Living in the southwest, getting anywhere usually mean substantial highway miles.
We're currently in San Diego after driving 500 miles from Flagstaff, and my wife has finally admitted that maybe itd be nice to have something bigger and more powerful than a Honda Fit for such duties.
Being that we both work from home, and we've got a cheap Prius for high MPG errand running, we dont need two compact cars. We've got a truck for anything offroad, like camping and hauling, etc.
What we need is:
- Space and Cargo Hauling Capabilities - including coolers, luggage, beach chairs, umbrellas, kids toys, bikes, etc.
- Interior Length - rear facing car seats are space hungry and impact the ability to get a good driving position in smaller cars.
- Stable high speed handling at 80mph+. Yes, most of highways out here have 75mpg speed limits. Id like something with more Autobahn style handling dynamics, so AWD or RWD would be great.
- Power for mountain passes.
- Good MPG, otherwise we might as well take the truck. Id like 28mpg or better. Hyrbids are ok, Im not gonna complain about 35mpg highway.
Budget is under $20k used.
Current considerations are: Newer Pacifica/Voyager, Mercedes Metris, Some CrossOver SUVs, Honda Ridgeline, Volvo Wagons. Open to installing lowering springs and good shocks along with wider wheels and tires to achieve desired handling characteristics.
Ruling out: BMW Wagons - not big enough.
