Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: ja on May 03, 2009, 08:57:22 AM
-
Would like to get the feedback of those of you that own or have driven in a small SUV to get to a fishing spot. Which one do you think can best handle gravel, pothole, somewhat rough forest service roads? I'm not thinking true off-roading conditions, but FSRs that would make it difficult or hard on regular cars. RAV4? CRV? Forrester? Escape? Rogue? other? My concern is that most of these small SUVs are based on small car platforms and therefore couldn't handle rougher conditions much better than a regular car. I'm looking for something that isn't going to develop "creaking" sounds in normal driving conditions after taking it on FSRs a few times. Look forward to any experiences!
-
i have a buddy that has a CRV and he really likes it alot. the real time 4wd is a nice feature as well. I used to own a small truck (mazda B2200) and it was just fine going everywhere, i would imagine the new small suv's would be better built.
-
nissan makes a good product but a toyota forerunner would be your best bet
-
I've heard very good things about the Nissan Xterra and no doubt the H3 would perform great, but I'm thinking something a bit more car like, especially when it comes to gas mileage :)
-
I would say the Liberty or Nitro would be the most truck like platform. They also have the option of locking in actual 4x4 not all wheel drive.
-
if you want good gas mileage then take a look at the Ford Escape. it was compared to those little cars and came out very well. just look at the reports
-
Escape/Tribute are good an gas with the 4 cyl, front wheel drive. All wheel drive with the V-6 is much harder on gas. I have a Tribute and its a good vehicle but I'm not sure how it would hold up to constant forest service road use.
-
I used my Bronco II for years. Never gets stuck and it cost nothing so you can take risks if you want.
-
For a smaller sized 4x4 I dont think you can go wrong with a forester.
Last winter we would watch the cars getting stuck on Rupert street hill, one particular day there were a couple cars stuck halfway up the hill and a little subaru at the bottom just wasnt going to wait. The guy drives as far up the hill as he can then he cuts it over the curb and drives up the sidewalk plowing through at least a foot of snow, 100 metres later he turns back onto the street and continues on. I just looked at my wife and said "we gotta get one of those things!".
-
If you're looking for a small SUV get a subaru impreza or forester. They are amazing, I owned an '03 impreza hatchback. I would take one of these or a forester over a RAV, Pilot, Highlander, or CRV ANY day. Amazing winter and wet performance too. I feel like i should sell them I liked it so much...I miss my impreza :( my brother owns it now but they are selling bec. he got a commuter car.
-
Depends on how many kilometers you intend to put on it on the gravel roads. Most forest service/ logging roads are littered with potholes, and spots with that washboard effect, especially on corners. That is going to be hard on a vehicle especially the lighter SUVs like an Escape, Liberty or Jeep Patriot to name a few. Start putting the kilometers on vehicles like that and they just aren't meant to take that kind of pounding on a regular basis. Not to say the 4x4 trucks are bullet proof, but the Toyotas and Nissan overtime will provide you with a reliable means of getting to those fishy spots, and a means of powering out in case you get stuck.
-
Why an SUV? Why not a small pickup? Just asking.
-
I used to have a Honda Element 4WD. Fun vehicle to drive and can handle rough roads and steep inclines. Everything inside is waterproof. Seats convert to a bed so no need for a tent. When traveling I had a single mattress that fit in the back when the rear seats were folded up and the front seats moved up. :)
-
I love my 2002 X-Terra . They're built on a Frontier pickup frame and go almost anywhere. They tow pretty well too(small trailer ,boat)
The only draw back is the gas milage $$$$ OUCH!!
But for what you save off the MSRP compared to a Toyota you can afford to play.
-
hej Ty
What about Suzuki Samurai or Chev Tracker(same vehicle). It is a little four banger on a real frame and good clearance for off roading.
-
Thanks for the feeback all. bbronswyk2000, I know a small truck would be the way to go...but next car up to change is the wifes, and she wouldn't go for a truck... :P Tadpole, thanks for the suggestion on the Tracker/Samurai, haven't looked into that one.
-
I have a Subaru Outback and love it. Gets good gas mileage, has great traction and enough room for me and the dog to sleep in. It actually carries as much as my Cherokee did.
It is a little short on clearance and needed a skid plate but it handles most gravel roads really well.
-
I would say if its only used for gravel roads, really anything will do, if you are looking to get some clearance make sure to have a close look at the jeeps, although they may not be built as well as the imports they sure are good outdoors, I have driven Cherokee which did very well in snow and mud with no problems except gas milage, I have driven a RAV4 which has terrible clearance but sweet gas milage and very smooth ride, and I have driven a Jeep Liberty, it has tonnes of power average gas milage and can go anywhere off road,
My new truck is a Ford Explorer Sport trac, I had to settle for a midsize as it needed to fit in my garage, it seems to give me the best of both worlds SUV and truck, I love it and it does well off road too although I would have to pull off the running boards if I needed to hit a hard core trail
-
I love my diesel Jeep Liberty. They don't make them anymore, but it is an awesome little vehicle. Mileage is great, tons of torque for climbing, and its really quite small for getting down tight roads. Clearance isn't the best, but that's what skidplates are for.
