Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: JBB on October 20, 2013, 07:47:18 PM
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I'm thinking about buying a newer vehicle suitable for fishing trips as well as for general purposes . A pickup is a possiblity but I don't have much use for one for anything other than fishing. A smaller SUV is most likely the answer. What type of vehicle would be your choice and how do you deal with wet muddy boots and waders as well as fish coolers and all your gear in your choice of transport ?
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For rangers or smaller sized pick-ups are great for this still good on gas but you can keep waders coolers ext. outside so you don't need to smell them all the time
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I have a truck. I have two large storage totes (Rubbermaid) that I put all the wet stuff in. Without the lids on, I can still close my tonneau cover. Wet and dirty boots, waders in one. Fish into second. I actually stand in one to take boots and waders off.
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While a big SUV is nice with a lot of room, it isn't very practical for everyday use because of fuel usage, parking etc...
My preference would be a reliable mid sized body on frame SUV. Has enough room for all your gear and is built to take the punishment when trekking onto logging roads.
While the new car like CUV's like the Forester, Santa Fe, Rav 4 and CRV to name a few are relatively good on gas and ride nicely in the city, I wouldn't feel comfortable taking them out on those roads and trails all the time. Once in a while is ok but sooner or later, all that wear and tear will catch up to you.
My choice would be a Toyota 4 runner. Good, solid reliable 4x4. If you are on a budget, the Nissan X-terra is also an option.
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It's hard to recommend something without a price range. Toyota are good but expensive. Jeep liberty and ford escape are cheaper but still reliable options. They both have relatively efficient v6s. Bigger options like an explorer tend to run v8s or at least big 6s.
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I'm in the 20-25 K price range. The Escape with a V6 is one I'm considering. I have a 2007 Rav4 and know what you mean about car based SUVs.
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With a budget that big, I would be looking for something you can buy and then lift a bit and slap some aggressive tires on. Now adays that usually limits you to pick up trucks, but some other stuff can be lifted too - seen a nice xterra for instance.
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I have a Nissan Frontier(big V6). It has the same engine as the xterra. Be forewarned,it's a real pig on gas.16 -18l per 100 kms
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I have a Nissan Frontier(big V6). It has the same engine as the xterra. Be forewarned,it's a real pig on gas.16 -18l per 100 kms
Never realized the xterra was 4.0l v6 only. That's silly...
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It's actually very powerful. Enough for a truck in it's category. I think it has 261 hp and281ft-lb of torque
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you should consider a 4 runner with that budget
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It's actually very powerful. Enough for a truck in it's category. I think it has 261 hp and281ft-lb of torque
My point is quite the opposite actually. Im surprised there is no 4-cylinder or smaller v6 option, a 3.0 or something.
I dont think the Ford Escape came 4x4 with the 4-cylinder, but I think the Mazda Tribute did. (Same truck, other than cosmetic differences)
Honestly, I feel the budget is too high for a fishing truck. It sucks to put big scratches or dents into a $25 000 truck. With that kind of budget you could buy one vehicle for general purpose use, and 2nd specifically for fishing. $15 000 on a car or small SUV for city use, and $5000 on an older truck thats already built up (or $3000 for a stock older truck with $2000 left to lift it.)
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Subie. A legacy for example. It can handle all logging trails but is not a truck. I can sleep in mine no problem as back seats fold perfectly flat if I have to (good for moving also)
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Buy something beat up and ugly that you don't mind leaving unlocked. The less likely to get broken into/stolen the better. If I bought a new truck the last place i would take it is fishing.
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you should consider a 4 runner with that budget
You would be hard press to buy a used 4 Runner
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I've been very happy with Ford vehicles over the past 5 years. American vehicles in general have stepped it up over the past decade or so. Some used car suggestions; Ford Explorer AWD 4cyl, Ford Flex, Ford Edge, Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, Dodge Nitro, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback.
I have a crossover type wagon/suv. 3 rows of seating. Big PLUS of some of the larger/longer vehicles is you can fit rods up 11'6 nicely across all 3 rows on the passenger side without disassembling. As for dirt, mud, etc. I just replace the floormats often. Everything else can be wiped down.
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A good budget like that , I say go ford f-150 crew cab. Fits my dog plus all my gear! very comfy and drives good! Been using one for last fifteen years and love it. Gets me to the river snow, rain , off road and still easy to drive in the city! Some good ones out there for that price range!
hotrod
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Jeep patriot would be my choice.4x4, fuel efficiency and practicality. I use my 95 cherokee and it is a gas guzzler but I love it.
