Forester or Rav4 [Archive] - Renovate Forums

bitingmidge

2nd January 2007, 10:38 AM

Nice thread Macca, I'm going through the same exercise!

I'm a bit biased, but I'd have the Forester all day every day given the choice between the two both as a road car and a light off-road one, but then I'd have a Suzuki Grand Vitara ahead of them both even though it's not the best of them on the road.

Having said that, I'm waiting breathlessly for the Suzuki SX4 due for release in Eastern States at least later this month before making up my mind.

It's technically streets ahead of the other two, and should be a lot cheaper too. Currently the best detail is on the US website (Aus distributors are a bit slack in this regard :rolleyes: ) http://www.suzukisx4.com/

Cheers,

P

Cliff Rogers

2nd January 2007, 10:49 AM

The Suzi has been recommended to us by a friend as well.... It looks good but does it have offroad clearance or is it just a pose mobile?

bitingmidge

2nd January 2007, 10:58 AM

200 mm clearance, which is pretty much the same as most "proper" 4WD's, and designed with nice short front and rear overhangs, so approach angles look pretty good too. It looks to be more than a match for the Subi on paper at least.

All the dimensions are pretty much the same as my current "old" Grand Vitara (2 dr) but with a 300 mm longer wheelbase, more horses, electronic stability, traction and all that stuff controls.... no low range, which may be the killer for me in soft sand, but we'll see.

The local dealer is expecting one in the next week or two.

Cheers,

P

Cliff Rogers

2nd January 2007, 10:59 AM

Found it..... 6.9 inches, pose mobile. :(

http://www.suzukiauto.com/sr_07/sx4/specs_and_pricing.php

Cliff Rogers

2nd January 2007, 11:04 AM

Are they going to bring out a newer Grand Vitara?
I has proper 4WD & low range & an extra inch of clearance.

Hmmm... SX4 is 71% cheaper & gets 128% better fuel economy.

macca2

2nd January 2007, 11:09 AM

Have a look here.
I have a couple of friends with the forester and are more than happy.
The only reservation being lack of luggage space.

http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au/2006/default.htm

bitingmidge

2nd January 2007, 11:39 AM

Found it..... 6.9 inches, pose mobile. :(
Err, I suggest you look at the 4wd version - 190mm = 7.5 inches?

but as I said, I'm waiting to see it!

The new Grand Vitara has been out for six months, or is it a year?

Cheers,

P (buying on price!)

Cliff Rogers

2nd January 2007, 11:47 AM

Err, I suggest you look at the 4wd version - 190mm = 7.5 inches?.....
Where? :?

ptc

2nd January 2007, 04:41 PM

Suzuki.
Had 2 door Grand vitara sport 3yrs.
no problems with it at all.

bitingmidge

2nd January 2007, 05:11 PM

Where? :?

http://www.motiontrends.com/2006/m03/suzuki/suzuki_sx4_specifications.pdf
:wink:

P

Ian Smith

2nd January 2007, 05:12 PM

Macca,
I've got a 2000 and a 2005 model Foresters and am I'm extremely happy with both.
At the time of purchasing the 2000 model I was on the lookout for safety features and the combination of price, all wheel drive, all wheel discs, ABS and both front air-bags did it for me. I had it down to the Honda CRV and the Subaru at the time. SWMBO didn't like the styling of the Rav4 ("Barbie Doll "car according to her, so that was out!!) but in any case in all but the Subaru one or more of the above mentioned safety features was an optional extra.
Both are very enjoyable to drive, and average less than 10 l/100 km, down to about 7.5 l/100 Km (about 38 mpg in the old money) on a highway run. I think the all wheel drive is their real strength. Very sure-footed in the wet and on gravel roads.
I haven't had either of the beaten track all that much (getting harder and harder to find an unsealed road these days) but have driven along dry sandy creek beds and a couple of local goat tracks and haven't had any problems with clearance or traction.
They are essentially a road car, so if you want real 4WD stuff then buy a real 4WD

Oh, almost forgot - if you get the manual transmission you'll get Subaru's "Hill-Hold" and a Hi-Low range gearbox

Ian

Doughboy

2nd January 2007, 05:25 PM

Do your self a favour and check what tyres are available for the model you are after. I purchased the 2006 Outback and the only tyres available for it are the geolanders and they are rated good for 25000 kms. We only found this out after my wife, who drives like a grandma, started to look around for tyres. The rim size does not fit any other tyre so we either spend 280 per tyre every 25000 km's or buy a new tyre and wheel package.

