I have an X-Trail which I think is the most sensible car I have ever owned.

Sturdy, affordable, reliable, nice medium size, still a good city car but also good on the hwy and can do basic off-road. The designer's have done a lot to maximize the amount of space inside so good for storing gear, I can actually fit 2 sups and 2 people inside ( passenger behind the driver).

If I was to change up i would consider getting a Hyundai i-load and put a big lockable box in the back that also works as a bed base.

I would love to have a big lockable cage that would make it extra difficult for people to nick my gear. I hate having thousands of $$$ of gear visible in the back of the wagon only protected by glass.

Another awesome option if you want to get more serious off-road would be a 4wd ute with big metal tradies canopy and rooftop tent, this would make a great self contained off-road camper.

Alysum said..

Youngbreezy said..
I have an X-Trail which I think is the most sensible car I have ever owned.

Sturdy, affordable, reliable, nice medium size, still a good city car but also good on the hwy and can do basic off-road. The designer's have done a lot to maximize the amount of space inside so good for storing gear, I can actually fit 2 sups and 2 people inside ( passenger behind the driver).

If I was to change up i would consider getting a Hyundai i-load and put a big lockable box in the back that also works as a bed base.

I would love to have a big lockable cage that would make it extra difficult for people to nick my gear. I hate having thousands of $$$ of gear visible in the back of the wagon only protected by glass.

Another awesome option if you want to get more serious off-road would be a 4wd ute with big metal tradies canopy and rooftop tent, this would make a great self contained off-road camper.

That's why you get tinted windows at the back and no windows on the side... Or put some curtains up ;-)

I loved my old Nissan GQ wagon so much as a kitesurfing vehicle that when it finally died after half a million ks 9a lot of which was beach and tracks0 I replaced it with a Nissan GU wagon.

I sometimes sleep in it and instead of curtains I purchased some solar screens, they are brilliant.

Not only do they stop people from seeing all of your kiting gear (most of which is stashed under my bed anyway) they keep the temperature right down.

The centre console fridge was a pretty need addition too.

tightlines said..

Alysum said..

Youngbreezy said..
I have an X-Trail which I think is the most sensible car I have ever owned.

Sturdy, affordable, reliable, nice medium size, still a good city car but also good on the hwy and can do basic off-road. The designer's have done a lot to maximize the amount of space inside so good for storing gear, I can actually fit 2 sups and 2 people inside ( passenger behind the driver).

If I was to change up i would consider getting a Hyundai i-load and put a big lockable box in the back that also works as a bed base.

I would love to have a big lockable cage that would make it extra difficult for people to nick my gear. I hate having thousands of $$$ of gear visible in the back of the wagon only protected by glass.

Another awesome option if you want to get more serious off-road would be a 4wd ute with big metal tradies canopy and rooftop tent, this would make a great self contained off-road camper.

That's why you get tinted windows at the back and no windows on the side... Or put some curtains up ;-)

I loved my old Nissan GQ wagon so much as a kitesurfing vehicle that when it finally died after half a million ks 9a lot of which was beach and tracks0 I replaced it with a Nissan GU wagon.

I sometimes sleep in it and instead of curtains I purchased some solar screens, they are brilliant.

Not only do they stop people from seeing all of your kiting gear (most of which is stashed under my bed anyway) they keep the temperature right down.

The centre console fridge was a pretty need addition too.

Clearly you need to upgrade to a van ;-) look how cramped everything is !

We are in a very similar position mate... Hatchback and single but not enough space for all the toys!

I am going to sell my vw (never keep a German out of warranty! $$$) and buy something Japanese / Korean. I was looking at Subaru outback also but less warranty that Kia and also X2 year servicing required.

95% made the decision to buy Kia Sorento. Lots of space, 7 year warranty, economical (diesel) and drive is very comfortable.

Get a Toyota of some kind that suits you. Secondhand in good nick is fine. Reliable, parts and service everywhere in Australia, OEM & aftermarket, no matter how remote. Resale is also good as you'll find if you're looking for a decent secondhand model.

