Coming to terms with the fact that I might have to trade my Evo for something that can haul a trailer sometime ealry next year. Only probably need about 2,000-3,000 towing capacity. When I'm not towing, I'll be missing the sporty feel of the Evo, so I want something that would still be fun to drive. Want decent gas mileage and room for 4 adults. A truck bed would be nice, but not necessary.

It appears that a Nissan Murano would fit the bill, perhaps an FX35, but those are a bit pricy. Any other thoughts?

 

SRT-10 Ram....lol.....but seriously, a murano sucks if your wanting sporty feel, I had a rent-a-car murano and the thing was awful......I dont know about the FX though...test drive it and then see what you think...

 

fx is ok but not offroad capable nd uncomfortable as hell in the backseat for anyone over 5'3" tall. Not too sure about the towing capacity. Sporty feel and capability are two things that are really hard to find combined. I bought the WAPCE a Jeep Compass and ordered a towing package which has 2000 lb capacity

 

Saw a Jeep SRT8, that would be perfect if it was half the price.

 

Jeep SRT8 FTW!

If I were going to buy an SUV that is the one.

From what you described it fits the bill or you go with the Range Rover Sport

 

I should also mention I'd want to spend between $17,500 to $25,000. Pre-Owned is obviously fine.

 

Turbo diesel 4x4 FTW, sick fast, sick torque, can pull your house across town if you want

 

Dridge, have you considered an older truck and keeping the Evo? I can't recall your situation as far as multiple vehicles, but a decent Envoy or Exloder could be had for under $10k. And, honestly, if you're only pulling 3000 lbs, you could probably get away with something like a Honda Odyssey or Dodge Caravan.

What are you planning on towing?

 

my cadillac srx (v8) is pretty quick and sporty for what it is (320hp) and fits all your requirements. it also has a huge sunroof, great stereo, dvd player, third row seat and has been completely reliable for 70k miles. also, you can find a used one in your price range. the only place it may fail is in the mpg area, but i think you're going to have a hard time finding any suv that fits what you want and gets good mileage.

 

my buddy will trade his 2000 silverado z71, intercooled procharged, runs 13s,

 

CX-7 or CX-9, those things handle pretty good and also turboed.

 

incase you were wondering that was a joke! lol

 

The trade would take place if/when I move to NorCal. The towing would be for winery stuff...barrels and bins and fruit. My options would be:

1) Make the Evo CA-friendly, keep it, and rent a truck when I need to tow stuff. It's a higher car payment, MPG is alright, would have to retune for 91 octane.

2) Trade for an SUV, save money on monthly payment and avoid the need to rent trucks when I need to tow stuff.

3) Get another car that's somewhat sporty, but more practical and cost effective (Maxima or something) and still go the truck rental route.

I ran the numbers and getting something in the $22,000 range would save me about $200/month, which would help offset some of the increased cost of living. I drove a Lexus RX330 last night, those things are not "sporty", but they have some nice power and very smooth. Still a little more than I'd want to spend.

 

Get a minivan Dridge

 

I agree w/ SRT8, it fits what your looking for plus it has performance enough that you wont miss the Evo too much.