Cross Country Vehicle Recommendations

[pandus13]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Something like an early 2000s MINI-van, nerdiest thing going like a Silhouette (GM U-body), dodge or ford version. Saturn LW200 wagon, volvo wagon. The 25 MPG will help vs the 15 of an old plumbing van and as said, less chance for it being beat on.

A wagon will catch less wind and hold the road better, too. And be less conspicuous in the walmart lot.

'99-2004, 2005-2007 ford focus wagon?

 

[Huie83]

Couldn't they rent a small RV/camper van for the price of buying a van and fixing it up to be road trip worthy? Then you don't have to deal with selling it when they get back or maintenance issues that would come up on the trip.

 

[SatinSilver]

Looks like $3500 for a one month rental on a standard sized RV with 2800 miles. I'd go that route.

RV RENTAL

 

[Nick1994]

A tent trailer is well within the towing capacity of an Escape. The small ones are like 800 pounds and the really big ones are maybe 2,000 pounds.

Newer vehicle means it'll be reliable, probably no breakdowns and it'll get better gas mileage.

I don't know what you're talking about with IRS wear and tear?

2013 Ford Escape Towing Capacity
1,500 - 2.5L I-4 FWD
2,000 - 1.6L EcoBoost FWD/4WD
2,000 - 2.0L EcoBoost FWD/4WD
3,500 - 2.0L EcoBoost FWD/4WD with Class II Trailer Tow Package

 

[wheelman1991]

I would just drive the escape the way it is. Maybe buy a cheap tent or two(or just sleep in the car) if doable, motel when not. Any money spent on a craigslist "beater" could easily be spent on gas/oil&fluids/food/temporary lodging/whatever. Most truck stops like Pilot,loves and TA have showers (some rest stops might also?)

 

[Tahoe4Life]

Originally Posted By: wheelman1991
I would just drive the escape the way it is. Maybe buy a cheap tent or two(or just sleep in the car) if doable, motel when not. Any money spent on a craigslist "beater" could easily be spent on gas/oil&fluids/food/temporary lodging/whatever. Most truck stops like Pilot,loves and TA have showers (some rest stops might also?)


I agree 100% with this.

 

[IndyIan]

On our cross country adventures we just took what we had(Civic coupe, Sentra sedan, Escort GT hatchback) and tented it, or motel if the weather was nasty or if we felt like it. In the Escort hatchback we could keep our bikes inside which I prefer over roof racks.
Handiest is something like a Vanagon, where you can sleep in it with minimal setup, but they are stupid money at the moment. Renting a full size cargo van or minivan wouldn't be a bad idea either.
I'd just get a good tent and take the Escape though, and be able to do some mild off roading to get into some wilderness. But that depends on their level of responsibility and experience too... At 18 it was probably was best I just had fwd cars and didn't get too far off the beaten path.