dval
02-08-2009, 12:08 AM
Hey everyone,
I'm in a bit of a situation to say the least. I have a 2006 Subaru Forester XT, and it's been the car of my dreams (and probably caused me to be lead footed a little too much). We are a family of 3 with a German Sheppherd, so we need the room offered by the Forester (plus the roof cargo at some times).
We're moving to Cuba this summer for an extended period of time....
3 issues;
1st- They only have leaded and diesel fuel, and we barely have any diesel vehicles in north america.
2nd- I must sell my Forester, it's too flashy for cooba (Cuba).
3rd- Their infrastructure leaves much to be desired, road/"highway" conditions are rough to say the least.
Now, having said that, I realize that removing the catalitic converter will make any unleaded vehicle "leaded compatible". A diesel vehicle would not need any modifications at all, plus the added bonus that diesel is half the price of leaded.
Now, my personal preferences would be the following:
Purchase a diesel Hilux double cab, they seem to be indestructible. The Diesel gets very impressive mileage. But they aren't available in North America.
Purchase the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and remove the cat just before leaving. (This does have the nice advantage of the rag top/freedom top/ no top for Cuba)
Purchase the FJ Cruiser and remove the cat just before leaving.
My last option would be the Grand Cherokee CRD, but at 47K, it's a little high in the price range.
I don't consider any VW TDIs (Golf, Jetta, etc.) an option for 2 reasons, they don't have the suspension required and reliability (I once owned a VW and swore I would never again).
And! -- Consider I will not be able to make any warranty repairs, they don't have service shops for them in Cuba. Second, the vehicle might have to go to another country after a couple years, making the catalitic installation necessary (and a hassel) to be installed (with customs;before/after).
Now my common sense would pick the FJ for reliability and rugged qualities. But my hankering would pick the Wrangler for the rugged qualities AND the rag top/freedom top/no top. Reliability ? (I know they have made this vehicle since WW2)
I don't want to hear the facts about the 50s Chevys or Beetles driving around, those are the grocery getters driving in the city. If you've ever taken a bus from the airport to the resort, you'll understand.
Thoughts? Please take in consideration the specifics I have provided.
I'm in a bit of a situation to say the least. I have a 2006 Subaru Forester XT, and it's been the car of my dreams (and probably caused me to be lead footed a little too much). We are a family of 3 with a German Sheppherd, so we need the room offered by the Forester (plus the roof cargo at some times).
We're moving to Cuba this summer for an extended period of time....
3 issues;
1st- They only have leaded and diesel fuel, and we barely have any diesel vehicles in north america.
2nd- I must sell my Forester, it's too flashy for cooba (Cuba).
3rd- Their infrastructure leaves much to be desired, road/"highway" conditions are rough to say the least.
Now, having said that, I realize that removing the catalitic converter will make any unleaded vehicle "leaded compatible". A diesel vehicle would not need any modifications at all, plus the added bonus that diesel is half the price of leaded.
Now, my personal preferences would be the following:
Purchase a diesel Hilux double cab, they seem to be indestructible. The Diesel gets very impressive mileage. But they aren't available in North America.
Purchase the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and remove the cat just before leaving. (This does have the nice advantage of the rag top/freedom top/ no top for Cuba)
Purchase the FJ Cruiser and remove the cat just before leaving.
My last option would be the Grand Cherokee CRD, but at 47K, it's a little high in the price range.
I don't consider any VW TDIs (Golf, Jetta, etc.) an option for 2 reasons, they don't have the suspension required and reliability (I once owned a VW and swore I would never again).
And! -- Consider I will not be able to make any warranty repairs, they don't have service shops for them in Cuba. Second, the vehicle might have to go to another country after a couple years, making the catalitic installation necessary (and a hassel) to be installed (with customs;before/after).
Now my common sense would pick the FJ for reliability and rugged qualities. But my hankering would pick the Wrangler for the rugged qualities AND the rag top/freedom top/no top. Reliability ? (I know they have made this vehicle since WW2)
I don't want to hear the facts about the 50s Chevys or Beetles driving around, those are the grocery getters driving in the city. If you've ever taken a bus from the airport to the resort, you'll understand.
Thoughts? Please take in consideration the specifics I have provided.