Also if you get the Forrester take it to a reputable wheel aligner and get them to set it up properly. The outback had so much toe-in that the tyres had feathered the outer edge after only 15000 km's. Apparently the factory sets them this way for premium cornering ability.

We were pretty unimpressed.

Pete

I have not experience with the Rav 4 but it is a Toyota and they do have a great reputation.

Just remember that both these vehicles are only toy 4WD's so treat them that way and you will do ok.

macca2

2nd January 2007, 05:44 PM

I am also interested as my wife wants a 4WD for her work. (Real Estate in a country town, farms, dirt/mud roads & bush tracks.)

I'd be interested to know how you narrowed it down to those 2 Macca.

I used
*Manufacturers reputation for good strong reliable cars
*Safety features
*Finish
*Mechanics recommendation
*Built in Japan.
*Constant all wheel drive
*Personal choice for looks etc

Looks like being Forester because.
* All of the above
* Spare wheel NOT mounted on tailgate
* has lift up tailgate...not door type...try opening a swing out door type in a car park with another car right up your tail.

And I went to a Subaru dealer this morning and the Forester has great seating with height adjust on drivers seat. All the essencials in the X without going up to, a dearer model, and it just feels right.

Macca

Ashore

2nd January 2007, 06:09 PM

Macca Good choice have had forresters since 97 , on the second one now , I use goodyear eagle ntc 5 tyres and get in excess of 50,000 k , but make sure the alignment is spot on , scrubbed a front set of original tyres pretty quick once so I keep a good eye on alignment and have had no probs since
The only extra we got was the mats and the lipped rubbur mat for the luggage space is worth its weight in gold.

Rgds

Cliff Rogers

2nd January 2007, 06:10 PM

..had forresters since 97 , on the second one now , I use goodyear eagle ntc 5 tyres ...
What model are you on now?
Will the goodyear eagles go on the original rims?

Ashore

2nd January 2007, 06:27 PM

Cliff I have a 2002 2.5 XS manual and the eagles are 215/60R16 95V and fit straight on the standard alloy rims , a little bit more road noise but the wear and wet weather ability more than compensates ,
BTW Happy Birthday

Rgds

Cliff Rogers

2nd January 2007, 06:38 PM

Ta.

Wife just got goodyear eagle venturas on her corolla.
They go on the mags that came on her car & will fit on the standard rims on mine but they have a 'rim protector' bead on the wall the pushes the wheel trims off a standard rim.
They were a good price & seem to have good grip but they have a strange sideways balance problem. :?
Only shows up between 90 & 100 kph & not always there.
I makes the steering wheel wobble from side to side slightly.
She is going to take it back & see if they can sort it out.

Cliff Rogers

2nd January 2007, 06:50 PM

Found it..... 6.9 inches, pose mobile. :(

http://www.suzukiauto.com/sr_07/sx4/specs_and_pricing.php

Err, I suggest you look at the 4wd version - 190mm = 7.5 inches?....

http://www.motiontrends.com/2006/m03/suzuki/suzuki_sx4_specifications.pdf
:wink:

P

Umm, Pete? :-
They are different cars? :?
Which one is coming to Oz?
The first one you directed us to is the US 2L job & the 2nd one is the UK 1.6L job.
Which one are we going to get?

bitingmidge

2nd January 2007, 08:21 PM

Which one are we going to get?
Dunno,

That's why I'm waiting..... :cool:

P
:D :D :D

dazzler

2nd January 2007, 09:05 PM

Hi Macca2

I was in the same boat and went with the RAV4. It really has moved up a size class (Now 28% bigger :2tsup: goes the ad and I believe it) and with a third kid almost here the extra room is worth it.

I love(d) subarus but there is a little too much resting on laurels at the moment with very little r and d into the great little forester which is basically the same jigger that came out in 1998 :oo: but with a roundy front.

RAV is bigger, 2006 design, sliding rear seats for more leg room (baby capsule room that is :doh: ), 2.4VVTi engine and huge rear cargo area. Very good off road height for forestry tracks/nat parks.

We have stepped down from a 100 series cruiser and seriously there is not that much less area in the cargo area and just as much room in the rear leg area. (not width sadly :- )

Just watch out for the auto version which we went with as the extra size/weight does dull it a bit, still not as slow as the boxer forester motor though. We went with the auto as the RAV has no low range so this goes a small way to bridging that gap.

