[krisk]

ok, cars on my mind, probably a lot of people's minds given the news of late, but I really need to think about replacing my car.

I gave up on my Suburban last year when I went through my third transmission with no good explanation. I bought a used van, kind of in a hurry and of course regret it. it had been in an accident, and the seller covered it up. the front end is bent and cannot be straightened. oh well, it's driveable. unfortunately I REALLY wasn't paying attention, and the passenger (right behind the driver) windows cannot be opened. the far back windows tilt out, just >...< that much. the pup, <-------- the one in the avatar, all 180 wonderful pounds of her LOVES car rides and would pretty much prefer riding around with me and hanging out in the car all day to staying home alone. we did a lot of that back home, but it can't happen here in californication. too hot mostly.

my needs, in addition to windows for the pup, I PREFER a standard transmission, I need all wheel or 4WD as I ski a lot, and in theory do search and rescue (haven't gotten involved here, but it's coming), camp, and of course commute (good mileage would be nice, but I don't feel an overwhelming need to own a hybrid. on the other hand I don't want a hummer either). I'm at a point where I don't have a lot of males more than willing to give me THEIR opinion (muddling), and I really don't spend a lot of time reading things like Car and Driver. advice?