Buying New Car for island driving

[altnwoman]

I work for a small non-profit organization located in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska 90 miles sw of Anchorage) We have received a grant to purchase a new (or nearly new) vehicle. These are my concerns:
* Only about 7 miles of road (4 paved, 3 gravel) exist here, all with speed limit of 30 mph or less. In other words, we never drive highway.
* The auto mechanics on the island are behind the times when it comes to fixing cars whose systems are computerized.
* We need a car that is very safe, with lots of cargo and passenger room, for adults and children.
* We need 4 wheel drive about 30% of the time, during the winter months.
* I would like to stay away from SUVs.

Looking at vehicles, I am leaning toward the Subara Forester, or something similar. It has all wheel drive.

My significant other just lectured me for half an hour, saying that any new car is going to be computerized, that no one here will be able to fix it, that a, kt vehicle with all wheel drive will have problems quickly.

Any ideas you have or suggestions would be much appreciated.

[YogsVR4]

If I were you, I'd look into getting a used 4wd econoline van if you need tha space. You dont need them for speed and the engines are pretty straight forward to work on. Get a set of chains for the winter if you're allowed to, that will help you get around better.

Good luck with whatever you pick.

[THE4TH]

you might look into a fullsize pickup..
it'll give you the room to fit some people.. the 4wd.. and the ability to carry some stuff in the back as well...