IMO the only thing that the forester does better is the constant symettrical 4wd design is better than the RAV which transmits drive to the rear when needed electronically and a low range option on the manual.

Take a RAV for a spin, I did and was sold on it. :D

dazzler

2nd January 2007, 09:11 PM

RAV4 fuel economy over 5700km has averaged 10.3 l per 100ks.

That includes about 2200 in and around hilly hobart and the run up the freeway melb to port macquarie, back to canberra and back to port macquarie again.

Not as good as what I think the forester would get 8-9 perhaps?.

Also check out the noise difference in the two. The RAV is amazingly quiet.

womble

2nd January 2007, 10:26 PM

we were in the same boat last year

went with a honda CRV in the end...no dramas so far

savage

2nd January 2007, 11:00 PM

Bought myself a Ssangyong Musso sports duelcab ute, 2.9lt/turbo/d. Korean built to Mercedes specs and a 5cyl Merc motor, so far so good comfort and drivability are great, though it took a while for the looks to grow on me. I went this way for the towing capacity/dollar value, but I have always liked the Subaru's.:)

Cliff Rogers

3rd January 2007, 01:00 AM

Dunno,

That's why I'm waiting..... :cool:

P
:D :D :D

Pfff.... you had me fooled...:rolleyes:
I thought you knew what you were on about. :D

Buzzer

3rd January 2007, 07:15 AM

Hi,

If travelling in rural/remote areas, I would go for the Toyota, because nearly every town has a toyota dealer/service agent.(parts and tyres availability).

Cheers

macca2

3rd January 2007, 10:15 AM

Wood Borer

3rd January 2007, 01:12 PM

I'm on my second Forester - very happy with them both.

Both have done city, highway and off road.

Off road includes 3 outback trips (Birdsville/Simpson Desert). In March 2006 I drove it across the Simpson with my mates in larger 4WDs. It was airborne multiple times per day (not being reckless - this is the only way across some sandhills).

Yes I did blow up the motor outside Birdsville but that was because I had neglected to clean the sand out of air filter after the desert crossing.:C

The previous year I needed a diesel Prado and a V8 Cruiser to tow me out of a big sand hole - The Prado was smoking the clutch and needed the assistance of the big Toyota. I didn't even need a wheel alignment when I returned back to Melbourne.

The highway and city driving are fine in the Subaru.

I will keep the Subaru plus buy a diesel Toyota to tow heavy loads and to give the Subaru a rest from the heavy duty four wheel drive trips.

I don't like the computer controlled 4WD in the Hondas - gets people into trouble because it kicks in and out of 4WD when the driver knows it should have been in 4WD.

Mirboo

4th January 2007, 02:35 AM

Check out this press release from JD Power (http://www.jdpower.com/global/press-releases/pressrelease.asp?StudyID=1132), a US based "global marketing information firm that conducts independent and unbiased surveys of customer satisfaction, product quality and buyer behavior." The press release gives a quick run down of the results of JD Power's 2006 Initial Quality Study. Toyota is right up there on quality (unfortunately only vehicles available in the US are included in this study so no Holden) which is one of the main reasons why I am a Toyota fan. Nothing annoys me more than niggly little quality problems. I'd go with the RAV4.

My current car is a 2003 Toyota Prado and I'm very happy with it.

ptc

4th January 2007, 10:04 AM

Suzuki quality is first class check one out.

bitingmidge

4th February 2007, 09:25 PM

FWIW,
I have crawled all over a Suzuki SX4, and they are a fabulous new little niche market car. They are small, but could comfortably carry four adults, have the full 200 mm ground clearance and represent fabulous value.

We didn't buy one, got the 2.7l Grand Vitara after checking out all the others.

It's the only "proper" 4wd in the bunch (with low range and a few other tough bits) and the lowest price by by far for what it's worth.

