The best caving car?

[HardenClimber3]

Well, I really like my Subaru Forrester...(non turbo).
Bit thirsty but otherwise excellent in the winter / mud etc.
Low ratio gear box. Not too large. Handles well.
Gets me places when other 4x4 are floundering.

 

[crickleymal]

Someone else's 
I had a Berlingo van. The lifting tailgate sheltered me from the rain and it was huge inside.

 

[Duncan S]

We had a NV200 briefly. I have to say that despite plenty of neat ideas, it was horrible to drive thanks to a huge overhang on first to second gear and it felt pretty unstable. Swapped it for a VW Maxi life which is infinately better to drive, does 55+/gallon and is much roomier.

Interesting...
The more powerful engine has a 6 speed gearbox which may well sort out some of the gear shift issues.
I've got admit, the VW Caddy Maxi does look rather good (I think it's pretty much the same thing)!

 

[Rachel]

Someone else's 
I had a Berlingo van. The lifting tailgate sheltered me from the rain and it was huge inside.

I agree totally - can't beat a Berlingo. Mine is 12 years old so I don't give a damn about getting it scratched or full of mud. The back is big enough to get changed in and the ground clearance is brilliant for getting up rough tracks.

 

[skippy]

I have a Fiat Doblo.
Pig ugly and even been refered to as 'horrendous!' by people sat out the Crown in Horton.
Its certainly not horrendous when stood up in the back, stripped naked on a wind,rain,snow,sleet lashed Leck Fell while changing out of wet gear

Mega practical and relativly bomb proof!

 

[Fulk]

It's certainly not horrendous . . . .  stripped naked

Isn't it? 

 

[bograt]

I spent many years caving using a self-built Reliant Robin pick-up, not very comfortable to change or sleep in, but could carry a good bit of tackle--. Someone here may have a picture?...

 

[tamarmole]

90 inch Defender. 

Unbeatable off road, you can hose the thing out, loads of room for kit and also good as a rigging /belay point. 

Only downside is fuel consumption.

 

[bograt]

If you're going into LR; TDI5,-- unbeatable!!.

The most stolen vehicle in Britain---.

 

[ChrisJC]

90 inch Defender. 

Unbeatable off road, you can hose the thing out, loads of room for kit and also good as a rigging /belay point. 

Only downside is fuel consumption.

You just need your right arm amputated before you can close the door.

Chris.

 

[Laurie]

If you're going into LR; TDI5,-- unbeatable!!.

TRUE! I love mine. 

 

[Antwan]

90 inch Defender. 

Unbeatable off road, you can hose the thing out, loads of room for kit and also good as a rigging /belay point. 

Only downside is fuel consumption.

You just need your right arm amputated before you can close the door.

Chris.

Or take the windows out like all the 88 inchers I had the pleasure of driving whilst serving her majesty in the bleak British winters...

 

[jasonbirder]

Just in the process of buying an A6 all Road estate...reckon that's got to be nearly perfect as a caving car...
Massive boot, 4 wheel drive, raised ground clearance and bump plates to protect front & rear...
Yet pleasant enough to drive on the motorway regardless of whether I want to cave in Yorkshire, Mendip or South Wales...
Oh...and it has cup-holders which the current DCA Access officer has informed me is essential if I want him to come on any road trips with me

 

[Gollum]

Must make sure I don't get cup holders in my car then Jason  :

 

[tamarmole]

If you're going into LR; TDI5,-- unbeatable!!.

TRUE! I love mine. 

LR did not make a proper vehicle after the 300tdi.

 

[Laurie]

If you're going into LR; TDI5,-- unbeatable!!.

TRUE! I love mine. 

LR did not make a proper vehicle after the 300tdi.

I almost agree, it's the next best.

 

[A_Northerner]

Stop faffing around and get a Golf or a Quattro. You don't need all mod cons and you don't need to actually drive up to the cave entrance. What you do need is a functional car with boot space that won't be a pain to get repaired.

 

[owd git]

Who else can legitamatly claim changing whilst driving from Giants to litton?(Red Lion)
plenty of room to de-bag and dress (leaving 'stuff' to dry on t' dashboard)
and be able to hang suits(multiple)
many ropes, shiny/clinky stuff, harnesses (multiple)
a collie dog
and ya tools / bikes.



Transit :bow:  :bow:  :bow:  :bow:  :bow:
O.G.
I will have another when the universe see's fit!

 

[bograt]

Stop faffing around and get a Golf or a Quattro. You don't need all mod cons and you don't need to actually drive up to the cave entrance. What you do need is a functional car with boot space that won't be a pain to get repaired.

Surely some sort of Ford has easier accessible and cheaper spares?

Had good and bad experiences with Transits, so many models ---, did they ever make a FWD version?, I did hear rumours.

 

[PeteHall]

Had good and bad experiences with Transits, so many models ---, did they ever make a FWD version?, I did hear rumours.

I think it was an aftermarket 4x4 kit that bolts on the bottom so you end up with an extra foot of ground clearance 

I seem to remember seeing one up at Bull Pot Farm a while ago, so someone rates it for caving