Best Cars to Own (Action Sports Lifestyle)

Well my personal dream car is a Subaru outback. one, they get pretty decent gas mileage, two they make them in 4 wheel/AWD drive capabilities, and three i've known people who have them and they are extremely reliable. They can also fit a lot of boards on top or in the car as well. Just a good all around size car. resale value is also pretty good too. just my opinion though

 

Outbacks are good, but my personal preference would be a 'Yota 4-runner, T-100 4x4 or Tacoma 4x4. Do a little research, the older ones are very, very hard to kill and they are still easy enough for you to wrench on yourself. How much are you looking to spend and where are you located?

 

My buddy has a Honda Element that he really likes, fairly cheap, great on gas, fits all size boards and a great vehicle to go camping in. Not my personal choice for a vehicle, but he seems to dig it for the reasons you describe.

 

I drive an older Subaru WRX wagon. Fun, quick, AWD, reliable, cheap parts, decent on gas, AND... I can fit my 9'0" INSIDE the car. Also folding down half the rear bench I can fit 3 passengers and 3 short boards in the car easily. And if you snowboard, car is an absolute blast in snow.

 

I drove one as a "loaner" when I had my Tahoe in the shop a few months back, it's ok, would probably do the trick, but not that great on gas, at least the one I drove wasn't, it was about the same as my Tahoe as far as that goes.

 

I have a Jeep Crand Crerokee and would not get another one. I've had a ton of issues and it sucks on gas... I'd go for a Tacoma. For 10k you can get a nice used one.

 

they are discontinuing the commander, i do know that. and its not good on gas obviosuly, but most jeeps are not. always been a jeep guy but never knew anyone with a commander. if you don't have your heart set on buying used, maybe lease a liberty? pretty sick deals right now..like $200/mo for 3 yrs.

 

Toyota Pickup with a 22re 4cyl w/manual transmission. Good luck finding one and if you do find one, don't think it will be available the next day. Whatever you decide, make sure you research the vehicle and ones like it for comparison. Don't half ass this large investment.

 

might want to take a look at a 4 dr wrangler rubicon. pretty sweet.

 

lol, xterra...the ultimate poseur vehicle. "Dude, I drive and Xterra so I MUST be EXTREME"

Anyway, to your question. No matter what you get, its going to get really dirty inside from surfing. Based on that, Id get an old school wrangler with the 4.0 or older toyota anything 4x4.

 

Given the criteria you list here...sounds like you are in a really tough spot. Most of the cars listed above are not ideal when it comes to gas mileage. Personally, the best used car I ever owned, in regards to good gas mileage and reliability, was '98 honda accord. Wifey is now driving with over 200k on it (bought it with around 80,000)...no major issues with the car (transmission, engine, etc.). Lifestyle specific vehicles are great if that is what you are going to be using them for with regularity--4 wheel drive, a large truck bed, racks, etc.--but I have found that with similar vehicles I've owned that it is not worth it long term--most of these types have higher fuel costs.

Where I'm located I don't need 4wheel drive--my assumption is you won't either. Boards can be held inside outside on racks (inno, thule, etc.). Given your location, probably the additional costs you'll deal with sandy get something reliable--can't go wrong with the honda/toyota that are out there, but I hear the new fords are really holding up as well (focus, etc.). I don't work in contracting and hardly ever need a truck/van--when I do can just head down to lowes and rent one for the day. Saw a great little car the other day on the way to work--older Scion xB (boxier model)--right around what you have to spend (I can get the dealership's info if you would like). xB is designed like the Element, but with a smaller engine, lighter chassis, and better gas mileage all around...another vehicle I would grab in an instant at a good price would be the Ford Transit (if looking for a multi-purpose vehicle).

Lastly, I hope you find something that would need...rather than something that you would want (not a slight/dig, but a suggestion for you to consider).

 

"The 22re was forged in the depths of hell and does everything it can to avoid EVER going back." .... or something like that. Best engine 'Yota ever made, and that's saying a LOT.

My daily driver is an '88 FJ62 with the 3fe. Can't kill the engine, but it is no where near "good" on gas.

Personally, I have never seen a Jeep that came from the factory as a good vehicle. As the saying goes "Good Jeeps are NOT bought, they are built." Pumpmaster is a master-builder, thus his Jeeps are great vehicles.

Darkbarrels, for $10k I would be looking at older but restored or well-kept 'Yota's.

 

Tacoma.. got a '04 4dr 4x4... best vehicle I have ever owned...had it since '07 and except for regular schedule maintenance and tires... have never put a dime in to unexpected repairs... can't say the same for all the stuff I repaired on Jeeps over the years... I think mine Blue books for somewhere around 10 grand... tough to find though... popular vehicles

 

yep. a jeep (real jeep not the yuppie ones) will turn you into a mechanic fast. the basic power train is bomb proof but there is always some little thing to fix. I could barely change my oil before I bought my first jeep and now i do clutch swaps with ease. Nice thing is I do alot of work on my wifes car and save us tons of money.

 

Don't hate on the Xterra. I have lived in mine practically. Month long climbing trip from NY to California. You can put the seat down and lay completely out. So spacious. Took surf trips down the Baja penninsula of CA and it was legit in the dirt roads. With the O-size roof racks you can pile on boards and still have the back trunk for sleeping/cargo/ more boards/ people.
Actually looking to sell it cause I don't drive anymore living in Hoboken. 2004 grey Xterra. bout 120k miles. B.O.

 

I drive a WRX STI. I can't fit a LB inside, but I easily fit 2 on the surf rack on the roof. I agree that they are a blast in the snow, but I rarely see that anymore.

 

I have a Honda Element and plan on driving it till it dies on me. Fits all sorts of boards and other cargo. The floors are easy to clean and vacuum the sand off, plus the upholstry doesn't stink and is stainproof. I have a roof rack but I barely use it since longboards fit easily even with +2 passengers