I've loved having enough internal storage space to transport 8 people with two canoes on the roof, or a full sized couch at a moments notice. That being said, I could easily see myself getting something smaller with a tow hitch and a trailer to do the occasional movement of something large. I'm used to lifting canoes and sheets of 3/4" plywood onto the roof of the odyssey, but something a little lower would certainly be nice.

A little more about my current and future situation: My SO has a fairly new Pontiac vibe, so I'd like something a little different. We don't plan on having more than 2-3 kids, so we don't really need anything big. I live in upstate NY and have a steep icy driveway, that being said the odyssey with all season tires has never had too much trouble getting up it. I like the idea of getting a truck (something like a toyota tacoma) but 90% of the time I'm just driving myself from point A to point B. I can ride my bike to work a lot of the time, but I make frequent trips 20-40 miles away for work related things, so fuel efficiency is somewhat important. Hopefully the last $3k worth of repairs will keep my Odyssey on the road for another winter.

Things I want to be able to do:

• Save me when I crash or get hit by a semi

• Carry 2 canoes, or 4 bikes, or 16 sheets of drywall

• Tow 1 ton

• Drive up an icy driveway

• Drive 400 miles with 4-6 people comfortably

• Cost <$1k/yr in repairs

• Cost <$15k to buy (I'm not looking to buy new unless you have some seriously good reasons to convince me)

• Last for 5 years before needing major repairs

• Drive regularly on dirt roads without falling apart

• Be comfortable and enjoyable to drive

• I don't care about iPod docks or built in navigation systems or rear view cameras, the less there is to break the less there will be to fix. My car doesn't even have working A/C and it's never been a problem for me.

Possible ideas so far:

• Toyota Tacoma (with the access cab)

• VW jetta (My father will be looking to sell his soon)

• Subaru Outback/Forester (everyone around here has one)

• Honda Fit (I've seen these carry impressive loads)

• DMC Delorian (I hear they don't get rusty...)

• Pinzgauer 710 (problem?)

Thanks for your advice!