What's The Appeal Of The Shooting Brake?

"Osiris - I can haz Euro spec?" (o51r15) 10/16/2013 at 23:44 • Filed to: Shooting Brake

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First of all, I shamelessly stole Lachlan's "Quick Shop" of the Miata Shooting Brake. Sorry bro. But my question is, why does most everyone on Oppo love the shooting brake? I've never been very fond of the wagon (*don's flame suit*) and the shooting brake looks identical to a wagon, albeit with only 2 doors. Is it a wagon thing? Do you guys love the shooting brake because it looks like a wagon? Is there an aerodynamic advantage to the shooting brake vs the coupe? Personally, I'd take the coupe instead but this is why I'm asking the question.

Your boy, BJR > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/16/2013 at 23:46

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It's the whole wagon fetish thing.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Your boy, BJR 10/16/2013 at 23:46

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So no advantage to a brake over a coupe other than it looks like a wagon?

YSI-what can brown do for you > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/16/2013 at 23:47

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Its sexy+practical. Also, they can sound amazing!!

PanchoVilleneuve ST > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/16/2013 at 23:47

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It's like a hot hatch, only even more extreme and awesome. And stupid. And awesome.

Although, to be honest, I think a lot of the appeal comes from how hard they are to explain to the "normals".

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/16/2013 at 23:47

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Be-because. Shooting brake. Everyone likes...shooting brakes. Right?

Life and Times of Magoo: The People's Champ > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/16/2013 at 23:47

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Do you like cars?

Do you enjoy things that involve your car holding some extra shit?

WAGON

The Abridged Version

6cyl > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/16/2013 at 23:48

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Because it is more practical. Every thing awesome about a hatchback plus everything awesome about a sports car.

mikecyc72usa > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/16/2013 at 23:49

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A few reasons: there is sometimes an aero advantage. However, it's distinctive and more practical in lots of ways. Try ferrying a Basset Bleu de Gascogne and two Boxers plus another human and our stuff. Sometimes weight is a little better distributed but that is really about it.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > 6cyl 10/16/2013 at 23:53

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But the looks of a wagon? I'd prefer a hatchback (even though they also have sort of a wagon look)

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/16/2013 at 23:54

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I love the aesthetic, plain and simple; the added practicality, real or feigned, is a bonus.

ddavidn > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/16/2013 at 23:54

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Still a fan of hatchbacks and wagons over the shooting brake. I'm not sold.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Life and Times of Magoo: The People's Champ 10/16/2013 at 23:55

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How about this:

Do you like cars?

Do you enjoy things that involve your car holding some extra shit?

SUV (because after you drop off the kids, you can go muddin'!)

The Correct Version

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him 10/16/2013 at 23:55

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Apparently not everyone!

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/16/2013 at 23:55

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For me, it is the practicality.You now have a small hatch. You could throw a dog in there, or some boxes, or some skis, or a bike, or really anything. Yet you still have the fun of a sports car. And I think it looks great.

This BTW is coming from someone who has a dream car of a Volvo 240 wagon

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > PanchoVilleneuve ST 10/16/2013 at 23:56

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So...I'm a "normal"? The fuck is a "normal"?

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > ddavidn 10/16/2013 at 23:57

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I like hatch's. Can't stand wagons and the brake looks like a wagon to me.

PanchoVilleneuve ST > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/16/2013 at 23:57

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As in non-car people.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 10/16/2013 at 23:57

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I understand the practicality of the brake over a coupe, but seriously, when are you going to haul anything in a C7 Shooting Brake? Really?

Life and Times of Magoo: The People's Champ > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/16/2013 at 23:58

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"Do you enjoy cars?" = Never SUV

Handling Yo

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > mikecyc72usa 10/16/2013 at 23:59

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Shit, I ferried a Boxer, a cat, and 1,000 pounds of household goods in my 2,000 pound Chevy Aveo. Personally (and I know I'm going to get a lot of shit for this) I like the looks of my Aveo over most shooting brakes.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 10/17/2013 at 00:00

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A wagon, I can understand as being used to haul stuff and pets. What person is going to put a pet into a C7 shooting brake?

