Top 5 Best Cars For Surfers | Reviews (Volkswagen, Ford)
We all miss our earliest memories of surfing – old-school surfboards and surf wagons. Unfortunately, these days, wagons have gone uncool, old, and far-from-trendy. It also doesn’t help that while we know they’re still around, they are hard to find. Surf wagons are the best cars for surfers, but now that we’re riding our vehicles not only for surfing but for other driving errands, too, it would be nice to find a car that can accommodate both – one that can bring us to the office on weekdays and the beach on weekends. The best cars for surfers are those that can get you to the beach. We got you this list and a few other things you need to know before deciding on quite a purchase. What types of cars are good for surfers Can a surfboard fit in a small car Can I leave my surfboard in the car How fast can you drive with a surfboard on the roof What Types of Cars Are Good For Surfers? From a practical perspective, any car that can take the surfer to the beach is the best choice. But, for a surfer who seeks adventure, comfort, and style, there is so much more you’d want out of your car. The best car for surfers needs to be: Rugged and durable. It isn’t just the surfboard that will be subjected to long periods of salt air exposure, but the car, too. Can drive off-road. It should be able to let you be intrepid as you seek out uncrowded spots. Economical. It should be light on fuel as much as possible to help keep the environment safe and your bank account, too. Reliable. It shouldn’t cause you to get stranded in the middle of nowhere. Large. Big enough to rest and sleep in and accommodate your surfboards. Top 5 Best Cars for Surfers Reviewed We can only dream of living within walking distance to our favorite surf spots for most of us. Fortunately, we can go with the most practical alternative – getting a car that can serve us and our hobbies. The best cars for surfers are: Volkswagen Bus Ford Flex Subaru Crosstrek Toyota Rav4 Jeep Wrangler 1. Volkswagen Bus Height: 6’4” Width: 5’8” Length: 14’.5” Wheelbase: 7’10.5” Engine: Volkswagen E-motor Flat-4 naturally aspirated petrol engine The little outdated model of the Volkswagen bus still holds the top spot in most lists, including ours. It may not have as much power as most modern cargo vehicles, but you’ll understand why it is an ideal car for surfers just by looking at it. The Type-2 Bus or 4-panel van trims has the doors on a sliding frame for easier access inside. This bus measures 177.4 inches in length and can carry a capacity of up to 2,200 pounds. Its retro appearance may turn some off, but you’ll know how this bus is the poster child of surf cars back in the day if you are in touch with surf life roots. Finding a Volkswagen Bus nowadays can be a little challenging, though. Volkswagen has not imported these to the US since the 1970s. This means that even if you manage to find one, it could require you a few touch-ups here and there. You may also prep yourself to forgive its lack of power compared to the modern cars today. 2. Ford Flex Height: 5.6’ Width: 7.4’ Length: 16.81’ Wheelbase: 9.8’ Engine: Gas V6 Double overhead cam The Ford Flex looks like a minivan at first glance, but it is harder and more squared-off. It is more like a wagon that masquerades as a crossover. This car may not score as high as its competitors when it comes to fuel efficiency, but it makes up by having the best cargo holds. Its boxy shape and flat-folding seats allow you to keep large items, including surfboards, in the back with no issues. You may also store your boards topside with no problems. Thanks to its long roof that can easily be outfitted with roof racks. Moreover, the Ford Flex lives up to the surfer lifestyle with its large cabin area, complete with a great audio system where you can chill after a long day of surfing. Power is not a problem with its competent V6 engine. 3. Subaru Crosstrek Height: 5.3’ Width: 5.91’ Length: 14.70’ Wheelbase: 8.74’ Engine: FB20B engine 182-hp 2.5-liter flat-four The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the reasons Subaru is known as the outdoorsy car maker. It is a reliable, roomy, and solid wagon. You will have enough room for all of your surfboards and surfing gear. What’s best is, its roof rack is a standard. Fitting a board inside the car is effortless, as claimed by many surfers who have tried to do so. A no-fuss surf car, the Subaru Crosstrek is excellent in offroading, too. Moreover, this eco-conscious vehicle has comfortable seats that passengers can enjoy. A good amount of legroom to stretch out before making it to the shores comes very conveniently. Plus, it has handy hi-tech features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. Nothing beats a car that combines utility and comfort. 4. Toyota Rav4 Height: 5.58’ Width: 6.08’ Length: 15.07’ Wheelbase: 8.82’ Engine: Gas Inline 4 Double overhead cam (dohc) One of the popular compact SUVs in the market today, the Toyota Rav4 serves double duty as your city car and your surf car. Toyota’s reputation in reliability guarantees that the Rav4 won’t leave you stranded. This reliability makes this car ideal for surfers who go on road trips in far surfing spots. While it isn’t as big or spacious as most cars we’ve reviewed so far, the Rav4 makes up for it by providing a rack-ready roof. Environmentally friendly surfers will also love how economical it is, sipping just 4.8L/km and getting power from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol hybrid. The Toyota Rav4 also comes with a navigation system through its touch screen display. This function shares information about navigation as well as other details about … Read more