Not surprised that the Ranger comes up. Nice little truck, as well as the Canyon. But once equipped with 4x4, and extended cab or crew cab, mileage gets down to the 1/2 ton catagory.
The Yaris is nice. But a bit small for me. Let me set the stage: I borrowed a friend car, a new Mini Cooper, and ran to the store. An older lady filling her car with gas watched me get out of the car, and laughed so hard I could hear her across the parking lot. FWIW - I'm 6'2" and 250 lbs (maybe more this winter!). I will also need some significant trunk space that would fit testing equiment and such. Think, three or four hard case suitcases, a large rubbermaid bin with tape measures & hand tools, cold weather gear, and a small file case for plans and specs.
Subaru - Hmmm, hadn't considered them, mainly because I've heard that the mileage is less that stellar with the boxer engines. 30 mpg would put it in the CRV catagory. I'll add that to my list of test drives.
So far here is my test drive list (in no order):
- VW Jetta TDI wagon
- Ford Focus wagon
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota RAV4
- Chevy Equinox
- Hyundia Sante Fe (or what ever the smaller one is called)
All of which, I'll compare with my wife's CRV. I'll probably try the new vehicles, but will keep an eye out for clean used ones too. The VW and Ford are obviously front wheel drive cars, but I'll be able to manage if I keep my current truck at home, however, pricing will need to reflect that loss.
Keep the suggestions coming!
Thanks!
Leo