Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Just Looking

I couldn't help it, I started looking at SUV's on the internet. I wanted to get an idea of what I could afford and what model would be best. I have always liked the Chevy Trailblazer and the Jeep Cherokee. There are lots of them for sale too. Too bad their gas mileage isn't any better than my truck. As much as I would like to buy one I have to consider that gas prices are going to stay high.

My friends recommended various smaller SUV's like the Honda Element and the Subaru Forester. Not American made but then most car parts are outsourced anyway (I know my company makes car parts in Mexico). The gas mileage was around 10 miles per gallon better. Not great but better than my truck and more room for hauling dogs all over town.

One of these weekends I want to actually go look at the vehicles in real life. Maybe I should bring 5 dogs and their crates and see how well everything fits. That would be fun.

12 comments:

Dave said...

My dad bought a Hyundai Tucson 4 years ago. It gets about 19-20 MPG. I do not know how many DOGS it can carry, but in our annual 200-mile trip to my brother's place every Thanksgiving, it holds plenty of luggage (for 3 people). I have driven it on those trips and it handles fine. Check it out.

KoBold said...

Why not a less thirsty truck?
You haul things and dogs.
Trucks are for hauling things.
SUVs look so arrogant.

NelsonandBoober said...

We have a Honda Element and love it. Lots of room with the back seats removed for lots of dogs and so easy to clean out.

Anonymous said...

If you took out the back row of seats in whatever SUV you get, there wouldn't be any problems with space.

Lizzie @ her homeworld said...

We have a 4x4, not big by US standards but pretty big on our little roads. We fuel it with LPG. Its less than half the price of petrol (3.140 a litre for petrol). I would recommend it.

Daizy said...

Dave, I was looking at vehicles on the way home today and there was a Tucson on the off ramp! I will add that to my list.

Daizy said...

KoBold, there is no such thing as a less thirsty truck here. My truck gets about 18mpg and the larger trucks (a 4 door truck would work) are in the 15mpg range. I need more cab space for the air conditioning. I have already had one complaint from a total stranger saying what a horrible person I was for having dogs in the back of my truck in 85 degree weather. They would probably call the cops when it gets over 100! But then I don't carry dogs in the back when it gets that hot anyway. I can fit 2 dogs in the cab comfortably. 3 if they are medium or small. I would like to be able to haul 4 or 5 dogs in air conditioned comfort and their crates.

Daizy said...

NelsonandBoober, my on ly problem with the Element is that it is too knew. I need one in the $6k range. I'll just have to save a little longer I guess.

Daizy said...

Anonymous, that is right except that I was starting to look at crossovers for better gas mileage and the seats aren't alway removeable.

Daizy said...

Lizzie, what is the make and model of your 4x4? I'll see if they sell it here.

KoBold said...

AC for dogs in the cabin vs. wind for dogs on the platform?
If I were a dog I'd go for the wind, with tongue out a mile long for cooling, sniffing smells passing by.
I know, I am not a dog.
Having a roof over the doggies would be more pressing if you lived in a rainier climate. Providig shade against sun is easier to tackle that rain protection.

Daizy said...

KoBold, I agree that most dogs would prefer to ride outside most of the year but I don't want any complaints so I'd better do something. Plus our rainy time is coming up in July so that could be a problem. I don't think I'll have the money to buy a vehicle that soon though so I'll just have to stuff them in the truck with me.