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Your budget should be able to be you into a used Tacoma. I have a 2012 and love it. Reliable with great resale.
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A used Tacoma or 4Runner would be an excellent choice IMO. We have an 08 4Runner Sport and L-O-V-E it. Decent on gas we avg about 10-11L per 100k on the highway and around 12.5l/100k around town. This is with A/T tires the ileage was about 1L-1.5/100 better with all seasons. We taken it fishig into some pretty hairy places/lakes where the only other vehicles were lifted jeeps etc. No problems in 4x4 esp with the locking rear diff engaged. It drives beautifully, you can definitley feel the difference between the 4Runner and say a Nissan Xterra or Pathfinder. We test drove pretty much everything in this category.
If you are going offroad I'd get something based on a TRUCK frame with a solid rear axle instead of a car based frame like the Rav4, Santefe, etc.
We found you really have to look around for a good used 4Runner as the "good ones" get snapped up fast. We were on autotrader etc every day and finally found oen that was just traded in the day before. It was exactly what we were looking for one owner, no accidents all service records, etc. Seems like most of the ones that have been on a dealer's lot for months have some "issues" such as a US model and ex-fleet vehicle with no service history, or some other "red flag." Even with a 1/2 day of haggling we still paid a fair bit for it, but the thing is bullet proff, drives like a cadilac on the highway, and is a tank off road.
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Jeep wrangler 4 door. takes me anywhere, ( alot further than most people would even want to take a vehicle), tows a 17ft jet boat, 12.5L/100km, seats five, can sleep in back with seats folded down, fits lots of hunting/fishing gear, etc.
Just another option.
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Someone just had an f350 stolen a few days ago fishing.
I wouldn't want to leave a valuable vehicle sitting on the side of the road with nobody around to watch it. It only takes a thief 2 minutes to steal your ride. I love my 89 ford bronco 2... it was cheap ($500) parts are readily available at the wrecker and nobody is going to look twice at it when I'm parked behind...well anything really lol
This truck will outlive anything you buy with $20 000 because I could replace the engine and tranny like 12 times with that kind of money(and that's paying labor in a shop to do it).
Also is much cheaper to insure because a) its old and b) there is no reason for collision/comprehensive. Just some liability and specified perils (theft, fire, vandalism, windshield)
Lastly most new vehicles are very costly to lift, and they often suck when lifted because of cv axle angles and stuff.
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Ford f350s are too easy to steal. So are the 450, and 550s. From around 2004-2009.
Explorers - you wouldn't be able to afford to keep fixing it .
Xterra - can get a supercharged v8 if I'm not mistaken.
My verdict - Get a vehicle you don't give 2 shits about. I've got a 99 dodge neon and I'll take that wherever a truck can go. Minus the 4x4 enthusiasts.
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vehicle theft happens everywhere and chances are you will get more from icbc than its actually worth. break ins are far more common. i use an f350 for my fishing rig wether its got the camper on it or just for day use. it is actually good on fuel on the highway but not so good in town. if i were you i would check out the grand Cherokee with the 3l diesel. that way you get the best of both worlds. fuel efficiency, off road capabilities and diesel power for towing. Mercedes Benz makes the engine for jeep.
keep in mind not everyone enjoys driving beaters.
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My verdict - Get a vehicle you don't give 2 shits about. I've got a 99 dodge neon and I'll take that wherever a truck can go. Minus the 4x4 enthusiasts.
That is true i have seen sprint turbos, neons, etc further in the bush than people with new 4wd vehicles.
However if you get an actual 4x4, you can find a lot of places that others can't get to or simple wont go. I love those tough roads that go into high alpine lakes that you have to winch yourself through to get up there and see absolutely no one.
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I drive a 2007 Toyota fj cruiser. I've had it since new and am at about 200000k with no problems. This vehicle goes anywhere! I can put my boat on top easily, tow my trailer and even sleep in the back. The entire inside is plastic and is easily cleanable and the seats are even water repellent. Overall a great fishin vehicle and I couldn't be happier
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Get a 4Cyl.
We have a 2013 Escape with the 1.6 Eco Boost and AWD, and get a combined 9.4 L/100kms. In mixed city/highway. It is MILES more smooth and quiet than the 2011 Escape 4cyl we had prior. (both free from the wife's employer). Sandwiched between the two Escapes we had a new Equinox 4cyl AWD. It was the best of the bunch. More powerful and smoother than the new Escape turbo.
