Best homesteading car?

"WagonsEast!" (wagonseast)
06/02/2014 at 13:54 • Filed to: None

Oppo, I'm in the process of moving across Canada to start a small homesteading farm. There are going to be apple trees, vegetable gardens, and the like; which will require hauling around dirt, water, and manure over some questionable terrain. Problem? I currently drive a Mk6 GTI. While it has enough grunt to move all my belongings, it lacks the ground clearance and traction I'll need.

Priorities are fuel economy, longevity, and practicality (in that order). So far I've been considering an Outback or Highlander hybrid, and I'd prefer something not a pickup truck.

Have This lovely lady for your trouble:

Edit: thanks for all your oppo-inions. Having 2 vehicles really opens up the options, I'll be test driving a few things but I'm leaning toward a 'work truck' for dirty jobs and maybe a TDI for road trips. My stubbornness had me stuck on an all-in-one solution.

DISCUSSION (26)

Agrajag > WagonsEast!
06/02/2014 at 09:23

300TD

Kinja'd!!!

$kaycog > WagonsEast!
06/02/2014 at 09:29

I just approved you for authorship on Oppo. Welcome, sir!

WagonsEast! > $kaycog
06/02/2014 at 10:32

Thanks $kay and Agrajag, I was going to get around to asking eventually. :)

$kaycog > WagonsEast!
06/02/2014 at 10:34

You're welcome!

Stupidru > WagonsEast!
06/02/2014 at 13:56

I was going to suggest either an OB or a Ranger pickup, but it sounds like you've pretty much figured everything out

HammerheadFistpunch > WagonsEast!
06/02/2014 at 13:57

I'm confused by the combination of words like "homesteading" and "hybrid" in the same sentence. Seems like practicality and low ownership cost should be your #1 and #2 priority. Mileage? meh.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > WagonsEast!
06/02/2014 at 13:57

Kinja'd!!!

Amc Eagle wagon. It can tow a lot, it has 4wd when needed and 2wd when not, and it has the bullet proof Amc inline-6.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > WagonsEast!
06/02/2014 at 13:59

First step: change screenname to WagonsNorth!

Step 2: tell me who that lady is.

C: just get a truck.

You'll be using it what it's made for, unlike 95% of owners.

Mattbob > WagonsEast!
06/02/2014 at 14:06

if you could drop the first requirement to 3rd, You should get a Jeep XJ. So much utility, and you can pick them up real cheap these days.

BigBlock440 > WagonsEast!
06/02/2014 at 14:12

How do you haul dirt and manure without a pickup? The last thing I'd want to haul manure in is something without a separate cargo area. Not only do you have to stoop over to shovel it out, but you'll have a pile of shit right behind you. Sounds like you need a truck, but don't want one for some reason.

Milky > WagonsEast!
06/02/2014 at 14:14

You didn't say price, but I'm guessing GTI-ish price and since you're a VAG fan ….

Kinja'd!!!

But if was me, I'd do something like this.

Kinja'd!!!

duurtlang > BigBlock440
06/02/2014 at 14:18

I'm sure he'd use a trailer for the manure.

dinobot666 > WagonsEast!
06/02/2014 at 14:19

When you say "car" do you mean a car, or can it also be a pickup truck? A third generation 4Runner with the 3.4 V6, or a similar Tacoma of the same vintage would be about perfect for your needs.

Ford Ranger pickups are almost as good, but don't demand the price premium that Toyota trucks usually do.

If you're thinking a car, then I'd say a first gen Subaru Legacy wagon with the 2.2.

WagonsEast! > duurtlang
06/02/2014 at 14:28

that is correct, original plan was to make due with the GTI and 5x8 trailer. No manure going in that baby.

cbell04 > WagonsEast!
06/02/2014 at 14:30

Perhaps this?

Kinja'd!!!

WagonsEast! > HammerheadFistpunch
06/02/2014 at 14:32

Nearest store that will sell bulk items is a 50 km round trip, and visits to the folks are a 270 km round trip. Also, the fact that there is only one gas station I can get to without crossing a ferry factors in that.

WagonsEast! > dinobot666
06/02/2014 at 14:34

If I was 100% pure homesteading (or was on with owning 2 vehicles), I'd probably be OK with the Taco. Legacy Wagon is a solid choice.

WagonsEast! > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
06/02/2014 at 14:39

1. I'm heading east (and slightly south), WagonsEastByNorthEast?

2. Alyssa Arce, there are lots of NSFW pics of her with a Ferarri and a Ford GT.

C.? Yeah, I know. But the 95% claim they are the 5%, and it drives me crazy. Subaru Baja perhaps?

WagonsEast! > Mattbob
06/02/2014 at 14:42

I would probably consider it if used prices weren't so high in my area. Either people don't let them go, or the damn things never depreciate!

WagonsEast! > cbell04
06/02/2014 at 14:48

Absolutely. If I find a yellow one I'll put Torchbug stipes on it.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > WagonsEast!
06/02/2014 at 14:59

"across" Canada - reading comprehension, I has it.

Listen, it's just a tool. If 95% of people who bought hammers only bought them to hang on a wall in their garage, would that prevent you from buying a hammer if you had nails to drive?

If it makes you feel better, convert it to CNG or biodiesel or something.

WagonsEast! > Milky
06/02/2014 at 15:15

Every dollar I don't spend on a car is a dollar I don't have to work for someone else. Top limit is the used value of the GTI, around $20K Canadian. The Tiguan is still in play, it would be a slam dunk with TDI in it.