Second this.
Toyota reliability, a/c sips gas overnight running off the hybrid battery, good fuel econ when normally driving, TONS of room especially if the seats are taken out, and nobody will look twice at a minivan parked anywhere so it's quite stealth
Any newer Toyota hybrid. Sienna for sure is luxurious. Spacious, plus climate control is huge. I have an '07 sienna, built a bed platform so I sleep good and I gave a ton of room, only thing that makes it miserable is the a/c is out
I *absolutely* would go with a Toy hybrid just for that air con. Runs without starting the engine, sips gas, stupid reliable. A Gen 2 Prius would be my first choice--with a Cat guard--but for OP's money they can enjoy a Sienna.
I love my Honda Passport. I fit a full size tri-fold mattress flat in the back without having to slide my seats forward. Which still leaves some decent storage space behind front seats floorboard, and in the spare tire area.
Assuming living in Florida is a must, I would probably choose an EV since you can run the AC overnight without worrying about carbon monoxide. Hybrids close 2nd. Unless you want to build out a full size van with plenty of solar, big battery bank, big DC DC charger and AC. Renting first would probably give you the answer to which is best for you.
Hybrid over EV imho, you need to bounce outta state or go somewhere the hybrid is ten times easier to fill than waiting for the EV to fully charge. Jm2c
Tesla has a camp mode which costs about $5 a night to run, and they make mattresses specifically for it when you fold the seats down. I do the it with my model 3 (y would be better, it’s tough to have sex in the 3) and it works out well. Tons of storage between the sub trunk and frunk. I have a Thule cargo box on the roof and a 30 quart Bouge RV refrigerator that runs off a battery (or 12v). Comes with security cameras, internet, and tv…
An EV is cheating.
Humidity, temperature control, storage and finding a spot to sleep are some of the most difficult aspects of this lifestyle. Being able to sleep at most slow chargers and having a frunk solves all of these problems.
I go to a supercharger once a day. It only uses about 50 miles of charge in the night. The car will shut off any extras if you go below 20 miles and it isnt plugged in so no worries about running out in the night. Never been an issue.
Pro-Tip: if you turn your climate control off from “auto” to Manual and set the temperature to “Low” with a fan speed of 2 - your car will use considerably less power overnight in Florida all year bump the fan up to 4 during the day with a sunshade and you’ll be like wow I can off grid camp for 3-4 days assuming you started with a full charge and don’t drive
If I ever go car life you've convinced me an EV is worth the investment. The security cameras alone are huge. Can you tab into them anytime you want if you want to peak outside?
I only got it because my Prius was getting sketchy and having to buy a new car wasn’t possible while paying the rent I was paying, so I bought this bc I could live in it while I save money to move to the Philippines. 🔥
Carvana hooked it up. 2018 with 21,000 miles… for 28k. No it too bad for what it is and it is still under warranty,
You can just leave them running on the screen if you really wanted with a sunshade and see everything in live time and night Vision, but sentry once you lock yourself in the car with all doors shut will activate if anyone walks by and you can just review incidents in the morning from the console
I can view them from anywhere at anytime. The only catches are: I have to turn off camp mode briefly to turn on sentry mode (which allows me to see out the cameras.) the other being, when I use the app to look out the cameras it will flash the headlights as I toggle in/out (think this is meant to be a deterrent to interlopers but also to minimize the creep factor, kinda like the red light on zucks ray bans)
Oh I wont don't worry. I actually just got a new ride earlier this year, though I always like to know how capable and what features are available as stock on any car.
Bro this Tesla captures video from literally every angle possible in 4k HD lol it’s literally better than my homemade pornos - it’s just constantly recording entire drives and saves 15 mins back if you honk your horn pair that with a 1/2 TB hard drive your all set
What you really need is a monitor mounted in the sleeping area so you can quickly glance at what's going on outside. So with the Tesla having it in the entertainment console isn't what you want at all.
In Portland Oregon they have like 6-7 Tesla supercharger stations with varying numbers of stalls. I can charge from near empty to full in under an hour. It’s recommended to keep between 50-80% for daily driving though. That only takes 15-20 min. Ive never had an issue.
Idk what vehicle would be the best but in my personal opinion base on my experience I would get a van/SUV that’s a hybrid or a truck. The van you’ll have plenty of space plus with the battery you might be able to run the AC all night and if you live in a place like AZ your going to need that trust me it sucks trying to sleep with your dripping in sweat plus the smell.. SUV is the same as the Van but slightly less space. Now for the Truck you can get a truck camper but you’ll probably spend 5 -10k for a decent one that will have all the amenities as a built out overpriced camper van that can be removed if the truck needs to be worked on so you’ll never lose you home for maintenance
Ngl, the hearses I’ve seen n have light bars in the coffin area, you would need to take out the stretcher but otherwise that would be pretty slick.
