<p>I’m not at all interested in owning any kind of mini van…that part of my life is OVER (running a taxi service). The car I’m looking to buy is for the grown ups but needs to be able to hold four adults if necessary…comfortably, and also hold the garbage cans. A smaller SUV type car is probably going to be what I get…just a matter of which one…and when.</p>
<p>I should add, four wheel drive would be a nice thing to have where we live.</p>
<p>I’d definitely look at the CRV–the back seems to be deeper than the usual station wagon or SUV. In fact, I think I’ll try to fit a garbage can in it right now. (Obviously, a woman with nothing better to do, but you’ve got my curiousity up!)</p>
<p>Edit: I’m able to fit two of those Rubbermaid trash cans on wheels in the back of my CRV.</p>
<p>Big CRV fan after 110K on ours. But there are SO many options in the small sport-ute category that it will take some effort to sort through them.</p>
<p>We bought a 2009 CR-V last summer. This may sound silly, but the main reason I chose it over the Toyota RAV-4 was the placement of the center console. In the 2009 RAV-4, the center console was connected to the dashboard. In the CR-V, it’s not. I like that space to be open, in case I want to slide over to the passenger side of the car without having to climb over that hump AND the open space is a good place for my purse. If someone’s in the passenger seat, I’d rather have my purse in the floor space between us than in the back seat.</p>
<p>We have not had any problems with the Honda and are still very happy with our purchase.</p>
<p>I also love that feature of the CRV, IllinoisMom2006! There are times when I have to enter the car from the passenger side (someone parked too close to me on the driver’s side) and it is a breeze with the CRV.</p>
<p>I just read one of those ‘lists’ of cars considered ‘teen cars’ and ‘senior cars’. The CRV was indicated as a teen car and the Subaru Forester as a ‘senior car’. Make of that and identify with what you will.</p>
<p>When looking for a small SUV I didn’t like the looks of the CRV or the RAV4. I didn’t want a Ford SUV after my less than pleasant experiences with owning a Ford Exploder. The Mazda was too expensive for what it is. We took a look at the Hyundai and ended up with a Tucson. That was 5 years ago and not a single thing has gone wrong with it.</p>
<p>I suggest you consider the Hyundai SUVs - the Tucson as the smaller one and the Santa Fe as one larger than the Tucson but still not large. The Santa Fe is even built in the USA. If you compare features/price Hyundais usually trump Honda/Toyota. The Hyundais also have a better factory warranty. I also think the Hyundai SUVs have much nicer styling than the utilitarian looking CRV or the clunky looking RAV4 or the ‘mom looking’ Subaru although this styling assessment is of course subjective.</p>
<p>Hey thumper,</p>
<p>The redesigned Rav4 is already out in Europe, and it doesn’t have the rear spare tire. Just google 2011 Rav4. However, I’m not sure if it will be released in the US as a 2012 MY or a 2011 MY.</p>
<p>But if you’re already shopping the top-of-the-line trims, the current Rav4 does indeed come without the wheel on its Limited trim I believe.</p>
<p>If you’re adamant about not having a mini-van, then why Mazda 5? That is essentially a crossover, shaped like a minivan with folding doors. However, to me personally, it looks not too shabby though.</p>
<p>Agree with UC Dad about taking a look at Hyundai. The 2010 redesign of the Tucson looks terrific and young, and gets 30+mpg highway. Not to mention it starts at 19,000 (w/ manual transmission) and 20,000 with automatic. Certainly worth a look.</p>
<p>If you’re willing to spend upward of 30,000 - why not take a look at the Volvo XC series. Dependable and safe.</p>
<p>And then there is always the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab… just for fun…</p>
<p>I will be following this thread with great interest, lol, as we have been discussing the same thing! I currently have a mini van that I love for the size, cargo space and economy. But I would eventually like to get a “grown up” vehicle. The back rows seating in the mini van just isn’t sufficient for adult type people and isn’t very comfortable according to 6’1" son and 5’8" daughter who sit on the second row bench seat when we all go out together. Add to that, when their significant others come along, it really looks like a can of sardines.</p>
