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I am trying to figure out what kind of car I need, whether it's a small SUV or a sedan. Has anyone else gone through this process recently?
I want a car that is a little higher because it's easier to get in and out of and will go through flooded streets easier.
I have a 50 pound dog I need to lug around, so need extra space for him.
I also like to garden so I like the idea of having a hatch in the back to load soil/plants stuff in.
However, and this is VERY important, I do not want to sacrifice acceleration or cornering. I also need a car with an EXCELLENT sound system. If it has a crappy sound system, I won't buy it.
I tested a 2016 BMW X1 over the weekend and I think that is the best-handling utility car I have found. I am just wondering whether anyone else has gone through this search and what they found.
I have previously driven/tested:
Subaru Outback (horrible handling, horrible sound system)
2016 Infiniti QX 50 (annoying engine vibration, bad sound system)
Volvo V60 (acceleration/transmission lag)
2016 BMW X1 (pricey once you add options that are standard on other cars)
I have yet to test the Audis. That's last on my list.
Ford Escape?
Other Asian brands?
Sounds like you need a wagon. Dont drive through any flooded street with a small SUV that is not a wrangler or otherwise equipped for water. Dont do it with a wrangler either if you dont have to. Standing water up to axles = fluid change for all differentials.
If you want to retain handling a wagon is the best option. What wagon? Not sure.
The problem with wagons is that no dealer has them. Yes, there's a few brands that offer a wagon, but no dealer has any in stock in my state. They don't stock them because nobody buys them. And I am not gonna order a car without driving it first.
The problem with wagons is that no dealer has them. Yes, there's a few brands that offer a wagon, but no dealer has any in stock in my state. They don't stock them because nobody buys them. And I am not gonna order a car without driving it first.
Understandable. But if you need space and demand sedan like handling wagon is probably the best route. CUVs are an inherent compromise. Cant say I know what is in the wagon market. I do know the Euro Fusion wagon looks sweet not available in the US tho.
It doesn't hit all your criteria but I loved my Mazda5 when I owned it. Very easy to get in and out of. Very roomy and has sliding doors like a minivan but doesn't drive like one. Very good steering feel but power is a bit weak. Adequate if just you and dog though.
Sounds like you need a wagon. Dont drive through any flooded street with a small SUV that is not a wrangler or otherwise equipped for water. Dont do it with a wrangler either if you dont have to. Standing water up to axles = fluid change for all differentials.
If you want to retain handling a wagon is the best option. What wagon? Not sure.
This comment really needs more attention than it got. Every year there's at least someone that tries to drive through a flooded street and gets themselves stuck, thinking their car or SUV can handle it, and this isn't even a particularly flood prone area.
Don't try and judge how deep water is or how fast its rising by eyeballing it and driving through. It's asking for trouble.
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