The best survival vehicle

[Geronimo!]

Having spent many-a-night in my PT Cruiser, I've come to appreciate the value of having a car to live in. It's pretty safe to say that in a survival situation, the best asset to have is a running car. It shelters you from wind, produces heat, and holds more cargo. It lets you get in touch with others via radio, travel long distances, and can even give you exact global positioning. Wherever you are, either deep in the bush or in a zombified urban territory, a car can save your life. Makes you regret buying your geo metro doesn't it?

That said, unless you've got the money to shell out for something like this:
http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2008/02/Sisu_Military_Vehicle.jpg

you need to research different cars and how they would suit your needs in a survival situation. It should be practical, economical, reasonably-priced, and a sturdy vehicle. So screw the hybrid, I'm counting down the top five survival vehicles that will get your a$$ out alive.


5. 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.drivearabia.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/p1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.drivearabia.com/news/2008/12/22/2010-toyota-prado-rendering-hints-at-future/&usg=__0Ha2mjp_iA3DTZmK53sJULzibUw=&h=286&w=450&sz=33&hl=en&start=7&sig2=goDqQSahYRe-fYPVWQV4eQ&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=YJJObdX38WcLbM:&tbnh=81&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtoyota%2Bland%2Bcruiser%2B2010%26um%3 D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=d3mQS_bZMp3WNJ-qmOwM

I'm an American Car guy. However, something needs to be said about the Toyota Land Crusier and its place in american culture, regardless of Toyota's desire for their vehicles to accelerate uncontrollably. You can still see vintage 1970's Land Cruiser roaming the streets today which speaks to their superior engineering. The updated Land Cruiser is a survivalist's dream, priced however, well above a survivalist's salary. Starting 65k the only way the Land Cruiser will end up in your garage is at the cost of your child's college tuition. The plus? The Land Cruiser comes loaded with perks the others can't match.
- Halogen Bulbs
- Tow Hooks (incredibly handy)
- Privacy glass (for hiding your cargo)

It is also the first of two cars on the list to have a V8. The Land Cruiser weighs in at 381 HP and 13/18 mpg, "Take that Hybrids!"

Best of all the Land Cruiser comes with an optional DVD entertainment system so you can make sure every survival action is Bear Gryllis approved.


4. Jeep Grand Cherokee

http://www.bigcherokee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/2010-jeep-cherokee-red.jpg
The Jeep Grand Cherokee will not only help you survive, but will get you laid in the process. It's as luxurious as it is spacious, both conducive to impressing ladies. It's back seat is big enough to put a mattress in, as well as hold other belongings.
It's a V8 so it doesn't get great mileage (21 as a generous estimate,) but it can tow with the best of them WITH THE HEMI YOU GET WHEN YOU BUY THE CAR! This the main reason I chose the Cherokee as a top 5. A HEMI will mean more power and more heat which will keep you alive longer. Hands Down.

3. Pontiac Aztek
http://www.auto123.com/ArtImages/91054/2001-Pontiac-Aztek-i004.jpg

In 2001, Pontiac introduced a car which was arguably the ugliest car design created that was the Aztek. Aestetics aside, the large trunk is extremely conducive to long-term stays. A certified "aztek" tent can be attached (see picture) so you're not stuck sleeping on a hard car floor.

However, if you're on the move, the engine will get you where you need to go. It's equipped with a 3.4 liter v6, 185 hp with 210 lbs torque. It's no hemi, but it'll tow your mother-in-law in pinch.

The best part (thanks to its ugliness) if you're looking for a well-priced survival vehicle, you can pick up a used Aztek for cheap. A 2005 will run you between 2500 and 9000 depending on the condition. This makes it the lowest costing car on my list.

2. Subaru Outback

http://aaholzer.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/05subaruoutback5002.jpg

When you think of Australia what do you think of? If you said kangaroos, you're right. The outback is basically a vehicle version of a kangaroo. It's got plenty of living space With 170HP. You won't win any rally races, but you will get 27 mpg, which in a survival situation, could mean the difference between dying of thirst and having fresh drinking water.

Subaru's are also known for their superior suspension systems. So put your foot to the pedal and start rolling over logs, creeks, and dead bodies, it's all good.

While the outback doesn't the height of some other survival cars, so it's not for the claustrophobic, but it's by no means a piece of $hit Geo Metro like the one you're driving now.

