Some of you may remember that I asked for your help with this same question a couple of years ago. At that time, since none of the options seemed like the "perfect fit", I instead chose to run my current beater into the ground. Well, my 1999 Blazer is now a lot closer to being in the ground than it was back then, so the search continues.

I need a vehicle good for making deliveries. Small packages are the norm, but space for holding larger boxes is a definite plus. Fuel economy is definitely a concern here, but mileage is usually on the low side even if it is often spent sitting in traffic. Also, many of the roads/driveways that I frequent are in horrible shape, so I would like something that's not going to shy away from a rougher ride.

Previous suggestions were the Ford Escape, Scion xB, and Prius. Current considerations are the Prius, Tacoma, Fit, Forrester, and Outback.

Previously I was looking for a lower-cost vehicle, but I will likely open up the budget this time around. I will, however, avoid luxury brands if at all possible.

Thanks for reading this and I hope you might have a good suggestion for me.

EDIT:
Test Drive plans added to post #26.

 

Golf TDI, take a look at that car.

 

Are you looking for new or used? From your options, it appears you think a minivan is too big, but those are good choices for delivery services since they have a low lift-in and can carry larger (but not really heavy) loads.

New Suggestions:
Ford Transit Connect
Ford Flex
Mazda5


Used suggestions:
Ford Taurus X
Chevy Trailblazer / GMC Envoy
Pontiac Vibe
VW diesel wagon

 

I forgot about the regular Taurus - last generation, the big boxy one. One of my neighbors is an industrial abrasives salesman and he is on his second or third Taurus of that generation. He drives a lot of miles and has had no issues with the cars. He likes the huge trunk that hides his stock. He can flip the rear seats down if he has to haul a larger load. He said they are much better than any past vehicles he's had - and he's been an industrial salesman or sales manager for about 40 years.

 

Thanks for the suggestions thus far.

bad co:
Thanks for the suggestion. I did look the Golf over (probably not the TDI specifically though) briefly and will definitely take another
look at the diesel. Diesel prices where I live are really high though.

caddyowner:
I am partial to getting a new vehicle. My past experiences with used vehicles has for the most part been "buy, repair, and repair again."

I appreciate the list of suggestions. I have my eye on the Transit Connect as well, but I'm not sure if I really need enough cargo space to require a van. The Flex is also a real nice looking option.

It seems you have pegged my needs rather well.

 

I just realized that I was actually looking at the GTI earlier. The Golf does seem like a good fit. Thanks!

 

Nissan Versa maybe? Definitely check out compact CUVs like the Rav4 and CR-V, too.

 

Another couple possibilities are the Honda Crosstour and Element.

 

mazda cx-7, toyota venza,

 

tacoma, they're indestructible

 

For your stated needs, hard to go wrong with the Forester. It is substantially larger inside than past models (though slightly decontented, and with harder-feel plastics/materials), square-shaped and space-efficient, comes with standard (and proven) AWD and ABS/traction/stability control, has a good reliability record, gets good mileage for an AWD vehicle (most of the time, expect 17-30 real-world MPG, depending on conditions), has plenty of ground clearance for deep snow and obstacles on the roadway yet is low enough to get in and out of easily, has excellent safety ratings, and has relatively low depreciation to boot. Base models, with the non-turbo 2.5L four, start in the low 20s....a most reasonable price. If I were you, that would be the very first vehicle I looked at.

Of course, it is not perfect...no vehicle is. It is rather plain inside except for a multicolored dash pattern, has a lot of interior hard plastic, has cheap-feeling, poorly-designed radio and climate-control ***** on the non-automatic-climate-control versions, has lost some of the standard features it had before due (an engine- temperature gauge, for one) due to cost-cutting (while adding a few others), and, of course, is a rather dull-looking vehicle that will not generate much excitement to look at. It also, judging from the new ones I've test-driven, has occasional dash creaks here and there. But, for your purposes, right now, I can't think of a better prospect, although the Kia Rondo would be (maybe) a good FWD alternative.....at a price equal to, or lower, than the Forester.

 

Forester:

 

Rondo:







The Rondo has a 3rd-row seat, but it, and the 2nd-row, folds down.

 

Thanks everyone for reading and giving me your suggestions. I really do appreciate seeing what others consider to be proper fits for my needs. I am now able to consider a few more vehicles that I had not previously looked at.

I'll fill you in a bit on my thought process:

The Prius seems to be a great fit for me because I know it would excel at being fuel efficient when I get stuck in heavy traffic. I also somewhat like the look and shape of the current generation. I'm afraid I'll get bored driving it.

The Fit is a leader because of its economy and relatively sharp looks. It could be a throwaway car of sorts and has a lot of cargo flexibility which I like. Like the Prius, though, I am likely to want more than 117 hp.

The Tacoma seems to be like a good choice. All it would need is some sort of bed cover, and my cargo needs would seem to be all but taken care of. The negative is how quickly the cost adds up when configuring one to my liking via the available option packages through our dealer here.

The Forrester does really seem to be the closest thing to a bullseye. It meets my needs and screams value. It has a decent amount of power, cargo space, is AWD, and should handle the rough roads I drive along. The last time I really looked at them, it was at a show and I remember thinking more about the Outback. I think it was due to the fact that it's based on the Legacy rather than the Imprezza and also it seemed to have more cargo space in the back.

mmarshall:
What would you say was the major difference between the two Subaru models? I'm definitely going to make this one of my first stops come test-drive time.

 

The IIHS just performed their roof-crush tests on small trucks and the Tacoma sucked.

The Frontier is way better.

Anyway, I've own my Forester XT for 6 years now. It is a tough car, as most Subarus are.

mmarshall and I highly recommend Subarus. Can't really go wrong with a Forester or Outback.