[Dueller]

A buddy had a similar dilemma as an employee needing a work hauler. The Scion was just too small and tinny to use on the highway. We test drove one and while it may get great gas mileage the slightest cross wind would move it over a half lane at speed. Cute. But damned small. Bumpity bumpity ride. Not much payload.

He ended up getting the Element. Great little truckster, Honda quality, easy to clean (no carpeting...just hose it out), lottsa room for hauling stuff but suprisingly poor mileage (18-19 city/24-26 hiway). Somewhat of a rough ride. If you buy a used one be aware that they had massive odometer failures with these cars...even a recall. When this happened to my friend they offered to reprogram the odo with "estimated" miles or send it off to have the actual miles retrieved. I'd want some different/varied documentation if one showed unusually low miles. He ended up selling it for c.$13K w/67K on the clock (a 04 model well maintained).

I might go with the Grand cherokee depending on the duties.

I wouldn't get into a "fleece" if my life depended on it...too much chance for a big suprise $$$$ on the back end. I'd buy used and depreciate the hell oout of it....you'll likely be able to write off as much, if not more, by ownimg it. A little more work for your accountant, but worth it in my opion