1. Ford Ranger W/ cap
http://www.arrowtruckcaps.com/canopies/mk3-ford/mk3-ford-ranger.JPG

The Ford Ranger is the only pickup truck on my list. Pickups are only good for surviving in if you're in a warm, windless, rainless, and bugless terrain which is nonexistent. The Ranger is the exception. With a cap, this car will take you where you need to go cheaply, will carry everything you need, and costs much less than most other pickups on the road. While the Ranger isn't the most powerful or biggest pickup, it is a very reasonably priced vehicle that can be modified with a cap. With the option of a V4 and V6, the Ranger will get you up to 27 mpg with the V4. Not only does it have the mpgs, but you've got 37.4 cu. ft. of space in the back to haul your $hit! Best of all it starts off at around 17k, making it one of the most affordable pickups around.



So that's my top five survival cars. Thoughts? Opinions?

[doug1980]

Well if I had to choose an SUV for survival I would pick a K-5 Chevy Blazer with a 6" lift, all terrain tires, winch, brush guard etc. Ideally I would like to have this...
http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo3/speedracer1565/earthroamer21.jpg

But I already have the Jeep Cherokee so that will have to do. Actually on our way up here to Alaska we slept in the back for 2 nights. It really wasn't all that bad.

[Alaskan Survivalist]

Where I'm going I need something amphibious.
http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_0323.jpg

They articulate to keep all the wheels on the ground all the time and don't have any differentials so the all the wheels turn all the time. One has propelor and the other I use a honda outboard to make better time in the water.

http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/IMG_0327.jpg

[Rick]

Geronimo - I guess this thread will be a bit like the "Best Survival Knife" thread. Everyone will have their opinion. I think you have some good choices listed. I think there are some I'd replace. However, don't discount the military vehicles like the Patria you have listed. You can pick up military surplus vehicles fairly cheap. Dueces, Unimogs, Pinzgauer or Steyr Puchs can all be picked up in the $4,000 to $12,000 or so range depending on condition. You can pick up M35s and Unimog, completely rebuilt, for less than $12,000 all day long.

The Ford F150/250/350 with SuperCab or SuperCrew Cab would be one I'd include in my list. Add a cap or camper on the back and you have a go anywhere (almost) vehicle with lot's of comfort, good reliability and a good bit of people and gear carrying capacity.

On the smaller side, the little RAV4 seems to get high marks as well.

AS - What are those and where did you get them? They are just, well, cute.

[Pal334]

I mentioned this "Bobbed Duece" in a thread some time ago. Plans are now on hold due to my "egg, bread and milk debacle" :( (she holds a grudge).Big advantages, will run on almost anything combustable, is an almost "bullet proof" design mechanicaly. The bobbed version is typically available from 7 to 12k road ready!!!! And of course the unaltered one would be good also and it is available in the 3-5k Range. Of course, you can pay more or less depending on who you are dealing with.

[Rick]

You spend 30 years providing, defending, teaching, nurturing, loving, befriending and all it takes is one little tiny milk, egg and bread debacle to screw it all up.

[Pal334]

You spend 30 years providing, defending, teaching, nurturing, loving, befriending and all it takes is one little tiny milk, egg and bread debacle to screw it all up.

Mmm,, I am used to it, you should have heard what happened when I passed gass in church!!!!!!! THat was an ugly couple months. Sometimes I think that the ladies are the keepers of the zoo and we the guys are the inmates.

[Sarge47]

http://news.cnet.com/i/bto/20080630/RV_540x320.jpg


Or:

http://www.rv-loans.name/filefolder/Image/alaska-rv-rentals%281%29.jpg

:sneaky2:

[Rick]

Oh my God!!! Now that is funny. Who on earth would name a motor coach Terra Wind?

"Hey! Did you just Terra Wind?"
"I sure did."
"Well, I'm pretty upset about it."
"Jealous?"
"Yeah. That's a nice lookin' motor home."

[crashdive123]

Mmm,, I am used to it, you should have heard what happened when I passed gass in church!!!!!!! THat was an ugly couple months. Sometimes I think that the ladies are the keepers of the zoo and we the guys are the inmates.

Kind of gives new meaning to hang time.

[Rick]

If you fart in church you have to sit in your own pew. (I couldn't pass that up).

