I hope to use the Avalon for as long as possible. And hopefully by the time it dies used car prices go back to normal.
But what if the Avalon were totaled tomorrow (and I survive)?
In trying to find a car I like it seems that the Subaru Outback is as close as I can find to what I want. Things that are important to me are:
- Spare tire.
- Fuel mileage.
- Safety (the Outback is on the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list and has a 5 star rating with NHTSA).
- Can pass the Moose Test.
- Passenger room (mainly leg room, not head room).
- Not a RWD (I'd prefer FWD).
- Towing capacity (or it has to be a pickup).
- Cargo room. (I like the station wagon style over the CUV style).
The RAV4 Prime came close, but is way more expensive. And last I checked, it wasn't on the IIHS's Top Safety Picks and had a 4 star crash rating. It also lost control in the Moose Test.
Another vehicle in mind is the Ford Maverick, which may get better fuel mileage. I don't need the AWD aspect of the Outback. I did fine today towing around my trailer with a snowblower on it in my Avalon in 8" of fresh snow.
The sad thing is the Outback doesn't get stellar fuel mileage.
Any other good candidates out there?