Because "cheap track vehicle" and "used/ high milege" have already been discused:

[Macx]

Well, Macx ain’t looking for the green anymore. First day of new job has me thinking about trading in my current cage. I may be doing well now, but I also want to have some left over to start setting up for a new bike . . . so spending all my cash in one place is . . . OUT.



I am considering going the pre-owned/ certified route or a car that has been leased and returned . . . so, the miles are less than 100,000 and hopefully closer to 50k. Any thoughts on buying vehicles in that vein?



Unlike the “track vehicle” thread, I’d kinda like to look at something that can tow one or two bikes on an open trailer of some kind. The low ramp angle and not being stuck with a bed I’d pretty much only use on those odd times I haul a bike make trailer-ing more attractive to me than trucking.



I am looking at midsize SUV and Wagons, as I want to haul a pretty big dog w/o giving up my back seat. Passat W8 or other AWD in station wagon, Honda Pilot maybe CRV (hafta size it with the dog) or Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Audi Allroad or A6 Wagon, Subaru Forester, Outback and Legacy Wagon are all things I have been reading online about, but I could really use some advice from people who actually have lived with one or more of the above rather than the reflections of some “moto-journalist”.

[DesmoBob]

The W8 Passat and the Audi will never be cheap to own, irrespective of purchase price. The Odyssey may be a minivan, but it is universally loved by those who own them. And it's a Honda. I have some experience taking cars apart and I can honestly say that Hondas are put together differently than anything in their class; down to the last fastener, lots of attention to detail and very high build quality. The CRV may be too small, don't know much about the Pilot. I have owned 2 Subarus and found them to be bulletproof; made by Fuji Heavy Industries and built to last. Emotionally I love the Germans on your list; practically I'd have to say Honda or Subaru.

[varium]

I like the Legacy. I don't see the latest generation Nissan Quest in your list??? They're better than you may think.


You could go all out and get an RS4 avant. The dog might be a little cramped, but wouldn't notice cause he would be to busy trying to hold on with an enthusiast behind the wheel.

[Macx]

I test drove the W8 Passat this morning, wow, 270 hp of silky smoth v8 It was snowwing and nasty, the all wheel drive was flawless and the anti-locks breaks less intrusive than the ABS in my father's bettle turbo. I think that pretty well set a benchmark for the upper end of things I'd consider. Looking forward to more test drives.And more ideas. I'll checkout the nissan online and see if I'd want to add it to the testing roster. Thanks

[V-Twin Power]

Originally Posted by Macx

I test drove the W8 Passat this morning..... I think that pretty well set a benchmark for the upper end of things I'd consider. Looking forward to more test drives.And more ideas.

I thought you wanted to tow 2 bikes? If you must tow with a car, get something like a Crown Vic

[MN RC-51Freak]

If I was you I would stay away from the VW.

I am speaking from a present owners point of view. The VW is a nice car but when shit starts to break it is not just one thing that goes, if you catch my drift. I have a 2005 VW R32 and it is constently in and out of the dealer service center. I had to get a loaner car so they can change my TEMP sencor, which was not that easy to do on a VR6. So just my 2.

And last but not least the weather in the Twin cities just sucks!