Why is it so hard to find a good car these days?  Not that I’m actually looking yet…my Subaru Outback ’99 only has 75k miles on it and should easily last another 5 years (nice not to have a car payment…) but eventually, vanity will triumph over finances and I’ll begin to crave that new car smell–or at least the spray they use for the slightly used cars.

But when I do finally cave in to replace my car there are a few things that are definitely on my list of “must haves”…namely,

1) it has to be all wheel drive or offer 4-wheel drive for those snowy Maine winters…I’ve always had 4-wheel drive and could never go back at this point.

2) it needs to have the capability of seating more than just 4-5 people…yes that’s right, I’m talking about that 3rd row seating capability all the new cars are toting.

3) and finally, it would be super nice if I could get 1&2 along with a hybrid option with the way gas prices are going these days.

So why is it so hard to find what I want?  currently there is only one, ONE car out there that meets my requirements– The Toyota Highlander.  I can find cool hybrids with all wheel drive, like the Saturn Vue (Green Line) and I can find plenty of cool cars with all wheel drive and a third row, like the Hyundai VeraCruz…but none that meet all three.

I wouldn’t be caught dead in a mini-van, and even there, only one option offers all wheel drive, the Toyota Sienna…but they are really bigger than I need, (only occaisionally will I need to actually transport more than 4-5 people) and their fuel efficiency is a joke (18 miles/gallon) with gas prices pushing $4-5 /gallon soon enough.

I’m totally in love with the Mazda CX-9, sleek, sexy, and 3rd row with all wheel drive.  All they need is a hybrid option and I’ll stand in line.

So why is this so hard?  Increasing fuel costs, increasing desire to transport more people/car pool and be cost conscious with a hybrid car and so few options.  We need more family friendly cars, that are safe in the snow, and fuel efficient.  Is that asking too much???

I can only hope that by the time my trusty Outback kicks it, there will be plenty of options available.  For now I can only dream about my perfect next car.

-Family chauffeur, green mom

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