New car recommendations?

Looking to get a new car. Of course, the primary purpose is to haul my AI (car top or ultralight aluminum trailer). Looking for something cheap, reliable, good safety record, economical, and won't tip over around every corner with an AI perched on top. It would be a bonus if I could configure it so I can actually sleep inside, if need be.

I've currently got a 2004 CRV with 265k miles, and the wife says no more trips to the shop. With 3 pesky engine codes showing up (no matter how many times I reset them...), it looks like I'll need to get something soon.

Suggestions appreciated!

Love my wife’s 2008 Subaru Outback

On a second note my kids selling his Subaru Outback for $400  ohh wait your wife said no more trips to the shop, it does run and drive, brakes even work! 

I really liked my 2005 Subaru Forester.  The 2004-2008 Foresters had good road clearance, a long body profile (good for sleeping if you're under 6 foot tall), and handled pretty well.  You can get them easily for less than $8k.  The newer ones became rounder and more SUV-like.   The 2009+ Subaru Outbacks are also pretty good, but a little pricier. 

My Toyota Tacoma double cab long bed does it all, but it a gas guzzler.  You can get them in a 4 cylinder but gas mileage isn't that much better (20-25mpg).  The newest tacoma get 25+mpg but will set you back $25k or more.

Single cab Toyota 4cyl truck with a camper shell... and truck rack.

Single cab Toyota 4cyl truck with a camper shell... and truck rack.

+1

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I am in agreement with a toyota truck. It can haul or tow just about any kayak and gets good gas mileage. You can run them into the ground and they still have life.

Here ya go 97 legacy (not Outback)  $400
  
 

My wife drives a 2016 Subie forester and it hauls the kayaks very well.
and my second choice would be a toyota pickup or 4runner.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

What I really want is a new version of my 1974 Datsun pickup (dirt cheap, reliable, perfect for light hauling), but as far as I can tell, there is nothing comparable sold today.

We'll probably go with new, and not wanting to spend $25k...

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

What I really want is a new version of my 1974 Datsun pickup (dirt cheap, reliable, perfect for light hauling), but as far as I can tell, there is nothing comparable sold today.

We'll probably go with new, and not wanting to spend $25k...

The 87-93 Tacoma pickup with the 22R engine was pretty bulletproof and got good mpg.  You could get one for less than $5k.  That's the first reliable thing that comes to mind to your Datsun pickup.  My stepdad has a 91 Nissan hardbody pickup with over 300k on the original engine.  He's only had one major issue which was transmission related.  The rest was just maintenance. 

For $5-10k, I look at 04-15 Subaru Foresters and Outbacks, 99+ Subaru Legacys, 96-02 4Runners 4cyl or v6, 94-09 Tacomas (except 05-06 V6 models), or mid-late 90s Toyota T100 truck. 

1996 Nissan hardbody, we have had one for just over 20 years you might miss it but it’s there 

If we are looking for used and inexpensive, I would also add ford ranger/mazda b-series pickups.
Not sure on model particulars, but my 1999 B2500 is closing in on 200k with only regular maintenance (other than bent steering shaft and rack& P, which was my fault for hitting a water filled pothole at 45mph)
The 4 cylinder in the late 90s trucks is a solid workhorse. Again not sure on the later 3.0 and 4.0 liter engines though.
Subies and Tacos seem the best choices, but Tacos are frikkin pricey on the used market.

Of course this one:   

Or better two, so they can charge each other https://www.engadget.com/2019/06/09/rivian-electric-vehicles-can-charge-each-other/

 

Oshkosh JLTV