[Soterik]

I've been kinda looking for roughly the same type of vehicle for quite a while, and adding the parameters of great fuel mileage.

I'm currently using a 99' Suburban diesel, pretty much bulletproof but still lousy mileage, and I also have a 92 Explorer that is on it's last legs. I bought the Explorer new in 92 with a tape measure as I knew I was going to be sleeping in the back. Note that the Ford Explorer may be something to consider as they are cheap and plentifull.

A friend of mine also has looked for similar cars, one of the ideas he had was a car that had a fold flat passenger seat so that you could use the whole length of the cabin. I think the Honda Element, or perhaps the Saturn Vue has this feature, and perhaps others.

You can always put a lift kit on these cars/suvs, or a taller tire wheel combo to gain ground clearance. I saw a pic of a slightly lifted Saturn Vue with taller tires, and it looked "right", and added the needed clearance.

My needs are more AWD from the skiing aspect as we tour the whole PNW for my kids ski races. We've considered trying to do a slightly lifted mini van such as the Sienna AWD. Perhaps this could be outfitted with skid plates for you?

cheers,
Eric