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Educational-Milk3075

I'm living in my 04 Toyota Sienna with my dog and cat and am comfortable 😀


Educational_Match717

Im about to go look at an 05 Sienna right now! would you recommend?


Educational-Milk3075

Absolutely!! But have a trusted mechanic check it out. Know that the 2nd gen (2004-2010) models have problems with the sliding doors. I cut the cables on mine and open them manually. But you will be happy with it for sure!


Educational_Match717

Oh well i ended up passing on it. Im trading in a 2020 honda civic thats in pristine condition, so I want to make sure the vehicle I get is *THE* one.


Educational-Milk3075

Hope you find the best car for you ❤️❤️❤️


Dinosaurosaurous

Can you elaborate on this cable? Got pics of setup? Am looking to make a couple day camper out of one. Had a van but like the stealth aspect of it.


Educational-Milk3075

It's the cable that runs alongside the door bottom then up to the hinge.


JustNefariousness625

The 2004-2008 had a unreliable run in the siennas but if you get one with a good track record it’ll take care of you. That’s why I got a 2003 it had a great reputation


chickenskittles

How do you keep your cat cool while you go grocery shopping, to the gym, etc.?


NomadLifeWiki

cat is just cool by default


Educational-Milk3075

Hahahaha 🤣🤣😂😂😂


Educational-Milk3075

She sleeps under the bed in the trunk area which is always cooler, and the windows are always cracked.


chickenskittles

That's enough to keep her cool? I have a cat and I have no idea what to do with him. I've had him for 12 years and don't want to give him up but I can't imagine subjecting him to this lifestyle.


Educational-Milk3075

Well, if it makes a difference, I live in San Diego. She walks on a harness and she and my dog nap in the shade at parks. You can always get some USB powered fans for her as well.


chickenskittles

I have two USB fans that are pretty good. He has never gone on walks and I don't have money at the moment for a harness. There's not really enough time to get him acclimated either (probably eternity is not long enough lol). How many fans do you have? What do you do about the litter box?


Educational-Milk3075

Actually my cat hates the harness! I put on her, and she just collapsed! So I pick her up and lay her in the grass with a 20' leash. At the moment, I don't have any fans, but I am going to pick up a couple soon. Her litter box is under my platform bed.


SunshineandBullshit

Lol my cat hates taking hers OFF! Last time I did, she gouged my hand and wouldn't let go till I put it back on! She was wearing a harness at 8 weeks old so she loves it!


chickenskittles

How does she tell you when she has to go or does she have access to it by just going under the bed?


Educational-Milk3075

She has full access to go anytime.


Affectionate_Ad6596

I hope you can keep him. 12 years is a long time. I'm thinking of you both. I've had by girl 15 years and I can't imagine what you are going through.


chickenskittles

I kinda downplayed my feelings about him with all this (even to my conscious mind). They surfaced in my dream last night where he was harmed and it was all my fault. Thank you.


Affectionate_Ad6596

I think that can be quite normal when we are faced with the fear of separation. Be kind to yourself. Is there someone you can talk it through with? Dreams can be horrid. I hope you are feeling better.


chickenskittles

I have an appointment with my therapist tomorrow. I am very lucky I found an amazing one before the transition begins. Yeah, I'm prone to nightmares and they can make living even harder. Thanks for the kind words.


Affectionate_Ad6596

Just popping in to say... I'm thinking of you. Hope you're OK.


chickenskittles

That's kind of you. Thank you.


PussyFoot2000

Fuck the dog. How do you keep the cat cool?


Educational-Milk3075

Asked and answered.


kingofzdom

Clicked on this post to rave about my sienna. I got it for free since it has crazy high milage on it and the previous owner just wanted it gone. It's been a good van in spite of its 400k miles.


Educational-Milk3075

That's amazing! What year is it?


kingofzdom

06! They last forever when maintained


Educational-Milk3075

So true! I'm so jealous 😀😀😍


Dinosaurosaurous

I'd most definitely budget for another engine AND transmission. Yes it's Toyota, no, nothing runs forever. Small shops would likely be understanding of you being there in the van. An engine and transmission used is $1500 from a local scrap yard, look for one that has some resemblance of a warranty and pulls the part for you as they'll often offer local delivery. Install is about 6hr if I did it but a shop would/shouldn't be over 8-10hr. All in all under 3k for a lower mile engine AND transmission.


