Southern California - Help Me Choose My Car

Okay, so with Joel buying his car and other folks I know doing the same, I'm getting antsy. I WANT MY NEW CAR NOW! However, I'm cooling my heels until the end of September in hopes of getting an even sweeter deal. I know how to do the cardirect.com research, etc. and I have a man going with me (a really big and intimidating one, too), but I'd love some of you Southern Calfornia car gurus to weigh in on what cars you have, want, or would suggest for someone who:

1. cycles and wants good storage/transport options for bike(s)
2. wants good-excellent gas mileage
3. can’t afford over $25K (I'm sorry, but I will just ignore suggestions such as "buy a hummer or a porche.")
4. lives in California

I may buy used as I've done the brand new car thing and now I'm thinking used is just as good (we're talking a car that is a year or two old).

So, those of you who want, please give your thoughts and suggestions. No offense to the ladies, but I know some of you men are car lovers and will have good advice on the topic. (How's that for stroking the male...um...ego? :D)

Oh, and one last thing, if you own any of the cars above, please weigh in on how well they stand up to good bike transport. I'm changing cars to get one that fits my lifestyle more and can be good for my bike.

go with the element....theyre reasonable price wise and it will for sure support your "lifestyle"!

go with the element....theyre reasonable price wise and it will for sure support your "lifestyle"!

But do they have pick up and go? Also, all of my female coworkers hissed at me today at lunch when I said I was considering the element. But they aren't cylists which is why I'm on here asking. :D

Element. The only other one Id suggest is a Prius, and new I think they are pushing that $25,000 or more price tag. Taka an awful long time to save enough gas to pay the difference in price between the Element and the Prius.

But do they have pick up and go? Also, all of my female coworkers hissed at me today at lunch when I said I was considering the element. But they aren't cylists which is why I'm on here asking. :D

Yes they do just fine. I was suprised when I test drove the Element.

There's a used orange Honda Element at the Burbank Carmax for 20k which leaves enough for a new bike :)

Yes they do just fine. I was suprised when I test drove the Element.

Well, this is why I clarified, "female" coworkers - none of them have test driven the Element.

Dont for get to check www.edmunds.com (http://www.edmunds.com)
great site with great info!!

fwiw..I have a Ford Escape...I love it...have a hitch mount rack that takes 4 bikes...could mount 2 on the roof and 1 or 2 inside...I am very happy, and would consider the hybrid version of this...but I think I want a new bike instead....

There's a used orange Honda Element at the Burbank Carmax for 20k which leaves enough for a new bike :)

I'm not an orange person. :o I'm more blue or red or silver. :D

There's a used orange Honda Element at the Burbank Carmax for 20k which leaves enough for a new bike :)

Can they paint it blue? It has to match her bike!:rolleyes:

You can get a new 2007 Outback Sport for around 19k. You can pick the color to match the new bike you can afford with the extra $$

Can they paint it blue? It has to match her bike!:rolleyes:

:lol: I am going to check out Car Max too by the way - thanks Ron for reminding me!

Hey - here's a thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=322721) from the Road Cycling forum on the same subject. One of the vehicles mentioned was a Honda Fit. There's even a picture in the thread where someone got a tandem in this car!:eek:

Here's a linky (http://automobiles.honda.com/fit/) for the Honda Fit. (No, I don't own one but it seems real bike friendly.)

Good luck with your search!

You can get a new 2007 Outback Sport for around 19k. You can pick the color to match the new bike you can afford with the extra $$


And you love yours, correct? I am leaning a bit in this direction, I will admit, but then I keep thinking I should consider all options.

Honda Fit?
109-hp, 1.5-Liter, VTEC® Engine

Not much pick up and go, but you'll get the gas mileage.

Hey - here's a thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=322721) from the Road Cycling forum on the same subject. One of the vehicles mentioned was a Honda Fit. There's even a picture in the thread where someone got a tandem in this car!:eek:

Here's a linky (http://automobiles.honda.com/fit/) for the Honda Fit. (No, I don't own one but it seems real bike friendly.)

Good luck with your search!

Thanks, Alfa! :):)

And you love yours, correct? I am leaning a bit in this direction, I will admit, but then I keep thinking I should consider all options.