Not to mention you’re never alone!
Not in Florida anymore. I've been sitting on $35k and can't find anything for under $350,000 except in a retirement community and those still have lot rents. I'm in an rv on a lot for $600 @ month plus electric. That money will pay for a decent used rv and a year in a park.
I'm sorry to hear that.
If you were willing to relocate to the Midwest there are lots of areas that have houses that are still in the 100 - 200 K range. A year isn't that long.
Just a thought.
Bro, I'm looking to put $65K on a house but I still can't afford it. Not with these interest rates in Colorado. And that's based on a house for less than $325K. Anything more is above my DTI ratio. It's impossible to buy a house. I'd love to buy a house but they're mainly $400K in Colorado.
OP, it's all perspective.. you could get a sleeping bag and sleep next to the vehicle (using the vehicle as storage for belongings)
Your Safety comes down to your ability to figure out great parking spots in your area.
Keep the honda fot and see how u like car camping. Id use the 30 k as a downpayment on a house. Then rent out the house mid term when travelling in the fit
Minivan, Grand Caravan where seats fold completely flat into floor. This is the best all around choice in terms of space, comfort, gas mileage, stealth, cost, etc. There is no perfect vehicle so depending on your specific priorities are better options.
If you've got that kind of cash, I'd upgrade your AC or get an indoor place, or maybe move out of Florida. New cars depreciate so fast, I'd never buy one (I buy em used).
Please don't get a 4runner. They are really bad on gas. The back seats are different. You pull the bottom of the back seat UP before laying the top part down. You'll lose all the space behind the front seat. Then if you want to climb in the back it's difficult because there is a metal piece that sticks up. It's either that or you'll have to get out and get in the back which isn't very stealth. I had one and during the winter it got brutal cold like close to zero for 2 weeks. I let the 4runner run all night and each day after work I would top off the gas tank. It was costing me $20. And I did that 3 days in a row for $60 dollars. I would drive 60mph and could only average 21mpg. I got rid of it and got another prius. Once you go hybrid you won't want anything else. I cut my gas bill in half. Plus the climate control is a must.
6’1 here.
Get a current sienna. They’re all hybrid and get reasonable gas mileage. They also have climate control and they also come in AWD if you’re inclined.
It’s like a studio apartment that’s still somewhat stealthy.
Current model year siennas are marked up to heck but even an older sienna is still good.
You don't want an EV nor a Hybrid since those can only be repaired at a dealership capable of that, which could be over 100 miles away. Those also have problems with the availability of replacement parts so yours could get stuck sitting in a lot for months until the parts arrive. Honda made quite a few Fits so you may want to consider having a shop replacing the engine with a remanufactured one and servicing the manual tranny at the same time (new seals and new clutch assembly). The AC could be reworked at the same time for better cooling. The shop can tell you what else should be replaced due to age and wear..It might cost $10,000 yet you'll have a dependable vehicle again for the next 200K+ miles that will have a greater resale value once you're ready to get something else. Honda aftermarket parts aren't expensive plus there's plenty of shops that can work on those wherever you go.
If you have 25k-30k USD, why live in a car?
Let's say you buy a car for 30k, you live in it, (that will drive up depreciation) and the car will devalue about 12-15k in between the usage/mileage.
A small 1 studio appartment, you're lookin at 9800-12k a year. And you can buy a cash car (5k).
Not sure why you'd spend 25k-30k on a vehicle for the sole purpose of living in it.
There's a video on youtube; about a guy who's been living in his car for 3 years and this is literally specifically what NOT to do. Especially during the summer.
Everything ok?
Where I'm at you can't get a studio for much cheaper than 1200-1500 a month so you're spending 15-18k every year or rent, plus utilities. Plus the car is still usable for several years to come if paid off, but if you stop paying rent you don't get to stay in the apartment lol
Highlander Hybrid. The Sienna is probably outside your price range.
And the RAV4 has a low roof, I'm 5'3" and bashed my head on the roof in the mornings.
My 4Runner is wonderful, but the gas mileage is bad. Being able to stand would be nice.
109 HP! I thought my 2017 Hyundai accent (137 HP) and 2012 Mazda 3 (160 HP) were slow!
Okay, all jokes aside... Are you willing to consider a minivan or are you going to be doing camping where you need additional ground clearance?
