How many of you have a secondary vehicle/ daily driver to compliment your G? With the summer approaching, I've been thinking about getting another vehicle to help transport my gear around (mountain bike, kayak, etc.) & was wondering if you guys had any suggestions/ advice on what would be a good purchase. Currently, I'm looking into older Ford Rangers, Honda CRV's, Subaru Foresters, etc. & other trucks/ suv's within that realm. I appreciate any insight that you may have with regards to owning two vehicles, especially one being an older model with high mileage used for work & play, that sort of thing. Thank you!

 

1st gen Honda Ridgeline would be worth taking a look at. The J35 is a brute; my dad has over 200k miles on his with minimum maintenance and it just keeps coming back for more. Bed is a little small but nothing a couple ropes, ratchet straps couldn't fix.

 

My old '99 Ranger (3.0V6, 5MT) has just under 240K miles and the damn thing won't quit. I know the original Ranger was discontinued in 2011 so I am sure there are plenty of used trucks out there in countless configurations. Super easy to maintain and replacement parts are dirt cheap. For example, I just replaced the wiper motor with a new motor from Amazon for $35. Plus, there is a strong aftermarket community if you ever wanted to customize.

Just my 10¢...

 

We've had a Honda CRV as a family car for 9 years, and currently have a Subaru Forester as the family car for the last 4 years. Both are reliable, functional vehicles, but the Forester is the better choice, IMO.

I highly recommend getting a trailer hitch. U-Haul does a good installation for a reasonable cost.

For our kayaks, we have a dedicated light trailer. So-o-o much easier than using a roof-top bracket.

For our bikes, we have a carrier we attach to the hitch.

As a third car for the kids and whoever needs it, we have a Nissan Sentra that I despise. But it's cheap, reliable, and... meh, I hate it. Although the trunk is weirdly cavernous. Seriously, the trunk on this thing is ridiculously capable. So strange.

 

I had a tank of a Honda Civic that finally died at 21 years old. I just picked up an Xterra for a daily and I absolutely love it. However it was supposed to be strictly a daily and two weeks after I bought it I have a few thousand dollars of off road parts sitting in my garage now lmfao.

 

I absolutely love the Ridgeline. However, I've been having trouble finding one within my price range. The one's within my budget are super high mileage (+250k) & typically have an accident or two listed on the Carfax report. I'm going to keep my eyes open, thank you for the suggestion!

 

My very first car was an early 90's Ranger w/ the V6 & 5 speed manual that my dad had passed down to me. I loved that truck & would get another one in a heartbeat. I have my eyes on a few, just waiting for the right one to come along. They seem to hold their value really well, even the 4 cylinder models which I wouldn't mind either. Good to know they're easy to work on & that parts are readily available. I hope she continues to run well for you!

 

I'm also a big fan of the Forester. I've been looking at model years 05'-11'. However, one thing I continue to see/ hear with them is that they are prone to leaking oil after roughly 70k miles or so. Have you experienced this? It's not necessarily a deal breaker for me, just wondering how common it really is... Do you think it'd be able to pull a waverunner/ can a mountain bike can fit in the trunk?

 

I would get a Civic without thinking twice. I just need the capability that a truck or suv can offer at the moment. That Xterra is a beast! Best of luck with it. I'm going to scour the market & see what's available in my price range.

 

IDK about oil leakage. We have a 2018 that we bought new with a 100k mile, 10 year warranty. Currently at 50k miles, and no problems. Well that's not entirely true... AC compressor and entire radio system replaced under warranty after they each failed. Anyway, I change the oil myself every 6k miles with full synthetic. Also, we got the Touring Edition, so it's loaded with all the tech imaginable, with leather and nav and whatnot. It's really a joy to own.

You can only fit a bike in the trunk if you drop the rear seat backs. I suspect that's true of every mid-sized crossover.

A jet ski plus trailer is only 700 to 1000 pounds, so yes, absolutely you can tow it. With anything, really.

 

My wife and I have been discussing getting an older model for household repair/chores/etc. I've since thought about getting another Cherokee, pre-2001, for the same reason. Both easy to work on and the parts are super cheap.

 

Thank you for the feedback man, it's much appreciated. I hope the Forester continues to serve you & your family well!

 

Not only does a CR-V have a picnic table in the trunk...but its also 100x better made and more reliable than a Subaru.

They're also everywhere and they're also cheap.

The interior is way more usable and nobody does proper ergonomics like Honda does.

Hands down CR-V.

You didn't state a budget. But the 1st gen RDX (a very fancy CR-V) is now dipping well below the $10K mark for a decent one nowadays. There's technology models on Autotrader for like $7K and $8K. Turbo K series and SH AWD? Fuggedaboudit, chief. You'll love it.

If I were to buy a *real* SUV, I'd probably go with the an Xterra or similar. They're all butt *** ugly with trash MPG. But the XTerra is cheaper than a 4runner.

 

Hyperbole much? LOL

You know what, I'll say this, which is more in line with the OPs budget... I'd rather buy a 10 year old CRV than a 10 year old Forester. But obviously I'd rather buy a new Forester over a new CRV, even though the current Honda has cavernous hatch space.

 

ahh cmon now. I know the Forester has a massive following and its a nice car. It hits the mark in a lot of ways.

But I know you didn't look at it side by side with a CRV and think "I'll choose the Subaru because its of higher quality".

And also...be honest...

you like the CVT?

None of that is meant to be offensive. But idk if anything I said was hyperbole.

OP. How silly are you trying to get? What about a Toyota Sequoia or something? It won't fit anywhere. But you could just take the place you want to go and put it in the Sequoia?
^this is hyperbole