Possible New Daily Driver ?

[Ghostrider 310]

I don't know how much cargo you need to haul around for work but you might want to check out the Escape. I'm not thrilled about the new Santa Fe looking Escape but the previous model is pretty sweet. The AWD is really refined and includes traction control for the lousy weather. The back is pretty big with the seats folded, as far as mileage it's incredible for a truck, I'm sure near thirty on the highway is about right. You already have one expensive German child, for me I like to make the DD something with reasonably priced parts and less specialized technology to break. Oh and I like my DD to have a spare and a jack too that seems like a no brainer.

[Frodo]

Well, if someone's gonna start tossin' WRXs into the mix, I might as well throw this in as well...

Got this (a 2007, but you could get a new one ) last December to replace my former DD ('96 Camry). Not going to give you quite the mileage as the Mini, but good cargo space and good fun to drive. (Keep both hands on the wheel if you stomp it---this car taught me the meaning of torque steer!) All in all, I've been real happy with it.