Looking to buy a new vehicle in 2008, and probably a new 2008 not just a new to me vehicle. My top 4 criteria for the new vehicle does limit my choices a bit.


1 Comfort: This is a big deal for me, I do not want to feel like I am squeezing into the vehicle. I want headroom and legroom, I want to be able to put my arm somewhere, I want to be able to drive for 8 hours straight in comfort.


2 MPG: Looking for above 20 city and the higher the better, 25 city would be very nice, and if the highway rating is near 30, or above, I will be even happier. This will cost me power which I don't mind, as long as the vehicle isn't too sluggish. I want to be able to get up to speed on a freeway entrance ramp, and have passing power, I don't need to smoke people at a light. Do to traffic and stop and go both to and from work I don't want to mess with a stick. So I am leaning towards a automatic at this time, even though it does run a little counter to the wanting the best MPG. Although the difference in MPG is slight and on some better with auto, which is weird.


3: Overall Space a Versatility: So the last two vehicles were minivans, which gave me allot of space. Now that I am not doing onsite, and hauling less to cons, I don't necessarily need a minivan anymore but I would like some space to work with. Also I have to consider transporting dogs around in my car, sometimes on long trips up to my parents cottage. Lastly I would like some space in the backseat. I usually have to put the front seat all the way back, which will often not even leave enough room in the seat behind the drive for anyone to sit.


4: Reliability: I want a vehicle that will last, I don't want to buy a new one every 3 years, I am not that type of consumer. I want something I can put 150K+ on, I want to keep good care of it, and it will run without major repair bills. Sure I know somethings will go wrong, but I don't want to rebuild a transmission or major alignment problems creeping up.


So just these 4 criteria really cut down my available choices. Allot of compacts and subcompacts have the MPG I want but not the comfort. The SUVs and Pick Ups have the comfort but not the MPG, there is no way I am going to get lower MPG then my 10 year old van. Most midsize cars are out to just because I always feel like I am squeezing into a sardine can.


So the Front Runners


Dodge Caliber: Wish I could have driven this while working for ESI, kind of a mini-SUV or compact SUV. Good MPG and I liked most Dodges I drove for ESI. I worry about being a little cramped, and it being a bit on the sluggish side.


Honda Element: Box on wheels but lots of space, kind of a Mini-Minivan or Microvan. Has okay MPG but lots of space, even has more leg room in the second row, plus I can get a luggage rack. Need to test drive for handling and sluggishness, but hell I drive a Minivan now, can't be too much worse.


Jeep Compass: Basically the Jeep version of the Caliber, same engine and frame for the most part. So if one isn't comfortable then hopefully the other will be, or not. Although I will go with 2WD, they are better on gas overall.


Jeep Patriot: Replaced the Liberty, more of a SUV version of the Compass, same engine and frame. Maybe the extra space will come in handy.


Scion xB: Another box on wheels, been in a few they have great headroom but the legroom is a bit cramped. The 2006 had much better MPG then the current models, plus had less of a blind spot do to having glass all around.


Pontiac Vide/Toyota Matrix: Great MPG and some space, but drove my parents and was a little cramped.


Looks like those are my major choices.


Unless anyone can think of one I am overlooking that fits my needs.


I have been doing allot of research on the vehicles that may work for my needs. Reading reviews and costumer comments, as well as message boards and complaints. Allot will come down to the test drives and the comfort factor. I really don't want to get my heart set on one model, and then convince myself that I will get use to the comfort factor the more I drive.