[Justin Case]

Now Thats what I;m Talkin about Sarge !

[Justin Case]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9owLXGI5lWs

[Geronimo!]

Rick -

Thanks for the info on military vehicles being so cheap. I wrote that mostly out of ignorance, but now I know.

My hope was that somebody looking to buy a new car who planned to live out of it or just wanted something he knew had the capacity to live out of comfortably would come to this site and maybe get some ideas on the kind of daily drivers might suit him. Something small enough you could drive to work and be discreet about the fact that you live in it, but also big enough to fit all of your cargo and still be comfortable in. I wasn't clear on that. My Apologies.

Don't get me wrong. a unimog would be kick ***, but taking that to work could get a little awkward.

Co-Worker "Hey, I think we're being raided by the U.S. Marines."
Owner "Nah, that's my Unimog, I'm thinking of putting rims on it."
Co-Worker "Nice?"

Sarge -
An RV would be sweet. I would always see those at Spring Lake and get jealous. Although, I'd have to paint a guitar on the side so people would think I was a rock star.

AS - Are those military? They look like miniature versions of:

http://www.tourcart.net/tourmate/img/tours/4268-1.jpg

[Winnie]

I can't drive, and the most reliable peice of transport I can think of are my own two feet.:)

[Justin Case]

Look At this thing ,,

http://www.wimp.com/chainlinkextreme/

[Rick]

My son has a Subaru Outback. It seems like a really nice vehicle. I've driven it a time or two. It rides nice and handles well and the 4 wheel drive is a nice bonus.

[oldsoldier]

As for me I LOVE my 1992 XJ. Other than a few more mods to it like a winch bumper, external spare tire carrier and a snorkel ( all of which are eventual additions) It's pretty well ready to go. The only real dislike is it's electronics ( engine wise) so in the event of an EMP...........

[Rick]

I found the little buggers.

http://www.drmaz.com/Amphibious%20Vehicles/Croco/tag_croco_amphibious_vehicle.htm

Very similar to the .... are you ready for this? .... Coot.

http://www.cootworld.com/geninfo/whatis.html

[Alaskan Survivalist]

I found the little buggers.

http://www.drmaz.com/Amphibious%20Vehicles/Croco/tag_croco_amphibious_vehicle.htm

Very similar to the .... are you ready for this? .... Coot.

http://www.cootworld.com/geninfo/whatis.html


You got it! They are Coots. The green one has a serial number of 275 meaning it was one of the first produced in 1964. Thats a long to last in Alaska. They are simple tough rigs that will out live me.

[Sourdough]

SKI-DOO "Super Wide Track"

[Rick]

Well that's great for the months of winter but what will you do in the two weeks of summer?

[Alaskan Survivalist]

SKI-DOO "Super Wide Track"

I have an old beat to hell Skidoo "TNT". My nephew races an Arctic cat and let me ride it once. Man these machines have come a long ways!

[Sourdough]

Well that's great for the months of winter but what will you do in the two weeks of summer?


A fan cooled snow machine works fine in the summer on dirt, swamp, even crosses lakes (just Do NOT slow down).

[Camp10]

My favorite was my 91 suburban 4x4. That thing would bring me (and anything I wanted to take) anyplace I felt like going. It had a 42 gallon tank (if I remember right) and had a very good range because of that.

[hunter63]

This is my latest.........But I still would like to get an older Ambulance.



http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/hunter63/PICT0675crop.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/hunter63/PICT0678crop.jpg

[Rick]

An ambulance? Seriously? I've actually looked at those, too. I thought they would make a great vehicle. Try this site.

http://www.ambulancetrader.com/

[Justin Case]

A Motor home, for obvious reasons.

[hunter63]

An ambulance? Seriously? I've actually looked at those, too. I thought they would make a great vehicle. Try this site.

http://www.ambulancetrader.com/

Yeah, think about it, Heavy duty everything, plenty of power, plenty of storage for "stuff", and who in the heck is gonna stop an ambulance.
Perfect for a G.O.O.D Vehicle.

Like this one........


http://www.ambulancetrader.com/cgi/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?db=type2&website=&language=&session_key=&search_and_display_db_button=on&results_format=long&db_id=710&query=retrieval

[Rick]

Exactly my thinking. Keep a dust mask in the front end and if anyone does stop you just roll down the window and yell, "Get back!!! They have plague!!!"

