Skiing Transportation

[Brettski]

Isn’t cheaper and more civilized to go and rent a Van whenever needed rather than buying one that will be used as a daily driver car?

As a matter of fact that's a great idea...I even do that to the extent of not having a second car...I train it in (I'm lucky that the town has a shuttle to the train, but I could walk the mile). When we need another car, usually on a weekend...I go online to enterprise, and they got weekend specials for $9.00 a day. I think that's a great idea...hell I could get one every weekend that's so damn cheap...

So when the transmission blew after it was already fixed on my Eagle vision, and I said, hey, you just fixed this thing 12,000 miles agao, they go sorry...I say keep the piece of sheet ( I did like that car, but stuff just started falling off of it)...I never looked back...

No car payment (Well I got the one), no gas (my monthly train pass is $40.00), no repairs, no insurance....I LIKE IT!

I'd like to see them really start pushing hybrids and total alternatives...soon...you can even see smog haze up North these days...

 

[Greg]

OK, facts… I hear the argument a lot: I have to carry a lot of stuff around, I need a big car. The fact and the matter is that most of people are in that situation once or twice every few years. Isn’t cheaper and more civilized to go and rent a Van whenever needed rather than buying one that will be used as a daily driver car?

You don't have kids, do you? Once or twice every few years? I typically go away with the family a lot more often than that. It's getting better (all the stuff we need to bring along) as my daughter is getting older, but a second is on the way so here comes all the baby stuff again. Whether we're going on vacation on the Cape or just camping or skiing for the weekend, we'll easily fill the Jeep plus a carrier on top.

 

[Brettski]

I still say I find the minivan has tons of room, great gas mileage, and I've never been stuck, and I'v ebeen all over...ok, there was that one time....

EDIT: So I don't have to keep saying it

http://forums.alpinezone.com/viewtopic.php?p=44703#44703

 

[ctenidae]

'Rubaru's a great option- good size, nice price. You could also look at the Volvo stationwagons, though I don't know that the newer ones depreciate fast enough to fit the budget, and the older ones remind me of refrigerator boxes. I do agree with danpop (to an extent)- I hate the SUV drivers who have no need whatsoever for a vehicle of that size, and simply drive it as a status symbol. I mean come on, a Cadillac SUV? They haven't made trucks since 1920 or so (trivia- the first tow truck was built on a Caddy frame) I know kids require a lot of stuff, but I think a lot of people way over do it. My brother has a new baby, adn they carry very little with them- a bottle, an extra diaper, and a pacifier. They also have a really cool stroller, but I digress.

 

[Brettski]

I rented an Expedition once in Florida.

We pack exceeding light..it's almost unnatural..I figure if I need something bad enough I can buy it.

3 kids...granted Floriday ain't skiing (that's what the Thule rack is for)...and this is when the girls both need a stroller, the only thing I could fit behing the third seat wat the stroller. That's it.

Hey if you don't need a thirds seat the I guess you're golden.

 

[ga2ski]

I love my outback. it not as big as some others but does great in the snow and has enough room for my wife, the gog and the gear. I throw the skis in the thule box in top.

 

[ga2ski]

SUVs are a big waste of everything...

Basically they are just big MILF containment vessles...

And you piss and moan about people stereotyping snowboarders? :roll:

Piss and moan huh... Is it any wonder I get sick of this place...

Yeah I do hate SUVs...
It's not like snowboarders are sucking up already shrinking resources that your kids may not have...

Your talking apples and oranges here...

snowboarding is a recreational activity..
SUVs are hogging up things that mean something...

No but snowboarders maybe scraping off snow that my skis may not get to have. (just doing my job to stir the pot)

 

[deadheadskier]

I have a 95 Explorer that's been a wonderfully reliable and strong vehichle. It has taken a BEATING over 181K miles and still runs strong. I'm selling though - just bought a 99' A6.

I used to feel the need to have a ton of space, but as some have pointed out - its only a few days a year I truly NEED it.


Based upon what your needs are, I'd recommend a Subaru or an Audi wagon - if your looking for practicality and hauling ability.

 

[Sky]

Thanks for all the ideas...and sorry to get some folks into a rant.

re: a Subaru....errahhhhh @ 5' 21" (6'9") none of the Subarus fit me anymore. We had an 88 wagon that I could fit in OK....but the newer ones have such large consoles that I can't fit my knee betwwen it and the wheel.

re: mini van...a good option I will consider, although the two we have owned (a 90 Caravan and a 98 Windstar both developed transmission issues, so I'm a bit leary.

The Rodeo was a great rise...20 miles to the gallon, more comfy than a pick-up with cab.

I went to the dealership and sat in the 02 Blazer and the 03 Trailblazer...and sat in an 00 Grand Cherokee (with lots of bells/whistles).

The Blazer gets my vote in this case due to lower mileage...although for the extra $3K, the Trailblazer is just a bit more room, a year newer, only 30K miles, lots of safety features.

Mrs Sky likes the looks (and the lower price) of the Grand Cherokee. So I'll check out the mini van market and see what come up.

Thanks again.

 

[Starter Jackets Rule!]

No offense, but I hate people with SUVs (especially the outrageously big ones: Hummers, Escalade, Expedition, etc).

I recently picked up a mint condition 2001.5 Audi A4 Avant V6 (fully loaded), 47K miles for 15k. Excellent looking, Quattro, extra safe (6 airbags), better gas mileage than a SUV, lots of cargo space, etc...

I was looking for a Subaru when I found the Audi. Both excellent cars.

Nice find Poopie, my wife is an Audi driver.
me i like my nissan Titan....I could fit my wifes S4 in the back.
but I must say the Audi's are fun 2 drive.

 

[deadheadskier]

No offense, but I hate people with SUVs (especially the outrageously big ones: Hummers, Escalade, Expedition, etc).

I recently picked up a mint condition 2001.5 Audi A4 Avant V6 (fully loaded), 47K miles for 15k. Excellent looking, Quattro, extra safe (6 airbags), better gas mileage than a SUV, lots of cargo space, etc...

I was looking for a Subaru when I found the Audi. Both excellent cars.

Nice find Poopie, my wife is an Audi driver.
me i like my nissan Titan....I could fit my wifes S4 in the back.
but I must say the Audi's are fun 2 drive.

S4 *drools* the ultimate sedan in my opinion

 

[Rushski]

If some people here don't want or need an SUV - Don't buy one. But, some of the smaller ones get as good MPH as many cars do.

Anyway, Subes and even Suzuki can be had for around $15k, for a year or two old and AWD/4WD...

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

Checking the URL...No. That's not it. I thought for a moment I was on EpicSki

 

[ski_resort_observer]

I have heard great things about the Hyundi Santa Fe.
Personally I drive a 4wd pick-up.

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

No offense, but I hate people with SUVs (especially the outrageously big ones: Hummers, Escalade, Expedition, etc).

I recently picked up a mint condition 2001.5 Audi A4 Avant V6 (fully loaded), 47K miles for 15k. Excellent looking, Quattro, extra safe (6 airbags), better gas mileage than a SUV, lots of cargo space, etc...

I was looking for a Subaru when I found the Audi. Both excellent cars.

Nice find Poopie, my wife is an Audi driver.
me i like my nissan Titan....I could fit my wifes S4 in the back.
but I must say the Audi's are fun 2 drive.

The Titan is a pretty truck. I wonder if they'll ever make it in a Men's version

 

[ctenidae]

The Titan is a pretty truck. I wonder if they'll ever make it in a Men's version

I do believe that earns an "Oh, snap!"
(My wife likes the Titan, too)

 

[Bkroon9175]

Anyone who buys a SUV in todays world or rising gas prices is crazed. We have been spoiled in the States for years by cheap gas. Even at today's prices, gas in the US is still substanially cheaper than in Europe. SUVs get horrific gas mileage. we need to be smarter about what we buy. We should learn that gas prices will crack $3.00 per gallon.
Due to our way of life in the States, we have made autos a necessary evil, but we do not need the giant gas consuming machines called SUVs. Most folks who buy an SUV never even maximize there capabilities.

Besides if you get stuck at a moiuntain, you just call in and ski another day. No so bad.

 

[JimG.]

Besides if you get stuck at a moiuntain, you just call in and ski another day. No so bad.

But getting stuck at home and not being able to get to the mountain is the real problem...

My compromise is a Subaru Outback. AWD, decent gas mileage, and a surprising amount of cargo space, enough for my family of 5 and all our gear for a week of skiing.

 

[Brettski]

Family of 5...3 kids in the rear bench? Who gets the middle?

Don't touch me

 

[ctenidae]

The youngest get stuck in the middle, obviously.
Ahh, the many hours of "Little Brother Volleyball" while driving cross country.