I have the full Outback wagon. I love it.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z261/mdk9950/CIMG0867.jpg

Would look great with your bike.

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Would look great with your bike.

You giving it to me? :p

I voted for the Prius. I thought seriously about getting one but didn't. If you get one I will feel less guilty.

Seriously though, they get the best mileage, actually are fairly peppy and you can easily fit your bike in the back. OTOH I doubt you could get 2-3 bikes in there like the Element.

OTOH I doubt you could get 2-3 bikes in there like the Element.

I'm kind of digging the Honda fit. I'm reading about it and I like it's cute little look. But I LOVE the Outback sport...sigh. :o

Comes with a Christmas tree, too...

http://www.wayne.robynengland.com/cars/car_pix/88_Yugo.jpg

Toyota Sienna.

I plan on bringing my bike with me when I buy my next car, because I want something I can throw in the back and not worry about scratching the roof or trunk with a rack, or running a cable through every quick release item just to go into 7-11 for a drink.

And fwiw my first choice when I DO buy a car is a Prius. Everyone I know who owns a Toyota said it lasted over 200k miles without any major repair. I also like a more green lifestyle. Besides, gas isn't going to get cheaper any time soon. As mentioned above, though, that depends on if my 57cm bike fits in the back without removing half the parts.


http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z261/mdk9950/CIMG0867.jpg

Where does the roof rack go? :D

Honda Fit?
109-hp, 1.5-Liter, VTEC® Engine

Not much pick up and go, but you'll get the gas mileage.

True, but I'm used to slow cars (that handle REALLY well:D), and with gas at $3, she can put away the extra gas money saved toward bike upgrades.

Where does the roof rack go? :D

Get a hitch rack, silly.

...
And fwiw my first choice when I DO buy a car is a Prius. Everyone I know who owns a Toyota said it lasted over 200k miles without any major repair. I also like a more green lifestyle. Besides, gas isn't going to get cheaper any time soon. As mentioned above, though, that depends on if my 57cm bike fits in the back without removing half the parts.


I think the battery replacement would be considered a major repair. How many miles can one go before the batteries need replacing?

According to the DMV (https://vrir.dmv.ca.gov/ipp/PerLicensePlateServlet) this is still available: :D

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1163/990383482_665a205d97.jpg

Have you considered a Subaru Baja? I think they stopped making them in 2006 but a nice used one can be had for well within your budget. I like the idea of being able to load the bikes and gear into/onto the car the night before a ride AND having the whole shabang fit in my garage, safe and sound. It's supposed to get fairly decent mileage too, well at least better mpg than say an Explorer SportTrac or similar truck based vehicle. Sure the Baja is kinda ugly to some but I think it's charming and personality counts a lot in my book:)

Enjoy your search!




-Erik

1. cycles and wants good storage/transport options for bike(s)
2. wants good-excellent gas mileage
3. can’t afford over $25K (I'm sorry, but I will just ignore suggestions such as "buy a hummer or a porche.")
4. lives in California


I vote for the Honda Fit. I'm almost ready to purchase another car and I'm seriously considering the Honda Fit. It meets all of your requirements. I believe that you can get the Sport model fully loaded for less than $17K.

i love these...
http://www.theallnewmazda5.com/NR/rdonlyres/545C45B5-DC97-4731-AC36-216C60EA7BD7/0/home_select.jpg
mazda5

I vote NO for the Element. I heard that thing is a death trap. one of the worse rating on crash test. it also is as slow as a slug.

Subarus in general are good:
Outback - I owned one before. the new one is nicer and more room ****(you should find deals on these later in the year. for example, I bougth my new 2004 LL Bean for about $25k)
Outback Sport - a bit small but OK. ***
Legacy Wagon - better for street driving then the Outback. unless you like to ski in the winter (which was the reason i had the Outback LLBean) ****
WRX Wagon - My recommendation. maybe small...but it is the FAST and the Furious!! I had one of these as well. lots of fun to drive. when I lose a bike race, I can always challenge people on the road :) *****
Forester - A good compromise between smaller and better handling and room compare to Outback.****

How 'bout the Mazda 3 or 5. Zoom zoom?!! or the 6 wagon, which I really like.***

Volkswagon GTI - now this is one fun vehicle to have with the semi-auto gearbox. fast, handles well, and good room for stuff in the back. looks nice with a roof rack with bikes on top! Test drive one, you will know what I mean. It's a V Dub...*****

Toyota RAV4 - nice car and cute. Toyota realiability!! ****

Sometime, personally, i like it when a bike can go into the car easily. which I guess some people like the Element. The Forester has a relatively tall compartment for that as well. So is the RAV 4. For a fun car to have...GTI is the way to go these days. They starts around $24k.