I'll be the only ambulance going the opposite direction.

[hunter63]

Exactly my thinking. Keep a dust mask in the front end and if anyone does stop you just roll down the window and yell, "Get back!!! They have plague!!!"

I'll be the only ambulance going the opposite direction.

LOL, You got it, think the one pictured was like $5500.

[Ole WV Coot]

Gotta go with my Jeep Unlimited hard top with the Rincon in the trailer and all the off road goodies.

[oldsoldier]

[QUOTE=hunter63;201548]This is my latest.........But I still would like to get an older Ambulance.



Hunter have you thought about a humvee ambulance? I have a buddy in Texas sells govt. surplus vehicles can get one for around $5-6k.

[hunter63]

[QUOTE=hunter63;201548]This is my latest.........But I still would like to get an older Ambulance.



Hunter have you thought about a Humvee ambulance? I have a buddy in Texas sells govt. surplus vehicles can get one for around $5-6k.

Actually had thought of one, I worked with a guy that buys rebuilds and sell all sorts of military stuff.
He has Deuce and 1/2's jeeps, truck of all sorts, buses.
He gets pretty good money for his stuff, of course they are pretty much all fixed up.
You might find one in the $5-10K range, but I not sure if they would be worth the money, depending on condition, and the gyrations you have to go thru for parts.
Most parts are headed out of the country right now, as "priority items", at least according to him, makes sense.

I guess I would want to keep more of a civilian profile, most people would not think twice about a regular ambulance, other than wonder who the poor sap is in side, any military presence might raise questions.

sjj, bought it new, last spring, a left over 2008, that was before the gov programs, and the were practically giving them away, discounting them by 50%, couldn't afford not to buy it.
Was a good time to buy if you could........nobody else was.

[ibosserman]

I actually used to work in a factory here in IL that got the rights to build the coot 2. we shipped a butt ton of the to Africa for a village. That way they could plant there crops and do all the farm work. I have drove them off road and got to work on a few of them. it is a sweet machine. oh it also just runs off of a 15 hp honda motor. all hydrostat.

[Wise Old Owl]

An ambulance? Seriously? I've actually looked at those, too. I thought they would make a great vehicle. Try this site.

http://www.ambulancetrader.com/

Yes they are great vehicles until you actually need a motor part, this was featured by a green group on Discovery channel and then they found out parts were really jacked up 4x.

[mcgyver]

If I may cast my vote, my choice would be what I drive right now.
She gets 22 mpg, axles are locked, and the back area sleeps two pretty comfy with the rear seat folded down.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s131/swissarmyjeep_photos/2909001320057312559VKbBwI_fs.jpg

My Wife and I have driven places I'm not sure I would have walked through, and carried enough gear for extended camping.

Oh yeah, You can get replacement parts in darn near any junkyard.

[hunter63]

If I may cast my vote, my choice would be what I drive right now.
She gets 22 mpg, axles are locked, and the back area sleeps two pretty comfy with the rear seat folded down.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s131/swissarmyjeep_photos/2909001320057312559VKbBwI_fs.jpg

My Wife and I have driven places I'm not sure I would have walked through, and carried enough gear for extended camping.

Oh yeah, You can get replacement parts in darn near any junkyard.

Good choice, and yeah, I know its a Jeep thing, but it way too clean, LOL

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/hunter63/PICT0659.jpg


Lots of Jeeps around here, as well, as the town is a Chrysler factory town.

[2dumb2kwit]

Until work picks up, I'll be limiting myself to smaller spending on toys.
I have a fairly new 3/4 ton diesel 4x4 pick-up.
I want an older jeep, to play with....and maybe a 4-wheeler.

For now, I'm actually thinking in the other direction. I've been thinking about a bike. I can ride it to get my sorry butt back in shape...and I can ride it on the trails in the Dismal swamp. In the swamp, you can't drive a truck, or 4-wheeler....it's either hike, or ride a bike. On a bike, I could go a lot further into the swamp.

I thought about some racks on a bike,to carry gear, and I could use it on WMA land in Va. They allow camping there, but it's hike or bike..so a bike would get me further in.(As in..away from other people.)

[Batch]

I've ridden all three in the swamp. My choice would be the quad.