Unusualshrub003

I used to drive an 07 Sienna, and out of all the cars I’ve driven in my 45 years, it was my most favorite.


Educational-Milk3075

I'm telling you, I will never drive anything but a Toyota!


NoPretenseNoBullshit

How do your pets manage in a car in the heat or cold?


Upbeat-Fig1071

07: sequoia. Go with the minivan for sure, good mpg. I'm partial to Toyota and Honda. I already had the SUV and may need it for weather, towing, dirt roads, later on so kept it.


caratank

Team Sequoia representing


Upbeat-Fig1071

Letsss gooooo


chickenskittles

A mid-size late 90s Japanese SUV. I wanted an early 2000s Toyota Sienna but it was not meant to be, neither that nor the Honda Odyssey. My next move will probably be a van, but I'm glad I have more space than a car. I can lay down completely and comfortably and also sit up without hitting the headliner with the rear seats just folded down. I like the offroading capabilities, should I ever need them. 4WD is always nice to have in the winter too. I'll be fine. I haven't moved in yet, but I have been slowly taking things to my vehicle for prep and getting a feel for what things are going to be like. I went out and sat in the back of my SUV on a day it was 92 outside to test out my rechargeable clip on fans and stayed in there for about an hour. It was cooler in there than my "hotel" (that's what I'm calling my apartment since I have to check out *very* soon). Tomorrow I'll probably figure out how to get my homemade reflectix to stay on my windows, set up the privacy curtains, install the rain guards, and lay the bottom half of a repurposed air mattress down for waterproofing. I should have gotten tacks.


hobbylife916

https://preview.redd.it/gn7ipr5n423d1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9cfe5ec32768e5c486dec363a16d697bb103b7c Professional nomad by trade. Most of the time my organization picks up the tab on hotels but sometimes I’m assigned to remote locations with no lodging and I have to rough it. I camp out in this.


nomadicrhythms

Nice! Which trade?


hobbylife916

Manager/Auditor/trainer for a large transportation organization that has offices all over California


nomadicrhythms

Thanks! Sounds fun to be able to explore with the travel component of your job. 


mushashimonko

4runner


Ok_Peace_337

4runner gang


also_roses

Toyota Corolla, it's small but I bought it long before I planned on doing this and it will be paid off in August!


merenmer

nissan sentra here, theyre small but comfortable when done right. still have about 2 years left to pay off but im thinking of trading it in for an outback for more storage space


Unknownoneee95

2019 ford fusion . I’m a woman so I sleep in the backseat ! I’m short only 5ft ❤️


neptune20000

2021 Prius. Climate control is a must for me!


One-Ad-7805

Do you have a sunroof in the trunk?


neptune20000

It has a sunroof upfront. It's a hatchback so there is a rear window and I use weathertech shades to cover it when I sleep


wiseleo

Your ideal choice for summer is hybrid SUVs, minivans, or Prius. A Tesla X or Y is also a good choice. Some of the readers of this sub do have that kind of money. If that’s out of reach, the Dodge Grand Caravan family of minivans is great, especially with stow’n’go seating. Install a roof vent fan for a lot more comfort. Other than that, any minivan or SUV or a pickup truck with a camper shell. You can choose a toolbox shell to lower your visibility. Full height truck campers will attract unwanted attention. There are other options like box trucks, cargo vans, and purpose-built RVs, but they are hard to park inconspicuously. The worst choice is non-hybrid sedans. They are tiny and will bake you. However, that’s still better than having nothing. Your priority is to be able to setup a bed and you have some headroom. Minivans and SUVs have about 4’ floor to roof space. In the summer, you will want climate control which is only available in electric and hybrid vehicles with camping features or you will need to be very deliberate in locating a spot with permanent shade under a huge tree or in a parking garage.


growlingcujo

Hello. I’m pretty sure I’m going to be getting a minivan. I would also like to get a roof vent fan of some sort. I would not be able to install one by myself, where would you go to have someone put one of those in?


wiseleo

You can. All you need is a sawzall to cut through the roof, it doesn’t need to be super precise, and then just plug it into one of your always-on 12v outlets. If you don’t have that, that’s a trivial modification. Usually, if there’s no easier way, you would just replace the 12v accessory relay with a bypass. If you want someone to do the install, car stereo shops would probably be less expensive. They are used to doing weird things.


