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Old 02-09-2014, 10:43 AM   #21
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Re: Alternate vehicle suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nomadcat
Also - and I know this doesn't compare to what I've mentioned - but I have a strange fascination with the Subaru Crosstrek XV.
----
I feel like I could almost flat tow the little Subey, even though my van weights close to 9000 pounds full and has a 5.4 V8. Do you think I'd be pushing it?

Paul
I'm not a fan of the Crosstek, just because it feels a little cheap, and doesn't get great fuel economy for its size. But.... It proved itself on I-5's crumbing infrastructure.




And I don't think you would have any trouble towing it with your van. I've towed a lot more with the 5.4L.

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Old 02-09-2014, 08:57 PM   #22
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Re: Alternate vehicle suggestions

There's something goofy about the Crosstrek. I'm not deluding myself into thinking it's any kind of offroad vehicle, but it might be perfect for the city. I also have a friend who says he'd buy it from me if I ever wanted to ditch it.

The other thing I was considering was the new Cherokee Trailhawk - I know, it's strange looking and seems a bit too software-based - but the reviews are great. Unfortunately, it's also a bit pricier and I'm already trying to cut costs.

As for mileage cap on an XJ, I'd be thrilled to find one under 75K, but I think this will all be a moot question by mid-week, so no need on the links, although I do appreciate the offer. I love the idea of towing whatever behind me for certain types of trips.

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Old 02-10-2014, 07:12 AM   #23
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Re: Alternate vehicle suggestions

Just use the space to start collecting parts for your next van build!
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Old 02-10-2014, 07:50 AM   #24
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Re: Alternate vehicle suggestions

Cherokee Trailhawk, just checked it out on Google Images since I had never heard of it. What a cool little ute! With the oversize wheels and aggressive tires it looks much less 'girly' than ever other small SUV these days. Looks even better muddy!

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Old 02-10-2014, 08:03 AM   #25
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Re: Alternate vehicle suggestions

Not cheap, and frankly a little goofy looking, but I saw that you can get a Ford Flex AWD with EcoBoost. Nice combination IMO.


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Old 02-10-2014, 08:02 PM   #26
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Re: Alternate vehicle suggestions

Love that Flex. Unfortunately, it's about 10 grand more than what I'm looking at. I consider the Flex a classic and will one day maybe wish I had bought one. Just cannot.

As for the Trailhawk, I still like it, but I have read a few horror stories of mystery problems and, combined with it's super reliance on software for critical functions, I'd give it a pass for the first year or two, until they work out the bugs.

I still miss my old Grand Wagoneer.

Paul
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Old 03-13-2014, 09:26 PM   #27
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Re: Alternate vehicle suggestions

I just sold a 325xi wagon .... 2004 with 102,xxx they gave me $7,ooo........ It will hold all you need ..... so will the Subaru legacy also a great wagon ..... I had an o7 traveled 2500 mile with two adults a 90lb lab and a 10 yr old..... plus gear with a cargo box up top......... both 20-25mpg and very capable in frozen wet weather....... good luck and choose wisely.
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Old 03-14-2014, 02:20 PM   #28
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Re: Alternate vehicle suggestions

Simples.


Example with airbags being deflated for parking in garage.

Example with airbags inflated for off road ;

The bonus is that apparently this things come with a set of ladies too, I hope the ladies don't also come with stuff....
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Old 03-14-2014, 03:05 PM   #29
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Re: Alternate vehicle suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nomadcat
I feel like I could almost flat tow the little Subey, even though my van weights close to 9000 pounds full and has a 5.4 V8. Do you think I'd be pushing it?
No, you'd be PULLING it . Sorry.

I've got a 5.4, several hundred pounds below yours, but I've towed a spec miata on a trailer all over the place to tracks. And I had a Chevy Tracker that I flat towed all over the west before I sold it. I had probably lightened it a bit, but it towed fine. I did notice going up some grades that I was slower, but BFD. I didn't have trailer brakes on it either, and it worked out. Even got similar gas mileage; the big hit is the aerodynamics anyway.
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Old 03-14-2014, 05:33 PM   #30
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Re: Alternate vehicle suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by ProfessorPaddle
Simples.


Example with airbags being deflated for parking in garage.

Example with airbags inflated for off road ;

The bonus is that apparently this things come with a set of ladies too, I hope the ladies don't also come with stuff....
I saw the airbags in the second pic, but they weren't very nice ones.

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