My wife and I are pretty happy with our Mini Cooper. It gets great gas mileage and can fit two bikes in the back if you take the wheels off. We usually leave a trunk rack on and are considering a hitch mount.

Of course I just take my BMW when I go to events, the roof racks are easy to deal with and its more comfortable for long drives, but I think its a bit out of the ballpark for #2 and #3 :p

I have a Prius, so obviously, I will tell you to get a Prius. I just love it. Ever since I got it, I drove from SF to LA once a month. Plus, you can stick you whole bike in there. There's a lot more room in it than most people think. Plus, the whole environment thing ... it's a theme ... bike, no gas, Prius, little gas, but with battery energy.

I vote Outback Sport because it's easily the best car on that list. Highest performance, safest, and best looking too.

If you're willing to do a roof rack, a Subaru Impreza base would be nice. It has got 2.5l engine that develops 180hp and165ft-lbs of torque and AWD. The Outback sport is the same thing as the Impreza underneath the hood, but it gives you the wagon body instead of a sedan. Not only are these guys quick and nimble, but they're very safe and they're not too bad on gas. The Subaru Baja is probably good, but god it is ugly. The Impreza is the only small car that got the govenments 5 star frontal and 5 star side impact rating.

A car you're not looking at, but might want to, is the Hyundai Elantra:

As far as cheaper cars go, you might want to consider the Hyundai Elantra 5-Door. They're pretty good, reliable cars. Performance isn't as snappy, the 2.0l engine develops 138hp and 136ft-bs of torque. They are fairly safe cars, with a 5 star frontal and 4 star side impact rating. Not exhilarating or all that attractive, but they get the job done. The 5-speed tranny is supposed to be bullet proof. The 4 speed auto is fine, but it is a lot slower. I don't believe the 2007 5-doors are out, but the good thing about Hyundai's for used buyers is that they depriciate so you could find an 06 for a good deal.

I own an Elantra sedan, and I can fit my BMX bike in it with the rear seat folded down. I imagine the hatch would probably allow you to fit larger bikes inside easily. And I'll say that, even as a real lead-foot, this thing has held up to my driving style pretty well. I believe Consumer Reports rated it as a "Best Bet".

It's great if you're a penny pincher. But because you seem to be willing to go up to the Subaru, do it. It's an excellent car, and it has the benefit of being fast and safe at the same time.

Sarah and Christy both have Elements, talk to them Saturday. Also, if Daryl shows up she has a Prius. Not a great value, but does have room to put the bike inside. If I was going to suggest a Japanese car, it would be the Subaru. A lot better looking than the ugly Element.

According to the DMV (https://vrir.dmv.ca.gov/ipp/PerLicensePlateServlet) this is still available: :D

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1163/990383482_665a205d97.jpg

:eek: I want it! I want it! :p

Have you considered a Subaru Baja?

Enjoy your search!

-Erik

Thanks, Erik. :) I will consider that since I'm looking at used as well as new. Sigh...this is going to be an exhaustive process.

ME - just my 2 cents - I been trying to find the right car for 5 years. I'm still driving around my old 11 year car because I can't find something adequate to replace it. Will be interesting to see what you do because am in the same boat.

I don't need fancy, hip-hop, racy - I need practible. I need a vehicle that will haul my bikes not on the outside but inside (so I don't have to worry about them). Right now I have Ford Explorer SPORT - this was the perfect vehicle for a single active person. I can carry 3 people and 3 bikes, plus equipment inside the vehicle. The bikes go inside easier (after removing the front wheel) and fit nicely leaving room for gear and people. Sadly the stopped making this vehicle in 2003. Bummer!

