Talk me out of it

[DaveR]

Time to either make serious repairs to the Ranger or get into debt for another 5 years. Leaning toward a crossover type vehicle if I choose the latter. While the ease of loading in the p/u is nice, mileage sucks and interior room sucks worse. I wouldn't buy another compact truck and the bigguns are pricey.
Aside from the like it or hate it looks, why don't I want to buy a Honda Element? Cargo space is enormous, cleans up easy, has all the comforts up front. I hate this shi$.

[MrSpectaculous]

Dave, Have you condered a Subaru Forrester? I love mine. It's a 4 cylinder but a big one (2.5L) gets good mileage and has an excellent reputation for reliability and safety. I also have an older model Scion XB and it's roomy and gets excellent mileage. I would just hate to have to put a kayak on top of it as it's pretty tall. The Subaru is easy to load.

[Heywood]

Cause you would look really gay driving one?

[americanrobster]

Whatever you do, BUY AMERICAN!!!

[shallow pockets]

Do they make American Cars any more?

[dunfly]

Subaru Outback. Bigger and better ride than a Forester, plus better gas mileage. I just picked up my fourth Outback and I wouldn't have anything else. Not exactly an American car, but it is built in Indiana.

[SBones]

I have an 05 element (american assembled), ORANGE in color! I really don't have anything bad to say about it. There are a few thing I would have done differently in purchasing it, but overall am happy and when I am willing (my wife lets me) to spend money on it, I will. PM if you have any questions. There are a very few cars that are completely american built, and none of them are similar to the element.

[bigguy]

Dave, Have you condered a Subaru Forrester? I love mine. It's a 4 cylinder but a big one (2.5L) gets good mileage and has an excellent reputation for reliability and safety. I also have an older model Scion XB and it's roomy and gets excellent mileage. I would just hate to have to put a kayak on top of it as it's pretty tall. The Subaru is easy to load.

I love my XB. And its a lot easier load on top of it then it is on my pathfinder. If you buy used you can find some Great deals on full size trucks.

[kempshark]

I also have an 05 Element. Yes, they are ugly as crap, but the functionality is great. On the downside...the gas mileage isn't really any better than a compact truck. I get 20-21 mpg. I could easily get that or better with a 4 cylinder truck. I like loading the kayak in the bed of the truck better than on top of the Element, but the unbelievable interior storage (dry) is just great. You wouldn't believe how much stuff you can fit inside the Element with the back seats folded up against the sides. You could do like I did....I bought an Element (had it for about 5 1/2 years and 86,000 miles now) and talk the wife into the fact that she needs a new (2009) Toyota Tacoma 6 cylinder PreRunner. That way you have access to both worlds!!

[Offlander]

Whatever you do, BUY AMERICAN!!!

That buy American is Bull Crap!!! My wife and I found Honda uses more American parts to build there cars, Vans, C-RVs... In Tennessee!! (than GM.)

American Cars or not. CLICK HERE

[bigguy]

Whatever you do, BUY AMERICAN!!!

That buy American is Bull Crap!!! My wife and I found Honda uses more American parts to build there cars, Vans, C-RVs... In Tennessee!! (than GM.)

American Cars or not. CLICK HERE

And they don't support the UAW

[JoeS]

Simple Answer Dave.........$400.00 X 60 = ....... plus the high cost of new car auto insurance...... That is why I drive a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 239K on it......cost me about on average $250 yr in maintainance......and under $400 yr auto insurance......On side note 17mpg for me sucks........

[FLfishchaser]

Get a four door truck and put bed extender on it.

[kempshark]

The only problem with the four door idea is that they normally only come with 6 cylinders, and he said he's looking for better gas mileage.......yeah, everything is a trade-off. I miss my F250 extended cab with the 8 foot bed.....but I sure don't miss the 14 mpg (city or highway). Of course it did hold 38 gallons....first time I had to fill it up after gas went over $3/gallon convinced me that I needed to change!!!! (over $100)

[fuzzy]

I got Tundra, 6 cyl, 4 door, 2010 and love it.

fuzz

[r3krobert]

Simple Answer Dave.........$400.00 X 60 = ....... plus the high cost of new car auto insurance...... That is why I drive a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 239K on it......cost me about on average $250 yr in maintainance......and under $400 yr auto insurance......On side note 17mpg for me sucks........

I've got a 1990 Jeep. It too gets only 15-17 mpg. On the other hand I'd have to drive a lot of miles to make it worthwhile to replace.

I've also got a 1999 Ford Escort wagon that averages more than 30 mpg and it's even easier to load a kayak or canoe on it.

FlatsSteeler really hit the nail on the head. If you can afford and want a new vehicle, great.
If economy is the important thing, keep fixing the Ranger.