We test drove the previous generation (2012) Forester and it was laughably buzzy (4 speed automatic, YICK!), the interior was hideous. Like a 90's Civic. I hear the updated 2013 Forester has a new transmission and generally updated overall. If it proves to be better all around than the 2012 we tested, that would be my advice for you. Forrest (or CrossTrek)
If you want to find something a bit older, the previous generation Sorento is rugged body on frame construction and solid reliability. You can find a nice loaded, 2002-2005 for under $10K.
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/ctd/4084683643.html
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rch/ctd/4115105052.html
Wildcard option, find a Matrix or Vibe AWD or FWD. Best combo of space, MPGs and reliability.
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For a "fishing truck" I would go with something a lot tougher than a Kia Sorrento or similar car based SUV. As others have said get something tough like an F-150, Tacoma, 4Runner, FJ cruiser etc. Go to your library and read the most recent Consumer Reports Auto Issue and look up reviews on what you might buy. Then go test drive lots and don't rush to buy. We take our 08 4Runner into tons of remote lakes and just try to be careful with scratches, rocks, etc. Yes it has a few scratches etc but we get it cut polished and waxed at the end of the season and most of that comes out. I guess at the end of the day buy what you like and can afford. I think the two biggest things are do your research ahead of time and don't rush to buy! So much selection in the lower mainland...take your time.
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Jeep patriot would be my choice.4x4, fuel efficiency and practicality. I use my 95 cherokee and it is a gas guzzler but I love it.
I have a patriot and love it - great on gas, even the 2wd (that I have) goes nearly anywhere with half decent tires......BUT, that being said, towing capacity is crap so if you own/rent/borrow/plan to buy a trailer, be aware of towing capacities!
Also have a Tribute (wife's). I'd say not a good fishing vehicle overall for the money you can find better (also not the bestest towing capacity). Also the interior (specifically seats) stain very easily....
I've been looking for a while (need to upgrade for a towing vehicle) and thinking of going exterra. it's on a truck (frontier) frame. the roof rack is the strongest in it's class, has a hideaway for wet/stinky fishing clothes, steps built into the bumpers, plastic interior incl. the rear cargo area with adjustable tie downs, lots of power....the only drawback I've heard of is the gas mileage, as mentioned earlier in this post.... reading hundreds of reviews online by owners and that's the only thing that is mentioned fairly often. NOTE - 90% of them are US vehicles. Nissan for some reason couldn't sell them for the pricing here and most were imported. Out of the 15 I've looked at and test drove, 10 or 12 were US vehicles. There is of course the US carfax if you're concerned, but if you go to a dealership, many will have both the US and CDN history for you. The reason I mention is that I was originally concerned about looking at a US vehicle, but after I learned that most of them (the exterras) are, not as concerned now...
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my vote is for a newer jeep wrangler, reasonable gas mileage, comfortable to drive, reliable, avaliable in 4 door, and they start brand new at a very reasonable price. plus the rear trunk area is plastic, easy to wash, and water friendly that or a toyota tacoma, ford escape (awd),
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I have a patriot and love it - great on gas, even the 2wd (that I have) goes nearly anywhere with half decent tires......BUT, that being said, towing capacity is crap so if you own/rent/borrow/plan to buy a trailer, be aware of towing capacities!
Also have a Tribute (wife's). I'd say not a good fishing vehicle overall for the money you can find better (also not the bestest towing capacity). Also the interior (specifically seats) stain very easily....
I've been looking for a while (need to upgrade for a towing vehicle) and thinking of going exterra. it's on a truck (frontier) frame. the roof rack is the strongest in it's class, has a hideaway for wet/stinky fishing clothes, steps built into the bumpers, plastic interior incl. the rear cargo area with adjustable tie downs, lots of power....the only drawback I've heard of is the gas mileage, as mentioned earlier in this post.... reading hundreds of reviews online by owners and that's the only thing that is mentioned fairly often. NOTE - 90% of them are US vehicles. Nissan for some reason couldn't sell them for the pricing here and most were imported. Out of the 15 I've looked at and test drove, 10 or 12 were US vehicles. There is of course the US carfax if you're concerned, but if you go to a dealership, many will have both the US and CDN history for you. The reason I mention is that I was originally concerned about looking at a US vehicle, but after I learned that most of them (the exterras) are, not as concerned now...