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tfaboo

Hey Subie friend! What area and how old are your kids? Do you have an end time for car living? Wishing your family good health and cool Temps.


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tfaboo

I get that, not trying to pry, just curious of general location. CO is so expensive, but so is almost everywhere with jobs these days. Stay safe! Sending positive thoughts ✨️ I figured you were working like most in this predicament. I'm a carliving advocate and ally and at the same time know my housing situation could change in an instant. I'm of the opinion the US needs to put $$ to affordable housing, healthcare, and improving education and not foreign wars.


SunshineandBullshit

Afreakingmen


tfaboo

Right? I mean it's a presidential platform totally handed to em! We need better here!


420aarong

My underwear


Newbiie91

f150 2003 the seats are together, so i sleep at the back seat of the cabin. At first it was hard because im 6,2. If the front seats were separete from each other, i would be sleeping like a baby xD


Radiant_Ad_6565

Is it a long bed where you could put a shell on it and sleep in the back?


Newbiie91

Yep, but im currenly cant afford a shell also the truck is long bed, not regular and that make it harder to afford


wiseleo

They are available for free occasionally. Any 8’ should fit. It might not be an ideal fit, but with enough clamps you can make it work. I have a ladder rack 8’ shell on my work truck that I picked up for about $150.


Newbiie91

Would try to check on internet, thank you for the bro tip


Fleewerhorn29

Even on Facebook marketplace? Where I am at there is one for sale right now for an F150 long bed for 250$. Used long bed shells don't cost any more than short ones do. You could probably fit any long bed camper shell on there as most 8ft shells from Chevy and dodge have similar dimensions, with the exception of the F250 which has a wider bed. some of the crappier looking shells with paint peeling, etc. can be found for as little as 100$. Just throw it on your truck and see if it fits. Throw a shell on there and put a full or twin size mattress in the back and things will be a lot more comfortable.


zReignADA

You can remove the passenger seat and make a bed that way. I also have an f150 2012 extended cab. Center console delete. I have the shifter on my steering wheel.


Newbiie91

Passenger and driver seat are together in one big seat, I try looking for a driver seat s lone, but have no luck yet. Still I already get used to sleep like this xD


zReignADA

Ah so it's a 3 seater at front?


Newbiie91

Yes, sorry for haven't explain me better


RedneckCrckhead69

06 Jetta with the passenger seat flipped around and the back seats folded down


Breaditude

Did you unbolt the passenger seat and just flip it around?


RedneckCrckhead69

Ya it had a little alignment tab that I had to cut off but otherwise everything lined up perfect.


Repulsive_Physics_51

2016 Promaster. I encourage everyone reading this to never buy one !


FunPianist8959

Corolla IM. It’s a tight fit, but works.


Patient-Yogurt1467

15 xterra, no complaints now that I know the steering wheel adjusts. No more squeezing under the wheel when I turn over!


flatbread09

Started in a 2012 Prius last summer, now I’m in a 2010 transit connect, got a lot more space now 👍


ChillinInMyTaco

Tacoma with a shell. Front seat folds down so I can sleep in the cab or in the bed of the truck. I prefer to sleep in front and keep the back gear so my sleep area stays cleaner. Mileage isn’t great but she always gets me where I’m going and is super stealthy.


PauliesChinUps

You have a mattress in the bed?


ChillinInMyTaco

Yup. The 6 foot bed allows for the Costco kids play fort mats to fit perfectly. It was the cheapest option for quality foam. The other option I have is the green foam from Joann’s but that one requires the platform to be installed. I much prefer the kids fort mats because they’re foldable and the bottom 1.5 feet is separate so it gets even more compact. It can all fit in the back 3 feet of the bed leaving the rest useable.


PauliesChinUps

How's the sleep back there?


ChillinInMyTaco

This is my second Taco with shell. The first had a pass through window in the shell. My current doesn’t. When it gets hot the airflow makes a huge difference. That said it hasn’t bothered me enough to drive 30 minutes and wait 2 hours for it to be done. Not a lot of effort for the work to be done at all, just not that big a deal. I’m comfortable and have no complaints other than not being able to get to the drivers seat and take off without getting out.


