Posts: 76
Threads: 4
Joined: Sep 2013
I had a 2WD '89 Nissan pickup that was near-perfect when we lived in Hilo a couple of years back (save for the clearance - couldn't handle the potholes on some of the rougher backroads). Gotta say, I still miss that truck!
Now we're thinking about shipping out Subaru Outback over in June for our return but I'm still vascillating about clearance issues - we like to go to a lot of out-of-the-way places. Trying to think of some not-too-big rigs with good gas mileage, clearance, AND enough seating for coolers/family/guests...basically a unicorn.
I am also looking for my parents who are Kona-side on a fairly steep coffee farm. Thinking Mom's Prius just won't do.
Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4?
Good people of Puna, what are your thoughts?
Posts: 4,269
Threads: 98
Joined: Mar 2014
I don't think that a CR-V or a Rav4 would do it for you. They aren't really made for much more than a few inches of snow. I have an 06 CR-V - but don't take it anywhere off-road. Too many expensive parts hanging down and just not enough clearance.
I also have a 01 Dodge Ram 4x4 shortbed with slightly over-sized tires. That works great to go anywhere you want. The shortbed makes for a much better turning radius. Have an older Camry 4 cylinder for daily street use and better gas mileage.
Posts: 261
Threads: 94
Joined: Feb 2012
95' Geo Tracker 4X4. LOVE IT! Heads down to Waipio no problem, also handles the muddy Hamakua backroads and fords river crossings like a champ. I don't worry about rollovers as I make sure I drive cognizant of the fact that it is prone to them. She's a trooper, when I moved here I knew I wanted either a Sidekick or a Tracker.
AKpilot
We're all here, because we're not all there!
We're all here, because we're not all there!
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
We have had both an older Ford Ranger Xcab & older Sport Trac we just added, both have gone on some of the roughest (all the way on Mana, Green Sands, Waipio Overlook...etc) BUT not really great gas mileage (have a compact manual tran for the Hilo to Kona stuff) ... (Added: the whys on the 2 older Ford trucks? they were inexpensive here & in good condition for the $)
Before, when we didn't have to have the extra vehicle, just had the high MPG car (with a hitch for a tray or the small light trailer) that we used for everything....but we wouldn't have driven on Mana all the way, and walked to Green Sands...
Re: Kona, there is a Rav4 EV in Kona that does those steep inclines like a goat (our little car is dusted by that one!) have no idea if the Prius has the same umph, but if it does...tallyho
Posts: 2,389
Threads: 126
Joined: Jun 2009
I drive between 400 and 480 yards depending on the wind.
Wao nahele Kane, very impressive distance you referenced. You must be on a runway using a 7 iron? (BUMP)
Posts: 1,252
Threads: 72
Joined: Sep 2012
I have a 2011 CRV, and live in Hawaiian Acres-I cruise through about 1/2 mile of nasty dirt roads between home and everywhere else. BUT it doesn't do well in mud, or gravel, or anything slippery.
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Posts: 4,934
Threads: 83
Joined: Feb 2009
Mazda 3 40 MPG paved roads !!
My friends in Orchidland come visit here !
Posts: 1,217
Threads: 18
Joined: Jan 2014
H3 SUT, super versatile - unstoppable offroad.
Posts: 337
Threads: 18
Joined: Aug 2013
2012 ford f350 diesel,it goes anywhere with ease.
