We have a 2005 Scion XB and have 90,000 miles on it. Not a single problem yet. My wife drives around 80-90 miles a day total in going to work and back, and I think she averages around 32mpg. Lot of space in the "toaster" lol the one thing that I truly do NOT like is the AC!!! It works and cools the inside down, but you can't get super cold! and In the hot days of DC, that really sucks!! I have visited Scion forums and thats 1 of the biggest complaints about the Scion XB! Not sure if the newer ones have improved AC. Rides a bit rough too, but its fine!! I think we paid $15,000 out the door in 2005, and for the $$$$ it was a bargain!

A Honda CR-V might fit you bill, but good ones are not cheap. Last year, I bought a 2005 CR-V and have been very satisfied with it, It has a 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine with variable valve tuning - that part works very well. The 2005 version is rated at 170 HP, has a 5 speed automatic, and will get around 27 miles per gallon at expressway speeds (65 to 70 mph). Mileage improves at lesser speeds, but tops out around 30 mpg. The rear seats folds to enlarge the cargo area. These seats are easy to fold and restore to normal position. It is the best behaved 4 cylinder I have ever driven. The engine - transmission works very well, and is smooth and quiet. Mine is a front wheel drive only. All Wheel drives are available. The main problem is these are popular vehicles and are not cheap. A good to excellent 2005 model last year ran about $14,000. Figure on an additional $1000 for an AWD (all wheel drive) version. Around here in snow country, the AWD addition is commanding a greater price than its cost when new. I took a 3000 mile trip with it last August and am planning another trip this September. I plan to keep this one for a few years. (My wife wants one, too.) The negatives: 1. Rear visibility is impaired. The optional rear view camera is recommended. Rear vision for highway driving is ok; Its the near distance when backing up that the problem (The same on many SUVs). 2. Throttle is by wire (electronic/electric). There is no direct mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the throttle plate. I have had no problem with mine; Its my preference to have a mechanical connection 3. The rear door is hinged on the right edge. Space must be allowed to swing the door open. This has not been a big problem so long as one stays aware of this need. later models hinged the door at the top but moved the spare tire. The older models with side swinging doors carry the spare outside on the rear of the door thus increasing interior cargo space. 4. The windshield wipers have an intermitent wipe plus 2 speeds. The intermittent wipe delay is not adjustable. 5. The rear wiper is intermittent only. Its wipe delay is not adjustable. However, it has been adequate. The Positives: 1. Seats are comfortable. 2. The odometer has 2 trip meters. 3. Brakes are well behaved. 4. Engine uses 87 octane fuel. 5. Engine is started and shut down with a key swutch - No goofy hold down a button for 5 seconds to shut off. 6. Has good road clearance. 7. The passenger space is tall allowing easy entrance/exit without hitting your head on the doorway.

Christopherh - Thanks but you found my son's (Burnz086) post. He's trying to figure out a way to salvage this. The parts aren't so expensive, but the labor is the dealbreaker. He is trying to find someone who will do the body work cheaper. One mechanic suggested just doing a patch job on the driver's side and replacing the rockers. Gary - You are right on the odometer issue. The police told us that the seller was not required to put the mileage on the bill of sale. They were not interested in the fact that he did and that it was fraudulant. Our attorney says this will support the fraud claim. Not disclosing that the odometer was broken will also hurt him but he will claim that it was working when he sold it to us and must have broken when my son drove it home. The plot thickens...

Not enough info. to make a decision. How many times a week/month do you use it? can you park a car for free? if you only need to use every once in a while just rent....