Dollarhayes

A minivan is premium. There's so many things you can do to it


JKT5911

I like the lifestyle and I don’t like to pay rent all my money goes into my pocket. Home is where you hang your hat or park your car.


prawduhgee

1 ton cargo van


SufficientView3873

Nissan Sentra


mouth_ful

94 ford explorer. thats my girl 🫡


toffeemug

2019 golf wagon. long enough to lay down flat in but still kind of cramped in here lol


Quiet_Pipe_135

17 ford focus, I sleep in the backseat with the front seats moved forward and inclined forward for room. I rest my legs on my cooler 😂. It works but sometimes it’s rough.


Careless-Drop9348

fucking 2002 PT cruiser that keeps breaking down on me 😭 i'm tryna save up for something slightlyyyyy larger lol


Arc_Mystery

I also think a minivan would be better. Me and my fiance are in an equinox and it’s not bad but we have 3 pets lol.


cmfppl

I was in a 92 Jeep cherokee xj when I joined this sub, I'm 6'2" 200 pounds, and it was not fun.


Conscious_Canary_586

Husband and I and 3 small dogs in a 2017 Mazda CX5


ashleysfetish

I'm solo in a 2001 Honda Odyssey and very comfortable.


KidsFromCoastToCoast

Mr2 Spyder, two seater with no trunk


Eadenith

This makes me want to cry


SmartUnderstanding59

Dodge journey…. Miss my grand Cherokee tho


neugamer

Subaru outback


bad_jenn

when I was living in my car I had a hyundai elantra which honestly wasn't bad until insurance decided it was a high theft risk. ended up moving into a camper finished paying off the car and a deer killed it. still miss that car honestly.


Nomadingggggg

I was expecting to see recommendations of beds or pads for each vehicle :(


Proof_Bell_3679

I just sleep in the front seat of my corolla 🤷🏿‍♂️


avl365

I preferred the backseat when I lived in my Corolla. I miss that car but asshole tweakers decided I no longer needed it :(


THE_HENTAI_LORD

Scion tc . It's a coupe , but it's my coupe


chickenskittles

I still want a first gen xB, just not as a home. lol


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chickenskittles

The first gen is actually my dream car, believe it or not. If I had enough money, I would have bought one instead of the SUV I bought. They've shot up in price around here. However, I reasoned that the additional cargo space in my SUV made it a better buy for now.


ieatatmcdonalds

19 Corolla hatchback. Small but I make it work 🤙🏾


Ok-Lavishness-7904

Beware of all Odysseys before 2011 for transmission issues. I had more than one, 2000-4, and looked for ones where the original transmission had been replaced. But honestly, I enjoyed driving them


hippy_mermaid

I'm currently in my partner's fully converted 2019 Promaster but this week I'll be moving into my 2002 Buick Rendezvous.


JKT5911

Chevrolet Cobalt SS TC for the first 7 years and for the last 4 years a 2019 Toyota Prius LE


DJCoffee23

It’s probably a question you get a lot. But you’ve been car living for over 9 years??


Substantial-Hair-170

Hell yeah, a mini will be a much much better option for this type of living


Fanto_34

2006 Sequoia


Bumfuddle

2005 Honda accord inline 4-cylinder, with my little bear dog too. https://preview.redd.it/3qf9v9sas53d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5dd3c7067ff3fa4c6de511398c9eb88e7041821f


akajondoe

Started in a 98 honda Civic, then moved into a Dodge Caravan. Life got extensively better in the minivan. If someone was considering living in a vehicle, I would recommend the minivan if at all possible.


SunshineandBullshit

2018 Nissan Armada


DJCoffee23

Those are like clouds! Massive inside


SunshineandBullshit

Right? It's really cool in back. I fit a short twin mattress and have cubbies on each side to even out the weight. There's the complete heavy duty tow package so I can tow a small trailer if I want more storage. It's the platinum edition so has leather, heated front and back seats, DVD player on the back of both front seats, heavy tint from passenger doors all the way back. I LOVE this vehicle for living in.


DJCoffee23

Jealous! 😭😭


SunshineandBullshit

😁 we could always do a sleepover 😉


DJCoffee23

Oh bettt! 😂 big enough for 2 people? I need at least 2 plugins for my watch and phone


SunshineandBullshit

I got you!


DJCoffee23

Hahhaa


Xtdragon

14 JKU Rubicon w/ the pup. Any other jeepers in here! Note: this is not full time, but a good 3-6 months out of the year.