Why do you think the bike would be better? Maybe, because you could get off and walk it?

Quads float and can be ridden across water. Can tote more gear than a bike.

http://www.triangleatv.com/Videos/GoinDeep-005.wmv

I didn't see the part about WMA before I posted this

[mcgyver]

Good choice, and yeah, I know its a Jeep thing, but it way too clean, LOL

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y139/hunter63/PICT0659.jpg


Lots of Jeeps around here, as well, as the town is a Chrysler factory town.

I'm just not sure I could drive that to the office. I'll bet it's expensive to feed whatever is under that hood too.

I'm with ya on the Bike idea 2D.
I've been pricing out bike racks for our bikes, and may have to fabricate one of my own.
We strap them on the back of the Jeep, Tie our kayaks on top, and we are loaded for just about any terrain.

[2dumb2kwit]

I've ridden all three in the swamp. My choice would be the quad.

Why do you think the bike would be better? Maybe, because you could get off and walk it?

Quads float and can be ridden across water. Can tote more gear than a bike.

http://www.triangleatv.com/Videos/GoinDeep-005.wmv

I didn't see the part about WMA before I posted this

The WMA and the wildlife preserve don't allow anything but hiking or biking.

Also...what I didn't mention, is that both have dirt/sand roads that are covered with grass. (Maintained and mowed)

[hunter63]

Yeah it's funny they don't allow quads on state land, and county land in a lot of places in Wisconsin, but the do allow 4 wheel drive trucks?

Of course if the was a SHTF I dought that the local who ever's would spend a lot of time chasing you down.

[Batch]

Yeah, down here they keep you out with locked guard rails. You have ramps to get your quad in the back of your truck. You strap em to the rail and give her gas. LOL

Some places where glades lawmen have no business you might find rocks being piled up on either side of these barricades. :innocent:

[lucznik]

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s131/swissarmyjeep_photos/2909001320057312559VKbBwI_fs.jpg

My Wife and I have driven places I'm not sure I would have walked through, and carried enough gear for extended camping.

Oh yeah, You can get replacement parts in darn near any junkyard.

I had a Cherokee once and I really liked it. It is, however, too small for me now. My Xterra (which is somewhat larger) just barely manages to fit me and my family.

I'm afraid only a full-sized pickup is going to be able to suffice pretty soon. Right now I'm looking at perhaps a Chevy 1500 Silverado. Or maybe a Nissan Titan, I've had good luck with Nissan in the past...

[Alaskan Survivalist]

I like my rigs to float. This was one of my favorite rides and weighed 1/3 what a stock VW weighed. It did not sink in mud that would bury my jeep. 14 inches was cut out of the middle making it manueverable enough to drive down narrow 4 wheeler trails. Street legal, amphibious and power to weight ratio made it fast. Might make a good rig for some of you. Not great in deep snow because it would sit on pan and wheels would not grip but better than any 4 wheel drive I ever had otherwise.

http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/scan0001.jpg

[mcgyver]

I like my rigs to float. This was one of my favorite rides and weighed 1/3 what a stock VW weighed. It did not sink in mud that would bury my jeep. 14 inches was cut out of the middle making it manueverable enough to drive down narrow 4 wheeler trails. Street legal, amphibious and power to weight ratio made it fast. Might make a good rig for some of you. Not great in deep snow because it would sit on pan and wheels would not grip but better than any 4 wheel drive I ever had otherwise.

http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg346/akmofo/scan0001.jpg

I have always liked those! I've seen those little speed buggys do some very impressive things.
Just not what I would picture in Alaska though. (Probably because I've never had the joy of being there):innocent:

[KimmyHead]

will go farther then any vehicle made

[crashdive123]

will go farther then any vehicle made

On top of that, has a pretty high coolness factor.

[Alaskan Survivalist]

They are a ton of fun too. The Knik river can get dozens of people riding around some weekends and it is common for several trucks to stop at river crossings waiting to somebody cross to see how deep it is. The bottom changses all the time. I used to look for deep spots and wait for the trucks to line up and then cross the deepest part. I loved watching them die as thier hoods sank in the river. Killer fun but for survival to leave the crowd behind you have to be able to get past obsticals they can't. My BOV will be taking way past that and when it can't go any further I pull out my climbing gear and keep going. The BOV will be my base camp.