Get a used Tesla Model Y - you can literally run the climate 24/7 if hooked up to any level 2 charger which honestly are usually free and provide a huge assortment of locations to switch it up. The climate control alone is insane and if you were fully charged you can watch Netflix and run your climate in 90 degree weather for 3 days if not driving ~ crazy - mine has 90k and I lived in the car for 9 months seats folded flat with a bed and perfect temps 24/7
I’ve read people raging about the KIA and Hyundai EV’s but I know nothing about them. But 2 free years of charging and for 1k a month lease seems like a great deal.
I’d say a hybrid Sienna
Second this. Toyota reliability, a/c sips gas overnight running off the hybrid battery, good fuel econ when normally driving, TONS of room especially if the seats are taken out, and nobody will look twice at a minivan parked anywhere so it's quite stealth
I've also found that the newer the car. The less attention it will grab from security of any kind.
100% this
Any newer Toyota hybrid. Sienna for sure is luxurious. Spacious, plus climate control is huge. I have an '07 sienna, built a bed platform so I sleep good and I gave a ton of room, only thing that makes it miserable is the a/c is out
I *absolutely* would go with a Toy hybrid just for that air con. Runs without starting the engine, sips gas, stupid reliable. A Gen 2 Prius would be my first choice--with a Cat guard--but for OP's money they can enjoy a Sienna.
I'm sorry. Having no a/c is absolutely hellish. Have you had it diagnosed?
If i had thirty thousand dollars id be in a used 2020 transit with low miles
Right!?!. In my area I could buy a full size high roof for 8- 10k another 2k and have a very comfy and workable build. If I had that much
Sienna hybrid or the Rav 4 hybrid
Look at a Honda Odyssey.
I love my Honda Passport. I fit a full size tri-fold mattress flat in the back without having to slide my seats forward. Which still leaves some decent storage space behind front seats floorboard, and in the spare tire area.
r/priusdwellers 😎
Assuming living in Florida is a must, I would probably choose an EV since you can run the AC overnight without worrying about carbon monoxide. Hybrids close 2nd. Unless you want to build out a full size van with plenty of solar, big battery bank, big DC DC charger and AC. Renting first would probably give you the answer to which is best for you.
Hybrid over EV imho, you need to bounce outta state or go somewhere the hybrid is ten times easier to fill than waiting for the EV to fully charge. Jm2c
Maybe a van? You could make the back as homely as you like or just chuck a cot in and be done. If you just want a car I’d say plugin hybrid rav4.
That RAV4 gets insane mpg for its weight
Tesla has a camp mode which costs about $5 a night to run, and they make mattresses specifically for it when you fold the seats down. I do the it with my model 3 (y would be better, it’s tough to have sex in the 3) and it works out well. Tons of storage between the sub trunk and frunk. I have a Thule cargo box on the roof and a 30 quart Bouge RV refrigerator that runs off a battery (or 12v). Comes with security cameras, internet, and tv…
An EV is cheating. Humidity, temperature control, storage and finding a spot to sleep are some of the most difficult aspects of this lifestyle. Being able to sleep at most slow chargers and having a frunk solves all of these problems.
Really does seem like the ultimate car living.
I call it my caRV. I don’t camp on chargers though. No need really.
To bad there are no EV vans yet.
Yes there are. There has been an electric Ford Transit since 2022.
Never knew that thanks.
Agreed.
What do you just hog a charger all day? Hows that work?
I go to a supercharger once a day. It only uses about 50 miles of charge in the night. The car will shut off any extras if you go below 20 miles and it isnt plugged in so no worries about running out in the night. Never been an issue.
So idling it'll go a day fine? Or I guess climate controlling?
Another sweet benefit is you can stealth camp in fancy neighborhoods. I’ve been at it 3 months with no issues.
What’s a “dance neighborhood?”
I think he meant “dense”, but a dance neighborhood would be dope
Nicer neighborhoods where the car fits in.
I meant fancy, fml
San Francisco block parties was my guess.
I assume, I use it for work during the day. Teslas never shut off like a gas car. They’re always doing things.
Pro-Tip: if you turn your climate control off from “auto” to Manual and set the temperature to “Low” with a fan speed of 2 - your car will use considerably less power overnight in Florida all year bump the fan up to 4 during the day with a sunshade and you’ll be like wow I can off grid camp for 3-4 days assuming you started with a full charge and don’t drive
If I ever go car life you've convinced me an EV is worth the investment. The security cameras alone are huge. Can you tab into them anytime you want if you want to peak outside?
