02-13-2014, 05:09 AM
An ideal car would be one you didn't mind getting dinged up a little, would have plenty of room for things like small trees or beach equipment and large coolers, would have 4 wheel drive so you could drive up Mauna Kea (or at least AWD), would seat at least 5 because you will have visitors. Good mileage counts here. I drive more here than I ever did on the mainland. My car has all of that except 4 wheel drive and good mileage. It should probably be raised 3 feet in the air, too, but that might look a little silly.
I really wanted a new car when I moved here, but I find I am driving down some ridiculously rough roads and can just imagine getting all nelly in a new car if I am going over potholes. The things that cars are asked to do do here is unbelievable, so a sturdy, mechanically-sound used car is better I think.
Expect your check engine light to go kablooey and your windows and other electronics to start acting up. My car was an imperturbable German-built tank until it got here. After three months the glove compartment came off in my hand, the turn signal light covers both flew off, my headliner started coming down and the check engine light came on never to go dark again (nothing wrong with the engine, the brakes or anything else it screams at me about). Who knew there was a place that was too much for a German car? Consider Japanese or American with a dealership on island.
No black cars or black interiors. Leather seats are not a plus, and take a pass on heated seats. Your seat will be plenty hot enough once you get here.
I really wanted a new car when I moved here, but I find I am driving down some ridiculously rough roads and can just imagine getting all nelly in a new car if I am going over potholes. The things that cars are asked to do do here is unbelievable, so a sturdy, mechanically-sound used car is better I think.
Expect your check engine light to go kablooey and your windows and other electronics to start acting up. My car was an imperturbable German-built tank until it got here. After three months the glove compartment came off in my hand, the turn signal light covers both flew off, my headliner started coming down and the check engine light came on never to go dark again (nothing wrong with the engine, the brakes or anything else it screams at me about). Who knew there was a place that was too much for a German car? Consider Japanese or American with a dealership on island.
No black cars or black interiors. Leather seats are not a plus, and take a pass on heated seats. Your seat will be plenty hot enough once you get here.