Best do-everything car for <$50k?

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

Not yet.  I'm still really sore about the whole thing and I don't feel like talking about it yet.

I feel your pain! Buying/Building a house is the worse experience EVER!!! I've never been put throught so many changes to buy ANYTHING in my life! SMH!!!   

As if you don't have a choice in boat ownership...

The two best days in a boat owners life is the day he gets his new boat and the day he sells it......

[SVT666]

I do. I love my boat.

[Raza]

Save with trucks. Higher seating is better in traffic. Large size keeps people from cutting you off (in some places). Some people like the feeling of power.

I can agree to that.  I'd say that those aren't things that I value, but I couldn't say that no one does or should value them.  Fair point, well made. 

I am curious about SUV ownership.  The last time I drove an SUV was 17 years ago (yes, I was 12; I've driven a few minivans since then, but that's hardly the same thing, even if some SUVs are basically the same thing), I wonder if I would enjoy having one as a second car for bad weather.  I still think I'd prefer an AWD hatch, wagon, or sedan to an AWD SUV, because I don't really like the feeling of being up high, but there are definitely times when an SUV's height, shape, and space really put it ahead of wagons. 

[Raza]

I do. I love my boat.

Boats are cool.  I like being on the water.  For the most part. 

[SVT666]

I can agree to that.  I'd say that those aren't things that I value, but I couldn't say that no one does or should value them.  Fair point, well made. 

I am curious about SUV ownership.  The last time I drove an SUV was 17 years ago (yes, I was 12; I've driven a few minivans since then, but that's hardly the same thing, even if some SUVs are basically the same thing), I wonder if I would enjoy having one as a second car for bad weather.  I still think I'd prefer an AWD hatch, wagon, or sedan to an AWD SUV, because I don't really like the feeling of being up high, but there are definitely times when an SUV's height, shape, and space really put it ahead of wagons.

I prefer my G37x in bad weather over my Explorer because it's center of gravity is so much lower. It's far more confident is slippery conditions.

[MrH]

I can agree to that.  I'd say that those aren't things that I value, but I couldn't say that no one does or should value them.  Fair point, well made. 

I am curious about SUV ownership.  The last time I drove an SUV was 17 years ago (yes, I was 12; I've driven a few minivans since then, but that's hardly the same thing, even if some SUVs are basically the same thing), I wonder if I would enjoy having one as a second car for bad weather.  I still think I'd prefer an AWD hatch, wagon, or sedan to an AWD SUV, because I don't really like the feeling of being up high, but there are definitely times when an SUV's height, shape, and space really put it ahead of wagons.

Woman's parents have two sequoias (one at home in Ohio, the other at the vacation home in Florida). Love driving those things. Total tanks. They're fun in their own way.

I'd like to have both a tank and sports car.

[12,000 RPM]

I can agree to that.  I'd say that those aren't things that I value, but I couldn't say that no one does or should value them.  Fair point, well made. 

I am curious about SUV ownership.  The last time I drove an SUV was 17 years ago (yes, I was 12; I've driven a few minivans since then, but that's hardly the same thing, even if some SUVs are basically the same thing), I wonder if I would enjoy having one as a second car for bad weather.  I still think I'd prefer an AWD hatch, wagon, or sedan to an AWD SUV, because I don't really like the feeling of being up high, but there are definitely times when an SUV's height, shape, and space really put it ahead of wagons.

The last domino has fallen

[Cookie Monster]

As much as I hate on bigger vehicles, I LOVED cruising in my 4Runner. I wish I could get another but they're hard to find in good condition.

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

I can agree to that.  I'd say that those aren't things that I value, but I couldn't say that no one does or should value them.  Fair point, well made. 

I am curious about SUV ownership.  The last time I drove an SUV was 17 years ago (yes, I was 12; I've driven a few minivans since then, but that's hardly the same thing, even if some SUVs are basically the same thing), I wonder if I would enjoy having one as a second car for bad weather.  I still think I'd prefer an AWD hatch, wagon, or sedan to an AWD SUV, because I don't really like the feeling of being up high, but there are definitely times when an SUV's height, shape, and space really put it ahead of wagons. 

