Thinking about selling it!

[FlyingWen]

So, I am slowly trying to decide whether I should sell my X. It is a 2000 with only 66K miles and lots of upgrades, but the gas mileage and lack of acceleration are killing me!
I drove through by the lake the other day which takes me on a road with a few gradual inclines...I struggled to get to and stay at 45mph.

Anyone have advice on an SUV with acceleration, decent gas mileage and one that won't drain my wallet?

Much Appreciated!

[Dave]

What's the primary purpose of this vehicle and what would you consider decent gas mileage?

[FlyingWen]

Primary purpose is a Mall Crawler. I need something to get myself and the baby+ baby gear around town.
Decent mileage would be at LEAST 300 per tank... and that isn't even all that great.

The X is hard to get in and out of the back seat for passengers as well

[Big Daddy Chia]

Get you a mazda tribute or a ford escape.

[Dave]

Primary purpose is a Mall Crawler. I need something to get myself and the baby+ baby gear around town.
Decent mileage would be at LEAST 300 per tank... and that isn't even all that great.

The X is hard to get in and out of the back seat for passengers as well

If you were to stick with the X, could you free up a few ponies and miles per gallon by undoing some modifications? Heavy front bumper plus the winch , skid plates, and bigger tires are going to detract from the efficiency of the engine. If you only use the X to run around town, you probably don't need those things...

[slooowr6]

Primary purpose is a Mall Crawler. I need something to get myself and the baby+ baby gear around town.
Decent mileage would be at LEAST 300 per tank... and that isn't even all that great.

The X is hard to get in and out of the back seat for passengers as well

To get in and out of the back seat with ease sliding door is a good solution. My friends with kid really like the sliding door. You know where I'm going with this.... I know it's scary but......... oh well. Mazda5 fits your need. Just don't go off road with it.

[dennisuello]

Why not get a car wagon? 4cyl Subarus get decent gas mileage.

[The BN Guy]

We have an Escape and yes getting the baby in and out is quite easy. Especially compared to my CC Frontier.

[AndrewP]

Sorry 'bout this, but you need a minivan!

25mpg, tons of space, mall cruises extremely well, reliable, 4wd an option, low insurance rates. I can drive from LA to Sacramento (400 miles) without stopping for fuel. That same trip is at least a two stopper in my 80 series.

My family is on #3 minivan-a Sienna (#4 if you count my old VW Westie). I really can't say enough good things. They are perfect family transport.

Keep your 4 wheeler for 4 wheeling.

[bigreen505]

I think what you need is one of them there re-gear thingys and a long range tank. How about a 4-door Jeep unlimited? Convertible top makes for pretty easy baby management. Also, I'm not sure which way FlyingBaby is watching the world go buy, but it may be easier when she is in a forward facing car seat. You might also look into a different car seat. We have three or four in my family and the Brittax is definitely easier to get my daughter in and out of.

Honestly Wendy, there are a lot of cars, trucks and minivans that fit your "needs", but I think you need to be really honest about what you want and what you don't. If you want a car (power, gas mileage, room) that is easy enough. If you want a mall crawler (aka FlyingWil extraction vehicle) it might be worth sampling the local ExPo member vehicles. I know there are a lot of them sporting baby seats in AZ.

FWIW I'm pretty happy with the Trooper. It is no rocket, but it has big doors, a big back seat and gets about 16-18 mpg (no armor) driven gently. It is about the same size as the X in exterior dimensions, but much bigger inside.

I think you also need to do the math and figure out what kind of gas mileage you would need from another vehicle to make it worth switching. I love the Subaru Outbacks and they are plenty capable on dirt roads, but they only get about 21 mpg in the city. Highway is closer to 28.