Surf/Beach Vehicles?

Need some input from those who own such vehicles--

What would be some of the better choices in terms of newer model, reliable vehicles....sometimes the entire family would come down for the weekend and sometimes just me.....looking for something that is big enough and yet economical at the same time--Any advice on roof racks and things of that nature would be appreciated as well......THANKS in ADVANCE for any advice or information!

Surfside Son wrote:

Need some input from those who own such vehicles--

What would be some of the better choices in terms of newer model, reliable vehicles....sometimes the entire family would come down for the weekend and sometimes just me.....looking for something that is big enough and yet economical at the same time--Any advice on roof racks and things of that nature would be appreciated as well......THANKS in ADVANCE for any advice or information!

ECONOMICAL...THATS A TUFF ONE

Suggestions regardless of economy??

I have what I consider to be a very reliable and good performing beach vehicle. It is a Toyota Landcruiser. I bought mine 14 years ago. With 18K miles on it for $ 27K At that time my friends thought I was loco for spending that much money. I have been driving it payed off for 10 Years !

It has 165,000.00 miles and still drives great ! AND looks good. I would recommend finding a 1998-1999 landcruiser for $8-$10 thousand dollars. Get one with the straight six and its not too too bad on fuel. Plus that engine is bullet proof. Spend some money on good sand tires, I have Mickey Thompson Desert Claws. I have driven it to Mansfield without getting stuck once and have burried it a couple of times. Overall it is an animal in the sand and it has to be pretty nasty to get stuck !

my .02

CB

THANKS COASTAL BEN-- I appreciate the response!

My opinion is to just buy a $1000 4x4 and use that thing....you will obviously be increasing the speed at which the thing is gonna rust if it is primarily gonna be used on the beach when not on the highway.

I have a '90 Bronco 4x4 w/ 31" tires and a 302. I have not had any issues with it, never stuck...decent mileage and I've only put maybe 500 bucks into it after paying $700 for it initially.

Just my opinion, use your road vehicle for the road and a junker beach buggy as we call ours to do your dirty work.

THANKS JSW-- The Land Cruiser suggestion from CB is probably more what I'm looking for being as my family will be coming down with me most of the time....I would love something like you suggested if I lived closer, but that is not going to happen at this time!

I spent the summer of '78 working in Rockport and got by with no problems with a VW bug. She was a '69 and I put a pair of sand blasters on the back and could go anywhere, economical to boot ...those were sum days