Hi just wanted to throw in the option of a roof box as a cheaper upgrade for space. I can lock my car key in there so only the roof box key goes on the water. There are two sides to open if rust ever becomes a concern. Any remaining gear is well protected since it has three points that lock per side. It's great for storing non kiting gear holidays (is it possible?!).one caution is to research leaving gear up there when it is hot. For me not an issue as usually not windy when hot.

It drives up side down!!

Triton? I always thought mitsubishi's were bit **** but i bought a triton brand new in late 2015 for $29,750 and i've now done 115k kms and and pretty much visited most 4wd kite or fishing spots between Perth and Exmouth and other than the rear suspension being replaced under warranty at 95k its been fautless. Shark Bay last month i averaged 9l/100km loaded and i just have the usual snorkel, bash plates, 32's, dual battery and awning setup.

This was the reason for the rear suspension issue though but 2 days later it was parked up on the beach near port gregory for kiting

hmmm I read that pickups cargo leaks in rain. anyway they are far too big to park in the eastern suburbs and drink too much fuel. So I am back to the Suby Outback me thinks for that little bit of offroad over a small van. Decisions decisions !

Alysum said..
My hatchback isn't cutting it these days when I store 3/4 kites + board + foil.

Looking for recommendations on a car/van with:
- ample boot space
- good security/hard to break in
- fast enough on motorway
- reasonable ground clearance
- don't care about passengers (I'm single )

I was initially looking at Subaru Outback as they have a large boot and can sort of go on rough roads.

Or modify a Toyota Hiace?

Or?

Thanks

I have an Outback had few different ones for last 10 years. Its a do everything car.

After exploding the trusty Hilux Surf a fortnight ago I am pretty happy with my Mistubishi Outlander.

A bit of a soccer mom car but pretty handy offroad (nothing too mental though, obviously) and much more comfy and economical than the old gal. Get 7L per 100K (website claims 6.2L) and has an epic stereo. The seats all fold down so can fit heaps of gear. Tows the caravan like a dream.

And the best bit is the electronic key fob has a detachable metal key which can fit in my wettie like a normal old skool key!!! Major selling point!!!

Plummet said..
Yeah, you can fit surfboards in double cab ute trays. They do have to go on the angle. But they do fit in.
Latest double cab ute trays are 1500x1500. By the time you add tough deck and canopy that drops to 1450. But you can get close to 2000 on the angle.

My ute is sitting on 8.6 l/100 km. That's pretty darn good a massive vehicle. It would certainly eat ya subbie for economy.

Also my canopy does not leak, plus it central locks too. And I clean in the back when camping.... oh yeah. It is awesome.
The other advantage of the ute with a canopy over a van or people mover is that beach stink/wet wetsuit smell stays in the back.
Thats a big plus for the missis, You can also hose down and sweep out the tray when it gets dirty/sandy.

Interesting. Is this your Isuzu Dmax?

I did some research and the single cabs (with a tiny back, called extra cab) would work but overall length is only about 170cm. But yeah fuel economy and parking in Sydney isn't ideal with those monster vehicles.

Now I saw the new Outback to be released next year has ruined my idea of getting a 2018 Outback even more of an off-roader and even more boot space!

Yep i have a dmax. My 8.6ltr/100 is over 15000km includes city/open road driving beaches, fully packed road trips with a bike on the roof, to of box, 4 bikes on the back......

I have the 4wd auto 3lt turbo diesel.

I recon that is astoundingly good economy for the size of the vehicle. In a petrol car yours need to go a small 1600 ish to achieve those figures.

Go the super cab,.. 1800 long tray, problem solved.

Plummet said..

Gazuki said..
Go the super cab,.. 1800 long tray, problem solved.

Recon you have 2 years of space cab in you and then yourl be upgrading to a double cab.

PS Your family weirdly have really long white father Christmas beards,

Never... I traveled back from Exy (1000km) in the back with no issues, ill be happy if that was my seat but it's not and my kids will do as I phucking tell them! Bahahaha. All jokes aside for the few times that I ride four deep its no issue, the benefits way outway the negatives.

As far as the white, I thought I would sheep'em up a bit for your satisfaction, try and make you jealous ya know.