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Life and Times of Magoo: The People's Champ 10/17/2013 at 00:02

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Whoa whoa whoa. You're telling me that I can't enjoy cars if I enjoy SUV's? I understand that pretty much any type of vehicle has better handling than an SUV but that's not why you buy them. 4-wheeling. Mudding. Off-roading. Not sure there are too many cars that aren't SUV's that can do all three as well as haul kids and/or pets.

ddavidn > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:02

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It just looks weird to me. I've never seen a shooting brake that I thought was sexy.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > PanchoVilleneuve ST 10/17/2013 at 00:03

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Ahh, ok. Good. Now I know I'm not normal...wait.

PanchoVilleneuve ST > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:03

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We're horrible mutants, yes, but I happen to think we're pretty awesome.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:03

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The allure of the practicality isn't pragmatic, it's merely for the sake of saying "I could if I needed to."

However, having once spent the night in the back of a C6 Z06 (surprisingly comfortable), the extra space wouldn't have been bad and probably would have allowed a second person to join me.

Plus, having driven coupes for the past 7 years or so, I've found myself in enough situations where I've though "Man, I wish I had my old GTI's hatch space right now" that I could easily justify it on that alone.

But, like I said, the aesthetic is the main appeal for me.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 10/17/2013 at 00:05

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Wow. Ok, I get it. So it's first and foremost a "look what I got!", and then a background thought of "If I need to, I can.". Perfect!

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > PanchoVilleneuve ST 10/17/2013 at 00:06

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If only I could change the Oppo headline. Oppositelock - Horribly Awesome Vehicular Mutants.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:07

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Indeed. Disregard rationality, embrace insanity!

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:07

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Because it will haul all your stuff and give you a reasonable out when your friends need a ride. It says, I can get my gear where I'm going but you guys need to find your own way there.

TheOnelectronic > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:07

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Not a fan of the shooting brake, but I do think it's mostly an aesthetics thing, with a bit of autohipsterism mixed in.

Life and Times of Magoo: The People's Champ > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:08

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I love mudding/offroad, figured afterwards that comment would prove too vague. I'm splitting car/suv. Mainly because that's where we usually roll here and if you shop by need 4x4 and Miata won't be showing up in the same search.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > ddavidn 10/17/2013 at 00:09

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I've only seen one I liked. It was the render of the Alfa Romeo 4C Shooting Brake. Don't know why, just liked it.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Life and Times of Magoo: The People's Champ 10/17/2013 at 00:11

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Ahh ok. I agree. Especially up here in Alaska, you definitely wouldn't see a coupe when searching for a 4x4.

Your boy, BJR > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:11

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Storage space?

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 10/17/2013 at 00:11

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*hugs self* Insanity embraced!

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > YSI-what can brown do for you 10/17/2013 at 00:21

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Is engine sound really dependent on car shape though? Wouldn't a coupe and a shooting brake of the same model sound identical?

SpeedSix > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:22

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YSI-what can brown do for you > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:24

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They would, but you have the added surprise factor. No one thinks a car with a hatch should sound amazing.

ddavidn > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:25

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Still not sold on it, although that one is pretty nice. It looks awkward like the R8 does from the side. I love the R8 though.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > ddavidn 10/17/2013 at 00:29

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The R8, in my opinion, is perfect. I love it. I love everything on this render aside from the front end. It looks squished down.

Random Commenter > 6cyl 10/17/2013 at 00:29

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Personally, I'm not a fan of the "shooting brake" either... Want a wagon? Get a wagon. Want a Sports car? Get a Sports car.

As for this: "Everything awesome about a hatchback plus everything awesome about a sports car."

Why not just get a hatchback sports car? If you think about it, technically, these Sports cars are hatchbacks:

Various C3 through C7 Corvette models

All or almost all hardtop Dodge/SRT Vipers

Various Aston Martin hardtop models, including the v8/v12Vantage and DBS

Porsche 924/928/944

Mazda RX7, all generations.

Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe

I'm sure there are more, but I think I've made my point. So why go for a "shooting brake" again? Personally, I don't see the point of it... If you have stuff to haul, get a wagon, an Audi S or RS wagon, a CTS-V wagon, or something along those lines. Want something fast with a fair amount of trunk space, then see the list above. IMHO, a shooting brake is an unnecessary half-breed of a sports car and a wagon.

GhostZ > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:29

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It makes a car far more practical with only minimal performance loss. Looks and appearance are reduced, and some weight is added, but compared to pretty much any other major change to an automobile, it does the least damage for the most gain.

However, it also can greatly reduce the aesthetic appearance, so they don't sell well. This makes them, on paper, a fantastic choice for utility of a vehicle, but in reality, very very unpopular and bad sales propositions.

Jalops thrive in situations where the 'general public' refutes something based on subjective opinion that has objective advantages. It makes us feel superior and scientific. That, in itself, is a whole new aesthetic that actually makes the appearance of a wagon suddenly desirable to a jalop.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > SpeedSix 10/17/2013 at 00:29

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Not sure what to do with this information.

mikecyc72usa > mikecyc72usa 10/17/2013 at 00:33

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I'll be impressed when you move with a Triumph Spitfire as your only vehicle. Have done it twice.

Manuél Ferrari > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:36

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Garage space. Not everyone has the garage space to have a DD and another car (especially if they are married). A shooting brake or wagon gives you extra storage space without losing the driving dynamics of having a car.

Big SUVs have space too but are heavy and ride high (unless they are slammed).

Which brings up another question - will the current crop of sporty small and lightish CUVs be popular with Jalops in the future? These CUVs are based off sedans just like wagons/shooting brakes are. They'll be cheap when used and can be lowered.

A cheap used RWD BMW X1 would be fun, especially if lowered a bit.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Manuél Ferrari 10/17/2013 at 00:40

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First off, I have a policy that I will never lower an SUV. It's just plain stupid to me. SUV's are built to be able to driver over things and lowering it means you can't do that. Secondly, huge rims and SUV's? Why? Makes no sense!

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:41

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I've always thought it's because it has the practicality of an SUV without being an SUV... and 2 doors just look better than 4, on most cases, so it gets a pass over normal wagons.

Me, I'm not a big fan either, of both wagons and shooting brakes, simply because I've been used to small cars all my life and I have yet to be in a situation where I couldn't get around without the extra space, so I'll always go for the hatch or coupe instead.

Manuél Ferrari > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:45

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I agree that real SUVs are meant to be able to off road. The question I posted was about all the new CUVs we see now that are basically just shorter and taller wagons.

The X1 is interesting to me because it's based off a BMW hatchback, and you can get it in RWD. If it was lowered a bit it might take corners better and give you the extra cargo space vs. a small sedan. The X1 is not a serious offroader even with the AWD option, so lowering it wouldn't be killing that ability.

Just throwing the idea out there. Not saying it's a good one or that I would do it. I just see these small CUVs selling like hot cakes so they'll be pretty cheap used in 3-5 years.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:49

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To better exemplify my argument, I've yet to run out of space on this:

Coming to and going home from college, I usually drive with another 2 people, plus a large cage with Hamsters, two large boxes with Guinea Pigs and all the crap 3 people and the pets need to spend the summer. We just load it up and go, no big deal having to squeeze a little.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Manuél Ferrari 10/17/2013 at 00:49

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I think the reason that CUV's sell better than the SUV's now is the fact that non-car people don't know what it is and recognize it as a SUV. They see something that's bigger than a hatch and assume that it's capable in the snow or ice. And at generally 10 to 12 thousand cheaper, it looks like a steal to them.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 10/17/2013 at 00:50

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And I agree with you and grew up like you but with the inverse. I always saw the benefit in having a SUV instead of a wagon. Same hauling capacity with the added fun of 4-wheeling.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 10/17/2013 at 00:52

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I was definitely not prepared for the hamsters and guinea pigs part. I'm going to need a bit of a back story here.