I'm thinking the same thing as we speak! I want a winter vehicle with AWD but I also want to pull a small trailer. I've had me eye on some "Cute Utes" (First Gen Escape/Tribute,S10 Crew cabs, Second gen S10 Blazers) in the 3K range.

[CALL_911]

As much as I hate on bigger vehicles, I LOVED cruising in my 4Runner. I wish I could get another but they're hard to find in good condition.

Yeah man, huge SUVs are the shit to cruise around in. I never got the appeal of them until I drove a Yukon XL from Long Island to Buffalo. Thing drank fuel, but it was the shit. If I had a chauffeur and $$$$, I'd forego an S-class/7er and get a Suburban LTZ or a Yukon Denali. They're great.

[giant_mtb]

As much as I hate on bigger vehicles, I LOVED cruising in my 4Runner. I wish I could get another but they're hard to find in good condition.

Wait.  You don't have a 4Runner anymore?  Or did I know that.  I don't think I knew that.  I think I 90% didn't know and 10% forgot you had one, so in essence...whaaaaaaat.

[giant_mtb]

I can agree to that.  I'd say that those aren't things that I value, but I couldn't say that no one does or should value them.  Fair point, well made. 

I am curious about SUV ownership.  The last time I drove an SUV was 17 years ago (yes, I was 12; I've driven a few minivans since then, but that's hardly the same thing, even if some SUVs are basically the same thing), I wonder if I would enjoy having one as a second car for bad weather.  I still think I'd prefer an AWD hatch, wagon, or sedan to an AWD SUV, because I don't really like the feeling of being up high, but there are definitely times when an SUV's height, shape, and space really put it ahead of wagons. 

You'd be fine with an AWD hatch or wagon.  If there's enough snow that an AWD wagon can't be on the roads, chances are just about nobody's doing shit that day anyway.  Save yourself some gas and tire money.

Unless you want/need utility for towing/hauling or the extra room.

[Rupert]

If I could get away with a pickup or a wagon, I would.

[CaminoRacer]

I'm a big fan of Sprinter vans, especially a 4x4. Can tow a trailer, go off-road, and have plenty of room to sleep in the back. Would be a great back-country surf trip vehicle.

[Raza]

The last domino has fallen

How so? I don't actually have an SUV. And if I ever were to buy one, it would only be an occasional use vehicle. I still prefer a sports car, sedan, hatch, or wagon. But SUVs do have their appeal in a way. Maybe I've been watching too much Top Gear SUV episodes lately.

No way would I give up a sports car for an SUV. I'd much rather have only a sports car than only an SUV, which I think I've demonstrated. Hell, even when I get myself a sedan or hatch in a couple of years, that will be the second car, to be used when raining more heavily than is advisable to drive in roof down or when the temperature drops below 40 on surface streets or 45 and sunny on the highway.

[Raza]

I'm thinking the same thing as we speak! I want a winter vehicle with AWD but I also want to pull a small trailer. I've had me eye on some "Cute Utes" (First Gen Escape/Tribute,S10 Crew cabs, Second gen S10 Blazers) in the 3K range.

I've been looking into going halfsies with my brother on a used X3 for the house. Between the Z4 and the S4, we don't have a lot of options for moving furniture and the like.

[Raza]

You'd be fine with an AWD hatch or wagon.  If there's enough snow that an AWD wagon can't be on the roads, chances are just about nobody's doing shit that day anyway.  Save yourself some gas and tire money.

Unless you want/need utility for towing/hauling or the extra room.

Nah, I really don't foresee any situation where I'd need an SUV over a wagon or hatch.

[12,000 RPM]

How so? I don't actually have an SUV. And if I ever were to buy one, it would only be an occasional use vehicle. I still prefer a sports car, sedan, hatch, or wagon. But SUVs do have their appeal in a way. Maybe I've been watching too much Top Gear SUV episodes lately.

