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What kind of vehicles do you guys all drive when your going hiking? Im thinking about investing in a 4wd high clearance Jeep or something of the sort so I could get to some places where I definitely couldnt get to with what Im driving now (73 mustang):) I saw a Jeep Grand Cherokee today for $2600 and I was thinking about checking it out. What "hiking vehicle" is easiest to drive and which gets the best gas mileage (even though I know most wouldnt be too fuel efficient.)

@Alston Neal
Speaking of hiking vehicles, was that you on the 202/101 interchange today? I was right under you.

@beterarcher
I had to think about that for a sec cuz I never left work today but the Mrs. went to the salon to treat herself, but that was up in N. Sctts.
My reward tonight is installing a ceiling fan whilst I do salmon on the barbie.
Oh and enjoying the radiant beauty of Mrs. Neal.....

Searched the thread and only found 2 mentions of Subarus, none for the Forester. Curiously, one considers their Subaru to be a female. If that is the case, anyone know of where I can find a suitable male Subaru to mate with their female? Stud fees can be negotiated.

Seriously though, anyone have any experience with the Subaru Forester? I was in an Outback and it was fine, but too expensive for me to run and a little large for me.

Also, does anyone know anything about that Rack and Peanut steering I've been hearing about?

I've been a Subaru owner for 17 years, starting with the Outback Sport (Impreza wagon) and then the Outback. I looked pretty carefully at the Forester when I got the Outback and decided against. It's not any cheaper to operate. The ground clearance isn't any better, and it's not as easy to get a full-sized keyboard in and out of. The Outback is great on snow and wet roads. I've had it in some semi-nasty places, but I wouldn't do any serious off-road stuff in it. I wouldn't expect anything different from the Forester.

I think what my friend in Flag has is a Forester, and she likes it. Not sure if hers is male or female, however.

I know a few HAZ users who drive Subarus. None have complaints. And for those who consider theirs to be female, they also still consider them to be studs on a dirt road. For whatever that's worth...

Jim_H wrote:Searched the thread and only found 2 mentions of Subarus, none for the Forester. Curiously, one considers their Subaru to be a female. If that is the case, anyone know of where I can find a suitable male Subaru to mate with their female? Stud fees can be negotiated.

Seriously though, anyone have any experience with the Subaru Forester? I was in an Outback and it was fine, but too expensive for me to run and a little large for me.

Also, does anyone know anything about that Rack and Peanut steering I've been hearing about?

I test drove one for two days when I was considering buying one and did many hours of research before stepping into a dealership. They are awesome IMHO in every way possible. They are total fit form and function mixed with the reliability of a Toyota. I have owned and driven just about every marque of 4x4 made in the US and Overseas. For a daily driver and light trail vehicle they are the perfect blend. The AWD is awesome I tested it on gravel, dirt washboard roads, and a few inclines, the computer control works. The sunroof gives an excellent large overhead view similar to a Land Rover. The driving position gives a nice commanding view of the road. It’s not as refined as a G-Wagen or Range Rover but it has it where it counts in handling and reliability. It’s a very smooth ride for an SUV without an airbag suspension. The dealer options are perfect with you being able to choose any leather trim you desire and the rubber cargo mat in the rear. The standard engine is a little underpowered for a vehicle its size but the turbo model is very snappy and responsive to evade any road hazards. The MPG mixed with the AWD and its size and seating comfort puts it over the 2WD Tacoma and I am hard core Toyota lover/owner. Subaru's have excellent resale value and very good build quality. The car should last forever with general maintenance. Hands down an excellent light duty vehicle for getting to the trails and great MPG for long highway travel.

I have a friend w/ an older Forester, and he loves it. Got it lifted this year, and stuck a cargo box on top for more space. Takes that car everywhere, and even sleeps in it... which may or may not work for you, depending on your height. These vehicles last forever, and are able to get you most places you'd wanna go. Plus, a higher gas mileage.. I've found it worth it, anyway.

(And in case you were curious, my Outback is also a female.) ;)

juliachaos wrote:(And in case you were curious, my Outback is also a female.)

I think the Outback models only come in Female...I mean, would YOU want your life to be in the hands...er wheels, of a MAN if you're driving on tough terrain? Subaru knows what's up.

Jim_H wrote:anyone know of where I can find a suitable male Subaru

cruise downtown Phx...
plenty with 747 spoilers, diesel sized exhaust and mac truck scoops

If a 4x4 is better than a 4x2, then how about a 6x6?
Mercedes Benz was commissioned by the Australian Army to provide a 6x6 and now M-B is planning on making a civilian version for sale at an estimated $500,000 each.
Check it out!

CannondaleKid wrote: Mercedes Benz was commissioned by the Australian Army to provide a 6x6

Australia has an army? Don't they really only need a navy?

chumley wrote:Australia has an army? Don't they really only need a navy?

Why wouldn't they need an army? If the Japanese had landed in Australia during WWII who would have fought them? Sailors on land? If you dig into their history you'll find their army fought in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq & Afghanistan.

CannondaleKid wrote:who would have fought them? Sailors on land?

You mean MARINES!

CannondaleKid wrote:

chumley wrote:Australia has an army? Don't they really only need a navy?

Why wouldn't they need an army?

Cause if they had an effective navy nobody would have ever landed in Australia!

And I am (of course) joking--and am aware of their contributions to other conflicts as allies of the US.

chumley wrote:And I am (of course) joking

Yeah, I figured as much
;)

beterarcher wrote:You mean MARINES!

Come to think of it, it WAS the Marines (in this case US Marines) who put the stop to the Japanese at Guadalcanal... the first piece in the puzzle to prevent the Japanese from stretching their 'Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere' into in Australia.

Just stumbled across this thread....Back to the recent car discussion, I've been driving a Subaru Outback on the rough dirt roads for the last 3 years and am looking to get another at the moment (though I will look at the new Forester). The combination of high clearance (8.7"), good driveability, gas mileage, and interior space can't be found in other vehicles....I've looked hard. Drove VW Touaregs before the Subaru and though they're heavy duty and expensive, I prefer the Outback in just about every way.

Only negatives: tires are not very rock compatible and its hard to find even a replacement that fits the stock size that are better (though I was just reading about Yokohama Geolanders...) and the sheet metal is really cheap. You pick up a door ding in every parking lot, even when parked in the far corner.

I don't know if my car is a boy or a girl but it is blue.

I just can't see a 6'1 person sleeping in the back of a Subaru comfortably with gear/crap.

Well, I probably won't get one anytime soon, regardless. The nearest dealer is in Albuquerque, or El Paso, TX, and I am not going to El Paso to buy a car.
Just another thing people from bigger cities don't think of, when they romanticize a small town.

Good point Patrick, but there aren't many you can.... Maybe some planks on the roof rack?