Is the Ford Freestyle worth a look. A 2005 model with 100k miles goes for 6,000.

Need something soon.

 

i drove a freestyle once and it was fairly quiet and nice but front legroom wasn't adequate for me and the interior was very dated even back then.

but any of the 5-7k cars should be adequate.

you said you need room for your dogs and a vehicle to go to/from work. info on your other priorities would help.

an element will be MUCH bigger inside than a freestyle for example, but the element is also almost certainly noisier when driving. do you care? i don't know.

how far is your to/from work?

how big are your dogs?

etc.

 

Dogs are 50 and 70 lbs.

Work time is 15-20 minutes drive.

 

I say element. Easy for dogs to get into and easy to clean

 

The Element is designed so that you can hose down the interior and air dry, just like the FJ Cruiser.

You can't do that with the CRV nor Rav4.

 

True, but you still have to use some caution and common sense with the hose, and try not to get water splashing up under the dash or into the power window/door-lock switches, where it could corrode or short things out.

 

you should NOT hose down the interior of the Elements... this was a false sales gimmick
mop it, then let air dry...

 

I'm leaning CRV

 

Agreed....probably a good idea. As I stated above, a hose, unless used VERY carefully and sparingly, has the potential to corrode and short things out inside.

 

You can definitely hose down down the FJ, though (although you still have to use common sense). LOL.

To the OP. hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage?

 

Items to consider about the Freestyle:

- Some versions have a CVT, which I would avoid.
- I've read reports that they have brake problems.
- Some versions have a fairly useless 3rd row seat that adds weight and takes up cargo space.
- Complaints about the 3.0L engine being inadequate for the job.

I looked at the Taurus X (renamed from Freestyle in 2008-09). While it was an OK wagon with a larger engine and no CVT, it was just OK. I felt that it lacked the passenger and cargo space I would expect in a vehicle over 200" in length.

IMO, Subaru Outback, Forester, or Honda Element. Be sure you are comfortable in the Outback. Over time, I felt mine was just too narrow in the seat and didn't provide enough front or rear legroom. Read up about head gasket problems in older Outbacks.

If you are thinking CRV or any "nicer" SUV/wagon, look into Canvasback covers for the cargo area. I had a set for my Outback and they worked great for the dog. The Canvasback covers protect not only the floor, but the fabric on the sides of the vehicle and the seat backs.