weekend DIYers what vehicle to buy?

[rfuerst911sc]

I am a fairly busy DIYer not only for Porsche but in general. Due to gas prices about 1 1/2 years ago I traded in my Tacoma pickup for a Corolla which is a much better daily driver. Since I got the Corolla the large DIY projects have been minimal in scope but that's about to change. So I'm now in the market for a vehicle that is good on fuel so it can be used as daily driver and have the ability to haul stuff. As an example I am planning on a bath remodel soon and I will need to haul home a shower enclosure which comes in two large boxes. And now the wife wants a new clothes dryer so that is a large item. So what are you DIYers useing for a vehicle? I haven't ruled out a utility trailer to be pulled behind the Corolla. Because this is the daily driver I still need the ability to haul 4-5 people on occasion also. I know the perfect vehicle doesn't exist but what is close? What about Honda Element or Scion XB? Also has to fit in standard depth 2 car garage. Gee I'm not asking for much

[K9Torro]

Well by adding the ability to haul the extra bodies around you really limit yourself on what you can buy and still do decent hauling, get good miles per gallon and allow your riders some comfort.

Why dont you just keep the corolla for hauling the bodies and go out and buy a decent used short bed pickup with a V6, you can buy early 2000-2003 Ford short beds with the V6 dirt cheap, even fully loaded with factory options you will be around 5K depending on miles and condition, you will be able to haul what you want even pull light trailers and still get 20MPG or better.

Todd

[berettafan]

brother in law just bought a 90 something ranger 2wd for $2k in pretty decent shape. tacos are going to be right pricey for a wknd project hauler and unless you have the desire to find an older straight axle toy p/u and make a fun off road toy out of it you'd be better svd by the pos ranger.

[Neilk]

It sounds like you really just want to get out of the Corolla and get something bigger.

I think it would be cheaper to just suck up the deliver fees. Home Depot also rents trucks by the hour. After you factor in increased fuel costs of a truck, the couple hundred dollars you would spend on rentals might be offset by the fuel savings of the Corolla.

[rfuerst911sc]

I am leasing the Corolla and want to "buy" my next vehicle. I already have 3 vehicles ( 2 Porsches ) so I don't want to add a 4th. My gut tells me fuel economy is the number one priority as it will be a daily driver. I think something that will tow a small utility trailer when needed is the way to go. I'm stubborn when it comes to renting, I want to be self sufficient. I guess I'm old school. Thanks for the suggestions guys.

[JavaBrewer]

+1 on the HD rental truck. $20 for 90 minutes and you don't even need to put gas in it.

[Zeke]

Well, you can buy Chevys and Fords in the 1/2T models of the early 2000s for a bit under 10K to much less. Look for a city owned truck at auction if you're not needing a cherry. They at least change the oil and filters on schedule.

[Bill Douglas]

I'm a big fan of Corollas. I buy one and from that point on use it like an old truck. I stuff loads of rusting corrigated iron in the back with no concerns about the headling or the carpet and take it or anything to the dump. My work is renovating houses and I don't need anything biger than the Corolla and the recently purchased trailer. I do a lot of, just driving around, so the low fuel consumption is a major consideration for me but the main atraction of the Corolla is the reliability. I sometimes go surfing in very remote places and the Corolla has more chance of making it back without needing (expensive) help.

[Dave L]

Originally Posted by dmoolenaar

+1 on the HD rental truck. $20 for 90 minutes and you don't even need to put gas in it.

+2, this and roof racks on my Protege finished my basement. Drywall and bags of insulation came by the van but pretty much everything else including a lot of 2x4's came home on the roof of my car. (I did manage to get 2 10foot sheets of drywall on my car but I wouldnt recommend it )