Cheers,

P

masoth

4th February 2007, 10:34 PM

I am not looking to go bush bashing.
Just want a good reliable small wagon with the added safety of 4X4.
The Forester takes 215/60 R16 94H, and these are available in other brands than Yokohama. Goodyear Eagle being just one.Thanks Macca

Macca, I don't want to appear rude but can't help wondering if you NEED or WANT a 4X4. Driving skill and anticipation are the major driving safety factors. If, for instance, you drive only in Perth and suburbs the additional costs will not be worth the end use. However, if you believe you'll FEEL safer then perhaps an AWD is a better choice for you.
Many years ago 'we' used to purposely put learner drivers in situations to test thier watchfulness over wet, dry, shifting sand and dunes, and devised methods to avoid traps - 4X4s were not available in lighter vehicles and VERY RARELY did the drivers need assistance, and really careful driving is still required in 4X4s.
Consider your NEEDS before spending your money.
Please don't be offended by this suggestion.

soth

TassieKiwi

5th February 2007, 07:37 AM

Don't overlook the Kluger - the current deals look very good. All the running gear is Lexus 330, verrry smooth.

Black Ned

5th February 2007, 07:56 AM

You should get a Nissan N-trail.

Gutsy vehicle!

macca2

5th February 2007, 10:59 AM

Hi Soth....thanks for your input and no offence taken. Thanks to all others who have offered their advice.
I was looking at the small "softroaders" mainly for the seat height. I have recently migrated to a wheelchair and thought the seat height in a "softroader" would be easier to get into and out of.
However I have to have the vehicle converted to hand controls and also have a wheelchair hoist fitted on the roof.
The height of all the "softroaders" plus a hoist will not fit under my garage door, so I am now looking at something lower. i.e. Lancer or Corolla wagon.
Its either that or dig out the garage floor by about 200mm and replace the driveway and then fit a new garage door and so on etc. etc. $$$$$$$
Any more advice willingly accepted.

Macca

masoth

5th February 2007, 11:10 AM

Macca, Why on the roof of whatever vehicle (a non folding chair)? There are back-end wheel chair carriers that seem easy to use. I judge this on an elderly, wheel-chair user in my street.
I'm not certain, but the chair is, I think, folded and lifted into place electronically then the lady users sticks to enter her vehicle. Her higher vehicle allows her easier entry.

soth

dazzler

5th February 2007, 11:12 AM

Hi Macca

What about a toyota Avenis. They have a low roof height, adjustable seating and a similar seat set up to the soft roaders.

I found it comfortable for my arthritic knees where I need a decent angle to stop the pain.

They are well made too :2tsup: though not cheap :C .

masoth

5th February 2007, 11:23 AM

macca2

5th February 2007, 11:27 AM

I have a folding chair. The hoist is elctricaly operated from the driving seat. It picks up the chair verticaly and raises it to roof height and then lays flat on the roof rack. Two made in Australia....Wymo, and Sto'N'Go
I have looked at the rear mounted hoist but for me it is too difficult to fold the chair and load it while standing at the rear of the vehicle. I then have to walk to the driving seat. Not an easy task.

Thanks
macca

masoth

5th February 2007, 11:37 AM

Ah, right. I'd forgotten those side operated lifts.

soth

macca2

5th February 2007, 11:38 AM

Hi daz...Avenis is 1675mm, Forester 1590mm, Suzuki G Vitara 1695mm, Honda CRV 1710mm, Rav 4 1730mm and the Lancer is 1465mm.
The carrier plus chair is apprx 470mm above roof line.

Macca

masoth

5th February 2007, 11:43 AM

Macca,do youg get purchasing/alteration asistance? I ask because, if you do, it may open other vehicles to consider.

soth

macca2

5th February 2007, 11:46 AM

Soth, not from the government, but some assistance in conversion from Lotteries Commition, if you qualify. (means tested)

Macca

TassieKiwi

5th February 2007, 11:58 AM

Tassie K has mentioned the Kluger which was thought to be an excellent vehicle, but recently some companies are opting to replace the Kluger in the fleet range. They, seemingly, are facing too many niggerly problems. I almost bought one 18 months ago.

soth

:oo: :oo: :oo:

Everyone knows that Toyotas don't break! :p Any evidence or real information? That sentence could be lifted straight out of the 'No Idea' mag. I haven't had any 'niggerly' problems in 110,000 k's.

masoth

5th February 2007, 12:07 PM

The carrier plus chair is apprx 470mm above roof line.Macca

OK. So what is the clearance/height requirement , all up height of garage door?
You're looking for 'best' traction partly because of driviing difficulties, higher than usual seating for ease of entry and wide door space for the same reason. Does your garage pernit the chair to be lowered - is there sufficient space to the side, and is the roof of the garage high enough when the chair and lifting device operates?

