I'm finally financially stable enough (after many years of higher education) to consider replacing my trusty '91 Ranger 2WD pickup. I've been driving her since '99 and we've been all over the western US and Canada . ..but a recent marriage and modern safety features present new considerations!
I'm looking for first-hand info on the newer model (2003+) Toyota RAV4's, Subaru Forester and Outback wagons, and Honda's goofy looking Element. I do a lot of 2-3 night road trips with my wife in National Forest areas (gravel and 2-track roads) but I'm not looking for hard-core 4WD performance.
I'll be doing some test driving this weekend but I'd appreciate a review of these rigs as they perform as fishing cars.
It's too bad we can't get more diesel options in the US. When I was in Costa Rica surfing, they had every kind and size of car/truck in a diesel. I really want one of those Toyota Hilux 4-doors!. I'm seriously considering a veg-oil conversion on a full-sized ram or ford diesel, but I never tow and really don't need that big of a truck. It would sure be nice to not figure in the cost of fuel on my long surf and fishing trips! A Tacoma 4-door would be perfect (with kids probably in the near-future) but it doesn't even get milage as good as the Ram diesel.
you will soon see a bunch more diesel options available here. in a month or so from now we will have our first bluetech diesel grand cherokees landing here. therefore you will probably see a diesel dodge dakota in the near future also...if by vegetable oil conversion, you mean biodiesel, just go to the grange in issaquah and buy it. well not if you're in tacoma i guess, but i've got customers running straight bio-d. in their libertys now, although Dr. Z never heard me say that. Chrysler wants you to blend it, but nobody listens to them.
...if by vegetable oil conversion, you mean biodiesel, just go to the grange in issaquah and buy it. well not if you're in tacoma i guess, but i've got customers running straight bio-d. in their libertys now, although Dr. Z never heard me say that. Chrysler wants you to blend it, but nobody listens to them.
By vegetable oil conversion he means running straight vegetable oil. It can be done easily with a diesel engine but to prevent problems it needs to be warmed up using regular diesel or bio-diesel before swithcing over to straight veg oil.
Bio-diesel is available in in Fife, near Tacoma, at Old Hwy. 99 and 20th Ave. E.
I don't post very much, but there is an interesting vehicle that I do not beleive has been mentioned yet in this post. I am looking at purchasing either a Toyota Matrix or Pontiac Vibe. They are basically the same car. I think they are a neat little wagon that is available in AWD and is built on the Corolla platform. They get around 35 mpg and the back folds down to a flat space that would haul more than enough gear for an extended two person camping trip. The Corolla has the reputation as being an extremley reliable car.
My main vehichle is a dodge diesel pickup, which I really like but there are times I do not need all that power.
Thanks all for making this a great thread. As always, lots of great ideas and more info than I ever would have found on my own.
We drove a range of rigs from new Subarus and Hondas to a well-maintained used 4Runner. We settled on a '05 Outback turbo wagon. . . and a promise that I get to buy a truck in the next few years!
The Subaru is pretty sweet, but after driving a few nice trucks, I know what I will be getting in the future.
By vegetable oil conversion he means running straight vegetable oil. It can be done easily with a diesel engine but to prevent problems it needs to be warmed up using regular diesel or bio-diesel before swithcing over to straight veg oil.
Bio-diesel is available in in Fife, near Tacoma, at Old Hwy. 99 and 20th Ave. E.
The wife and I have a Sub Forester. Goes any where I have ask it and carriers the 18' canoe.
We have gotten up to 30 mpg (I drive like an old man).
To top it off it looks really cool with the WFF decal in the window.
Only thing I have seen with the subarus is after a 25 mph read end. got pushed into the car in front. The frame was damaged and the thing was junked. Too bad it had a lot of life in it. Everyone was safe, the car took the impact energy.
Personally I drive a toyota. Had a Nissan PU for awhile. Not nearly as solid at the 4-runner. I even did a side on crash at 45 mph and it is still rock solid in the frame. Brakes squarely etc.
I would compare ground clearance. Seems to be more of an issue for the roads you describe.
Not too sure about the AWD. Seems 4WD on demand is sufficent.
BTW: if you do go hybrid do the math. The Highlander Hybrid had to go 240k before break even assuming the listed milage difference and sticker price, assuming something like 3.50 a gal.
not saying i buy into any of this but last week there was a pretty ridiculous article in the New York Times about the top ten gay cars. Hey charlie, what kind of car do(did) you drive?
Heres some exerpts:
6) Best Ride for the Trendy Gay Man
2006 Honda Element
The Element was made for the young, active and versatile. Freshened for its forth year, most of the plastic side molding has been removed for a more upscale look. The same people that wonder what kind of car this oddly shaped vehicle is, can't help but respect (or even envy) the driver. The mammoth interior is easily accessible with an intelligent tug on the suicide doors. It's just unique enough to satisfy the trendy in all of us.
9) Best Lesbian Moving Van
2006 Subaru Outback
Subaru pumps a lot of money into gay advertising and their efforts have paid off with our sister's in queerness. This crossover wagon is versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of haulers. There's plenty of space for the cat cage and those boxes that can't fit in the storage bin. The Outback is a long-running lesbian champion.
I make a living repairing cars, and drive a 98 Outback. Great cars, but the headgskts go around 100K. I recommend replacing them at that mileage with the timing belt, if they havent already been done. Trust me, I had to put an engine in mine at 100K, blew ahose on my way to go fishing, and melted the block.Put in a used engine, 3 weeks ago coming home from Rock lake, head gasket blew.Fixed it, and went to Cofeepot last weekend, no problems towing my 14 footer.Thats my 2 cents, and am looking at buying a newer Outback.
This thread was fun to read! Each person has their own ideals on whats the best car or SUV for them! I think before you buy any from the threads above, you should try all of these: Blonds, Brunettes, Redheads, and gals with Black hair. Some have a great rack, will get down on all fours, work great to sleep with, love to be driven hard. I could go on and on about the benefit's of my choice for you to drive home or for going "fishing", but I better stop before I get in trouble. Have fun looking, and fun driving! VM.:rofl:
Befly - That's a VW with a Subaru engine? Really? New to me.
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