Best car for rural Idaho?

"LoremIpsum010101" (loremipsum010101) 11/01/2013 at 16:31 • Filed to: None

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So, I may be moving to Idaho for a year for work. Rural Idaho (Twin Falls, right by the snake river). As a sophisticated west coast urbanite, I currently survive with a bicycle and a motorcycle. But I'm assuming I'm going to need a car up there. Any Mountain West people know of a good car? I'm from Boston, so my guy reaction is Subaru, but I was also thinking an old 5-speed XJ Cherokee would help me blend in more with the locals. Thoughts, Oppo?

Aaron James > LoremIpsum010101 11/01/2013 at 16:35

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One of those little Subaru wagons would be perfect, AWD and decent gas mileage.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > LoremIpsum010101 11/01/2013 at 16:37

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Are you taller than 6'2"? If so, they I'd say no to the older Cherokee. It's pretty cramped inside. Other than that, I don't see why not.

Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder > LoremIpsum010101 11/01/2013 at 16:39

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Obligatory Miata answer:

Alternative:

SaabLife, because Gripen > LoremIpsum010101 11/01/2013 at 16:43

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On the larger size of choices, a Ford Bronco wouldn't be too bad. Plenty of space and durability. Although, the gas mileage is a pretty big draw back.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > LoremIpsum010101 11/01/2013 at 16:43

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I drive a XJ very similar to the one pictured. 2001, 2 door, 5 speed, RWD. I've only had it for about 3 months but it might be the best car I've ever owned. I love it. I drive it all around Rural Texas and it's pretty perfect.
One note about the 5-speeds, at least down here in Texas it was a lot harder to find a 5-speed 4x4 than a auto 4x4. And although the 2 door is drop dead sexy it is considerably less convenient than the 4 door.

A Subaru is a good choice too though, and don't have any illusions about fitting it. I bought a truck when I moved to Texas, I still don't fit in. At least when I'm outside Austin that is. You won't fit in just because you buy a Jeep, but you should buy one anyways because they're amazing.

HammerheadFistpunch > LoremIpsum010101 11/01/2013 at 16:44

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Subi is great, Twin falls isnt that small a town that would would need anything other. Now if you want to have a good time in your new mountain home. Yeah get an xj or similar type.

For Sweden > LoremIpsum010101 11/01/2013 at 16:45

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Buy a pickup. There's a reason they are so popular in that part of the world; they go anywhere and are extremely useful.

LoremIpsum010101 > SaabLife, because Gripen 11/01/2013 at 16:47

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If I buy a Bronco, I'm ABSOLUTELY detailing it like this.

LoremIpsum010101 > HammerheadFistpunch 11/01/2013 at 16:49

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Glad to hear Twin Falls isn't that small. I'm actually going to be working in Jerome, and traveling occasionally to Wendell and Gooding. But I figured Twin Falls would be a better place to, you know, LIVE.

Milky > LoremIpsum010101 11/01/2013 at 17:01

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I've owned a '92 Cherokee & a '98 Grand Cherokee and I'd say go Cherokee.

I had a 4 door version of this one, and loved it. Went everywhere my friends in their fulsize trucks went and then some places they couldn't go. Enough room for you and your stuff, great reliability, but get used to keeping oil near by.

HammerheadFistpunch > Milky 11/01/2013 at 17:21

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I had a door 91 4 door just like that. same color, wheels and striping.

Great car.

Milky > HammerheadFistpunch 11/01/2013 at 17:32

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The reason I choose this photo is because mine was the same color, wheels and striping.

HammerheadFistpunch > Milky 11/01/2013 at 17:36

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5 speed?

George McNally > LoremIpsum010101 11/01/2013 at 17:41

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I vote for the Subie.

If you're only gonna keep it a year-find a beater. You'll probably be able to sell it in a year for the same money you bought it for.

Milky > HammerheadFistpunch 11/01/2013 at 17:45

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Nope, auto .... but it was really cheap. So who am I to complain.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > LoremIpsum010101 11/01/2013 at 17:59

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twin peaks?
my mom told me she loved that show when she was younger!
We live about 45 minutes from the lodge/falls!

LoremIpsum010101 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 11/01/2013 at 18:01

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Your Mom ?! Jesus, I feel old now. Thanks!

It was filmed at Snoqualmie falls, right? Beautiful part of the country, sadly I've never made it up there.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > LoremIpsum010101 11/01/2013 at 18:03

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yeah, Snoqualmie falls/ north bend area!
beautiful year round (although Snoqualmie pass is not where you want to be with run-flats in the winter)

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 11/01/2013 at 18:03

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also, I didn't mean the "my mom" thing negatively
I've watched it a while ago as well, it's not bad!