No way would I give up a sports car for an SUV. I'd much rather have only a sports car than only an SUV, which I think I've demonstrated. Hell, even when I get myself a sedan or hatch in a couple of years, that will be the second car, to be used when raining more heavily than is advisable to drive in roof down or when the temperature drops below 40 on surface streets or 45 and sunny on the highway.

The fact that you have even considered, let alone rationalized SUV ownership in any capacity is enough. You have been cast into the darkness. They still make 328i 6MT wagons IIRC.

Just giving you shit. I am looking forward to replacing wifey's Rabbit with an SUV. I feel like something in the CR-V segment with more luxury and power would be a nice family ride. As long as I have the bike and a car that is fun enough to drive I am OK.

[CaminoRacer]

I feel like something in the CR-V segment with more luxury and power would be a nice family ride. As long as I have the bike and a car that is fun enough to drive I am OK.

A CR-V is my main suggestion for my mom to replace her dying Mazda6. Not as sporty, but a solid all around vehicle.

[Eye of the Tiger]

A CR-V is my main suggestion for my mom to replace her dying Mazda6. Not as sporty, but a solid all around vehicle.

Element = CR-V, but better. 

[12,000 RPM]

A CR-V is my main suggestion for my mom to replace her dying Mazda6. Not as sporty, but a solid all around vehicle.

I want my mom to dump her 16 year old Lexus RX for something like a CR-V too but she is too scared to buy a new car.

CR-V is the right car for 99% of the population.

[Raza]

The fact that you have even considered, let alone rationalized SUV ownership in any capacity is enough. You have been cast into the darkness. They still make 328i 6MT wagons IIRC.

Just giving you shit. I am looking forward to replacing wifey's Rabbit with an SUV. I feel like something in the CR-V segment with more luxury and power would be a nice family ride. As long as I have the bike and a car that is fun enough to drive I am OK.

Ah, okay. SUVs look like they might be fun in some ways. But like I've said before, I haven't driven an SUV in 17 years, so I don't really know what they're like to drive anymore. But I've been in a lot of Suburbans and the like in Uber, and they're nice to be driven in.

Still, I would never daily drive one. Also, I don't think they sell 328i 6MT wagons anymore. Anyway, in a year and a half or so, I'll be ready for another car to go alongside the Z4 and the frontrunner is still the Evo X.

[Lebowski]

Much as I hate to admit it, for my normal routine driving which doesn't offer up any opportunity for spirited driving, I generally prefer the 4runner.  It's just easier, more comfortable, I don't worry about it getting dirty, getting door dinged etc.  I like the visibility and the higher driving position too.  I don't care if you eat it in. I don't give a second thought to getting in after working out and I'm drenched in sweat.  We have a lot of shitty brick streets in town which is part of it, they are not sports car friendly.

[Laconian]

You do feel the height when you take turns in tall SUVs, passengers even moreso.

[BimmerM3]

You do feel the height when you take turns in tall SUVs, passengers even moreso.

Yeah, I drive WAY differently in the Explorer than in the S2000. They can both be fun in their own regard though.

[Cookie Monster]

Wait.  You don't have a 4Runner anymore?  Or did I know that.  I don't think I knew that.  I think I 90% didn't know and 10% forgot you had one, so in essence...whaaaaaaat.

Yeah, I had a '91 4 door, 4WD V6 with the 5 speed. It was in mint condition too.

God damn I miss that truck. Sold it in less than 12 hours on CL.

[Soup DeVille]

Speaking of "do everything" vehicles, gov planet is now selling HEMMTs, and they're going for 10-20,000 in great condition.

As long as your definition of "do everything" doesn't include being able to park in a normal spot, there's not much they won't do...

[68_427]

[12,000 RPM]

Lol @ the chop

[GoCougs]

Much as I hate to admit it, for my normal routine driving which doesn't offer up any opportunity for spirited driving, I generally prefer the 4runner.  It's just easier, more comfortable, I don't worry about it getting dirty, getting door dinged etc.  I like the visibility and the higher driving position too.  I don't care if you eat it in. I don't give a second thought to getting in after working out and I'm drenched in sweat.  We have a lot of shitty brick streets in town which is part of it, they are not sports car friendly.

*drops the mic*