what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
which kind of cars [not truck] would make a good dive car and to the slopes in the winter?
Last edited by babs13 on Mon Nov 10, 2008 1:20 am, edited 3 times in total.
Step 1: I have a diving problem.
Re: what car would a good dive car? yes-- this is gear.
If I didn't have to drive over Snoqualmie Pass all winter, I'd own a Honda Element, like Bob's. I think that's about the neatest vehicle for dive gear I've seen yet.
My Audi station wagon doesn't do badly, either, but nothing that's going to haul dive gear should have the rear compartment carpeted.
My Audi station wagon doesn't do badly, either, but nothing that's going to haul dive gear should have the rear compartment carpeted.
"Sometimes, when your world is going sideways, the second best thing to everything working out right, is knowing you are loved..." ljjames
Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
What is wrong with a small truck? It doesn't have to be a full-size truck and if you got a 4x4, a little weight in the bed would get you over the pass no problem.
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Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
I would suggest any type of hatch back. Like a Subaru, or Scion XB or other. I have for Scion Xb's for my business and have dove out of them many times with ease. just need a rubber mat if you don't have a truck
Maverick
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Diving. . . is an active physical form of meditation. It is so silent- You're like a thought.
SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR
ANYTHING, BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE
STAIRS.
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Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
I would cast another vote for an Honda element. For me its not just the rubber floor mats/hosability, spaciousness, honda reliability, etc... at my height I just fit in the thing really well... which is a rarity. The seats and mirrors and everything are just in the placed right for my frame.
However my wife doesn't feel as comfortable in it so we're probably going to go with a small pickup or a subaru eventually. Something she fits in and feels safe with... yet I can totally crap up with wet gear... and still only own one car.
What's wrong with your current car? Its pretty much a mini SUV and looks perfect for hauling gear around.
-Eric
However my wife doesn't feel as comfortable in it so we're probably going to go with a small pickup or a subaru eventually. Something she fits in and feels safe with... yet I can totally crap up with wet gear... and still only own one car.
What's wrong with your current car? Its pretty much a mini SUV and looks perfect for hauling gear around.
-Eric
Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
i love my subaru outback. drive really well, good gas mileage, two divers and their gear hauled easily, all wheel drive, and a rubber mat in the back keeps the carpet dry.
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Re: what car would a good dive car? yes-- this is gear.
The Elements after about 2005 are AWD ... which would make them great vehicles for driving over Snoqualmie Pass as well as great dive vehicles.LCF wrote:If I didn't have to drive over Snoqualmie Pass all winter, I'd own a Honda Element, like Bob's. I think that's about the neatest vehicle for dive gear I've seen yet.
My Audi station wagon doesn't do badly, either, but nothing that's going to haul dive gear should have the rear compartment carpeted.
One of the best things I like about mine is gas mileage. For an SUV, it's fantastic ... last road trip I bothered to track it, I got about 28 mpg.
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
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Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
I loved my Eurovan. I could easily carry all my dive gear, two dogs, and two people and still have room. But alas, gas mileage sucked. So we got a new Subaru Forester which has been fantastic! Had to get a cargo box for when I travel with the family but for just diving it rocks! Plenty of room for 2 divers and all their gear even when I'm instructing (which, of course, means I carry a tad more gear), and still great gas mileage. The Outback is used by many divers as well.
I've become a Subaru fan after reading about their environmental policies. It's a good company for a car manufacturer. Honda is as well. I like the looks of the Element (especially Bob's) but have never driven one-my wife did and didn't like it much-visibility issues for her-she's kind of short.
Good luck. Car hunting can be a pain.
I've become a Subaru fan after reading about their environmental policies. It's a good company for a car manufacturer. Honda is as well. I like the looks of the Element (especially Bob's) but have never driven one-my wife did and didn't like it much-visibility issues for her-she's kind of short.
Good luck. Car hunting can be a pain.
Georgia
NOT diving is NOT an option
NOT diving is NOT an option
Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
Another vote for the Element. We have an '07 and really like the car. It was originally purchased as a dog friendly car, however it makes a fantastic dive vehicle. Gas mileage is good on the road, but in town is a disappointment. Bob
Life is good, let's dive!!
Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
I love my 2001 4/Runner, BbbleMkr's 2006 AWD Element! Both are great in the snow, camping, and for diving. Her Element gets better mileage than mine, but I do need a tow vehicle, which the Element isn't. Good luck!
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Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
You would probably want something hatch-back and AWD...
Think Subaru, Audi all road etc.
Personally I hate hatch-backs I just don't like the look. We've been transporting a lot of gear in my gf's 06 330XI nothing wet but it holds 5 tanks and both our dive gear easily. I would just think with it being wet gear put it into the not so tall bins and throw it in the trunk.
For skiing make sure it has a ski bag boot thing in the trunk. It's that big leather condom looking thing that you slide your skis into and it extends out into the salon of the car but keeps all the moisture out because its technically in a water tight bag.
As for driving to the pass it's AWD with a 80-20 preference until it knows you're slipping then something like 60-40.
Nice advice guys "what car" ...Honda Element ...that's like "well my Hummer H1 diesel is great for holding all my gear and going up to the pass and it's like having 2 cars in one you should totally get it".
Think Subaru, Audi all road etc.