If I am being too inquisitive feel free to tell me to B/off.

soth

masoth

5th February 2007, 12:10 PM

Tassie, I don't want to name the huge international company but they are replacing all the Klugers Australia wide.
I've been Toyota for 23 years, and am about to buy two more.

soth

TassieKiwi

5th February 2007, 12:13 PM

Tassie, I don't want to name the huge international company but they are replacing all the Klugers Ausatralia wide.
I've been Toyota for 23 years, and am about to buy two more.

soth

Sounds nasty - should I sell mine immediately then?

masoth

5th February 2007, 12:19 PM

Sounds nasty - should I sell mine immediately then?
Obviously not! You are having a good run and are satisfied. I reported something I know to be true - the company in question is, by the way, staying with Toyota because of satisfaction and the 'unbreakability' factor.

soth

macca2

5th February 2007, 06:04 PM

Garage door a lowest point has 1975mm clearance. Say about 1965mm.
Hoist plus chair = 470.
Therefore car can be no more than 1495mm in height.
Will need about 950mm over car to unload chair in garage. Not a problem if I have the ceiling boxed out about 300mm into the ceiling space and about 1000mm x 1000mmm where the hoist will sit when the car is in the garage.
Questions are not a problem, it is way problems are solved.
Thanks for your interest
Macca

masoth

6th February 2007, 08:28 AM

Late news, March will bring news of a six cylinder RAV, and vehicles will be available a few months later. Good news for those who have observed the underpowered RAV4 doesn't 'cut the mustard'.

soth

Ashore

6th February 2007, 04:32 PM

masoth

6th February 2007, 06:22 PM

Sorry Macca, but I'm stumped regarding more vehicle ideas because of the height limitation, which seems to indicate you are stuck with a sedan, with the low seating arrangement remaining a problem.
Next consideration is an alteration to the garage entrance - is that out of the question?

soth

macca2

6th February 2007, 10:15 PM

Thought of that but cost to lower floor, fit new door and adjust levels of driveway and patio are prohibited.

journeyman Mick

7th February 2007, 12:24 AM

Macca,
just wondering if it's possible to get past the height issue by getting the wheelchair partly lowered before you drive into the garage? You may need to get some modifications done to the controller but this would be far less expensive than the structural alterations you have mentioned.

Mick

macca2

7th February 2007, 10:55 AM

Thanks Mick......measurements are with the chair folded and laying on it's side on the rack.

Macca

journeyman Mick

8th February 2007, 01:12 AM

Macca,
I've not really watched one in action, but I assumed that the mechanism lowered the folded up chair down off the roof. I was wondering if its travel could be halted when it was part way down so that there was minimum extra height above the car's roof. Probably not possible for all sorts of good reasons, but I had to ask, just in case it made a really simple work around. I'm guessing that even if it were possible then you'd probably end up with the chair sticking out sideways from the car and getting in the way width wise and also obstructing your view.

Probably a bit extreme, but it is possible to raise and lower a vehicle with aftermarket hydraulic or pneumatic systems

Mick

Waldo

8th February 2007, 11:08 AM

I am not looking to go bush bashing.
Just want a good reliable small wagon with the added safety of 4X4.

G'day Macca2,

I'm going to get blasted for this, but so what.

A 4x4 is a 4x4 and in my book there's only 2, the Landcruiser and the Patrol. Anything less is for running around town in (fair go, WB ran up to B/ville and back in one, but I'd think he's one of the very few who use it for a dual purpose) and if that's all the use it's going to get - then stick to a sedan.

If you've got a 4x4 it's for off-road, you don't care if it gets dings, scratched or dirty. A 4x4 doesn't really give you more security in a crash, they have a higher centre of gravity and are more prone to rolling - especially on the tar and if you don't know how to drive a 4x4. They might protect you, but in Toorak or Armidale you're going to wipe out the car or kid you hit.

A small wagon will give you no more saftey than a sedan.

I'll now sit back and wait to be flamed. :o

A further edit: Having read through to the 4th page I finally found why you were choosing a larger car for your needs. So it's more really a size issue than anything else. :doh:

macca2

8th February 2007, 11:27 AM

G'day Waldo

I was not looking at a 4x4 as such. It so happens that the small "soft roaders" have the seat height I was looking at at the time.

Added to this the Forester has a 5 star crash rating, and constant 4 wheel drive which is a added safety feature in the wet or on gravel. It also sits and drives more like a car. It was never my intention to get a "real" 4x4 to tool around the city.

