Question about most practical vehicle.

[Brian H.]

Hi!

I am reaching a point where I badly need a new vehicle.  I can afford it, so that is not the issue. My question is about what the most practical vehicle type would be.  

I am looking at either a truck or an SUV-type of vehicle. The trade offs are that the truck has an open, large bed and higher towing capacity but much lower MPG but the Hyundai Santa Fe I am looking at gets almost 30mpg and still has a good bit of cargo space with seats down and has a 5000 lbs. towing capacity.  Some of the properties Iwork with are as far as 2 hours away so I sometimes drive a lot. I figure the Santa Fe makes more sense, yes? I could buy a trailer for moving appliances and such when necessary?  Or do trucks just end up being more practical in the end?

Sorry if this is a ridiculous question. Just will be a big investment for me so I want it to make sense. 

Thank you!!

[Chris Martin]

Originally posted by @Brian H.:

@Michael P.  Absolutely.  Was looking maybe 2016.

@Matt P.  Iwas looking at Toyota 4-Runners, Toyota Sequioas, Honda Pilots, or Hyundai Santa Fes (All based on reviews/ratings I have spent hours on)when it comes to SUVs. They would all fit that with back seats down.  

The trucks I was looking at were the Ford F-150 (can't imagine I need an F-250) or Toyota Tacoma.

Thank you guys for your input thus far!

An option that you could consider is buying from . I have bought 2 trucks from there in the past 2 years, both running fine but would be considered 'beaters'. The Dodge RAM 2500 (~260K miles) was $551.51 and my RAM 3500 (38K miles, destined to tow my Bobcat T-770) was about $2600. Both of my buys were in Raleigh, where we pay more than places like Boone or Elizabeth City... where drivable vehicles sometimes go for $500.