[goldenladym]

I am going to be looking at purchasing a new vehicle this summer. I am also going to start traveling sometime this fall. I have been looking at a few SUVs in particular, but with all of the extras that I would like (to feel safer) such as all wheel drive, side airbags, and etc. even the 1 or 2 year old SUVs are a little more than I would like to pay.

That has made me consider just getting a really nice sedan and having more comfortable payments. I also feel safer while in a car. Being a pack rat, this limit of space will be a problem for me. Does anyone have suggestions for traveling (possibly half-way across the country) with a car? Or is it just less hassle to give in and get a SUV? I could really use the advice!!

[clemshady]

Golden,

While not a pack rat I have found that I have purchased a bunch of junk, I mean stuff. I do not have the capacity to bring it all back in one trip and am planning on doing what I do on vacation..... USPS! For a very reasonable rate you can mail stuff to yourself (non breakables of course)and if you time it right it will be there waiting on you or just a day or two out. I have done this many times on vacations and it has worked out well. Hope this helps,

clem

[ang82]

I was in the same boat as you. I plan on traveling in May and knew that my car would not be quite big enough for what I needed to bring (as I am traveling with my pet cat). So I looked into SUV's and larger vehicles. There are cars out there that offer the space that you may need without sacrificing your gas milage (such as a wagon or hatcback). Perhaps you should look at the Pontiac Vibe or Toyota Matrix. Honda just came out with the new Fit which is a quite versitile car about the same size as the Vibe. I found a lot of good information on New car prices, used car pricing, auto reviews by Edmunds car buying guide. Here you can really look at all the cars on the market, from sedans to SUV's to trucks. Best of luck to you!!

[AmandaWIRN]

I just arrived in Florida from Wisconsin, I travel with my husband and my dog, and we took 1 car- a 2004 Saturn Ion, so we managed to fit 3 suitcases, an upright vacuum cleaner, a 20" flatscreen TV, 2 backpacks, a Rubbermaid Tote with all of my kitchen items (pots, pans, dishes, utensils), all of our bedding (4 pillows, 2 blankets, sheets, towels, etc), and a Microwave. Now keep in mind half of the back seat was occupied by the dog, and my husband and I were in the front, and we had enough room to be completely comfortable during the 1500 mile trip. It CAN be done! We used one of those Space-Bags (the jumbo size) for all of our bedding & towels- those things are AWESOME! Just plan out carefully ahead of time where everything will go in the vehicle, and do a "practice-run" on packing it up.

[goldenladym]

I too will be traveling with my child..I mean cat, Socks. I have seen commercials for those space bags as well. I am considering this all. Thanks for all of the advice so far!!!