Doge

My sedan has a bit over 200K on it and time to get something new (1-2 years used) - says my wife. I wanted to go for 300K, but done with kid's college tuition so we have options now.

I have really enjoyed being able to put two bikes in the trunk - no seat down and still have a 5 passenger car.
I'm looking at some smaller wagons and not thinking I can do that without the seat down.

Any good sedans, hatchback or wagons that will keep the bikes inside, away from view?

I want
-Bikes inside as mentioned
-a car/wagon/hatchback. Subaru Outback would be max height.
-High mileage 30+

I'm very partial to Diesel, but know that limits my options.

GlennR

2 bikes in the trunk with the rear seat up.... not unless you stack them on top of each other.

I was able to get my road bike in the trunk of my 2016 Impreza with the rear seat up, but i had to remove both wheels. I bet I could get a second bike in if I pit it on top 180* opposite. Wheels would have to be stuffed under, in between and on top.

Maybe an old 60's Caddy would work, the no 30mpg.

BTW.. I was in the same situation, last child done with college and out of the house, car with 260,000 miles. So i bought a new bike (I have my priorities in order).

rumrunn6

can't help you, sorry, but would love to see what that looks like

himespau 

What do you have now? Is newer model of same an option?

Seattle Forrest

Fozzie is like 6 inches taller. But it isn't as long, such that they have the same cubic cargo space. At least that was the case when I bought mine. Shorter = easier to parallel park in Seattle. Anyway, I can fit a size 58 with both wheels still on in the car, with Beth in the front seat, and enough stuff to spend a week out of town.

Sy Reene

should work..

Doge

This is a 2006 E320 CDI I got for a deal (low $20s) with 50K miles on it in 2009. It gets ~35mpg at the speed I drive, closer to 40mpg if playing the EPA type driving. The new model is a 4 cylinder, more than I want to spend and thinking of something different, but if I find a good used E250 diesel, maybe.

This is how I load. I have a blanket I put between the bikes and wheels normally in the bag. These are beater bikes so they were abused a bit more. I've been doing this for years with no damage.
Holds 2 bikes (inc a TT bike) 4-6 wheels, misc stuff.

BikeTrunk.jpg

indyfabz

Wouldn't keep them out of view, and I don't think you could get two fully assembled bikes in one and have room for more than 2 people. I have a '17 Forester and have to fold down the rear seats to fit two bikes.

GlennR

That's how i pictured it.

Doge

In a heartbeat (or not) for 30+mpg

I will be driving between CA and CO 6 or so times a year.

Made it from Colorado Springs the back way by Pikes Peak to San Clemente Monday - one day. That was fun.

Ogsarg

Do you know that CA is going to add another 20cent tax on diesel very soon? Only 12 cents for gas. Considering Diesel is already more expensive most of the time, the additional mileage you get is offset by the higher cost.

I think if you took the front wheels off, you may be able to get a couple of bikes into the back of a Mazda CX-5. They are nice driving small SUV's and if you get the tech package with ieloop, the mileage is surprisingly good.

Doge

I'll look at that. I did not know about the tax, wonder why. The clean diesels are very clean and I prefer the way they drive - esp hwy. EPA ratings aside I see 30%-40% better mileage the way I drive. Purpose, if I haven't made it clear is long trips, leaving bike in car overnight many times and good economy. The bikes do not have to be hidden, but I would prefer that.

Like the Mazda CX-5 the BMW X4 is about the same price. Still a little taller than I want, but options.

rumrunn6

thanks, that's pretty cool. not for me, too used to using a rack. but pretty cool

Abe_Froman

Used to work for Mercedes. Those E-wagons are really nice rides...even the mid 2000s ones. I'd like to get one myself.

Doge

All gasoline in the USA that I know of.

moth54

We stack two bikes on top of each other, blanket in between, in our Subaru Outback. Needless to say we have two sturdy hybrids, I wouldn't do this with fancy carbon bikes.

We've taken short road trips this way (packing very lightly - because not a lot of room left by the time one sticks in helmets, a pump, a small cooler bag, two small overnight bags, and our pet elephant...)

No, they are not out of sight, but they are weather proof and stable (I live in a windy area.)

datlas 

Dumb question: why not just get a carrier/rack?

Silvercivic27

Ford Taurus seems to have a huge trunk

himespau 

I have an Impala that's about as old as your current sedan that has a fair bit more trunk room than you do but it gets really ****ty mileage. Tradeoffs.

dkmatdrum

Toyota Prius 2 bikes 2 passengers 50 MPG

kbarch

I, too, am interested in the solution to this issue. I really like my car, and the bike with wheels separate fits in the trunk just fine, but it's just a coupe, and ridiculously extravagant in every other way. I see other cars I like, but the trunks often look tight and I suspect the seat would have to fold down, which would defeat the purpose of getting a 4-door.
The A7 is cool, and while pricey, it's available used, but trunk looks tight/narrow compared to what I have now, which is just wide enough to place the frame through. I just looked online at the A5 Sportback, but it's a new model and I haven't seen one on the road.

prathmann

I've carried two bikes in the trunk of our '97 Camry while still having room for 5 passengers (also had three bikes on racks on the outside). No idea if it would still work in the current model.

topflightpro

Doge, check out an Acura RDX or MDX or Honda CR-V.

I can't believe I'm actually writing this, but we recently got my wife a CR-V, and it's really nice. It drives a lot better than I thought it would. Yeah, it's basically the modern equivalent of a minivan, but less cool. I even saw a license plate on another CR-V that read Momobile. Still, if I had to buy a new car tomorrow to replace my BMW, I'd actually consider it.

Dan333SP

@Doge, have you considered a Miata?

gsa103

Subaru Legacy has about as huge a trunk as any sedan.