Great cars but I just don't fit well. I'd love to have one.

Absolutely, great vehicle. The only problem, one I dealt with somewhat with the 325i, is that the nearest dealer is in Alexandria, Va., 65 miles away through some of the most interesting traffic in the world.

I do owe it a test drive, however. I'll be in DC Monday:)

Can you simply modify the way you get in and out of the BMW? I guess I am having a hard time understanding the problem.

It is the low sitting height and the fact that I have the seat (manual) cranked all the way down. That and it is my left hip that is arthritic so getting my left leg and size 13 hoofs past the front of the door pillar is painful, often excruciatingly so.

Again, the car is not the problem.

I have a bad back. I can no longer slide in sideways like I always did when I was younger. In everything except my truck, which I have to climb up into, I use this method..... try it. Turn around with your back to the seat side, bend over and sit down, lean back a little as you swing your legs in, one at a time, pivoting on your butt. Works for me.

Don

My brother abuses his cars badly, and his CR-V has been good to him thus far. Lots of good choices out there- have fun choosing.

I will also mention my current DD, because it is one of the best all around cars I've ever owned. The ML 320 CDI.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245368383.jpg

It's important that you buy one of the current series (2005 and later) because they are bullet-proof, whereas the predecessor series was plagued by small flaws. You should be able to pick one of these up lightly used for the price of a new Tiguan.

It's a hugely comfortable car, that has similar dimensions to the Tiguan. (it looks bigger than it is.) And the diesel pulls like a freight train, but is incredibly economical.

It's worth throwing into the mix. I have had three friends buy this car after taking mine for a spin. They in turn like theirs so much that they have convinced others to buy it. I was chatting to the dealer about this and he tells me Mercedes have never previously had a model that has sold so much just by word of mouth. The diesel with the seven-speed auto box is a sensational combination.

Pardon me if this is an impertinent question, but have you considered getting something right hand drive, or would that just wear out the other hip?

Not with the CDI diesel. There are only 4 CDI's within a 500-mile radius of me, all well over 40 grand for a CPO. I sure wish that we could get BMW's 4 cyl. common-rail turbo-diesel over here -- more torque than the 3.0 six with better fuel economy... Then again, that petrol six in my X3 is sure creamy... All the way to the redline...

nicest pretent truck i've ever ridden in was the ML series. every time i see one now i think how comfortable the driver is. just really nicely done.

the subie lesmobile (aka forester) is not nearly as plush as many others however you could get leather and a turbo for an interesting combo. i found the room in the lesmo to be very nice.

The Forester turbo is a pretty good idea. It's like a WRX, but for lesbians! What do you say Paul?:p

http://themotorreport.com.au/wp-cont...104174_alt.jpg

I knew that would come out - that's sad really because they are really great cars. The one with the WRX engine is a hoot to drive - great driving position - have a really cool 2nd sunroof - very cool - but you are right - you may attract lesbians.

Is this really a problem?

Sniper, what do you think?;)

It's a problem if they look like the one in the Subie ad that berettafan posted.

True...

I was more thinking long the lines of this lady...http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245421727.jpg

I have a near mint 2002 Volvo V70 T which is a great ride and a fast lil bugger. The Honda Pilot and the Targa are enough for me - I'm looking to maybe unload it if your interested?

....

Yes, I like your thinking. :)

I don't remember anyone who did not like their Suby. We MISS ours and the In-Laws LOVE it.

The SAAB might be a good one to look at. I would be wary of comparing reliability against the Suby.

VW generally stands for Fix It Again T... Sorry, wrong car.

Get a jacked up '60s muscle car with a bench seat - slide right in. SmileWavy

Just curious, is a hip replacement a consideration?