The new vehicles, well, are crap! The cabin is just too small. All but the smallest bikes has to be laid on its side or palce in the absolute middle (I got to dealer with my bike to see if it can fit). Many vehicles have back seats that don't lay down entirely and if there is a 3 row seat, forget about it!
I have found some that work but sadly, they are all in the $40L price range - way too rich for me!

So I'm thinking about... =sigh= yes I have truly given up on life... a van. It's the only thing that is practible, gets good gas mileage without compromising power and can store bikes. But for now I continue to pour money into my old car just waiting for someone to make a better vehicle!!!

BTW - stay away from the Element for a thousand reasons. I ave several friends with Mini's - bikes fit on top (not good for me) and the cars drive nicely. Next year (or this?) they are coming out with a station wagon.

And I thought I was the only one that thought Subaru's were "alternative lifestyle" vehicles!!!

I have a hitch mounted bike rack on my wifes prius. You can't TOW with the prius but you can put a hitch on it and carry a few bikes.. You can fit them inside but you mess up the car a bit.
My 58 CM touring bike with front and rear racks fit.. have a blanket in there and uhm don't let the chainring like cut into the rear bumper like I did one day.. Wife not very happy with that one.

I think the battery replacement would be considered a major repair. How many miles can one go before the batteries need replacing?

Batteries are warranteed for 100k they will last much longer then that. I know of a few that are in the upper 100s without a problem.

My wish list is for a hybrid Element, but no such rumors along thoses lines, yet. Lance-im-not/Cali were pretty pleased with their Prius last I heard. I think he said he fit two bikes w/o even taking the front wheels off.

And I thought I was the only one that thought Subaru's were "alternative lifestyle" vehicles!!!

:lol: No, my dear, even my NO CAL aunt raised her eyebrows when I told her that I was looking at the Subaru. She teased me by saying, "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh....so, that explains it." :p

My wish list is for a hybrid Element, but no such rumors along thoses lines, yet. Lance-im-not/Cali were pretty pleased with their Prius last I heard. I think he said he fit two bikes w/o even taking the front wheels off.

I thought that was an Acura MDX they had?

Batteries are warranteed for 100k they will last much longer then that. I know of a few that are in the upper 100s without a problem.We had a company Prius need battery replacement because it wasn't run for several months.

It's great if you're a penny pincher. But because you seem to be willing to go up to the Subaru, do it. It's an excellent car, and it has the benefit of being fast and safe at the same time.

I'm still leaning toward a used sub. They do get extremely high marks for safety, handling, etc. But I love Toyotas - I've owned a Tercel (first car and it was great). Soooooo....

I thought that was an Acura MDX they had?At Heartbreak they had a Prius. I'm not sure if they got rid of the Acura.

Take a good look at the new 2008 Scion xB....
They start at around $16.5k...
Plenty of room for 2 road bikes...ample Power etc...
I bought one 2 mths ago....
Scion has pure pricing so there's no haggling....
The rear Seats are much easier to stow away than the elemement plus they fold flat to make a nice big Cargo area....they also now have a 2.4 liter engine from the Camry...156hp....
The Gas mileage might not look as good when comparing to other Cars that is because it is a 2008 model and is rated by the new epa system which is more realistic....
Anyway...the new xB is worth adding to your list ME....

I'm kind of digging the Honda fit. I'm reading about it and I like it's cute little look. But I LOVE the Outback sport...sigh. :o

Actually we recently bought our daughter a Honda Fit. Around town and on the freeway its a fun zippy car to drive. Great gas mileage too. The only downside is climbing mountians and hills. If its loaded with 3 or 4 people it slows down, if its just you and your bike its great. We got hers for $16,000 with the extended warranty.

I think the battery replacement would be considered a major repair. How many miles can one go before the batteries need replacing?
Well, that IS a concern with buying the Prius. None of my Toyota owner friends had a hybrid (they had Corollas, pickup trucks, etc.). I have heard that the batteries are better now, but the earlier models needed replacement within the first 60-100k miles!

After seeing that thread with the tandem in the fit, I'll be adding that to the list of what to shop for. It might be a while for me, though.