I need some vehicle advice please.

[LeftyFingerPop]

I have been a truck guy since 1988. I've had 2 Ford F-150's, a Ford Ranger, and now a double cab Toyota Tundra.

I use my truck...a LOT.

I transport rescued dogs. Having the backseat on the Tundra is great for that. Also, I sometimes transport 2 or 3 dogs at a time, and since I don't always know how the dogs are going to get along, I sometimes have to bring 2 crates with me...and these take up room.

I also do DIY to the Nth degree. The back of my truck is constantly full of mulch, landscaping materials, or construction debris.

I am not a rich man. I got a fantastic lease deal on this Tundra @ $222 per month. However, my lease will expire in December, and I have to get a new vehicle.

With gas prices the way they are, I can no longer afford to drive a huge truck. Also, the lease incentives on trucks suck right now, and I will never be able to get a deal that comes close to matching what I got on the Tundra.

So, I am going to be looking to lease a different vehicle, other than a truck or SUV.

I would prefer this vehicle to be all wheel drive, with a hatchback. Something with a backseat for the dogs, but also a small cargo area that I can just throw crap into without worrying about it. Something with good gas mileage, and something relatively cheap.

Any recommendations?

Thanks.

[TZ]

1. Subaru Outback?

I don't think they are very pricey and I think it fits your needs when you fold the back seats down..My dad loves his....

[LeftyFingerPop]

6. This vehicle is on my list....

Thanks turtlensue.... :hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. My father is currently leasing a Jeep Liberty for $99/Month

It's got a hatchback, backseat and gets really good gas mileage for an AWD. He's getting about 27 on the freeway. Good luck.

[LeftyFingerPop]

5. Could I ask you a little about this lease?

That is a great price, and I like the vehicle...

Did he have a trade-in?

Was it a special deal?

Any info you can arm me with before I see the dealer would be appreciated.

Thanks Mrs G! :hi: :thumbsup:

[ScreamingMeemie]

9. It was a deal he bargained for.

There was no trade in. I just brought him in when we turned in our leased Pacifica and he hammered out the deal. He's got a 27 month lease and I think (I'll ask him and get back to you) it was $1000 down in lieu of a trade in.

I can tell you this, there is a huge overstock on these vehicles (Liberty) and the usually run deals every other week, switching off with the Dodge Nitro and Ram with the Jeep Liberty and Commander.

[LeftyFingerPop]

13. I'll tell you....

If i can find something that satisfies my needs for $200/month or less...I will be a happy man. Thanks again Mrs. G.

[NJmaverick]

3. You should look at the Subarus, you might want to consider a Mini Van

or one of the many hybrid SUV/Car. The Ford Escape hybrid might also be a nice option.

[LeftyFingerPop]

7. Have not even thought of a van until now....

This might be a very good option. Thanks! :hi:

[NJmaverick]

10. In many ways they are the ultimate utility vehicle

Pure cargo carrying capacity. Good luck on your search

[LeftyFingerPop]

11. Thanks nomad...

:hi: :thumbsup:

[NJmaverick]

15. Here's a link you might find helpful

http://minivans.about.com/od/fueleconomy/tp/top5_fuel.htm

and

http://www.mpgomatic.com/best_gas_mileage_van.html

[Crazy Dave]

4. Glad you're keeping the dogs in mind

Toyota or Honda mini van?

[LeftyFingerPop]

8. Yes, the more I think about it....

a minivan is something to look into. Thanks Dave :hi:

[flvegan]

12. All wheel drive: Subaru WRX STi Hatchback

AWD? Check.

Hatch? Check.

Reliable? Check.

Most importantly, close to 300 horsepower? Check.

Not the ugliest car in the world, either.

[LeftyFingerPop]

14. Love the looks of this car....

I will be looking into Subaru. Thanks flvegan.... :hi:

[Deep13]

16. leases are a rip-off.

[LeftyFingerPop]

22. Not necessarily...

It depends on your financial situation, your driving habits, and your goals for the vehicle.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

17. Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix

Same car, different labels.

My parents drive a Vibe and they like it a lot.

I don't know if it comes in 4wd though.

[LeftyFingerPop]

24. I was looking at an AWD Matrix....

And even though the MSRP is not very high, the lease calculator is coming out to over $600! This is either a glich on Toyota's site, or a high payment due to high demand. Thanks! :hi:

[AlCzervik]

18. The Audi a3.

http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/new_cars/Audi_A3.html

i'm not sure if it would be big enough but i test drove one before i bought my current car and it was a nice ride.

[LeftyFingerPop]

25. I was friends years ago with someone who drove an Audi....

awesome car. But I would guess that the lease payments are out of my range. Thanks for the response.

[AlCzervik]

27. i bet there are plenty of used ones and if you can wait until August you can usually

get a better deal on a car because the dealers want to make the current model year go away. When my car got stolen i ended buying a new one in late august and saved a bunch of money.

[malta blue]

19. How about purchasing a car - then you don't have to deal

with the lease issue again.

Also, I am going to recommend Subaru.

I have been hemming and hawing about getting a new car. My Subaru has close to 180,000 miles on it.

I found a great mechanic who fixed all it's old age wear and tear stuff for less than the dealer service shop had quoted for one of the issues.

Mechanic says car should be good to go for another 50-100k miles :wow:

Add to this the fact that I LOVE my car, and I am one happy lady.

I have a 2000 Outback wagon and I do ALOT of driving.

Good luck :)

[LeftyFingerPop]

21. Thanks Malta Blue....

I have always purchased, until I got this Tundra. I like the lease because I never have to worry about maintenance issues. I got a little gun shy after my Ranger because it blew 2 head gaskets and hit me hard in the pocketbook.

Also, monthly payments have been an issue for me as of late, and it is difficult to find purchase payments for $200 to $250 per month on a new vehicle.

But...I hear ya. I'm still wrestling with the financing of my next vehicle. I have 7 months to decide though, and who knows what specials will be available in 7 months with the price of gas as it is?

Thanks again.... :hi: :thumbsup:

[yellowdogintexas]

20. I rented Subaru OUtbacks twice when traveling in the Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

mountains. AWESOME car. If I lived up there, I wouldn't consider anything else. Interestingly, up there you see tons of them on the road, mostly due to their ability to handle the mountainous terrain and the snow/ice etc.

[LeftyFingerPop]

23. I keep hearing good things about these cars....

and they are definitely on my list to look at. Thanks! :hi:

[Parche]

26. Just Get A PubeMobile

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
:hi:
:hug:

[LeftyFingerPop]

28. Goddammit Parche.

:mad:

:rofl:

:hug: