I am looking to get a new (second hand) car so I can once again go windsurfing.
I have previously had Nissan Pulsars, 3 of them in fact and all N14 Hatches (1990 - 1995) which always fitted my gear inside. I just thew the front seat back and put the back seats down and my gear would fit in no problem.
I always carry minimal gear, 1 board (currently JP Freestyle 100L) and 2 sails.
Can anyone recommend cars that would be suitable ? I have never used roof racks before and it always seem easier to put all my gear inside the car. I am thinking of a Peugeot 307 but not sure if it will be big enough.
Cheers,
O
Peugot!? Are you sure you're not a kiter
But seriously, if you're going to fold the seats down and carry minimal gear, any car you can afford would be fine.
Euro Car = $$$ upkeep.
If you were happy with a Pulsar then you'd be happy with anything
I mean space wise
Commodore wagon? I geta lot more in my VX wagon than my fourby
OK, Subaru wagon like late 1990's Liberty
mega reliable and fuel miser
But aren't parking bays the same size everywhere?? When I go to the big smoke (usually in leap years) I see Commodores there too
Owain, it's time you learn to be a man and learn how to park a car.
Whinging about parking is for ladies.
Subaru outback. AWD. Two boards, four sails, no problems. Great reliability and reasonable operating costs. Not too big, not too small... goldilocks!
I agree with D1. I had a Honda jazz I regularly fitted 3 boards 3 sails etc no problem (maximum width 65cm board maximum length was 2.7m) I have a now a hyundai diesel station wagon ( based on I believe the Peugeot 307 station wagon) more room lengthwise but had to remove back seat and headrest as front seat does not fold down far enough with back seat left in and it can only fit 2 boards. The Honda jazz was an earlier model where you could fit the nose of the first board under the dash I'm not sure if with newer versions this is possible.
In a Commodore wagon I get 3 waveboards, 6 sails, 3 masts, a boom, a parts box and the Engel.
And still have the front seat available. Not really interested in what is possible with a 225cm board and 340 mast, with front seat and glovebox removed, and a piece of dowel to change radio stations.....I'd rather have what is ideal.
Like Hoop said - fk the parking, windsurfing is the priority.
3 choices - Commodore wagon, Delica, or diesel Hiace. Done.
(tongue in cheek a little so don't get too upset peeps)
But Mark, there's a certain cachet in getting away with the minimum. Nothing matches an N14 Pulsar, maybe you can find a fresh one. Or go one better. I spoke to a lady in the carpark just yesterday with a Daihatsu Copen. It was fitted with a towbar! A little beauty she said, didn't sound like she'd part with it.http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Daihatsu-Copen-2003/SSE-AD-2140375/?Cr=0
I am sorry you will never sell me on a hatchback if you windsurf. As a petrolhead I sold the 240kw Laser TX3 which all the gear fitted in. It fitted, but it was a fkn pain.
Getting away with the minimum is fine until you want to give a mate a lift to the beach or girlfriend wants to come with you (whilst wife is at home )
I can't understand the logic of "can't park a Commodore/Falcon wagon in the city". 10,000 people will tomorrow.
I drive a transit crew cab chassis 1.75 ton pay load ute & I can reverse park that in the city sometimes it takes time u have to find a big enough spot big deal . Harden up wont be carrying materials to a job site from down the road will you.