You can pick up used Xterras for pretty cheap. A lot cheaper (year and mileage) than a comparable 4Runner. We test drove about 6 Xterras and at first we thought we wanted one. However IMO they drive like a tractor. I'm sure they are great off road though. Not much room in the back either. For 20-25K you can get a pretty nice used 4Runner but you'll have to do a lot more hunting around than for an Xterra. Seems like there are SO many Xterras out there...lots of returned leases, etc. If you research JB power, etc you will find that the Xterra does not have great ratings overall for reliability etc. If you are going "off road" a lot then a tough vehicle like a 4Runner etc will serve you well. If you are going fishing on mostly paved roads and public gravel then anything like an Escape etc will be fine. Everyone I know with a 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ, Tundra or any Toyota LOVES it. The few ppl I know that have Nissans, esp the Xterra either complain about it or have gotten rid of it.
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I have a patriot and love it - great on gas, even the 2wd (that I have) goes nearly anywhere with half decent tires......BUT, that being said, towing capacity is crap so if you own/rent/borrow/plan to buy a trailer, be aware of towing capacities!
Also have a Tribute (wife's). I'd say not a good fishing vehicle overall for the money you can find better (also not the bestest towing capacity). Also the interior (specifically seats) stain very easily....
I've been looking for a while (need to upgrade for a towing vehicle) and thinking of going exterra. it's on a truck (frontier) frame. the roof rack is the strongest in it's class, has a hideaway for wet/stinky fishing clothes, steps built into the bumpers, plastic interior incl. the rear cargo area with adjustable tie downs, lots of power....the only drawback I've heard of is the gas mileage, as mentioned earlier in this post.... reading hundreds of reviews online by owners and that's the only thing that is mentioned fairly often. NOTE - 90% of them are US vehicles. Nissan for some reason couldn't sell them for the pricing here and most were imported. Out of the 15 I've looked at and test drove, 10 or 12 were US vehicles. There is of course the US carfax if you're concerned, but if you go to a dealership, many will have both the US and CDN history for you. The reason I mention is that I was originally concerned about looking at a US vehicle, but after I learned that most of them (the exterras) are, not as concerned now...
I have heard bad things about the xterras as well as others have said. I own a 4 door wrangler and haul a 17ft jet boat around with it. Just got back from a trip up north and when we did i had to tow a full moose around. If you like how the 2wd jeep goes everywhere maybe look int a 4 door wrangler or a 2011- 2013 cherokee, they just made major changes to the 2014 so i don't know anything about that yet. Never had problem with my jeep tho. Going to keep it until they come out with a diesel version of the same vehicle and buy a new one.
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When my gear is dry and clean at the start of the trip they have their own containers. At the end of the day on a stream the wet gear goes in the back of my truck. Plastic tubs are great for gear being used all the time.
Choice of vehicle depends on too many variables to have any perfect one for everybody. Single men and married men are going to choose differently. If you are a back country explorer then you'll want a different vehicle than if you are mostly driving in the city or highways. Hauling a camper into the back country over 4x4 roads can be a chore. Hauling a trailered boat over gravel roads is also a chore... and hard on both the boat and the trailer.
Just like boats, there is no one perfect vehicle. First you have to examine your own personal life style.
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I have a 2011 jeep patriot 4x4 and I love it. 4 cyl 2.4l, 10.5l/100km combination city/highway and is nice on rough roads. Has the room I need for all my gear and has never let me down. almost 3 years and 65k of hard use and no problems thus far. For the price I think it's the most capable of the csuv's out there.
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Ford f350s are too easy to steal. So are the 450, and 550s. From around 2004-2009.
Explorers - you wouldn't be able to afford to keep fixing it .
Xterra - can get a supercharged v8 if I'm not mistaken.
My verdict - Get a vehicle you don't give 2 shits about. I've got a 99 dodge neon and I'll take that wherever a truck can go. Minus the 4x4 enthusiasts.
Any vehicle that doesn't have an imobilizer is easy to steal... They became factory standard in 2007 or 2008 I think? for all new vehicles. Still doesn't help with the saavy criminals and technology today, but they are not the types jacking vehicles out in the bush.
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Thats plenty of money for any kind of pickup .You can get a doublecab pickup with a canopy thats the best all around for everything.i have a toyota doublecab 4x4 with canopy.Big enough for towing but gets decent mileage.Its basically already has ground clearance that you need ocasionally for the logging roads.
You can find a good used lease return vehicle through a dealership on the internet for around 25 k.