However because of headroom in the garage I am now looking at other vehicles that will do what I require, (albeit with a lower seat height) as even the Forester is too high in the roof line.

Thanks for your input
Macca

Waldo

8th February 2007, 11:41 AM

G'day Macca2,

Pity about the Forester then with the height to your garage, because they are respected for their build quality and saftey rating.

bitingmidge

8th February 2007, 12:06 PM

I'm going to get blasted for this, but so what.

A 4x4 is a 4x4 and in my book there's only 2, the Landcruiser and the Patrol. Anything less is for running around town in (fair go, WB ran up to B/ville and back in one, but I'd think he's one of the very few who use it for a dual purpose) and if that's all the use it's going to get - then stick to a sedan.

If you've got a 4x4 it's for off-road, you don't care if it gets dings, scratched or dirty. A 4x4 doesn't really give you more security in a crash, they have a higher centre of gravity and are more prone to rolling - especially on the tar and if you don't know how to drive a 4x4. They might protect you, but in Toorak or Armidale you're going to wipe out the car or kid you hit.

I'll now sit back and wait to be flamed. :o

He he...Woosho!...... I've just not half an hour ago picked up my new V6 Suzuki to do all those things you said can only be done in a Patrol or Cruiser!

I generally agree with your sentiments Waldo, but can't see any reason why two people travelling light, have to put up with the size, weight, poor handling and complete discomfort of the aforementioned "proper" 4x4's.

This is my fourth Suk, and while I'm not into rock climbing or competitiion stuff, the other three have gone places that most only see in magazines or television shows. This one will be no different. Actually it will be very different: Automatic, Airconditioning ABS EBD LMONP QRSTUVW.... it's got the lot!

This isn't me, but I'd hate to see what a "real" 4x4 could do!:doh:
http://www.nbs4x4club.com/Photos/roverpark120604/jeffrock1.jpg

Waldo

8th February 2007, 12:15 PM

G'day BittingMidge,

Not saying a lesser 4x4 can't do the things a Patrol or Landcruiser can do, just my opionion on what a real 4x4 is.

Heck, to agree with your pic and what you said, my late Dad when he had to go out in the field as a Hydrographer, one area he had to do was up in Mareeba. On weekends he'd take his 1968 Toyota Corona in the same places he'd take the work Landcruiser and over bolders in the river beds over 3ft high - it's not what you drive, but more knowing how to drive in a given situation. :2tsup:

bitingmidge

8th February 2007, 12:38 PM

Yep! In about '73 when Range Rovers were just invented, (and at the time were amazint off-road vehicles) a mate went down the Birdsville track with four blokes in RR's.

He was the only one not to get bogged on the whole trip, and he was driving a Peugeot 504 (with "wintertread" tyres).

I thought seriously before spending $30k on the new Zook, as for that sort of dough I could have had an old tank and a heap of modifications. I do around 10k a year driving to work and the shops, and previously about 2k off-road. Over the next few years, the off-road k's will increase, but so will the on-road numbers to get to those places... for instance, mucking round around the Darling - Menindee area on the way to Goolwa may well expose us to 200 k's of gentle 4wd territory (within the scope of most 2wd's but not the Beemer :rolleyes: ), and later maybe another 100k or so in the Alpine country, out of a total 6,000 k's. I really couldn't think of anything more unpleasant than driving a laden Patrol that far.

Oh! yes I can! Driving a laden Cruiser!

cheers,

P
:D :D :D

Felder

8th February 2007, 01:13 PM

This isn't me, but I'd hate to see what a "real" 4x4 could do!:doh:

A real 4x4? Like the one in the first pic? No sir, that could never get stuck or bogged. :rolleyes:

it's not what you drive, but more knowing how to drive in a given situation. :2tsup:

And no, I wasn't driving at the time. :wink:

bitingmidge

8th February 2007, 02:52 PM

A real 4x4? Like the one in the first pic? No sir, that could never get stuck or bogged. :rolleyes:

It's not whether it can get stuck or bogged that counts!

It's whether you can walk out of the bog with it on your shoulder!

Cheers,

P
:D :D :D

Felder

8th February 2007, 03:20 PM

It's whether you can walk out of the bog with it on your shoulder!

Most folks could not perform the task of which you speak, Midge.

