We stuck with our '97 stick shift Outback for 11 years and 170k miles, but we had a burned valve, an AC failure that the dealer couldn't fix in 3 tries, and clutch problems never consistently resolved. At the time I gave it away to the local public radio station, we were facing clutch replacement. I enjoyed driving the car and loved the passing power, even with the non-turbo engine. But there were just too many problems.
We've had 3 Honda Accords (90, 2000, '08) which have been very reliable for long distance canoe transport. The Hondas lack ground clearance but get good mileage. Our 2008 is an astonishing improvement in almost every way from our 2000 Accord.
I have an e150 7 passenger van I have gotten 5 canoe on the roof and a couple kayaks inside I also have a 8 canoe trailer.
When I am not carrying boats I have carried 19 people during the shuttle I figure I do 4000 mile a year driving just to go canoeing
I spend about 400/month on gas and equipment
Well.. any one of you actually owning a real baywindow, or do you just sleep in your *other* cars? I mean, of course, the bug is close enough ;D - but it can't be that only 2 of us are going paddling in oldtimers..
btw color-coordinated cars/boats seem to be the hottest sh*t here in europe - check out this double-zephyred minivan..
We stuck with our '97 stick shift Outback for 11 years and 170k miles, but we had a burned valve, an AC failure that the dealer couldn't fix in 3 tries, and clutch problems never consistently resolved. At the time I gave it away to the local public radio station, we were facing clutch replacement. I enjoyed driving the car and loved the passing power, even with the non-turbo engine. But there were just too many problems. 
