Anonymous wrote:We have a Volvo SUV that we purchased when we found that our Volvo XC wagon was a little tight on space for long-distance trips where we were toting kids, dogs, luggage, sports equipment, etc. Both cars are great in the snow -- we have driven them to VT and NH for ski trips on several occasions -- but they are pricey. For a more economical alternative, I'd vote for a Subaru. My great-aunt and uncle, who retired to NH, drive one and we see a ton of them up there. (50 million Frenchmen might be wrong, but I'd bet the farm on all those thrifty NH retirees with plenty of time on their hands to do consumer research.) They have the smaller one -- never can remember if that's the Forester or Outback -- and I have driven it in the summer. It's zippy and easy to parallel park, so a good car for city living as well.

I love your comment and agree! My daughter-in-law drives a Forester and thinks it's been great!

We have a Volvo SUV that we purchased when we found that our Volvo XC wagon was a little tight on space for long-distance trips where we were toting kids, dogs, luggage, sports equipment, etc. Both cars are great in the snow -- we have driven them to VT and NH for ski trips on several occasions -- but they are pricey. For a more economical alternative, I'd vote for a Subaru. My great-aunt and uncle, who retired to NH, drive one and we see a ton of them up there. (50 million Frenchmen might be wrong, but I'd bet the farm on all those thrifty NH retirees with plenty of time on their hands to do consumer research.) They have the smaller one -- never can remember if that's the Forester or Outback -- and I have driven it in the summer. It's zippy and easy to parallel park, so a good car for city living as well.

Honda CRV

Another vote for the forester.

Higher ground clearance is really useful when you drive on roads that have not been plowed or poorly plowed.

You don't have to get an SUV in order to have AWD.

Subarus Forester!!! You should test drive the Outback (it feels more like a car and small wagon) to see which you prefer but they redesigned the Forester last year and its great. It is bigger but still one of the smaller and most affordable SUVs on the market. When I was test driving Subarus the year before this, I was worried about the leg room but the new ones are great. I am terrible at parking so I was worried about getting anything bigger than previous sedan but for me the Subaru is easier to maneuver than my old smaller car.

I do recommend getting one with the rear view camera. I didn't think it would be useful when I bought the car (the car with the options closest to what I wanted had one) but it is fantastic.

Anonymous wrote:If budget is a concern, do not buy an SUV. Do you have any idea how much gas even the most fuel efficient ones guzzle? If you end up moving to the NE, perhaps you can sell whatever car you buy here and THEN worry about the 4-wheel drive, as opposed to paying to drive it around for a few years before you even need it.

They only drive on the weekend. I have an mid-size SUV and only fill up once a month at the most. When I do need it, I need space. I can't hug the trees everyday.

If budget is a concern, do not buy an SUV. Do you have any idea how much gas even the most fuel efficient ones guzzle? If you end up moving to the NE, perhaps you can sell whatever car you buy here and THEN worry about the 4-wheel drive, as opposed to paying to drive it around for a few years before you even need it.

Dodge Nitro.

I'd also look at a Subaru Forester (a few years ago the Forester was a little taller but less length, so slightly more SUVish as compared to the Outback, but I don't know what they look like today).

Seconding the Outback. I was deadset on an SUV. We got the Outback instead, and I haven't looked back.

Subaru Outback

Mercury mariner hybrid

My trusty car is no longer trustworthy. After ten good years of service through some tough times, it's time we part ways. It has broken down and needed many repairs this year and while I've been trying to keep it going for another year, my husband has been ready for a new car, we have a baby on the way, it needs an engine re-build, and, well, right now he's stuck an hour away because the electrical system is out and no lights are working.

We are a one car family and live in Foggy Bottom; we drive mostly on weekends. We are expecting, have a dog, my husband golfs, and we frequently go visit friends for the weekend. So we need space--but I also need to be able to park in the city.

Thinking about a car for the next 10 years, we may move to the NE at some point, so 4-wheel drive is a must.

Budget is a major issue as we really can't afford this, but seems like we'll need to make it happen.

Do you love your SUV? Which ones would you look at in our situation?

Thanks!