Best car for regular kayak transport

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Yakass
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Best car for regular kayak transport

Post by Yakass »

I can tell you pretty much anything you need to know about any Hobie kayak... but don't ever ask me anything about cars, because thats where my brain kind of throws back a kind of 'error 404, page not found' signal. I'm planning to buy a new (used) vehicle within the next couple months, and ideally, I'd like it to be a good and reliable, reasonably economical and kayak-transport friendly. That's about the only primary requisites I have. I use to use a trailer, but they are most often a liability here in Vic, so I'm going to be car-topping. Suggestions on vehicles I should be looking at?
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Kingo
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Re: Best car for regular kayak transport

Post by Kingo »

What sort of budget have you got josh?
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Yakass
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Re: Best car for regular kayak transport

Post by Yakass »

Thinking $12k - $18k
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Re: Best car for regular kayak transport

Post by bjspinner »

I have a 1999 Holden (Isuzu) Rodeo, it has been the most reliable car I have ever owned.
Since new I have owned it, it is still on the original brakes front and rear (265k). It has had 2 sets of tyres one clutch (230K) and two sensors went out (throttle position and cam angle).
Only draw back to your requirements is it is a little heavy on fuel, which in relation to its fantastic reliability works out around even.
Oh and it may be a bit high for you :lol: .

DONT LOOK AT ONE ON LPG- TROUBLE....
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Re: Best car for regular kayak transport

Post by Jenko »

Depends if you wish to take other people with you, if not.. I'd look at a ute, maybe a Crummydore or Ford, either on gas (newer car have injected gas, so no problems) or a turbo diesel 2x4 ute. I wouldn't bother with a 4x4 unless you plan on doing off road stuff, plus you being vertically challenged may have a problem loading the Island.(even on some of the 2x4's)
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Re: Best car for regular kayak transport

Post by riv »

bjspinner wrote:I have a 1999 Holden (Isuzu) Rodeo, it has been the most reliable car I have ever owned.
Since new I have owned it, it is still on the original brakes front and rear (265k). It has had 2 sets of tyres one clutch (230K) and two sensors went out (throttle position and cam angle).
Only draw back to your requirements is it is a little heavy on fuel, which in relation to its fantastic reliability works out around even.
Oh and it may be a bit high for you :lol: .

DONT LOOK AT ONE ON LPG- TROUBLE....
My last few cars have been Rodeos/Colorado's and they have been great agree though a bit heavy on the fuel, Im spewin I just sold one last week for 16,500 the only issue is they have a bit more height than your standard sedan however I did manage to put the outback on top no worries.

I would look at one of these if I was in the market however keep in mind they are a small truck and handle a bit like one.

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Re: Best car for regular kayak transport

Post by snapperboy »

How about a station wagon they are nice and long low and aren't to bad on fuel ( I am just assuming that) and the new style commodores look nice
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Re: Best car for regular kayak transport

Post by cheaterparts »

Jenko wrote:Depends if you wish to take other people with you, if not.. I'd look at a ute, maybe a Crummydore or Ford, either on gas
have to agree a both the holden or ford - myself I was car topping on an old ED ford sedan for 3 years and rust had become a problem it however had towed a boat for years so was near salt water a lot over a long time
the car had done 1/2 a million Kms as well so was well pasted its use by

my new tranporter is another ED but a wagon its only done 1/4 of a million Km just turned over this week so the cars like brand new
it would be no problem to car top that but I now prefur to trailer the yak and have a lock up box for all my fishing goodies
by the way my fuel usage was a lot worse with the yak on the roof than on my trailer

the wagon also works out good with over night trips just chucking the bed in the back
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happyas
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Re: Best car for regular kayak transport

Post by happyas »

I'm using an Astra AH diesel to cart mine around. Low enough to load easily, 5-7 litres/100k with the yak on top, should pick one up for around $12,000. Bit short length wise but my yak is 4+ metres and it all works ok.
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Re: Best car for regular kayak transport

Post by Bretty »

I've been thinking about a new car for ages now and still can't decide :down:
2007 Scooby doo Liberty wagon 15-17 thou with around 80,000km on the clock is my top pick this week :lol: :lol:
But there's the Holden sports wagon dam I love these cars :yahoo:
Or a Duel cab ute yak on the roof, gear in the ute
Geez it's hard to leave a V8 :roll: :roll: :roll:

One thing I would recommend if your the type of person that gets a bit lazy and doesn't wash or clean there car :oops: :oops:
Is buy something under 10 thou that way you won't lose as much money :thumbsup:
My car was in show condition before I got a yak :lol: :lol: :lol:
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