Subaru for kayakers
...not so much?
There has been some Internet discussions around here concerning Subaru automobiles. I chose to purchase my Forester model using the ACA program which made for a decent price. I had wanted the Out Back model, but their new rack system was not suitable for kayaks.
Problem with the Forester is that, in order to avoid certain federal regulations, Subaru made the car ridiculously tall and, thus, not user friendly for loading a boat (which is why I bought and installed the Hullvinator). The tall back portion is also wasted space as piling things that high could result in stuff shooting forward over the seats during an emergency stop.
Subaru had a car well suited to our needs, but not so much any more. Time to look at other brands? Time for the ACA to make a deal with some other brands?
Paddle safe...
DS
5 comments:
I just bought the new Jeep compass...so far I am lovin it.
I just bought the new Jeep compass and am lovin it!
My 2010 Subaru Impreza has a great rack system that holds the maximum 165 lbs. allowed by Yakima and it isn't too tall, but for a small car from a company that claims to be so concerned about the environment, the gas mileage "sucks". I used to get 35-40 mpg with my old Toyota Corolla, but I only get about 25mpg with the new Subaru. It's killing me with the high gas prices.
I've actually had good luck with my VW's over the years. I now have the Jetta diesel and its a good height, gets great mileage even with the added wind resistance, and the factory rails hold my Thule set up very nicely. Snow tires make up for the lack of 4 WD (on the 4 days every winter when you actually need it). That AWD is what guarentees you your crappy mileage. Maybe they just need to throw some $$ at the people powered sports industry like Subaru does.
I consider my Audi A4 Avant (that's the wagon) the perfect car for kayaking, at least for me. All-wheel drive so I can drive onto sandy beaches. Enough ground clearance for where I go. And the best feature -- low roof profile so I can drive into the garage with kayaks on top, where they can be hoisted to the ceiling.
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