maybe veracruz... again, tight back seat for 3.

does the ford explorer still exist?

or how about the ford flex?

someone at the office here offered up 2 other possibilities that i didn't think of... chevrolet traverse or the new-model equinox? but i don't know much about them :confused:

http://www.motorauthority.com/conten...n_630-1219.jpg
http://blog.niot.net/blog-images/30_...se-w-video.jpg

RS is awesome, everytime somebody asks to buy a car.

all the models availabe in the market will be listed out.

Apparently the new Equinox is better than the existing one... and everyone who's ever been in my wife's 'Nox is impressed... so...

But it's a waiting game right now!

I second on the Forester 2.5 except don't get the Turbo'd one uses too much gas.

thanks for your ideas guys :D

Hm, if you're ok with a minivan (more space than an SUV, for sure) the Toyota Sienna AWD models (CE and LE) come in under 40k. CE for sure after taxes, the LE maybe a bit more after.

You can probably find a few used ones for quite a bit cheaper, and it's a Toyota - no reliability worries!

i think the highlander would be best for my situation of going a lil off roading to get berries with a higher clearance than a minivan... however i am not certain if the seats are cramped or not in the 4wd V6 model

Highlander can be pricy if u get a decent optioned one with leather and AWD V6 etc.
Although they do look awesome and size is great, middle room moves back and forth, its one of the best 7 seaters out there, especially for that range, but they are huge! good thing is standard back up cam :)

Traverse seems like it'd be good, more vanny not as aggressive styling as the highlander, but probably decent discounts and i hear the engine is great (same as CTS?)

Yeah, give those back seats a whirl. I find most SUV 3rd rows to be a bit cramped, unless they're Landcruiser/Suburban-sized.

worst nausea after sitting in the back of an ML :lol

agreed. SUV's like the ML/X5 not meant for 3rd row seating IMO.. :thumbsup:

can't you get a used range rover for about that much these days?

yeah but the thing is that i dont want to take care of the maintence which would be pricier in the long run and traverse doesnt fold down flat unfortunately