New fishin' and campin' vehicle

Santa gave me a late x-mass gift. Payments on a 2008 automobile. My poor
little Toyota Tercel blew its rear main oil seal again, in less than 6 month
after havin' the engine rebuilt. So, rather than drive around spewing oil
all over the highways and byways of NC, I decided to go shoppin' yesterday,
after much prior internet research.

I had been lookin' at the Honda CR-V, but after seein' one up close and
personal, I decided it wasn't going to fit my needs. Too much carpet on the
floors and too little room inside. I wanted a fishin'/campin' vehicle that I
could stretch out and sleep in, if weather conditions got too nasty, one
with fuel economy that would allow me to drive it up to Penn. or out West,
if I can find the funds, and one that is reliable.

I settled on a Honda Element. It has lots of room. Gets around 24mpg
highway, and has a composite flooring that will be easy to vacuum, as it
will fill very quickly with loads of German Sheperd hair/fur?! I looked at
several *certified Pre-owned* models, but they all cost so close to a new
model that I figured I might as well go new.

Anyway, I can haul a fishin' buddy and lots of gear around--hint, hint--
Jeff M.!

Op