<p>Anyway, we rented a Highlander to drive from Miami to Key West and back. H and I loved it (from our front seat perspective). The three who were in the back seat (including the 2 mentioned above) were not as enthralled. They said the seat was not comfortable - it was very stiff. So I think that one will be off the list.</p>
<p>Like thumper, I want one I can toss the garbage cans in the back - although they only need to be able to lay down flat as I only bring them in when empty.</p>
<p>We have been toying with the idea of the Honda Pilot, but haven’t gone to look at it yet.</p>
<p>In defense of the Dodge vans-my 98 Voyager is still going strong after 135,000 miles, mostly intown use. Yes there have been some needed repairs in the last few years, most notably to the air con. But cheaper than a new car, great for the haul to college, and so comfortable, unless trying to park it. The third seat is out now, and I keep my bike in back. </p>
<p>Every time I travel and rent a car, I’m glad to return home to the soft seats of that van. Praying it lasts till the last college payment, and then I’ll start looking for a new vehicle. So am interested in the discussion, as I’d like something else where I could perhaps fold down a few seats and keep my bike in the back.</p>
<p>When you check out the Forester, also look at the Tribeca and the Outback (too large for me, but actually better on milage than a Forester).</p>
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<p>I’m NOT willing to spend upward of $30K. The Subaru Forester I’m looking at is $26K and the CRV I would look for a one year old one…same price range.</p>
<p>Re: the Outback…garbage cans won’t fit.</p>
<p>Re: Tribeca…I really think it’s too big. The only Subaru I’m considering is the Forester.</p>
<p>Agree with UCI…the “look” of the Mazda 5 is fine. It doesn’t look like a minivan to me.</p>
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<p>This is mine except mine is a 2005 approaching 100,000. It is my second Dodge mini van and both were absolutely great vehicles. No maintenance issues at all. Inexpensive to buy as well. We loved the van for the moving in and out of college deal. With smart packing, we could fit everything in there in one shot. I agree that the front seats are fairly comfortable, but the issue is with the bench seats. We too keep the 3rd row seat out and it makes for great cargo room. So now we will be looking for more comfort, same cargo capacity, and less noise (mine is noisy).</p>
<p>In terms of size, I found the Outback too big. For me, I felt that there were blind spots. My DH loves the Outback and was disappointed that I did not like it at all. I don’t feel this way about the Tribeca (more expensive than the Forester). The Forester just seems to have a nice big windshield and a very nice sunroof, so a very nice open feeling.</p>
<p>I have a 2009 CRV - EX. We purchased last year for a price of 22,600. </p>
<p>great lakes mom - With the smaller seat down we can put one bike in the back. We can put two if put the whole seat down.</p>
<p>I’ve had this car for a year and love it. No regrets.</p>
<p>BU and BC…THAT is what I’m looking for…a gently used one or two year old CRV or Forester…or something. I’m not in a hurry (lucky for that)…so I’m going to shop around until I find what I want. If my current car (the Volvo) dies…then all bets are off!!</p>
<p>BUandBC-Thanks! That is just the question I had about these vehicles, whether my bike would fit inside. May start slowly looking around.</p>
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<p>When I was looking for a car for my D, I was really flabbergasted that a gently used one or two year old car cost almost the same as the brand new car. We finally bought her a brand new Corolla for perhaps $2000 more to get peace of mind about the repair record of a used car.</p>
<p>I got the RAV4 over the CRV for two reasons - my DW and I both thought the seats in the RAV4 were much more comfortable, and when you fold down the back seats it creates an almost completely flat surface from right behind the front seats all the way to the back door. This for me was a big plus.</p>
<p>Don’t know if the RAV4 will fit garbage cans, I never tried.</p>
<p>The Sport model, which is the one without the rear-mounted spare, does have heated leather seats available as an option.</p>
<p>The one regret I have with my RAV4 is not getting the V6. It is much quicker, gets only 1 mpg less than the 4 cylinder engine.</p>