But because I am so HUUUUUGGE I can carry out one truck on each shoulder.
:flex:

Waldo

8th February 2007, 03:22 PM

But because I am so HUUUUUGGE I can carry out one truck on each shoulder.
:flex:

G'day Felder,

Can we have that as demo at the next Melb WWW Show? If you can lift a Hammer b/saw on your shoulders I'll buy one and won't even ask SWMBO for permission. :D

Felder

8th February 2007, 04:12 PM

Can we have that as demo at the next Melb WWW Show? If you can lift a Hammer b/saw on your shoulders I'll buy one and won't even ask SWMBO for permission. :D

DEAL! :shakehands:

Now if you will excuse me, I have something I need to do for the next eight months.....
:wlift2:

Waldo

8th February 2007, 04:17 PM

DEAL! :shakehands:

Now if you will excuse me, I have something I need to do for the next eight months.....
:wlift2:

G'day Felder,

Thought I'd help you out a bit there. :D

http://www.alibaba.com/productsearch/Ab_Workout.html

corbs

12th February 2007, 08:42 PM

mcarthur

12th February 2007, 09:57 PM

I held off for a while but last night has prompted me to reply. I loved my Forester before last night, but SWMBO and our two boys were driving back from Sydney in the storms around 10pm when she hit water, spun and flipped the car. Car is a goner but everyone inside is safe and sound without even a scratch. When it comes time to replace this car, it will be with another forester (glad she wasnt in the Rio:()

I can relate to that - I had an older Subaru 1800 model which was hit by a fairly full sand and gravel truck running a red light :oo: at about 80+kph. I managed to get the hit transfered from the passenger door :o to the back door :C at the last millisecond - no fast airbeds in those days - and was flipped over and spun 180 degrees. I was left looking back where I'd come from hanging upside down from the seatbelt going "wow" (multiple times - shock does strange things :-) before I let my out (click - ouch! slide through window) and look at the carnage. Total writeoff. Bought another Subaru immediately after. Will (probably) be buying another soon.

Oh, and the second Subaru crossed the Simpson desert along with a big b*gger hired Nissan Patrol. I can relate to the previous reply: there's nothing like surfing over the top of hundreds of sanddunes :): get a good run up, hit 3rd sometimes 4th by the bottom of the dune, get to 1st just before the top then clutch in and surf over the loose stuff right at the top. Oh, and pray there's noone coming the other way! You end up with a really shiny and thinner bashplate too :U. Oh, and the Subaru got up Big Red first time while the Patrol needed three goes (ignore the fact it was carrying most but not all of the supplies :rolleyes:). There was some evidence for the Cairns (or somewhere up there) Morris club having made the trip in the 60's or 70's, but I reckon they just had three people carrying each car across :p.

Rob

E. maculata

12th February 2007, 10:03 PM

journeyman Mick

13th February 2007, 01:30 AM

Macca,
I happened to drive past a vehicle with a wheelchair rack on the roof the other day, the chair being out of the rack and the rack was in the "down" position. I saw immeidately that my idea was no help at all.:oo: Here's another possible solution out of left field: If the height of the vehicle is the limiting factor due to restricted head height in your garage you might want to price the cost of a carport being tacked on to the front of your garage. It might just be the solution to your dilemma.

Mick

macca2

13th February 2007, 10:24 PM

Yep looking into the carport idea, and also looking at removing Tilt door and replacing it with 2 remote operated swing gates. (2 x 3m) as the gaeage is 6metres wide.
This will give me the full height of the garage which is 2100.
Might still get the Forester. It realy is the best seat height for me.

Macca

macca2

16th March 2007, 09:06 PM

Because of the headroom under my existing garage door I had to go for compromise.
Lancer sports wagon. 2.4l. Nice unit.

I now have my license to drive modified hand controls vehicle.
Mods all done and I am back on the road.

All that remains is to get the ceiling of the garage boxed out by 300mm to allow hoist to raise and lower chair in the garage.

Thanks again for all ideas and suggestions.

Macca

Poppa

16th March 2007, 09:30 PM

Glad to see you got the solution that suits you Macca. I've owned a few Toyotas, and loved them all. Couldn't kill 'em. But I've always lusted for Subarus. Never owned one though. Now driving a Falcon wagon, and I've got to say that it is a great car, within the limitations of its design. Impressed with the robust reliability and comfort. But I'd still be happier with a Toyota or a Subaru I reckon.