Best Sport Climbing Car (NOT a TRAD vs Sport argument)

[Old Smelly]

Hi

Someone was mentioning how boring the Forum had become - with everything being about buying gear from people who don't exist etc.

SO...not being an accomplished TROLL like some others....I thought we could discuss the best vehicle for a Sport Climber to own.

Now lets just say that a TRAD climber needs a REAL 4x4 - like a unimog or something...

And the new generation of those who climb solely at the gym and who arrive in their LEXUS or Porsche - boulder for 20 minutes - have a Chai Latte and then head off to their condo's certainly are not part of this discussion...

BUT Sport climbers need a vehicle that can nail it along the highway, do some bumpy road with enough ground clearance and carry you home again with ease - now that requires careful vehicle selection.

So what do you guys think?

Maybe its a Range Rover - but then you have to afford it and make sure it doesn't get scratched?

Or a SUBARU Forester - the classic MCSA members choice

or maybe even an old Skadonk that you can park anywhere and you know it will still be there when you return.

What's your ideal Sport Climbers car?

[Rockray143]

For me it's a Mahindra XUV 500 does everything I need it to do, reliable not to thirsty and doesn't break the bank either. Added bonus is the 7 seats when the crew gets bigger

[stonehand]

I would have to say Honda CRV 1999 model. Can’t find a reason yet to be unhappy about mine.

[NicoVenster]

A buddy of mine has a nissan x-trail.

Sounds like it's pretty light on juice, it's good for some light off-roading (like the non-toll boven road) and has tons of packing space. I can't see how another car can beat this one...

Stonehand, Any car pre-metallic paint coat or whatever it is that helps a car not rust to shit within 2 years isn't gonna last long haha! I feel I can say that coz I'm in that category with my opel corsa. (Close to the coast I mean)

Rockray, it looks just too big to park haha!

[BAbycoat]

Something cheap and reliable.

Lower cost = less time at work = more time Climbing.

[Shadow]

I'll back the Subaru Forester choice. They are great cars on the road and will do a lot more 4x4 than anyone would expect.

[Marshall1]

Only climbing sport seems a bit outdated. Don't most people mix it up and enjoy all? boulder, sport, trad & indoors these days?

Any reliable double cab bakkie meets all requirements. You can load 5 mates trad/sport gear, pads & camping gear. And then still park on the pavement outside the gym when required.

Obviously green or brown would be the preferred color to assist with concealment/blending into the back ground while trespassing. Don't want your vehicle standing out, drawing attention.

[emile]

Well, I have been to a few climbing spots across the country and I have yet to find place I cannot get to in my 800cc Spark.

Fuel consumption is probably less than half of any of the models mentioned above and the book value is more than what I paid for it. It won't win any races but if everyone keeps to the speed limit I'll get there just about the same time as them.

An added bonus is watching people think it's an empty parking spot only to find my car is already there, I am a little sadistic that way

If I'd have to buy again I would strongly consider a Corsa bakkie / hatchback though (It's just a little nicer), but will happily have the Spark again too.

[Old Smelly]

What about Jimminy...ies?

Too slow on the open road?

[DevNyschens]

NP200, I find my car gets me through most dirt situations in Mpumalanga, plus the canopied back allows for me to store all my gear and people and dogs and cows and apes and whatever really.

Also, I chose this because it’s my car