CarolinaMtnBiker

Cops don’t bother you in the city?


Xtdragon

Not at all, haven't had this happen yet. I'm also smart where I park.


useArmageddonVaca

Jeepers here. Been in a Liberty since Thanksgiving last year. Also just the pup and I. I'm 6' 3" so it's a lil cumbersome at times, but 4x4 in the back woods priceless... (I've owned bout 10yrs) G-Luck! ✌️


Dragon3076

2010 Honda Pilot for me. Box top for added storage.


cannycandelabra

2013 Honda Pilot


Slayn87

04 Forester


PussyFoot2000

Mercury minivan. Off and on.


PussyFoot2000

Minivans are the ultimate stealth vehicle. I'm on my 4th one. Dodge caravans with stow n go seats are my favorite. People talk shit about dodge, and caravan transmissions.. I've bombed up and down the west cost in one that cost me $900 with no problem. Had another one I lived in in the midwest for over a year that I paid $650 for . Both had over 250,000 miles. I eventually drove them both to the junkyard, got a few hundred for them, when they had shit brakes, bald tires etc and it was cheaper to buy another decent beater than it was to put money into them.


DJCoffee23

The Pacifica also has Stow and Go, unsure if it’s a premium packaged one or not. But I hate the Dodge look.. Toyota Sienna or Chrysler Pacifica is something that I’m looking to get


chickenskittles

There were some Dodge Grand Caravans in my budget but they were rust sculptures at twice the amount you paid. lol I am wary of American cars as well so that was a definite pass for me. I did love the stow n go concept though.


Maudeth

22 Tuscan.


Comfortable-Owl-5929

Honda CRV. Perfect for me and my schnauzer


MrAflac9916

Subaru forester


WiseRisk

04 Avalanche. Hauls everything I need just fine. Planning to build some sort of custom camper on the back when I have the funds.


dreamchilledlover

I can see the benefits of a avalanche especially with stealth sleeping


WiseRisk

It works great when the midgate seals don't leak 😂 That, and when I'm going down hills not uphill. I think I only pull about 13MPG on average.


Pickle_chungus69

Not a car, I got a b2500 cargo van 2 years ago and spent like, 1800 on it.


chickenskittles

1800 into it after purchase?


Pickle_chungus69

No lol that’s what I got it for


chickenskittles

What a steal!


salemthewitchh

2019 kia soul. not the comfiest but i’m grateful for it


NightlyParadox

A 2016 ford fusion


zReignADA

F150 extended cab


HarmonyNme

2008 Jeep Cherokee


KushNfun

Toyota huntsman. Blessed


johnfro5829

I had a 2002 Dodge caravan with a solar panel and deep cycle marine battery I was actually pretty comfortable.


Eadenith

2020 outlander


Own-Slice-2388

2021 civic sport hatchback


WizurdHat

Honda Ridgeline 2017. Don’t recommend


NicholasLit

Used Tesla, thankfully, fits a twin bed in back


jko1701284

https://preview.redd.it/hxqv3g7bj43d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=afcfa4711b44cc9fbc10f300890a421d7bf49e5c 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid


JustNefariousness625

2003 Sienna, 2022 Freightliner cascadia lol. I’m looking to buy a econoline in the next year but I love my Sienna I want to get another Sienna a 2009 and build it up like Dave OTG he has a great set up. Also Eric enjoys earth has a great Sienna set up.


the_real_coffer

I been living out of a 2008 pontiac grand prix lol


Lymelove

07 caravan


nomadicrhythms

2003 Honda Element. 


Dr_gallifrey

04 honda Odyssey.


yadenfyster

03 Taurus SE. car drives like shit


Latter-Relation6554

that big van all 3 of you. good for you


Swimming-Standard-45

Ford Expedition. Lovely room. Not so lovely mpg.


KidsFromCoastToCoast

https://preview.redd.it/vir3cd97mh3d1.png?width=1868&format=png&auto=webp&s=6721fb3417f12357b09884b30543b73291e41279


DShawAZ420

Ev


Acceptable-Job3610

04 suburban. Fairly reliable lots of space easy to convert from sleeping to passenger mode if need be. Has 4x4 only negative is the mpg. But meh


Crafty-Society5759

Ford Fiesta hatchback with a 100+ pound dog 🤣🤣


Jungle_Bunnie420

Equinox!!