Have Car, Will Travel

The two roadtrips that I'd been on so far convinced me that in order to see the real NZ, I needed a car. So I checked out a LOT of cars, and went to look at some. I was after a small economical car, allowing me to drive around reasonably cheaply, whilst camping - and I hoped to be able to travel with a couple of people, so needed enough room in the back for a few backpacks / tents. It seemed like a logical idea! So I looked at a few with no joy. They really were too small for me to travel with more than 1 other person... Maybe an estate car would be better??

Then I randomly saw a beautiful turquoise Mitsubishi RVR in a dealership. It was to be sold for NZ $4k, but having spoken to the sales man, I'd managed to get it for NZ $3k with a full tank of gas.

I went away and did my research on the car, grappled with my conscience over buying a 4 wheel drive with a 2 litre engine, and I'm sorry to say that the practicality side of the car won me over, leaving the sustainability arguement in the dust. I'm planning to do a ski season down south, so having something that I can put my skis in AND has 4 wheel drive for the snow seemed perfect. And if I'll be selling it on in the winter, then it should be an easy sell. It was a no-brainer, so I went back later on with a bagful of cash, signed the paperwork, and the beast was mine!

I drove him (yes, it's a he - his name will be revealed in a later post!) back to Dad's, and prepared for my travels up north.

1994 Mitsubishi RVR Sport - I love him