|
noell
Jun 21, 2004, 11:26 PM
Post #1 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 17, 2003
Posts: 313
|
I keep debating on buying a new vehicle that is more climbing-friendly ( I currently drive a mazda miata, needless to say it's not a crag car!). You know what I mean- something you can throw all your gear into, fit a climbing pal or two, drive on the highway for a few hours (roadtrip weekends) or take the short cut and off-road up to your fav spot.
So... I am curious. What do you guys think is an awesome ride to the crag? Something comfy for road trips, but can most certainly handle some off road terrain. Something not too pricey but will last. Something that can take a beating, but won't scare your parents.
|
|
|
|
|
climbinginchico
Jun 21, 2004, 11:29 PM
Post #2 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 24, 2004
Posts: 3032
|
Apparently Paolo uses a donkey...
I have an Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce. Terrible for the crag. But damn is she fun to drive on the way!
|
|
|
|
|
climbsomething
Jun 21, 2004, 11:34 PM
Post #3 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 30, 2002
Posts: 8588
|
Toyota pickup. Toyota truck run forevah!
nb: my ride is NOT a Toyota pickup. It's a 10 year old Jeep that can't seem to keep 4 inflated tires on at once...
|
|
|
|
|
davidji
Jun 21, 2004, 11:38 PM
Post #4 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 30, 2003
Posts: 1776
|
In reply to: I keep debating on buying a new vehicle that is more climbing-friendly ( I currently drive a mazda miata, needless to say it's not a crag car!). You know what I mean- something you can throw all your gear into, fit a climbing pal or two, drive on the highway for a few hours (roadtrip weekends) or take the short cut and off-road up to your fav spot. So... I am curious. What do you guys think is an awesome ride to the crag? Something comfy for road trips, but can most certainly handle some off road terrain. Something not too pricey but will last. Something that can take a beating, but won't scare your parents.
If you want good performance, good fuel economy, good handling, and reasonably good rutted dirt road capability, get a Forester. Way more fun than a Taco 4x4 on the twisty highways that get you to the dirt. If you value performance over economy (and want a wagon that'll make your Miata feel slow) get a Forester turbo. If you value off-road more than on, a 4x4 pickup is a good choice.
|
|
|
|
|
gds
Jun 21, 2004, 11:38 PM
Post #5 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 8, 2004
Posts: 710
|
Nissan Xterra. Great on really bad dirt roads and comfy on the highway. Not the greatest gas mileage but...
I've never made it to being a pick up fan. Too often I need to transport more than two folks for more than a few minutes.
Of course here in AZ we are always reading about a pick up with 39 people (somehow) crammed into it that rolls over and kills... .
|
|
|
|
|
pancaketom
Jun 21, 2004, 11:41 PM
Post #6 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Dec 9, 2002
Posts: 391
|
I gots a Toyota pickup. my complaints are that it only really fits 2 (3 if friendly ), and I don't have the 4 wheel model (only rarely would I use this anyway). No major complaints, but at 150K it is starting to be "not new" anymore. I hope it runs "forevah" though. It probably makes more sense to get a vehicle that works best for your regular use and won't hold you back for going to the crag rather than the opposite.
|
|
|
|
|
ottoman
Jun 21, 2004, 11:43 PM
Post #7 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 26, 2003
Posts: 149
|
I've been driven a Camry for about 150k miles.........but even now i wish hadn't been 4 wheelin' in it....hell on the suspension......
|
|
|
|
|
climbsomething
Jun 21, 2004, 11:44 PM
Post #8 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 30, 2002
Posts: 8588
|
heh. I was thinking a little more swank for the Toyota. Extended cab, and/or a shell. Though, I am "friendly" anyway.
|
|
|
|
|
pawilkes
Jun 21, 2004, 11:53 PM
Post #9 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 10, 2003
Posts: 275
|
do a search for this topic and you'll find plenty of others opinions on this kind of stuff. i'll still throw my hat in the ring though. from a practicality stand point, check out consumer reports to see what cars often time suck and which are their "Best Bet". sadly the japanese vehicles dominate this category and my conclusion was anything subaru. they all pack the same base engine now and all models are now available with more powerful turbo versions. they aren't as cheap as other cars but they run for a damn long time and get pretty decent gas mileage. mine's a manual but for rough roads and tricky parking the automatics help a little bit.
|
|
|
|
|
slablizard
Jun 21, 2004, 11:55 PM
Post #10 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 13, 2003
Posts: 5558
|
A donkey? Well just on really rough terrain, otherways I enjoy driving my A4-1.8ti at exxaggerated speed, until they pull me over. Generally they use F15s to catch up :lol:
The donkey's name is...Donkey, and it talks too. He's actually pretty funny once you get to know it ( him?) his humpour is sometimes kind of gross...ya know lots of dirty jokes. Typical of a donkey.
