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:
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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?
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