Best Cars to Own (Action Sports Lifestyle)

what year? my fiancee has an '11 & it's proving to be a tank (w/in reason).

 

New Subaru's don't really have the head gasket issues like the older ones. We have owned a 2006 WRX, 2007 WRX, and 2011 WRX STI, all modified and no head gasket issues. My parents own an 06 Impreza Automatic and it has no issues after being abused for 75k miles. The last Subaru I owned that had head gasket issues (I have owned 6 ranging from 1987 to 2011 MY) was a 1988 Turbo Wagon. However, in its defense, the gasket did last 110k miles before blowing. We have never had transmission issues, but we also never own automatics. The newer auto trannies are supposed to hold up well. The STI 6 speed is pretty much bullet proof, even once you add more power and hit the track. If I were in the market for a AWD/4WD surf vehicle, I would be checking out an Outback Wagon (new), Impreza Wagon, Toyota FJ, or a Nissan Xterra.

 

Toyota 4-Runner. Had a '96 until last year when it died, as I did nothing to take care of it. Bought an '07 last year and love it. Also plan to take care of the basic maintanence this time. Not great on gas, but very reliable, and the back window goes down so you can pile boards in, and let them stick out the back for the short drives if necessary.

 

Have a 2011 4runner, great ride. Wish I had f150 crew cab, more utility...

 

Get a cutlass. Its comfy it has a v8 rides like a dream n with a surf rack u can load up 6 people cuz it has a bench n front and back. That v8 is the most economical one ive ever had n it even has a holley carb. It gets better gas mileage than my ladies v6 2010 4 runner which isnt bad. N w the limited slip differential u can pretty much go anywhere w proper air pressure n a heavy foot. I made it a mile down the beach on soft sand w 4 ppl in the car. Which for me is way better than the 12 mpg options. Everybody seems to think u need a truck w a big engine and bed to carry ur surfboards. But after restoring numerous trucks n cars vill b keeping this cutlass ad my daily driver n surf wagon

 

get a jeep patriot i have one great for surfing. there 4wd great on gas. and alot of room

 

The wranglers are great second vehicles, but as a primary they get a little annoying. The'03-'04 Grand Cherokee's with the 4.0 and part time transfer case are well built, hold their value, and still hold up in the looks department compared to newer trucks. The base design of the 4.0l has been pretty much unchanged for 35 years or so and is bomb-proof. I never had any luck with GM, always problems with head and intake gaskets or transmissions. If you want a wrangler style vehicle spend less on a primary and then go save a CJ, too many yuppy jeeps around that people just bolt crap onto. And as a lot of people have said learning to fix your own vehicle is a great way to save money and nothing is easier than a jeep inline 6

 

il vouche for this guy,subaru outback is great.my buddy mike had one shortly before he passed away 2 years ago.he was a kayaker,n he fit his 14 ft kayak on the roof aslong as others.great reliable car.its like the wrx sti for families

 

Get a hummer H1. Best car I've ever owned. Great on the beach and it'll run over those little Subarus like speed bumps.

 

& then i or pumpmaster will have to pull your ass out...

 

If you look at Cherokee Sport/Classic.....look for the inline 6 engine.....I had a '90 Sport 2DR that ran for 230K+ miles......good in the mountains and sand...easy to find parts

 

Word Gaffer on the minivan. I'm on my 2nd grand caravan and I love it. I can fit 6 brds up to 9ft inside the van with 2 other peeps riding. Or 2 boajrds and a queen size futon that sleeps great on rodetrips (no hotels) or at festies. And cops don't hound dirty minivans for the mst part.

 

Funny. My first car was a 76 245 dl I got for 650 in eastham, ma and drove to telluride. Sold it for 50. to a junkyard in Norwood, CO.

 

get a honda element they are good on gas dependable and versatile.Caravans are good too for the room If you take the seats out. just have to face the fact that your dreams are over you drive a minivan.Whatever you decide check it out good , gonna be alot of frakenstorm cars some dishonest auto lots are gonna try to move quick.

 

1st generation Toyota Tacoma 4x4 DC.....can't go wrong with then, they are extremely reliable, hold their value and will get you in an out of where you need to go, holding a ton of **** as well. And the bed makes for the best changing mat in the industry.....I love my 2nd Gen, good luck in your search

 

4 dr tacoma has to be your first choice. i spent months looking for the right one but they are so epxensive because they hold their value so well. i ended up buying a brand new GMC canyon, 4wd, 6 foot bed, but only 2 seats. its great for a surf vehicle, i put bigger tires on it and now can basically drive anywhere. i keep three boards in the back and a bunch of wetsuits at all times (tonneau cover protects everything). generally i'm very happy with the purchase, but still would have loved to get a taco

 

-plus, you don't get all the looks when the most people you can show up with is one extra person, and you aren't driving a minivan haha

 

As a 2dr jeep owner, I can assure you that jeeps are turds, love mine but if I could do it over I would get a 4wd van or a taco with a cap. You should always plan around something you can crash in if need be. If your a roadtripper get something roomy and build what you want inside.