Background...bought a 944 and am preparing it for track only duty so I sold my turbo'd wagon as I don't need to high performance cars.

I need something to move around a 2.5 liter engine, transmission, dog & crate, house / yard stuff...i will also need to transport as a daily driver (and my son) and do some minor off roading at campsites when i go to the track

I've narrowed it down to a new Element, new Subaru Forester X, or used Forester XT (turbo) - all with manual transmission

 

If I were to buy an Element, I would buy used. They're indestructable and don't hold their resale value well.



That said, my vote is for option 4, used Element.

 

funny you should say that...just got off the phone with a lady selling a 2004 element with 10k miles and 5spd for $18500! - i've got a dealer out the door price (taxes, tags, title, fees, dest charge etc of $19900)...if i got the used on i'd still have to pay at least $500 in taxes and then would own a used element stick with 10k miles for 900 less than a brand new one

i think the manuals are harder to find so they get more for them

 

How big of a dog/crate?

My folks have a rhodesian ridgeback/black lab mix, I think it's bout 65 lbs, and my mom ended up getting an MDX to have suitable space for the dog crate.

Although the other day I did see a Forester driving around with a similar sized crate in it, just with the seats flipped down.

If you are inclined to take both the dog and more than one passenger, you'll probably need something bigger.

 

Unless you absolutely need the interior space afforded by an Explorer sized SUV, I'm alway going to lean toward a car-based mini-SUV or a true wagon.
So the Forester 2.5XT would be my pick of the choices listed.

I'd also look at the '04 Mitsu Outlander XLS AWD.

I had one as a loaner car while the Teg was in the shop last Feb. Impressive suspension tuning and a very obedient manumatic transmission. New Outlanders have the option of a true 5-speed manual. It needs another 75 hp IMO, but so does the Element. h:

 

I've never been in either of those cars, but the element sure looks functional :dunno:

 

I'm a huge fan of the Saabaru 9-2X. The non-turbo Linear model can be purchased for $16,500 with all discounts and incentives GM is running.

Ever consider that, or is it a bit too small?

 

i will need to fit a 2.5 liter engine into the back using an engine hoist...the wrx is way too small and the forrester is only slightly larger...plus a dog crate for the greyhound we will adopt will need to readily fit into the back (will take it on summer vacations)

 

my aunt has a forester 2.5xt and it really is quite small inside (both passenger + cargo room). I couldnt imagine a couple people + dog crate + baby in there.

Id get an orange element. :-)

 

If you need to use both the back seat while carrying the dog crate, you're going to need something bigger than any of the choices in this thread.