-
it depends about how much time its going to spend off the road I own a Jeep Tj and its great for 4x4ing, its got a short wheelbase which makes it great at going through cross ditches and the 4lo is decent. The reason I like the jeep is because of the solid axles it has compared to almost all of the current or newer SUV's they have independent suspension and they are pretty weak. A sloid axel with a a truck style suspension is way stronger; That being said it depends how much your going to use it right. My jeep is great for the snow, mud, climbing hills but its terrible for normal day stuff. It has literally no trunk, the seating in the back is shitty and its not the best for loading things into. You can take the back seat out but even then its really small. The Inline 6 is really great, and has a lot of power in the lower RPM's its not as low as a diesel but its a lot better then the new JK 3.6L If your going to be off road quite a bit I would suggest something stronger that you know can take it better then other vehicles because there would be nothing worse then to have part of your suspension, drive shaft or axle break in the woods. I personally think 4 runners are great for the fact that they have lots of cargo space and creature comforts but are capable off road vehicles. I would just put some thought into how much your really going to be off road. There's guys that put 6inch lift kits on their Dodge pickups and they never see the mud once and unless you really need it what would be the point. Get a decent vehicle that suits your needs the best put some good tires on it like bfg All terrains. You will sacrifice fuel economy for some of the better 4x4 and stay away from ford suv's They have tinny little axles and the suspension isn't designed to take the beating
-
the outback is a good choice and its a nice city car too. Good clearance and AWD. And you can fit a boat on top :D
-
You gotta luv the Nissan Pathfinder!!
-
I have run all kinds of 4x4s from jeeps and landcruisers too quads and Suzukis. I can honestly say that my 4 door Suzuki Sidekick was the best and cheapest of all too run.
Too little to break anything, use hardly any gas and can go anywhere anything else can go.
Drive a Dodge diesel 4x4 now and I really miss the Suzuki on the side roads.
-
I have a very special Subaru Outback with a H6 boxer engine. It goes everywhere and even pulls my 18 foot Lund :)
I miss my old Dodge Raider (Mitsu Montero) that thing went places i couldnt go with my subaru like Norton lake....
Cant go wrong with a Subaru though... especially the H6 models
-
I have a Honda CRV, it takes me everywhere. Gas Mileage is great, have never been stuck in the snow. I have taken it up the road to Jones Lake no problem. The seats in the back fold flush and I can get a foam mattress back there.
-
I have a 2008 Forrester which can handle most rough roads pretty darn good. Use to take 4 wheel drive pickup type trucks, but once your on a really rough road you kick the snot out of them. Repair bills get pricey and in the end your better off walking or using an ATV. At least you can get drive home that way. I think the Honda's and other ones are all pretty good too I just prefer Subaru.
-
You should take a subaru for a 24h test drive. You may have no intention of buying new but you'll get the feel of the AWD and how capable it is.....they have REALLY nailed it. I can't tell you how many times I was amazed by how well the impreza performed in snow, slush, mud, gravel, washboard, etc....just amazed. Their AWD has been kick my friend since 02 i think....not sure if they have changed it since then but it really is worth a test drive on some FSRs...i think you'd be suprised.
-
I love my Jeep YJ, it's never left me stuck, and is very reliable, I can get many places a larger truck cant get to, and turning around on a forest service road on the side of the mountain isnt quite as hairy as my old Chev 4x4. Moving on to a Cherokee now though, fit more into it, but is still a solid vehical...and the 4.0L engines are GREAT
-
I have a 1988 toyota 4runner, its 4cylinder and 4x4. Tons of space to put junk in trunk, In the summer months I lay a double inflatable bed mattress in the back, im 6' . 400k on the original 22-re motor. Its a good little truck.
-
Jeep YJ is my choice .This yj and I have been through some rough ground .
-
I have a Subaru Forester.. 291000kms and counting. It has seen a lot of service roads and spends many a winter day up at Hemlock ;D ;D ;D
I have no squeaks and only regular maintenance done. Great value in my opinion!
-
I have a 2009 Escape V6 Automatic. very good on gas and never get stuck... Remember last winter during the snow storm, I went to jeep and drove the liberty and the Ford Escape. Its a huge different between both cars and I like the 4x4 system in Ford and great on Fuel economy on 09 6 speed automatic, its also drives like a car on the street. When comparing with the pricing and the features, its the best deal in town.
;D
-
Have you considered a motorcycle? I've got a 4runner and last year I bought a Kawasaki KLR 650 Duel Sport bike. Thing goes almost anywhere on forest service roads and at a fraction of the price and it's a kick to boot. Get some bags for the side and you can take your fishing gear and without problem go where cars have major issues. Also incredible gas mileage, 55-60 MPG.
-
2nd gen (2003-2008) forester XT ;)
-
some interesting feedback all :D It would seem that a numbe of vehicles would serve the purpose, though the Subaru Forester seems to be slightly more popluar...mmm....it also may be what I heard about Subaru owners, they're more passionate about their vehicles than other owners ;D
-
Only one draw back to the subaru forester.. they are kinda ugly. Thats why i went with the Outback :)
-
I'm after an Outback as soon as I can afford one. Need the length for my rods. Wish they'd bring the new diesel version over soon though.