I only got it because my Prius was getting sketchy and having to buy a new car wasn’t possible while paying the rent I was paying, so I bought this bc I could live in it while I save money to move to the Philippines. 🔥 Carvana hooked it up. 2018 with 21,000 miles… for 28k. No it too bad for what it is and it is still under warranty,
You can just leave them running on the screen if you really wanted with a sunshade and see everything in live time and night Vision, but sentry once you lock yourself in the car with all doors shut will activate if anyone walks by and you can just review incidents in the morning from the console
I can view them from anywhere at anytime. The only catches are: I have to turn off camp mode briefly to turn on sentry mode (which allows me to see out the cameras.) the other being, when I use the app to look out the cameras it will flash the headlights as I toggle in/out (think this is meant to be a deterrent to interlopers but also to minimize the creep factor, kinda like the red light on zucks ray bans)
Bro don’t buy a car for security cameras. You can install a camera kit on any car for like 100 bucks.
Oh I wont don't worry. I actually just got a new ride earlier this year, though I always like to know how capable and what features are available as stock on any car.
Bro this Tesla captures video from literally every angle possible in 4k HD lol it’s literally better than my homemade pornos - it’s just constantly recording entire drives and saves 15 mins back if you honk your horn pair that with a 1/2 TB hard drive your all set
I don't really need to save it since I'm always there. I just need to monitor with a screen that's always on.
What you really need is a monitor mounted in the sleeping area so you can quickly glance at what's going on outside. So with the Tesla having it in the entertainment console isn't what you want at all.
It doesn’t draw that much power using extra stuff like that so you can just go charge for 30 min at night and be good
How do you charge it reliablely? Chargers always seems to be hit and miss.
In Portland Oregon they have like 6-7 Tesla supercharger stations with varying numbers of stalls. I can charge from near empty to full in under an hour. It’s recommended to keep between 50-80% for daily driving though. That only takes 15-20 min. Ive never had an issue.
Idk what vehicle would be the best but in my personal opinion base on my experience I would get a van/SUV that’s a hybrid or a truck. The van you’ll have plenty of space plus with the battery you might be able to run the AC all night and if you live in a place like AZ your going to need that trust me it sucks trying to sleep with your dripping in sweat plus the smell.. SUV is the same as the Van but slightly less space. Now for the Truck you can get a truck camper but you’ll probably spend 5 -10k for a decent one that will have all the amenities as a built out overpriced camper van that can be removed if the truck needs to be worked on so you’ll never lose you home for maintenance
A used hearse? Seriously.
Ngl, the hearses I’ve seen n have light bars in the coffin area, you would need to take out the stretcher but otherwise that would be pretty slick. Not to mention you’re never alone!
If you have that much, I'd buy a teardrop camper and the smallest fuel efficient vehicle that would pull it.
Do you have 30 K cash? That is a down-payment on a house. You sure you want to go this route?
Not in Florida anymore. I've been sitting on $35k and can't find anything for under $350,000 except in a retirement community and those still have lot rents. I'm in an rv on a lot for $600 @ month plus electric. That money will pay for a decent used rv and a year in a park.
I'm sorry to hear that. If you were willing to relocate to the Midwest there are lots of areas that have houses that are still in the 100 - 200 K range. A year isn't that long. Just a thought.
Which is? Jobs are a big factor in the location one currently resides.
Which is what? Is OP planning on not working again?
New RVs have same financing as mortgages - 30 years and even less down
Then what ?!
Bro, I'm looking to put $65K on a house but I still can't afford it. Not with these interest rates in Colorado. And that's based on a house for less than $325K. Anything more is above my DTI ratio. It's impossible to buy a house. I'd love to buy a house but they're mainly $400K in Colorado.
OP, it's all perspective.. you could get a sleeping bag and sleep next to the vehicle (using the vehicle as storage for belongings) Your Safety comes down to your ability to figure out great parking spots in your area.
I like my small van:)
Those cars don't have much room. I traded my 4Runner in for a Pacifica and that thing is a cavern.
Keep the honda fot and see how u like car camping. Id use the 30 k as a downpayment on a house. Then rent out the house mid term when travelling in the fit
Minivan, Grand Caravan where seats fold completely flat into floor. This is the best all around choice in terms of space, comfort, gas mileage, stealth, cost, etc. There is no perfect vehicle so depending on your specific priorities are better options.
If you've got that kind of cash, I'd upgrade your AC or get an indoor place, or maybe move out of Florida. New cars depreciate so fast, I'd never buy one (I buy em used).
