The Right Car for Me: Fuel-efficient family hauler that can tow 5000 Lbs

Fuel-efficient family hauler that can tow 5000 Lbs

Member4815

I'm a firm believer in diesel being the way to go. I don't need 300 hp, but 300+ Ft-Lbs of torque is much more useful. The gas consumption on mid-large SUVs is appalling.
It's a pity that the following are so expensive, though they are both good.
BMW X5 Diesel
M-B ML 350 Bluetec
Does anyone know of other alternatives?

Preferred Bodystyle(s): Wagon / SUV

Car Needs: Towing or hauling / Errands about town / Family transporter

Primary Driver(s): Tall driver

Need minimum of 5 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 30000
Maximum age: 4 years

Maximum price: US $ 30000

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Volkswagen Touareg. The 2012 and 2013 are looking good so far in our reliability stats. Unfortunately we don't have much data on earlier model years. They are harder to find than the BMW and Mercedes, and they aren't much less expensive. Possibly the best ride/handling balance of the three.

The BMW and Mercedes are more complex, so they have more things to go wrong. The 2012 redesign greatly improved the Mercedes, but the first model year looks like it might be glitchy. I imagine a 2013 is over your budget.

With any German cars newer tends to be much better with regard to reliability.

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Fuel-efficient family hauler that can tow 5000 Lbs

Member4815

Response from mkaresh

11:52 pm May 19, 2014