I like small Japanese station wagons for just about everything. Cheap to operate, take roof racks well, tons of room inside for people and gear, and can tow a small trailer. They have been out of fashion for a few years, but now they are becoming more common again. I currently have a Subaru Loyale wagon, 1993, essentially the same as Melissa's '87, just a bit newer. I haven't managed to fill it up completely, yet. My previous vehicle was a 1992 Toyota Corolla AWD wagon. I filled it once. We put 2 canoes on the roof, full of gear, food and camping equipment inside, plus 4 people, then drove from Terrace to Vancouver, where we picked up a fifth person (and gear!) and then ferried/drove to Fair Harbour. A week later, we returned to Vancouver, unloaded 2 passengers and gear, and drove back to Terrace. Fuel consumption was 24 MPG US with the boats on the roof, directional stability was IMPROVED by the boats, and despite the huge load (approx. 1100 lbs.), we had absolutely no trouble on the very rough road from Zeballos to Fair Harbour. That car has been retired now, with over 330,000 km. As you might imagine, the wheel bearings have a lot less wear than the rest of the car! Rob. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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