Car shopping/ detail replacement questions?

So my car has to be replaced thanks to a warranty covered defect so I'm shopping around again. I really would like to have a more rugged vehicle like the Honda element or the Toyota FJ Cruiser are perfect. EXCEPT they get terrible gas mileage and the entertainment center is not up to par.

I really have 2 questions. 1) If I were to get one of those 2 cars, how much would it cost to put a newer entertainment consul in without being able to tell its aftermarket. 2) If I didn't get one of those does anyone now another rugged style car that s $16K or under, gets at least 35 MPG, remote start and heated seats?

If it's aftermarket then it's aftermarket, it's not going to look original and really what is the point or trying to make it look that way? You would really have to talk to a car audio shop about what type of "console" you want and what will work with your car. No SUV or large "rugged" vehicle is going to get 35 MPG, if that is what you want then you'll be looking at sedans. Right now a used Jeep would probably fit some of your interests but I think you should reconsider what type of car you actually need/want before shopping.

Warranty's don't replace cars, they fix problems.

Honda Element is not rugged at all, it only has boxy looks.

How about a Subaru Forester? Subarus have the best blend of ruggedness and fuel economy.

I suggest you look at the edmunds.com site - it has info for almost any type of vehicle

I suggest a Subaru. I would suggest a Jeep except reliability is terrible.

The FJ has terrrible rear quarter visibility so is hard to back up and cars can easily hide in your blind spot. They ride rough and are not all that good on the road.

Forget 35 mpg, that isn't a reality with the type of vehicle you want. Drop that idea now.

You don't need heated seats or remote start. Neither of those makes the car more dependable.

Elements get great gas mileage for the type of vehicle it is. A square box with zero aerodynamics.