The Perfect ZA Vehicle: Does It Exist?

 Guest Post by Firestarter

Durable and powerful. Fast or fuel-efficient. Heavy-duty or spacious. A
mobile living space, or a quick getaway. What is the “perfect” vehicle when the Zombie Apocalypse
undoubtedly arrives? There are many opinions that support a wide variety of vehicles, including military and new-age machines. Perhaps the perfect vehicle is situational, dependent on location, party size, zombie plans, or just what kind of zombie breakout occurs. But putting all these situations aside, is it possible to find, or even hypothetically create, the perfect Zombie Apocalypse vehicle?

The cheat-code of zombie survival vehicles.

To begin our search, we must first establish some assumptions upon which to base our theories. We should attempt to make these assumptions as realistic as possible. I have compiled a list of assumptions that by no means is complete, but should get us started.
1.    The Zombie Apocalypse will last indefinitely, and this is the only vehicle you will have – if we knew when the ZA would end (or if it will end), it might
alter our survival plans.
2.    Military and other exclusive vehicles are excluded – while in rare situations they may be available, we assume they are not, and that even if
they were, the common person could not effectively operate them.

3.    Gasoline is available nearby, but is not endless – meaning the group requires at least a minimal amount of travel to obtain more fuel.
4.    Tools for repair and modification are easily attainable, but will take up space in/on the vehicle.
5.    Modifications can be made to the vehicle, so long as they are reasonable for the average person to produce with common materials and do not hinder the mobility or operation of the vehicle.

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As I wrote this post at work, I looked out my window and spotted a nice Jeep with a backseat and trunk space and thought, if the ZA happened at this very moment, that baby is mine! I have very little knowledge about Jeeps but I tend

Sometimes the best modification is to get something new.

to lean towards off-road, SUV-type vehicles when I think Zombie Apocalypse. I have slight hoarding tendencies so I like to make sure there is room for all
the ‘stuff’ I will be gathering. I also feel just a little safer being in a bigger rig.
Although these can differ in importance in different situations, I have ranked the attributes listed earlier in order of general importance that will likely lead to a
discussion – but that’s the point, right?
1.    Durability – This should be the survivor’s top priority in a vehicle. Whether it’s a tank, sports car, or motorhome, it needs to last a long time in the ZA if you intend to do the same.
2.    Fuel Economy – Because resources will (likely) diminish quickly in the ZA, a gas-guzzler just doesn’t make sense to keep around, especially if you plan
on traveling much. I would be willing to settle for a smaller, more economic
vehicle if I really needed to.
3.    Storage Space – Again, resources may diminish quickly and may be scarce, so being able to keep a good haul of necessities is, well, a necessity.
4.    Power – While having a zombie-killing machine would be fun but not economical, having a somewhat powerful vehicle is necessary when going off-road or through congested areas.
5.    Speed – Any vehicle will outrun a zombie, but some hordes can surround you at an alarming rate if you are not paying attention, and a little extra giddy-up never hurt anyone.