I need a new dive buggy.

[Dee]

My '97 Dodge Caravan has been a good one but it's starting to need some costly repairs so I'm thinking of getting something new. I'd automatically get another van except we need something more suited to pulling a trailor. The only thing keeping me in the van mode is I hate to give up the sliding doors, especially the one on the drivers side.

We generally carry at least 4 tanks, two large tubs full of dive gear, a fold-up canopy, igloo cooler as well as whatever clothes bags we need if it's not a local excursion.

So I'd need suggestions on what to start looking at. What do you drive that handles all your dive gear needs? Do you like it or wish you'd chosen something else? What do you like/dislike about what you drive? I don't need 4 wheel drive but may have to take it. At this point I'm open to just about anything.

Thanks...

 

[Firefyter]

Dee, I love my Ford Expedition. If you get a newer one like mine, with the fold-down rear seats, you can haul everything easily, AND still tow a good-sized trailer with it. The older models had the removeable rear seats, and those weren't really convenient, but the newer ones are great. I have the largest engine that was available, and I get 13-14 city and 16-18 highway, so it's not too bad on gas considering it's size. Give one a test drive and see what you think. I really love the ride also. Just my 2psi

 

[nauifins73]

I love my Tahoe - a lot like Firefyter's Expedition. I have taken the 3rd row seats completely out and can fold my back seat down if need be. Plenty of room for 5 full sets of gear tanks and all, and a couple of clothing bags too and this is without the backseat being folded down.

Becky

 

[DennisW]

Dee,

I bought a 4Runner last year and I really like it. However, if you want to haul a lot of stuff and pull a big trailer, either the Ford Expedition or the Toyota Seqoia would be better. You can probably get a better deal on the Ford, but you can't beat the Toyota's reliability. If I were you, I would check them both out and decide then. The Chevy and Chrysler products reliabilities pretty much take them out of the running.

 

[simbrooks]

Are you a truck person? They would do about the same kind of thing with better mileage. I am still drawn towards the Subaru's, similar cargo ability to an SUV, far better mileage (like 23-25 highway) and can tow moderately sized trailers - how big a trailer are you towing? If a large trailer i would suggest even more strongly a truck than some SUV's out there on the market. My choice on trucks would be the Toyota Tacoma - still got some power, but not the super-size me issues of the large SUV's and full size trucks.

 

[Henryville]

Save your pennies, wait 'til early '05, and get a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Big payload, versatile interior, SUV but environmentally friendly. You will attract flocks of people to boot, wanting to know about how it works.

 

[Dee]

Dennis...the trailor we pull is that small low-boy trailer we made into a camp trailer that we had on the Keys trip in '99...remember it?

I think the Expedition is bigger than we want but I'll check it out, never thought about the Toyota Sequoia. The 4runner is on my list.

Simbrooks...I was a truck lady for alot of years. The only reason I don't want another truck is the open bed. If we're traveling, we have to unload everything into our hotel room each night. Yeah, some things can be chained or locked together but Beast still doesn't like leaving anything in it. We already have a truck and this is the biggest problem with traveling in it. I don't like those flat bed covers and if I put a camper top on it, I may as well get a big SUV or van.

Henry....I saw a Hybrid on the 'net last night, very interesting. We aren't rushing into buying anything, unless we find a real deal on a '04 model, so I plan to check out the hybrids.

Thanks ya'll

 

[scubadoguk]

What do you like/dislike about what you drive? I don't need 4 wheel drive but may have to take it. At this point I'm open to just about anything.

Thanks...

I do know about the Pontiac Montana extended 98 version 3 trannie repairs and no other problems! both a love hate relationship it seems to be I really hate the trannie its still not right, but it gets almost 30 mpg on runs and there are lots of those and seems like great gear hauler and kiddie hauler to boot big enough to camp in with no seats.
I would not buy another one or any Pontiac due to trannie probs( not the strange men, thats another story) but would get a truck if I had the choice again.

 

[hecker-the-wrecker]

If you like your mini van, might I suggest a full size? We rescued a 3/4 ton conversion van out of our impound lot. The owner had abandoned it because it quit running. Keys and a new coil came to $225.00. With 4 flexsteel buckets and one bench that folds into a bed, It's the ultimate in comfort.We fold down the bed, tanks go under it, gear for four go on top. It even came with hitch and wires. The van we got is used, and it needs some t.l.c., but it made me re-think the whole "dive vehicle" debate. I would also consider one if you have a family, room for friends,and STUFF!!

 

[Dee]

Chris....I don't want the size of a big van.

Today I looked at a Honda Elements. Lots of room in such a small package but Man...that thing is butt ugly! The prics is nice but it felt awfully lightweight on the road. I love the rubber floor, too.

I also found a Ford Explorer Sport-Trac. Sort of a cross between an Explorer and a truck. The small bed has a hard bi-fold cover that can be locked. It can also be removed altogether. I like that, an open bed is my argument against another truck. The interior is a bit 'cozy' but I could get used to it. It also has a rubber floor. I hate cleaning the carpet after a dive weekend/trip!

I also looked at a used Dodge Durango and a Ford Explorer. Prices are attractive but not the 40-45,000 milesage.

Toyota didn't really have anything I liked. The 4Runner was too much out of my budget for what it offered.

Thanks for the ideas...I've still got a few things to look at.