Alternate vehicle suggestions - Page 2

dhally · 02-03-2014, 11:48 AM

I'm thinking a motorcycle or scooter would be the ticket. I've been lusting after the new Yamaha FZ-09. It's only $8k and can do wheelies in the first 3 gears...

Nomadcat · 02-03-2014, 09:02 PM

Always wanted one, but I need a hauler, for leisure and for work. Plus, if I park the Quadvan in Jersey for cheap, I will need a dinghy with enough capacity to haul stuff out there. I'm really digging the idea of a little Ranger.

My only concern then is that I may only be able to turn over and run the van every other week. Do you think that's enough?

**BroncoHauler** · 02-03-2014, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomadcat

...My only concern then is that I may only be able to turn over and run the van every other week. Do you think that's enough?

Inside or outside storage? A good solar panel and controller would be perfect for outside storage.

Herb

carringb · 02-03-2014, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomadcat

My only concern then is that I may only be able to turn over and run the van every other week. Do you think that's enough?

If you can't drive, then I wouldn't even start it. If you don't get a full drive cycle in, all you are doing is introducing moisture into the engine which alone is corrosive, but some of that moisture also becomes acidic (mostly nitric acid) as it reacts with the oils.

Batteries generally sit just fine for about 6-months if they are isolated (which also means cleaning any acid off the top).

Nomadcat · 02-03-2014, 10:02 PM

That's actually good to know, and it's new to me, but it makes sense. I'm sure I can take it out for half an hour or more every couple of weeks. Takes some of the pressure off, though, what you said. Thanks.

Paul

Ocsmb · 02-03-2014, 10:34 PM

Tdi Golf. 35/40 mpg

copescobra · 02-08-2014, 11:44 AM

Cheep Jeep

Nomadcat · 02-08-2014, 09:49 PM

Ruled out an awesome 2011 Ranger with low miles. Girlfriend - NOT wife, mind you - said we needed more room in the cab. Also found a great Taco like my old one that already had an ARB bumper and winch, plus a LEER cap. She said it was too big. I know what you're going to say - get rid of the girlfriend. Anyway, I'm compromising here, so I'm now looking at, yes old Jeeps. Wish I could find an XJ Cherokee with less than a zillion miles on it and no rust in the Northeast here.

Also - and I know this doesn't compare to what I've mentioned - but I have a strange fascination with the Subaru Crosstrek XV. Also looking at older 4Runners, pre '04, but they have high miles, too. Always liked them, though.

I feel like I could almost flat tow the little Subey, even though my van weights close to 9000 pounds full and has a 5.4 V8. Do you think I'd be pushing it?

Paul

BrianW · 02-09-2014, 06:11 AM

I have a 2012 Subaru Impreza Sport, basically the same thing as the Crosstrek but without the lift. I really like the car and it gets pretty good MPG. Really my only complaint is that it doesn't have the ground clearance of my previous Subarus. I've been thinking of moving into the XV as it is kind of a cool little car.

86Scotty · 02-09-2014, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomadcat

Ruled out an awesome 2011 Ranger with low miles. Girlfriend - NOT wife, mind you - said we needed more room in the cab. Also found a great Taco like my old one that already had an ARB bumper and winch, plus a LEER cap. She said it was too big. I know what you're going to say - get rid of the girlfriend. Anyway, I'm compromising here, so I'm now looking at, yes old Jeeps. Wish I could find an XJ Cherokee with less than a zillion miles on it and no rust in the Northeast here.

Also - and I know this doesn't compare to what I've mentioned - but I have a strange fascination with the Subaru Crosstrek XV. Also looking at older 4Runners, pre '04, but they have high miles, too. Always liked them, though.

I feel like I could almost flat tow the little Subey, even though my van weights close to 9000 pounds full and has a 5.4 V8. Do you think I'd be pushing it?

Paul

Na, I for one certainly won't tell you to get rid of your lady friend. They operate on a different wavelength by default, she's just normal.

Mine has these awkward opinions on vehicles too. I don't understand em, but hey, can't live without her.

Your 5.4 will tow a car better than you might think. I recently did a 4k mile trip with my 3000 lb Jeep YJ behind my 9400lb loaded E350 (with a 5.4). It did fine. On most of the trip I only lost 1 mpg and ran +/- 70mph as always. It only worked a little more in the Colorado mountains, but I was pretty impressed. The 5.4 is stronger than you think, it just gets a bad rap around all these power monger SMB diesel types.

The Cherokees are great old trucks and there are TONS down here in Tn if you decide to travel to purchase. Mostly rust free and dirt cheap. I have found several lately and have thought of replacing my YJ because a Cherokee is a much better daily driver and I could sell my current daily driver and consolidate.
Let me know if you'd like me to pass some links along. What is your mileage cap?