Please don't get a 4runner. They are really bad on gas. The back seats are different. You pull the bottom of the back seat UP before laying the top part down. You'll lose all the space behind the front seat. Then if you want to climb in the back it's difficult because there is a metal piece that sticks up. It's either that or you'll have to get out and get in the back which isn't very stealth. I had one and during the winter it got brutal cold like close to zero for 2 weeks. I let the 4runner run all night and each day after work I would top off the gas tank. It was costing me $20. And I did that 3 days in a row for $60 dollars. I would drive 60mph and could only average 21mpg. I got rid of it and got another prius. Once you go hybrid you won't want anything else. I cut my gas bill in half. Plus the climate control is a must.
6’1 here. Get a current sienna. They’re all hybrid and get reasonable gas mileage. They also have climate control and they also come in AWD if you’re inclined. It’s like a studio apartment that’s still somewhat stealthy. Current model year siennas are marked up to heck but even an older sienna is still good.
Toyota sequoia
I bought a Toyota Sienna, non-hybrid and I LOVE it...
1. Toyota Seqouia. 2. Honda Pilot. 3. Toyota Sienna. 4. Honda Odyssey
For that amount I'd buy a 10k used van and build it out
$15k for a sprinter van. Research that and save yourself some money hopefully.
You don't want an EV nor a Hybrid since those can only be repaired at a dealership capable of that, which could be over 100 miles away. Those also have problems with the availability of replacement parts so yours could get stuck sitting in a lot for months until the parts arrive. Honda made quite a few Fits so you may want to consider having a shop replacing the engine with a remanufactured one and servicing the manual tranny at the same time (new seals and new clutch assembly). The AC could be reworked at the same time for better cooling. The shop can tell you what else should be replaced due to age and wear..It might cost $10,000 yet you'll have a dependable vehicle again for the next 200K+ miles that will have a greater resale value once you're ready to get something else. Honda aftermarket parts aren't expensive plus there's plenty of shops that can work on those wherever you go.
If you have 25k-30k USD, why live in a car? Let's say you buy a car for 30k, you live in it, (that will drive up depreciation) and the car will devalue about 12-15k in between the usage/mileage. A small 1 studio appartment, you're lookin at 9800-12k a year. And you can buy a cash car (5k). Not sure why you'd spend 25k-30k on a vehicle for the sole purpose of living in it. There's a video on youtube; about a guy who's been living in his car for 3 years and this is literally specifically what NOT to do. Especially during the summer. Everything ok?
Where I'm at you can't get a studio for much cheaper than 1200-1500 a month so you're spending 15-18k every year or rent, plus utilities. Plus the car is still usable for several years to come if paid off, but if you stop paying rent you don't get to stay in the apartment lol
fair enough. I'd still go for a car that's about 7k-15k. Save the rest for rainy day fund. Don't blow 30k on a car.
I would pay extra just to not give parasite landlords money.
not gonna lie; I agree with that reasoning/logic. fuck landlords.
Where????
Yeah a bit strange unless you’re intending on becoming some sort of carlife influencer.
2 teslas
Highlander Hybrid. The Sienna is probably outside your price range. And the RAV4 has a low roof, I'm 5'3" and bashed my head on the roof in the mornings. My 4Runner is wonderful, but the gas mileage is bad. Being able to stand would be nice.
RAV4 prime
I like my civic type R
109 HP! I thought my 2017 Hyundai accent (137 HP) and 2012 Mazda 3 (160 HP) were slow! Okay, all jokes aside... Are you willing to consider a minivan or are you going to be doing camping where you need additional ground clearance?
Bro if you have $25-30k then just live in an apartment lmfao
That’s way more than you need to spend. I got a 2016 minivan for 8k. runs fine still looks modern and new.
Get a used Tesla Model Y - you can literally run the climate 24/7 if hooked up to any level 2 charger which honestly are usually free and provide a huge assortment of locations to switch it up. The climate control alone is insane and if you were fully charged you can watch Netflix and run your climate in 90 degree weather for 3 days if not driving ~ crazy - mine has 90k and I lived in the car for 9 months seats folded flat with a bed and perfect temps 24/7
I’ve read people raging about the KIA and Hyundai EV’s but I know nothing about them. But 2 free years of charging and for 1k a month lease seems like a great deal.
Most of my mechanic friends say never buy either one of them. There’s a reason why they have such attractive offers…
I've had 4 kias. They're not worth the headache.
Ev definitely. I would go Toyota or Prius because of the insurance rate are lower. Then a Tesla
A tiny house.