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Author: Subject: Testing out a potential Baja capable SUV....Honda Element
Tioloco
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[*] posted on 9-11-2024 at 12:39 PM


What suspension lift are you looking at for it?
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Bajatripper
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[*] posted on 9-15-2024 at 12:18 PM


Surprised nobody mentioned the Subaru line as a possibility. There are tons of YouTube videos of what these little beasts can do with a mild lift, bigger tires and an ARB locker installed in the rear...very impressive and often putting full-on 4wheel drives to shame.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RafVwMjOKY




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AKgringo
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[*] posted on 9-15-2024 at 01:08 PM
Subaru....been there, done that!


In Alaska I had several of the older Subarus with the low range option and I loved them! I adjusted the suspension for as much lift as I could get, then trimmed sheet metal to clear my Mickey Thompson Baja tires, and I was the only one to make it through a mud bog near Anchorage without help.

It was a great rig on the beach and river beds that sometimes serve as roads there.

One of my part time duties was avalanche control at a ski area, and I frequently had to be there before the roads were plowed. On one extra deep, but very light snowfall, I failed to make it all the way to the lodge only because the snow flowing over the hood plugged the radiator to the point of overheating!

The Element I am driving is completely stock right now, and I would rate the performance well below that of a stock Subaru.

[Edited on 9-15-2024 by AKgringo]




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"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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surfhat
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[*] posted on 9-15-2024 at 01:08 PM


A couple of years ago when I was in the market after 25 years plus of a Volvo wagon being the best and most dependable vehicle ever, and costing me nada the whole time, I chose an AWD Volvo wagon to carry me on for whatever time left I am given.

I know I was compromised by youtube videos of places they drove these AWD wagons through that I never would consider.

There have been times when staying at the Hotel de Santa Maria in San Quintin for a couple of days like I always do, that I have been tempted to drive out on that wide sandy beach that many others use.

The last time in Feb. of 2024, there was an awd four door sedan parked above the tideline that I had to inquire as respectfully as I could, did he have any reservations about driving out there?

He did not. I still would feel doubtful if I tried to take my awd Volvo wagon out there.

I am sure a rescue would not be long in coming if I ever chose to test my awd Volvo wagon like I have watched on the many YouTube videos.

Risk these days is no longer mandatory, as much as I would like to imagine my awd wagon could drive out there on the sand and make it back to solid ground.

Peace, love, and fish tacos, and so much more, to all our Nomads.
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surfhat
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[*] posted on 9-15-2024 at 01:18 PM


AKgringo. kudos for tryin.

The weight advantages of the Subaru's has always been an advantage.

If memory serves me, the Izuzu Troopers offered a similar advantage in the soft stuff.

As the old man I have become, the awd Volvo wagon provided a comfy alternative. The Subaru's were a very close second.

Comfort won out in my case.

Peace, love of Baja, and fish tacos and so much more, is the mantra I live by and hope for all us Baja lovers.
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AKgringo
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[*] posted on 9-15-2024 at 01:23 PM


Max out your tire size, and air down. I'll see you on the beach!

Disclaimer......All of my beach toys are fully depreciated and easily replaceable.




If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!

"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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surfhat
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[*] posted on 9-15-2024 at 01:59 PM


Good disclaimer, haha That is the way to go. Risk and it all of yours.

I hope if I ever got stuck you could suggest a local rescue.

Even better would be to break some bread over some fine local eats and a liquid refreshment as you find preferable. Next time. Early March, 2025.

I have seen some larger tires on these awd wagons and assume ? haha, thats on me, that a slight lift was employed. Or not?

Driving down these days in anything but my own so comfy awd Volvo wagon would take a number of fellow Baja lovers to employ my deluxe Elkhart Indiana designed Midwest Auto Design 8 passenger Sprinter van limo back into consideration.

As easy to drive as this Sprinter van is, it is always a toss up which to drive down. The mpg's of around 20mpg's, mass or minus for both are , what they are.

Handling? Well, that is more than obvious. Still, the Sprinter's handling is the e best ever for a van, and even more for a high top that has 6' of stand up headroom inside.

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