In reply to: Apparently Paolo uses a donkey... I have an Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce. Terrible for the crag. But damn is she fun to drive on the way! |
|
|
|
|
musicman
Jun 22, 2004, 12:06 AM
Post #12 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 16, 2004
Posts: 828
|
Jeep Cherokee is how me and my buddies get up the canyon. its smooth on the road and great on the dirt, i'm not sure what the mileage is but i'm pretty sure the new Cherokee Sport's aren't have bad
|
|
|
|
|
slablizard
Jun 22, 2004, 12:08 AM
Post #13 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 13, 2003
Posts: 5558
|
How could I?
You know I love the rooOOAaar of that Alfa. Hey tell me if you need any exotic part , I'm going to Rome in July.
No, not the whole engine, but a gear stick or a steering wheel maybe :)
In reply to: In reply to: A donkey? Well just on really rough terrain, otherways I enjoy driving my A4-1.8ti at exxaggerated speed, until they pull me over. Generally they use F15s to catch up :lol: It is a nice ride I must admit. But still doesn't have that Italian charm. What I love most about that statement is I am making it to an Italian! So you certainly can't deny it! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
chuffer
Jun 22, 2004, 12:16 AM
Post #15 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 3, 2004
Posts: 135
|
I have a nice love affair going with my Jeep Cherokee. A nice used one can be had for less change than most any SUV. It meets all of your criteria nicely. I get 24 mpg on the highway, they perform very respectably off road, have lots of interior room for people and gear, and the in line 6 (make sure you don't get a 4 cylinder) is a great motor that will run forever with very little trouble. I could also give great recommendations for the Xterra and 4Runner, but they will set you back quite a bit more coin than a Cherokee of the same year, mileage, etc.
J
|
|
|
|
|
climbinginchico
Jun 22, 2004, 12:17 AM
Post #16 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 24, 2004
Posts: 3032
|
OK, here is my ideal crag car- Subaru Outback Sport, but take that killer 2.5L turbo flat-4 out of the WRX-STi, along with the entire drivetrain and brakes. Now that sucker will get you there, take 3 friends, and all your gear. And FAST. My bet is still 0-60 in under 5. But put on nice tires so you can go offroad, no 18 in 35 series tires on an offroad beast.
|
|
|
|
|
slablizard
Jun 22, 2004, 12:20 AM
Post #17 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 13, 2003
Posts: 5558
|
Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) (formerly Hughes) AH-64A Apache Longbow, Powered by two General Electric gas turbine engines rated at 1890 shaft horsepower each
Makes over 180 Mph at 50 feet and can take you right under a crag.
Plus if you have parking problems you can always use a couple of Hellfires.
The chaingun si also great to grid-bolt on the fly, or clean up choss very rapidly.
|
|
|
|
|
okcdirtbag
Jun 22, 2004, 12:20 AM
Post #18 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Sep 7, 2003
Posts: 65
|
i have a subaru legacy 2.5 gt, awd, comfy as hell nice for LONG roadtrips and short fast and handles offroad.. just like the forrester but longer and not as tall
|
|
|
|
|
slablizard
Jun 22, 2004, 12:21 AM
Post #19 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 13, 2003
Posts: 5558
|
Hmmmmmmmm
WRX :P
|
|
|
|
|
climbinginchico
Jun 22, 2004, 12:27 AM
Post #20 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 24, 2004
Posts: 3032
|
In reply to: Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) (formerly Hughes) AH-64A Apache Longbow, Powered by two General Electric gas turbine engines rated at 1890 shaft horsepower each Makes over 180 Mph at 50 feet and can take you right under a crag. Plus if you have parking problems you can always use a couple of Hellfires. The chaingun si also great to grid-bolt on the fly, or clean up choss very rapidly.
No cargo capacity. I want Airwolf!!! Bell 222 Jetranger with cannons, missiles, etc. Seats 7. Or 2 with climbing gear.
C'mon, someone has to remember Airwolf! Please? :oops:
|
|
|
|
|
chuffer
Jun 22, 2004, 12:34 AM
Post #21 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 3, 2004
Posts: 135
|
In reply to: C'mon, someone has to remember Airwolf! Please?
I loved that show! Don't forget that Airwolf has the added benefit of being able to defy the laws of physics and fly at over 300 mph!
J
|
|
|
|
|
jcr
Jun 22, 2004, 1:43 AM
Post #22 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Feb 17, 2004
Posts: 317
|
Jeep!
JC
|
|
|
|
|
musicman
Jun 22, 2004, 1:58 AM
Post #23 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 16, 2004
Posts: 828
|
In reply to: Hmmmmmmmm WRX :P
its all true :D
|
|
|
|
|
cragmasterp
Jun 22, 2004, 2:15 AM
Post #24 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Feb 2, 2003
Posts: 278
|
I have a nissan xtended cab truck for the tough approaches; but my new VW golf turbo is the bomb for most craggin. Fast, good gas mileage, and fits 4 climbers and gear.
I am in Floyd, VA not too far from Winston, NC. We should meet at Moores or Sauratown sometime. :)
|
|
|
|
|
drrock
Jun 22, 2004, 1:59 PM
Post #25 of 135
(10806 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Oct 18, 2003
Posts: 610
|
edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
