What is the best vehicle to purchase - Page 3

 Candis,

I am in the market for another vehicle, as well.  I am told that the  Dodge Nitro fits 3 400 crates.   The bottom line seems to be vans. But, I just cannot bring myself to drive a "Soccor Mom" rig.  I need a SUV.  I drive a Forester, now, with two wire crates "permanently installed".  I say "permanently" because the only way to get the second crate in sitting flat was a platform (which my  TD made for me) that means the only way to get the second crate out of the car now is to take everything else out first.  The crate cannot be folded down to remove otherwise.  The crates, tug toys, balls, hand warmers, extra boots, socks, hats, dog food, dog bowls, baggies, etc. are ALWAYS in the car, too.   The second crate is only a medium size.  It is okay for now, but that bitch puppy is going to be full-grown someday. 

In this economy, I dread committing to a car payment, when I don't have one at all, now.   After last summer's gas prices, I must have excellent mileage.   And, the vehicle must be American.   American jobs are on the line, so I cannot see buying anything else in this rotten economy.   That narrows down the prospects, too. 

I don't think Mommy loves me anymore. :-(
[Sniff]

I rented a Nitro AWD in KY last fall. I had my large, odd-size folding aluminum crate (23w x 40L x 28H) and a 400 and a bunch of stuff, (2 large suitcases, double 6-packer ice chest, lg. equipment bag, small tubby for dogfood, huge shoulder bag, rolling computer case, cameras... and YES... 2 HATS)  which all fit fine. I think you could probably get two 400's side by side facing the back and one sideways behind the front seats, maybe even a 500 there. My only gripe was that it had an awful lot of road noise, rough ride, and drank a lot more gas than it claims in the ads. I drive like the LOL (Little Old Lady) I am, so it wasn't my driving style wrecking the mileage. I did like the orange color, the sound system, and it seemed to handle pretty well if you don't mind the very stiff suspension.
SS

Shelley's new RED http://www.dodge.com/en/2009/sprinter/

I like these Mystere not sure how big they are in back though never jumped in the back of one. I didn't expect 20+pmg

http://www.edmunds.com/dodge/magnum/2008/index.html

Shelley,

Road noise is never an issue with me because I have the music up too loud to hear it!!   Rouch ride, I don't like the sound of, though.   

Remember, I am a techno and mechanical idiot:  what does "stiff suspension" do?

Stiff suspension means you might shake a few teeth loose on a bumpy road. The Nitro was certainly sericeable for a dog vehicle. Not fancy by any means, but not priced through the roof either. Maybe the 2WD version is more comfortable?
I couldn't see myself in a Magnum... ever. That car looks like it ought to be full of cigar-smoking guys in pin-striped suits, wearing fedoras and toting machine guns.
SS

LOL good to know Mystere. It does seem like a Soccer Dad car! LOL I actually don't like Dodge at all but Chevrolet really needs to get on the fuel efficient bandwagon. It's just impossible to find fuel economy, room for crates and 4x4 or AWD. 1 or more has to go and the first is usually the fuel economy. Looks like I'll be keeping my Excurs forever and finding a fuel eff car if I ever need to commute.

I have a Trailblazer that I fit three 400 crates with the seats folded down, if I take them out I can get a 4th in.

I'd be better off if I switched to wire crates instead of the rediculous plastic beasts. Just spent $130 on a new crate for Baden. I'm thinking of cutting his feet off so I can fit him in a shorter crate. I can't go any smaller or the assmunches at the airport wont fly him in it. We need to really focus on 70lb smaller GSD's here people. Med breed right, not large?