Small / economy car deathwatch: we've passed "peak econobox" again

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by Ecky

Just my humble opinion, but I'd lean more toward the Suzuki in terms of reliability and build quality, and they're half the price even brand new. I can't say whether they match the Jeep's offroad chops, but the Suzuki does offer a 5 speed manual with a low range, and has a tow rating.

I second the opinion.

[redpoint5]

I third any opinion that Brand X is better than Jeep, except maybe Landrover.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by Ecky

Just my humble opinion, but I'd lean more toward the Suzuki in terms of reliability and build quality, and they're half the price even brand new. I can't say whether they match the Jeep's offroad chops, but the Suzuki does offer a 5 speed manual with a low range, and has a tow rating.

I would love to buy a Jimny but Suzuki hasn't sold one in the USA for 30 years. We only got the 2nd gen. Suzuki pulled out of the US market completely in 2012 so all Suzuki vehicles are orphans with no official parts support. A 4th gen Jimny won't be legal to import to the USA until 2043

A 2nd gen Vitara / Tracker is an interesting option. Still BoF 4x4 with low range but they made some stupid decisions like going from simple locking hubs for 4WD to a vacuum activated front axle with its own little electric pump that has a history of failing. Also has the option of a steel hardtop instead of a being convertible only like a Jeep. Since it is a joint venture with GM parts are still readily available.

However neither has the parts support of a Wrangler in the USA.

If we are looking at something that old the Ford Ranger / GM S-10 has to be in contention as millions were made. A 2000 Ranger 4x4 regular cab 5 speed would be hard to beat for basic transport + offroad adventures.

At least those are my thoughts. I'm investigating vehicle I can flat tow behind the ambulance for adventures down dirt roads where I don't want to take a 24 foot vehicle that is the legal maximum width. Of the above the Jeep Wrangler is the most popular.

[redpoint5]

I'd go electric so I don't have to mess with gas cans and have less maintenance required.

[JSH]

This vehicle would be in addition to my MP3. There is zero chance I get my wife on the back of a dirt bike bouncing down a dirt road or two-track. We just did a week in Arizona on a rented Harley Pan Am and we both found the ergonomics pretty bad. A GS could work but it is a lot of bike offroad and $$$$

I have thought of taking the Bolt but it can't be flat towed. On the plus side though it would increase our battery size by 6x and we could power the ambo for days and days.

I could tow a trailer with the bike and the Bolt but that is a bit much to drag around everywhere. You also can't just drop a trailer in a parking lot like you can a car. On other hand I can flat tow a truck with the bike in the bed.

[freebeard]

Maybe something built for the purpose?

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a0/a5...9ddcfe2eca.jpg

Conceptcarz.com
1967 Meyers Towed - conceptcarz.com
The Meyers Tow'd was originally produced for off-road use only. It was an effort to diversify and expand the B. F. Meyers & Co. product base. The original Tow'd, aptly named as it was to be towed (get it?), had no hood or fenders. People thought it was so cute that they demanded it also become street-legal.

[JSH]

Back to the primary topic. Fiat just announced a new econobox for the US market - the 2027 Fiat Topolino. It is a 2 seat EV with a 28 mph top speed and a 46 mile range. Should be priced in the low teens.

I suspect it will get the top speed cut to 25 mph and be sold as a NEV. Could be the hot thing in beach towns and retirement communities that are overrun with street legal golf carts

[redpoint5]

Urkel pre-ordered one. It's the only pre-order.

[Piotrsko]

God, those things were common in Rome, two to a parking space. wonder who paid the meter?

[JSH]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Urkel pre-ordered one. It's the only pre-order.

You are greatly underestimating the golf car market and what people are spending on tricked out golf cars to drive around their gated retirement communities