayenne S piqued my interest as I've seen a few on CL from dealerships going for ~$15k. I hear they handle better than any SUV has a right to. Should be plenty of power, plenty of room. I'm scared of how much needed maintenance they're sitting on, though. The Escalade is more the safe bet; I have a few friends with Tahoes, they're comfy, should be dirt cheap to work on, the Escalade gets me the 6.0L, a nicer interior, and maybe better brakes. The Tahoes ride SUPER floaty, though and I'm not sure if that can be remedied. I've also had thoughts towards a Grand Cherokee, but then I start looking at SRT8s which so far seem out of my budget. Subarus are out because I don't want a Scooby with an automatic.

I'd really prefer to get off the cycle of payments, but I'd rather make payments to get something that ticks all the boxes. I'm down for modifying to get what I want, provided I can do so in a Cali smog-legal way.

So, what did I miss? Are there reasons to definitely try one of the above or definitely avoid them? Thanks!

You will not see 20mpg in an Escalade. You couldn't even give it a local call. They and their Chevy brethren all seem to get about 13mpg.

There are several different suspension options for the Tahoe. The one that rides well has shocks the size of wiffle bats.

Oh, I know the Escalade won't see 20mpg. I'd be shocked to pull 17mpg highway. Of everything on the list, I'm most willing to compromise on fuel economy.

What about an X5? They are very nice and have good handling(for what it is) 20mpg highway might be optimistic though.

Would I kick myself to get an XC70 instead of a V70R?

I vote escalade. Gets you closest to your old Bronco days, can bomb around SF, cheap to fix, and if you do trade paint the truck will likely be unscathed.

The dumb random stuff that could fail on the Volvo that's buried in the dash and is $$$ to fix scares me away personally.

Even though I love Volvos I can tell right away the V70R isn't for you. While it is a wagon a 3X dog will feel cramped by the low roof. The XC is a better bet, BUT makes your aversion to the Euro-expense even more justified.

Considering the Cayenne and Escalade are in different size classes and you liked the idea of a Porsche, what about a 9-7X? Same platform as the Trailblazer but nicer inside and out with available V8s. Note: parts may be unobtainium, I'm not up on my Saabs. A Trailblazer SS is the same as the 9-7X Aero. I've never actively looked for one, but if I come across one I'll be seriously tempted.

You may not have thought of either of these two cars, but I suggest a Mk V Jetta sportwagen or a E-class wagon, both with a diesel engine.

I would personally skip the AWD and get good snow tires, but the E-class can be had with AWD.

Acura MDX

Mr_Clutch42 wrote: I would personally skip the AWD and get good snow tires, but the E-class can be had with AWD.

This is an interesting point and makes me consider some things. I don't need awd. I only want to have it to not have to deal with chains the once or twice per year I go up in to the mountains. Now, that being the case, maybe risking dealing with chains once per year is better than trying to find something AWD. Of course, if I had AWD, maybe I'd go, I dunno, snowboarding or something more often. I'm pretty sure I like the idea of not having to worry about it more than I care about actually having it.

I appreciate all the thoughts and ideas so far.

B6 Passat VR6 4motion.

Roomy wagon, 280+ hp, unstoppable AWD system, 27mpg hwy.

Mr_Clutch42 wrote: I would personally skip the AWD and get good snow tires, but the E-class can be had with AWD.

I'm pretty sure the good Reverend is looking for AWD so he can work around a local speciality - if there are chain controls in the Sierra Nevada, he will have to put on chains on a car with snow tires unless it's got AWD. AWD plus M+S rated tires usually means you get to go to the front of the line.

TBH for once or twice a year I wouldn't bother with AWD.

BoxheadTim wrote: I'm pretty sure the good Reverend is looking for AWD so he can work around a local speciality - if there are chain controls in the Sierra Nevada, he will have to put on chains on a car with snow tires unless it's got AWD. AWD plus M+S rated tires usually means you get to go to the front of the line.

On the nose. 4WD/AWD + M+S rated tires == not being required to use chains.

Any thoughts on the early Infiniti FX45? Just noticed there's a 2003 on a lot 'round here. I know they're built on the 350Z chassis and have the 4.5L V8, but that's about the extent of my knowledge as I've never been much of a Nissan guy. Do the V8s suffer the same oil consumption issues as the VQs? Do they drive worth a damn?

Doesn't AWD on a Volkswagen just mean you'll be that much harder for the tow truck to reach?

What I did, Mr2spyder and is300 sportcross is a good combo! Not awd but with snows its fine. If it won't get me where I need to go, I'll take my fj40.

Another option I'd recommend is an rx330/350, I had an 05 and it was a great car, super reliable, great in the snow, really comfy, felt high end, and held resale like crazy (actually made money owning it for 60k).

Forester XT? Newer models are bigger and turbo. On the E Class, my brother has been cruising in his 15 year old AWD E class wagon for a while. Floaty but might meet the needs.

Can anyone speak to the reliability of that Merc wagon (I'm good without awd)? I don't mind those.

Junkyard_Dog wrote: Considering the Cayenne and Escalade are in different size classes and you liked the idea of a Porsche, what about a 9-7X? Same platform as the Trailblazer but nicer inside and out with available V8s. Note: parts may be unobtainium, I'm not up on my Saabs. A Trailblazer SS is the same as the 9-7X Aero. I've never actively looked for one, but if I come across one I'll be seriously tempted.

the Trollblazer has the distinction of being the fastest factory built Saab. IMHO it was what was both right and wrong with saab being in the GM family tree. Yes, it was mostly badge engineering at it's worst, but it did give GM the very nicest blazer this size of the caddy

Wally wrote: Doesn't AWD on a Volkswagen just mean you'll be that much harder for the tow truck to reach?

Close. AWD on almost any ride usually makes it that much harder for the tow truck to reach you. AWD has its' place. But AWD doesn't cancel out the laws of physics. It often only lets you get in deeper.

I wasn't even thinking of an accident, just when the warm glow of the "check engine" light greets you.

In your next life Wally, may you be a public relations specialist for the VAG.