Help me find a new car to carry my stuff

So my car got totaled 2 weeks ago. I finally got my insurance payment and I am in the market for a new car. I'm looking for something that works well for carrying a PA and the rest of my gear. I don't wan't a pickup, so I'm limited to an SUV and Hatch/Wagons. I want something decent on gas (Spoiled by my 35mpg XB)

My budget is about $12k. I want to pay cash, and not have to have payments on a new car.
So far, here are some of the options I've come across, but would like some opinions from people who have these and other suggestions.

1st choice. a 2004ish X3
(Something like this)
http://www.usautoretailers.com/vehic...3/default.html


2005ish Xterra (9k-12k ish)
2001ish BMW X5 (11ki sh)
2004/5 Touareg (11-13k ish)
2004/5 Subaru WRX Wagon (10k ish)
2000/4 Mercedes ML320 (8k ish)
2004/5 Volvo XC90 (11kish)
2005/6 Jeep Cherokee (11-12k ish)
2004 Audi Allroad (8-9k ish)

Thanks guys.

[jorluivil]

I would stay away from the european cars, I hear the gas savings is lost when you have to pay for scheduled maintenance. I went from a Tundra V8 to an Accord V6 to my new hooptee, a 99 Civic 4banger so I know what you mean about being spoiled on the mpg's. Have you considered a 4cylinder truck?

Originally Posted by jorluivil

I would stay away from the european cars, I hear the gas savings is lost when you have to pay for scheduled maintenance. I went from a Tundra V8 to an Accord V6 to my new hooptee, a 99 Civic 4banger so I know what you mean about being spoiled on the mpg's. Have you considered a 4cylinder truck?

I've looked at 4cyl trucks, like the liberty or 4cyl xterra, but I want to get a boat in the fall and would like towing capabilities

[Mr. Adventure]

get a diesel golf. If you look you can get one in that price range and have a good amount of room and around 40 mpg.

That's what I'd do anyway

Originally Posted by Mr. Adventure

get a diesel golf. If you look you can get one in that price range and have a good amount of room and around 40 mpg.

That's what I'd do anyway

What about putting a 9ft single piece jig stick in there?

[Mr. Adventure]

Put a 3" abs pipe on the side of your roof rack along side or between kayaks with a screw off end and slide it in with foam on the inside of the caps.

[yaky yak]

Your new ride will haul your stuff for sure. I have been hauling my Yak(sometimes up to three) on top of my Kia rio. I drive the two hundred mile round trip to la jolla all the times. Some times several times a week. When the fishing is good the old kia smells like a tuna cannery. It cost me about 25 dollars round trip.

The new wheels. Thinking about doing a roof cage so I can avoid keeping the smelly traps on the inside. I'm also trying to come up with a way to protect the top of the rear lift gate when I put my PA's nose on top and slide it up, something more than a door mat.

[blitzburgh]

Originally Posted by Drake

I'm also trying to come up with a way to protect the top of the rear lift gate when I put my PA's nose on top and slide it up, something more than a door mat.

Try this. Around $40. http://www.thule.com/en-US/US/Produc...854-Waterslide#

[walrus]

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/p...&pictureid=920