[David Cole]

I'll probably be buying a new car sometime next year, and I'm curious to know what people use for getting to remote tailheads and for general use. I've owned three Jeeps in the past (a 1995 Cherokee, a 1997 Grand Cherokee, and a 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited), and I'm strongly leaning towards the V6 Cherokee Trailhawk. I rented one for a week last year while visiting Washington and Oregon before I moved here, including driving it on some pretty rough forest roads in the Opal Creek Wilderness in Oregon, and it was great. That said, Subaru is also on my radar screen. I've driven a Crosstrek a few times via Zipcar and liked it, and I was particularly impressed how it protected me during a pretty serious wreck I was involved in on US-2 last month. I may also look into saving a few bucks and getting a used 2nd-generation Jeep Liberty or a Jeep Commander, although it's getting harder to find those models with low mileage. I've been burned a few times buying high-mileage beaters, but at least I won't be using this car for daily commuting. I live in downtown Seattle and walk to work now. I'll probably move further out soon, but still plan to use public transit for commuting. As such, this car will mainly be for outdoors stuff, the occasional road trip, and for running errands. What I'm looking for in a mid-sized SUV: - Comfortable and easy to drive on city streets as well as on long road trips - Able to handle remote forest roads and winter driving conditions without too much drama - In my price range (<$35k new or <$25-30k for certified used) - Reliable, easy to maintain. I can do basic stuff but I'm not particularly mechanically inclined, and would much rather spend my Saturdays up in the mountains than at a mechanic or the dealership. - Something that looks good. After some initial trepidation I've come around to love the looks of the new Cherokee. All the Subaru models just look too generic, IMO. (Also, everybody and their brother in the PNW seems to own one.) I absolutely love the design of the older Range Rovers, but I'd never want to be responsible for maintaining one. What do you use for romping around in the mountains? Any models I may have overlooked? Anybody have personal experience with the models listed above?

[Joey]

Remind me what is wrong with a generic look if it works exactly as you describe in your wish list? Said the Subaru Forester owner.

[David Cole]

[HappyHiker]

Get one of these...

load it with this...

and you can go here...

[RichP]

It sounds like you've already made up your mind. For me the Subaru Forester has it all from being a decent family car in the city to driving on rough forest service roads. I don't mind the bland look since my identity is not connected in any way to what I drive. I just want to get there and back and this vehicle does the job.

[Chief Joseph]

[Schroder]

I drive a 2012 Honda Pilot and it's one of the few vehicles I've ever owned that I would buy again.

[Jumble Jowls]

I'm thinking about a Toyota Tacoma or 4Runner. Don't waste your money on a Jeep. They look cool, but have a poor reliability record. http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Jeep_Wrangler/Reliability https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/jd-power-reliability-ratings-drop-jeep-among-the-worst-lexus-best-021214.html Subarus are totally gay! http://gaywheels.com/2015/07/thats-so-gay-2015-subaru-xv-crosstrek-is-your-rainbow-car-for-your-rainbow-world/

[AlpineRose]

Regarding Subarus:

[David Cole]

[David Cole]

[hikerman]

23 pages of everything you wanted to know about a subaru here: https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8009249&highlight=subaru

[Deereguy]

OK, don't laugh. For the budget conscience: It's not a Jeep, but our Kia Soul Sport auto 5-1/2" clearance has taken us where many cars and pu can't. The darn thing can climb a rope.

[tmatlack]

I like my Toyota RAV4 more than I though I would. 2005 or 2006...the ones with the 6 cylinder, not 4. I am only 5'8" so I can sleep comfortably in it and room for hound if there is one. (I don't use tents for car camping anymore. Just something else to get wet.) It has been fairly reliable except for a bunch of recall notices on weird stuff like seat belt retract devices and rear stabilizer(?) axles. It does not get very good gas mileage but I have a factory roof rack with a Thule on top of that and I carry canoes/kayaks/bikes a lot. Rough ride and noisy too, but those are not important to me. Can't go fast with back windows down; vacuum noise will blow out your ears. I have 4-wheeled very rough gravel/cobble and deep sand several times and it matches my skill level which is almost zero. Snow and ice are fine if you go slow. I'd probably buy another. Subaru: Is there still an issue with head gaskets and oil leaks??? Some say yes, others say it is fixed. Tom

[jbsimm2]

You could check out Nissan Xterra. 2016 is the last model year but you should be able to still find one. The newer ones don't have the same soul as the first gen Xterra's but they are still a very capable SUV. I recall reading a car and driver report where the Xterra beat out all for (stock) off road capability, including H2, Jeep Wrangler, FJ Cruiser and 4Runner. I would caution getting a 2nd generation 2005 till about 2011. I heard they had issues with Radiator sludge or something. 2012 and above has fixed the issue. edited to add: I am 6'2" and with the back seat folded down can sleep in the back. Granted, it is crosswise, but I still fit back there.