smoritz0370:
Actually the VW Jetta Wagon has a better load rating than all of the small SUVs (CRV, Escape, etc). It is rated for 1000 lbs which is only marginally smaller than most of the mid sized SUVs which are typically about 1100-1300 lbs. Doing some quick math...
2 people at 500 lbs total
2 sets of doubles at 220 lbs total
2 stage/deco bottles at 80 lbs
That leaves 200 lbs for other miscellaneous gear. Seems adequate, maybe I am underestimating the loads but I know my wife and I have no problem carting all my SCUBA gear plus camping gear (and we don't pack light) plus a child plus pets into her wagon.
Well I am not sure how you did it, but the one I sat on/in was very disappointing when it comes to the load capacity. My truck has absolutely no problems carrying the gear (you have seen it, so you know what I have), heck I had 17 AL80's in there once and she didn't even notice.
My dive buddy has a Subaru Legacy Outback, nice load capacity but even that car has problems with gear for the 2 of us. (2 sets of doubles, 2 stage bottles, bp/w's, suits, gear....etc). It wines and creaks, the rear suspension is almost fully compressed and it has a stiffer/larger spring then the Jetta.
The way I figured the weight is this (and please correct me if I am off).
2 sets of doubles full of gas :: 120lbs x2 for tanks & 40lbs for gas x2 = 320lbs
2 sets of AL80 stage :: 36lbs x2 for tanks & 20lbs for gas = 92lbs
2 sets of misc gear (led, regs, lights, bp/w, suits....etc) :: 80lbs-100lbs
2 large adults :: 275lbs + 210lbs = 485lbs
Total so far is 977-997lbs, to that you still have to add the weight of gas and any other misc gear you might bring (water, food, camping gear, clothing, beer....etc) which would go over the allowed weight for the Jetta.
BUT I would love the rent/borrow one for a diving weekend and see how she does under the load. As for the gas consumption you can't beat them, but I am not sure if they are the ultimate diving vehicle.
Right now we use my truck when we go diving and the average gas consumption is not affected by the gear (or very little if I have A/C on), but I would love to get something better.