I kinda new this thread would go by this car or that car. Either way the OP should now know just about any car can get after market roof rack system. So pick the car YOU like and can afford.
Maybe a better topic for the OP would be rack types. Like J-bars you need to pick the kayak up over your head but V style saddles you can slide the kayak on from behind with a roller. Thule makes one and I got this V-saddle Gull Wing with roller from local Kayak store.Page down about half way there is a video on how it works. I use this on my Honda Fit but this would work on a Kia Soul too.Or any car with rear hatch or SUV or van. http://oakorchardcanoe.com/rackaccessories.php
Pontiac Vibe is the twin of the Matrix, and several reviews say the exterior styling on the Vibe is better. A used one should cost you less than a Matrix. As far as I know it has the largest interior hauling capacity of any car in it’s class—you can fit an 8’ ladder in it with the front seat down.
The Vibe has superb reviews for utility and reliability from both professionals and consumers. There is only one small complaint—a recall on certain models for the power train control module.
Subaru has been changing their engines the last few years. However, I think the 2014 Forester has the same engine as the 2013 and the 2014 (redesigned model) has noticeable improved fuel economy.
The major changes for 2014 are electronic steering and the CVT transmission in the place of the 4spd auto used past years.
Making them lighter… I think they have been working on making Subarus lighter even though they have got a little bigger. Will see how long it takes to get direct injection engines…
Acura TSX Sportwagon Just saw one today and it looked pretty neat with factory installed “euro” rails that spanned the entire low roof. All that’s needed are a pair of 58 inch Thule or Yakima X bars, some pads, and you’re all set to transport your boats. No way does it look like a soccer mom or dad’s family wagon.
Nice little car I’ve been interested in these because they appear to have higher ground clearance than a lot of the small cars like the Honda fit and others.
Yeah, nice. But some of us can’t afford to spend $31,000+ for a wagon. It seems most of the car-based wagons nowadays are fancy, expensive models from Mercedes, BMW, Acura, Volvo, etc.
They need to bring back the Corolla wagon and similar models for us hoipoloi.
kayak transport cars/SUV’s Thanks everyone for all the helpful hints. I am researching all your suggestions. I realize I can get bars that clamp on roof if no roof racks are factory installed, but just worry a bit about their stability. I did check with Truck America and they said they would install the clamp style racks and that they were stable. I just would hate to have them come loose and loose kayak and risk causing an accident. (Happened to a friend of mine on an improperly tied down kayak) I have some homework to do!
hybrid Subaru coming soon Subaru just announced a hybrid version of the XV Crosstrek (think Outback version of Impreza wagon). It will be unveiled at the NY Auto Show. This may be my next Subaru.
Thanks That was a 2-week road trip from NYC up the coast to the tip of Cape Breton. I lost count of the number of times we found people taking pictures of the rig wherever we parked.
The Cross Trek… …seems pretty nice and gets good reviews for mileage and rough road handling. However the four door Impreza hatch can be had with roof rails and sits a little lower, which helps to keep down windage when carrying crap on the roof… not to mention getting crap on and off the roof is easier.
I may be going back to a wagon in the near future too. And as others have mentioned, people tend to think getting a wagon is retarded (oops! That was not PC:)
HEY REX… Make ya a bet they haven’t stopped making them -just importing them…! I’d give the guy the same advice for the Mazda6 SportWagon we got on 2004 -and which they quit importing in '08 or '09… Still make them, still look terrific and produce good numbers, still has that pretty low roofline and all that covered storage/stowage in the back even with the seats up…
…they just don’t import them for us paddlers here!
BTW -and you probably already know this -but there’s now an Elantra 5-door that’s the approximate equivalent to the Mazda3. Unfortunately, no native roof racks or rails like our cars, so a complete set of feet, towers, & bars is required for models like these (if they’re available from the major manufacturers) if you want to use them as haulers.
You’re dead-on about station wagons here in the good ole US of A -few and far between -and expensive: MB, BMW, Jaguar, etc. No native species, no main line makers.
So we turn to hybrids and Xovers and sedans -and such -to get out and
I’ve been looking too With similar requirements plus being able to add a trailer hitch.
I’m leaning towards the 2013 Ford Escape, it’s smaller/ lower than previous years. Mileage is 20’s city and 30’s hwy. The stripped down model starts at $19000.
Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Juke are similar but I don’t think the back seat folds flat for hauling or sleeping. CX 5 price is a little higher.
