I am shopping for cars/suv, new/used. I want to be able to lock a longboard inside. I want something that is average+ on gas, and under 25k. I would thankful for any help/suggestions. Thanks!!!
Volvo Stationwagon. Take out rear passenger headrest, lower passenger seat, load 2-3 longboards in (fins off). Or just one in a hurry. Mine recently broke down for good and this is a major criteria for a replacement auto. -Rob Olliges
I have a Chrysler Town and Country van. I bought it strictly as a surfboard carring vechicle. I took out the rear bench seat and I can easily get two boards up to 10+ on edge between the seats. If I take out the rear passenger bucket seat and adjust the front passenger seat, I can lay 3 more long ones in there. With tinted windows it doesnt get very hot inside and most people walking by would never notice the boards. I never go anywhere with out at least two boards and have found this vechicle ideal. It will fit in any parking structure if you don’t brand it with surf stickers it won’t be noticed at the unfriendly spots.
I have a 88 Vanagon, Wolfsberg edition its the perfect surf mobile as much space as you could possibley need. >also. H&R motors in Santa Barbara is putting in subaru outback engines , which gives them a new lease on life great milage and more horsepower. the late model bodystyle has the most interior space of all vans >yes even more than the EconoVan + a backseat/fold out queen bed
Try a Ford Explorer V6, 2 wheel drive, for any board up to at least 9’8" if positioned right.
Toyota 4Runner with the passenger seat tilted back – I have a 10’2 that just fits in, so standard 9’, 9’ 6" longboards are no problem. Use to have a Volvo wagon, that worked fine too, but you had to take the headrest off.
I like a full size van, be it a Ford GMC, or a Ram. I ride real long, longboards. In fact, I’m looking for a full size van right now. I don’t know much about them but I’m looking for one with a V6, and powder everything. When I’m at home I can walk to the beach, so I don’t need anything like that. I’m looking for one to take surf trips in.
You might consider the new Honda Element. Either you’ll like the look or hate it. Built on the same platform as the successful CRV, 4 banger, pretty good on gas, general Honda quality, etc. “Clam shell” tailgate and “suicide” side doors allow easy access in and out. Rear seat can be removed or folded off to the side. Fold down the passenger back rest and Honda claims you can slip a longboard in there. I also think that since the front and rear seats both fold down relatively flat(remove head rests) you could slip a good sized board without much hassle if you’re in a hurry. Price wise there are two basic configurations 2 or 4 wheel(DX - no air or radio - basic - but you can negociate for these) and the EX which comes pretty much fuly loaded. Since its a new model expect some dealers to try and gouge you on the price but you can find deals out there. Or try to catch a basic model before the dealer loads 'em up with extras. Like the guy who spoke of the Vanagon conversion - love those cars but too bad it had a dog of a motor. However, I don’t know what the smog concerns are with those Subaru engine conversions though - California’s getting tougher and tougher with emissions. Good luck!
No specific recomendation here, but a couple of criteria: Are you going to drive to and from the beach with the board (s) inside the vehicle? Is totally hiding the board from view inside a must? If not, if you just want to be able to lock it inside once you are at a destination, then you may find you can go much smaller in a vehicle. I used to lock one 8’7" inside an old Chevy Cavalier wagon. Couldn’t drive with it inside, though, and I sure couldn’t hide it. Watch for melting wax. If you can go smaller you get the obvious benefits of lower fuel consumption and lower price and operating costs. This translates into more trips to the beach for the same cost as one in a battleship. I’d also add that when you think you are closing in on a vehicle, take your board in a clean boardbag/sock and try it out.
Thanks everyone!! I think I will go for Mitch’s suggestion. I talked to a dealer, and they want to mark up the Element 3k over sticker!! I will keep a shoppin! Thanks everyone!!!