Manuél Ferrari > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:52

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Agree. People want the looks of an SUV and they like the idea AWD. I'm in So Cal and there is never snow or ice. People buy CUVs cause they think they look cool and like the higher ride hight. And as you said many of them are cheap.

I think it's silly how many people are buying CUVs instead of wagons (well part of it isn't their fault, CAFE makes CUVs cheaper than wagons). But since they are selling so well there will be a glut of used ones in the future that will be cheap to buy.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Manuél Ferrari 10/17/2013 at 00:54

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I grew up in Northern Cali, close to Tahoe. We definitely needed the SUV's! I love the diversity of people around here and even more so with traveling for the Air Force. it's awesome to find out what people like and enjoy based on what they grew up with.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:55

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SUVs have historically been either way too crude for everyday use or too expensive to be practical here in Brazil... :/

So much so that my parents just bought their first one last year, a 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Before that, we relied on a 2001 Chevrolet Zafira as a family hauler, which is not exactly a big car, but still could sit 7 plus luggage.

EDIT: 7 seats was always a deal breaker for us because we're 6 in the family and even though I carry my brother and sister around in the Tipo, stuffing 6 people into a small hatchback for a roadtrip is just not physically possible.

Kailand09 > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:56

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The point is not only the added practicality, but it's the practicality without sacrificing much performance.

Also style. I think it's a mixture.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 10/17/2013 at 00:57

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And, as I mentioned to someone else earlier, I love seeing the difference in opinion and practicality in cars from people all over the world. One of the reason's I love Oppo so much.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Kailand09 10/17/2013 at 00:58

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Stylistically, I think it looks horrible. I understand the added extra space (even with how little it would add on a Miata) but they look horrible.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 00:59

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They're just that, pets : p

Since we can't leave them behind when we go to our parents' place during vacations and can't leave them there when we come back to college, we just carry them along.

Manuél Ferrari > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 01:03

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Tahoe is the shit! I've taken some trips to Tahoe and you definitely need real SUVs there. It took 3 days to get in one year because it had snowed so hard. My Dad nearly spun our Toyota Previa. We were wishing we had a real SUV then!

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 10/17/2013 at 01:03

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At least they're easy to transport!

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Manuél Ferrari 10/17/2013 at 01:18

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I was previously stationed at Mountain Home AFB (which was a 10 hour drive from where my family lives in Cali) and one time, during a snow storm, it took me and my wife 23 hours and 42 minutes to get there all thanks to Reno, Donner Summit, and Tahoe.

Manuél Ferrari > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 01:33

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It's crazy how tough it can be to get in and out of the area! But all worth it when you get there.

Now you got me thinking about Tahoe. I should definitely go this winter for some snowboarding. Might need to rent a suitable vehicle since every car I have or have access to borrow is RWD and a sports car or sedan.

Soloburrito > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 01:42

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Because it's weird and we love weird.

Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? > Manuél Ferrari 10/17/2013 at 01:44

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Well, Boreal will probably be the closest spot for you but if you drive just a little further, I recommend Soda Springs. Enjoy!

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 02:14

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I'm with you. I like a nice hatchback, but I can't get on board with wagons for some reason. For my generation, they were the mom-mobiles before mini-vans were a thing..

Chteelers > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 08:14

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I've never understood the wagon love myself. I think they all look like dongmobiles.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 08:26

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My grandmother put her dogs into the back of a Mercedes CL Coupe (I'd add a picture but I'm at school and cannot go on Google Images).
I think she'd prefer some small hatch thing.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 18:52

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Yep, it's one of the reasons we still have guinea pigs and hamsters after all this time. You can take them pretty much anywhere on a small cardboard box or a smaller cage, then put together more suitable housing once you get where you're going.

Manuél Ferrari > Osiris - I can haz Euro spec? 10/17/2013 at 23:48

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Thanks! Now I really hope I make it up this winter. Haven't been snowboarding in YEARS.

I need to stop spending every penny I have on cars so there is money for other things in life. It really does become an addiction ;)