KenF ...Scout Magic Mix

[alice@domain.elided]

	Ken and others,
You mention the greatest (IMHO) attribute of the Scout (2 in my 
case) ...they have the magic mix of power, ruggedness and size.  

Jeeps may have as much power but seem to never have enough room 
for me.  A lot of people love them ...but I find the Scout2's full 
width body gives me just enough space to haul a decent firewood load, 
carry a dinghy boom (diagonally), sleep in the back (diagonally), 
fully recline a set of Volvo seats (great for sleeping or star 
gazing), etc.... yet the overall width is "just the right size to 
squeeze in some amazingly tight spaces ...tighter if you don't care 
about scratches. I used to own a Traveler and while the extra space 
is nice, for two people (mostly), it was more than I cared to drive 
around all the time.  

Don't get me wrong ...I actually prefer to look of an old series Land 
Rover over my Scout2 ...but again, they (at 88 inch WB) really do not 
have any more room than a Jeep and are more costly than my Scout2.  
While volumes have been writen on Land Rover ruggedness, when I 
directly compare them with the Scout2 ...well, yes the LR has greater 
axle articulation (but, for me, I would much rather have the bit more 
room, more power to tow a modest trailer, ability to cruise at decent 
highway clip without strain (70mph) and get parts most everywhere
(at least the parts necessary to get me back on the road)   

This has been on my mind a lot lately ...a number of tempting Land 
Rovers have recently crossed my bow ...always too much $$$.  

Always interested on your take on this topic ...Mark