Personally I hate hatch-backs I just don't like the look. We've been transporting a lot of gear in my gf's 06 330XI nothing wet but it holds 5 tanks and both our dive gear easily. I would just think with it being wet gear put it into the not so tall bins and throw it in the trunk.
For skiing make sure it has a ski bag boot thing in the trunk. It's that big leather condom looking thing that you slide your skis into and it extends out into the salon of the car but keeps all the moisture out because its technically in a water tight bag.
As for driving to the pass it's AWD with a 80-20 preference until it knows you're slipping then something like 60-40.
Nice advice guys "what car" ...Honda Element ...that's like "well my Hummer H1 diesel is great for holding all my gear and going up to the pass and it's like having 2 cars in one you should totally get it".
Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
i have no idea what that means...Alex wrote:Nice advice guys "what car" ...Honda Element ...that's like "well my Hummer H1 diesel is great for holding all my gear and going up to the pass and it's like having 2 cars in one you should totally get it".
... but I rented I rented an Element for the club dive weekend, and I have to say, it was pretty freaking awesome for schlepping gear and not a bad ride at all. Easy to park, good visibility out the windows, and it accomodated my height and long legs nicely. (I realize that's not so much of an issue for you, though )
What don't you like about your current ride?
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... my Mom caught me fenestrating once. -lavachickie
And I get so tired of fainting and peeing all over myself when the hammer falls on an empty chamber! -Nailer
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Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
i really don't get what you're saying here. what's wrong with a honda element?Alex wrote:Nice advice guys "what car" ...Honda Element ...that's like "well my Hummer H1 diesel is great for holding all my gear and going up to the pass and it's like having 2 cars in one you should totally get it".
Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
IT's NOT A CAR IT's AN SUV!!!! - hehe
Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
The Honda Element is a car as far as I'm concerned. In my opinion, a vehicle has to be on a truck-frame to be a true SUV.
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Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
Those new Hummer H3T trucks look interesting. Drool.
IMHO, a truck with a lockable camper shell can't be beat for diving. You have a nice tailgate for gearing up, and when your stuff is all wet and sandy you don't have to worry about it dripping all over your interior when it's in the bed of a truck.
I've seen a cool bed slider tray hand-customized for diving too, with tank holders on the sides. Cool idea. Don't know the guys name, but I saw his set up out at Edmond OD last year. Really classy.
If gas mileage is a priority, get a little Ford Ranger or equivalent. 4WD has better resale value even if you don't plan on using it much.
IMHO, a truck with a lockable camper shell can't be beat for diving. You have a nice tailgate for gearing up, and when your stuff is all wet and sandy you don't have to worry about it dripping all over your interior when it's in the bed of a truck.
I've seen a cool bed slider tray hand-customized for diving too, with tank holders on the sides. Cool idea. Don't know the guys name, but I saw his set up out at Edmond OD last year. Really classy.
If gas mileage is a priority, get a little Ford Ranger or equivalent. 4WD has better resale value even if you don't plan on using it much.
Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
I'll jump on the wagon here and say go for anything with a hatchback, preferably one you can stand under while it's raining.
Gabe ~D.I.A.W.Y.C. Diver
Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
Also, I guess another good question to ask would be "what's your budget?".
Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
My PT Crusier does a good job hauling scuba gear.
I just fold up the back seats and have a rubber mat for the back. It has a nice big hatchback which you can stand up under.
It also doubles nicely as a dog hauler
I just fold up the back seats and have a rubber mat for the back. It has a nice big hatchback which you can stand up under.
It also doubles nicely as a dog hauler
Jim & Tavin
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Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
What about an El Camino?! It's a car, it'd haul your gear perfectly, and it's a total chick-magnet!! :rr: The Subaru Baja would be a more updated version of the same idea, but WAY less cool.
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Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
The Subaru Baja would be an update of the Subaru Brat..... Rumor has it that GM wants to bring the El Camino back at some point.
The best dive rig that I've seen is the Honda Ridgeline. Crappy mileage for a 6 banger, but the lockable "trunk" in the composite bed is huge!
The best dive rig that I've seen is the Honda Ridgeline. Crappy mileage for a 6 banger, but the lockable "trunk" in the composite bed is huge!
-Ron T.
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Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
Find a retired ambulance and start a conversion project Babs.
Big enough to change in, plenty of storage space, and hey...install a compressor in there too.
Big enough to change in, plenty of storage space, and hey...install a compressor in there too.
Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
School bus. Remove the seats.
Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
Awesome. Short or Long?laivindil wrote:School bus. Remove the seats.
Personally, I'd go for the short bus 'cause it has the nifty hydraulic ramp for lifting gear.
That and it would remind me of my childhood.
Re: what car would make a good dive car? yes-- this is gear :)
Either. Lots 'o dive buddies? Long. Also good for extended trips when retrofitted with beds, toilets and kitchenettes.Phineas Gage wrote:Awesome. Short or Long?laivindil wrote:School bus. Remove the seats.
Personally, I'd go for the short bus 'cause it has the nifty hydraulic ramp for lifting gear.
That and it would remind me of my childhood.
Only a couple dive buddies? Short. Saves on gas and it's easier to park!
That rear overhang would make launching a boat at some of the more gently sloping boat launches a cinch.