Running a handyman business demands reliability, skill, and the right tools. But what about the vehicle to carry those tools? For years, I operated my business out of a 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring GLS. This wasn’t just any Elantra; it was a battle-scarred hatchback, a testament to hard work and perhaps a little neglect. Body-wise, it was far from pretty, but under the hood, it was a workhorse. This unassuming hatchback, affectionately nicknamed “The Beast,” became the backbone of my operation, proving that the Best Car For Carrying Tools isn’t always about appearances, but about sheer grit and capability.
My Elantra Touring was more than just a car; it was a partner. I routinely loaded it beyond what seemed possible. Lumber piled high on the roof rack, the hatch overflowing with tools, and even my fair share of accumulated “junk.” Building fences became a regular feat of engineering and loading. Hauling materials for 50 or 60 feet of fencing, complete with heavy concrete, was a common challenge. Yet, that little Hyundai, with its comically angled rear wheels, rose to the occasion every single time. It groaned, it protested over bumps, but it never quit. In fact, it seemed to thrive under pressure, almost driving better the more I asked of it. Approaching 200,000 miles, adorned with a patchwork of paint jobs, dents, scratches, and missing trim pieces revealing the bare plastic underneath, it was a sight to behold. Adding to its character, the hood even bore a 5/8-inch scar from a hasty circular saw mishap during a makeshift shelving project. And then there was the quirky transmission, occasionally requiring a strategic dance with the headlights to engage reverse.
Did I launch my business with this vehicle? Absolutely. Was I grateful for it? Without a doubt. Was it a constant source of public amusement, making me feel like I was driving a fishbowl? Undeniably. Would it have been mortifying if I cared deeply about what strangers thought? Probably. Did I invent elaborate stories to downplay my seemingly unprofessional vehicle? Every single day.
After nine and a half months of relentless work, pushing both myself and my trusty Hyundai to their limits, I can honestly say it was remarkable. This vehicle consistently impressed, not just me, but anyone who witnessed the daily demands I placed upon it. This fantastical Hyundai, in its own way, defied expectations, keeping pace with, and often outperforming in similar challenging conditions, many small trucks or SUVs. Given my experience, I’d choose my Hyundai over any small-sized vehicle on the planet. It surprised and impressed the entire neighborhood for two and a half years.
Would I recommend starting a business with this level of vehicle challenge again? With a sigh, I’d say, it’s a pain.
But then, the upgrade arrived. Just yesterday, I bought a van. Today marks my first day on the job with it. The paint job? Let’s just say it’s character-rich. But with under 100,000 miles on the odometer and at a steal of a price, it’s a game-changer. Am I ecstatic to finally have a vehicle that reflects the hard work and investment I’ve poured into my business? To have moved beyond the “what is this guy even doing?” category and into the “damn, that handyman needs to touch that van up…” designation? Absolutely! Finally, space for proper shelving, no more chaotic piles of boxes, buckets, mismatched gloves, and rogue tubes of caulk. Organizational bliss awaits, alongside a hula figurine for Saint Christopher and a collection of miniature prehistoric creatures my kid insists are my guardian angels.
My point is this: If you have the drive and determination to succeed, and can stomach a few sideways glances and maybe a humorous story or two about your ride, then any vehicle can be your starting point. Any car, truck, or van you can equip to move materials and carry your essential tools – even if it begins with boxes, buckets, a tool belt, and a handyman kit – is enough. Add a roof rack for ladders and longer items, maybe some fold-out work benches, and even space for a cooler (secured against the Wyoming wind, of course). That humble setup is worth every penny of the original sticker price from ten years ago and absolutely worth the struggle to reach the next level. It builds mental fortitude, fuels your competitive spirit, and let’s be honest, it feels incredibly satisfying to win jobs over those contractors with brand new, fully loaded Ford F-350 Super Dutys who initially dismissed you as “Chuck” in the Lowe’s parking lot. Yes, that Thursday when it happened was a great day.
So, to all aspiring tradespeople and handymen out there, good luck on your journeys. May your success be as abundant as the lessons learned on the road, no matter what you drive. Remember, finding the best car for carrying tools is less about the make and model and more about your own resourcefulness and determination to get the job done.
