Why not a Toyota Hilux? Are they available in the US? If so, the diesel, 2 wd, manual versions aren't too bad. Nice tray for the bikes & tons of room in the back to throw all your "stuff".
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Why not a Toyota Hilux? Are they available in the US? If so, the diesel, 2 wd, manual versions aren't too bad. Nice tray for the bikes & tons of room in the back to throw all your "stuff".
I kinda like the Cube. I don't like that odd window, but I like the thing. I'd like to see if it is as big as the Element. I hate that the website is not interactive enough to see everything inside. I am NOT going to the Nissan dealer to look at it, because I'm not in the market.
Karen
That Cube looks like it has some blind spots, like that windshield/door post.
My Element has HUGE blind spots all the way around. I am always rubbernecking to see around them, especially in parking lots and left turns.
Karen
That brings up the old "what's an american car? A Honda built in Ohio, or a Chevy from Mexico?" question
another vehicle that coming from a Detroit- albiet made overseas is the Ford Transit Connect www.fordvehicles.com/transitconnect
I find the Prius to be great for hauling stuff, and it holds 2 bikes easily. Despite being a midsize car, it's having a hatchback and rear seats that fold flat make it very practical. I would guess that a Matrix would be similar.
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee here. The brakes need to be replaced twice a year, the warranty on everything just about sucks. I don't have a lead foot, and I don't abuse the brakes either. My maintenance/service bills are about 3-4 times the amount of my monthly payment!! Not worth it.
Keep in mind that SUV's are in general more expensive than smaller cars. Brakes, tires, etc, that all adds up, and they get worn out much quicker than smaller cars.
I also have a 2003 VW Golf. It's a pain in the butt to get my bike in there, but so far, the little Golfy has been good. Over 80,000 miles on it, and no major issues!
I guess I did end up with the lemon of the family. Or maybe the newer ones are just crappy. My mom used to have an older one - 98 or 99? And that car was great. She loved it and it never had any issues. Too bad it was stolen.
I'm trying to think of other American SUV's. None come to mind that I think would be worth buying.