vehicles to carry bike/kayak

[Pax]

Thanks for the ideas. It sounds like Subaru is the majority vote. Next step: test drives.

Stacy

If you like your Ranger...I have a 4cyl. Ranger and it gets about 24mpg. I like the wide open back without having to worry about roof rack paraphernalia or messing the upholstery if I put stuff inside. Just my .02

[costarica95]

I do like the ranger. There have been times when I thought I'd like seating for 4, but the majority of the time it's just me and my dog, so my supercab is just fine. I've been wrestling with this over 6mos already. I'd like seating for four, a trunk and 30 mpg, i.e., Toyota Camry. But, I love the utility of a truck, and the ease of loading my bikes and my ww kayak in the back. Also, when I've run shuttle kayaking, it's been easy to toss about 6 boats in the back of my truck, while tying them to a roof rack on a friend's Subi proved much more challenging. I'm also not a fan of having to lift things over my head to rack them. I guess there's not going to be a "perfect" solution. I probably just need to drive different vehicles and go with the one I like to drive. Obviously, after reading people's posts, I can adapt pretty much any vehicle to suit my needs, be it roof rack, hitch mount, inside storage, etc. I need to go with the vehicle I'm comfy with. The other issue is that I've been spoiled by a 4L V6 in my ranger, and am not sure how I will cope with sacrificing power to get that extra 5 mpg.

[Pax]

...The other issue is that I've been spoiled by a 4L V6 in my ranger, and am not sure how I will cope with sacrificing power to get that extra 5 mpg.

Just to add to your Ranger thoughts...Where I live there are zero hills (unlike where you live I'm guessing ) but I can tell you the 4cyl. (automatic) Ranger is a complete POOCH, it can't get out of it's own way and has utterly pathetic acceleration. My Dad has the same truck with a 5 speed and it's much better.

[sarahkonamojo]

1992 Legacy hit a deer and a 1998 Legacy, 110k miles and going. We have not had an Outback. I like the low roof for loading gear. My kayak fits in the back. In fact, I can shuttle for two with both kayaks in the back. My issue with the subarus has been the power. Ours have always been underpowered but the gas mileage is closer to 30 mpg. We have been using a bike rack on the hatch of the wagon to avoid wind issues. Repair is reasonable.

When thinking of upgrade we have considered tha Passat and Volvo xc70. Not sure about VW repair costs. But the new Outbacks look nice. Always looking for AWD.

We also have a truck, a Toyota Tacoma SR5. It is a business vehicle, so it doesn't go out to play, but it can haul stuff and has power. Gas mileage is loooowww.

Sarah

[Geonz]

Hmmm... how about a bike to carry the kayak ... really good mileage~

[fultzie]

I've seen a double kayak strapped to the top of an old VW bug... and i know from experience that you can fit a bike or two in the back seat... and nothing beats the milage!

here's the link to the picture:

http://cscs.umich.edu/~mario/Picture...-040510-05.jpg

[costarica95]

I wish I had a bike trailer like that just to get from the take out back to the road. On our favorite local run, it's about 100yds winding uphill. When carrying a kayak on one shoulder and dripping wet walking in water shoes it stinks! I'd much rather pedal it in a nice easy gear without the kayak on my shoulder!

Well, I'm glad to hear, err read all the input. I don't have to have AWD, as I'm not into the snow sports, but everyone I've ever known who has had a subie loves/loved it. So, it's definitely worth checking out. As much as I hate dealing with car salesmen, I guess I have to bite the bullet and go take some test drives. It doesn't make much sense to buy a car that gets a zillion miles to the gallon if I am in a bad mood every time I drive it because it's underpowered or stowing my bike/kayak is a pain. So, it's time to do some leg work...

Thanks again for all the comments.

Stacy

[wabisabi]

've seen a double kayak strapped to the top of an old VW bug... and i know from experience that you can fit a bike or two in the back seat... and nothing beats the milage!

Wow, that IS an impressive picture--looks like someone who should live around here! I need to figure out how to get stuff on top of my VW Bus (yeah, don't laugh, I didn't get to have one way back when and I am making up for it). Maybe I am just slowing to smell the flowers in my old age, but the power of the Subaru and even the Bus don't really bother me, they seem fine to me!