Vehicle shopping...need opinions

[GLC1968]

You need to look at the smaller engine BMW X1 that's AWD - there are a BUNCH of different versions, but the smaller engine one is cheaper and gets better MPG and I bet you anything that it's got plenty of power. It gets 30's MPG which is decent for a car that size. Dealer loyalty!!!

I think we are going to have to look at it. I know how a BMW drives and I am assuming none of these other cars will compare! It has a ton more HP and torque than the other options we are looking at as well, so it will definitely have no problem with towing. AND, it's got the best standard warranty as well.

I know we can get an aftermarket hitch added as well, so I am going to put it on the list.

[Irulan]

My Beemer loving buddy ( has 5 if you count the parts cars and the one in progress) was very impressed with my mazda 3

[GLC1968]

My Beemer loving buddy ( has 5 if you count the parts cars and the one in progress) was very impressed with my mazda 3

I've heard really good things about the Mazda, so it will definitely get a fair shake. Car and Driver did a comparison of all of these (minus the BMW) and the Mazda won, so it's near the top of our list.

[Catrin]

Good luck with your search!

[Koronin]

Good luck with the search. Can't help with the type of vehicle you're looking for though. We have 2 cars Monte Carlo SS (which is my toy and I love dearly), Nissan Versa (my work car and gets good gas milage and has good storage capacity), and 2 Ford Rangers (1 with well over 300,000 miles and the newer one that is 4 wheel drive). The Nissan we got a good deal on used, if we were to buy new it would most likely be a Ford.

[maillotpois]

I think we are going to have to look at it. I know how a BMW drives and I am assuming none of these other cars will compare! It has a ton more HP and torque than the other options we are looking at as well, so it will definitely have no problem with towing. AND, it's got the best standard warranty as well.

I know we can get an aftermarket hitch added as well, so I am going to put it on the list.

If you drive it, please tell us how you like it. We are seriously considering it for either (1) when DHs lease is up or (2) once I have paid off my car and if Em takes the Jetta to college.

[TrekDianna]

I had a 2001 Subaru Outback that got decent gas mileage. I did a lot of shopping when I decided to get something new -- I drive over the mountain pass a couple of times a month and really wanted 4-wheel drive. I also live on 4 miles of dirt roads including the last 1 mile that goes from 200 to just under 1000 feet elevation. There were times that I slid down that hill. I finally gave up and just went with a Jeep Wrangler. I've wanted one my whole life. The other car is a Toyota Yaris - affectionately known as "the clown car".

[Crankin]

I had a hitch on my BMW 325X... it was only for a bike rack, never towed anything, but I didn't realize it was an after market thing. DH ordered it on line and installed it himself, but he generally does everything like that.

[indysteel]

We have had hitches installed on two of our vehicles where it wasn't a standard option. At least according to my husband, who is completely obsessed with all things motorized, it's not that big of a deal for either a dealer or someone like U-Haul to install a hitch. Assuming the vehicle can actually tow what you want to tow, he suggests not ruling out a vehicle just because a tow hitch isn't a standard option.

[GLC1968]

We were talking about this last night and realized that with the exception of our MINI, all of our cars have had hitches and all of them were aftermarket!

Sarah - I'll definitely report back! I think we are going to drive the BMW tonight and if there is time, either the CR-V or the CX-5. I know car dealers will allow buyers to test-fit bikes...think they'll let us test-fit our dogs?

TrekDianna - I've owned 5 Jeeps in my lifetime included a CJ-7 all through college (back when I could get gas for less than a $1/gal). I loved them all but they just don't fit our lifestyle anymore unless we wanted a bigger one and then we can kiss good gas mileage goodbye. Fun to drive though!

[maillotpois]

Sarah - I'll definitely report back! I think we are going to drive the BMW tonight and if there is time, either the CR-V or the CX-5. I know car dealers will allow buyers to test-fit bikes...think they'll let us test-fit our dogs?

Oh goody! It comes in a spectacular orange....