Car decision based upon amp

[YuppyPunk]

I am on the market for a new car. One of my major factors is the ability to get my amp in it without much hastle. I have actually gone as far as mocking up a cardboard box that is the same dimensions as the cab. Am I the only one who's this much of a lunatic?

[96tbird]

Totally understandable. You musta been a boy scout: be prepared.

[JohnMCA72]

I always base car-buying decisions on what job(s) the car needs to do! That most definitely includes transporting musical gear.

My current ride is a Chevy HHR. It's got a low cargo deck, back door that opens up (vs. tailgate that folds down), & with the back seat folded down (its normal configuration) it can easily hold all of my gear (which includes 2 Acoustic 301 cabinets). I can load/unload anything I own by myself.

[jumbodbassman]

i just get a big SUV every 3 years.....

[Jim Carr]

I need to carry a double bass, cab or two (410/210/210), electric basses, cable/tool bag, passenger, mics, music stand, stool, etc. I found a great 31 mpg car: Hyundai Elantra Touring. Cheap, long warranty, safe, fun.

[chadds]

My drummer took his entire set to the dealership to load it before committing to a purchase.
I commend this.
Why? Some of us consider ourselves musicians first and drivers, second.

[rumblethump]

I had to slide my old Acoutic 360 in to the back of a 79 Subaru Wagon before I would buy the car. Just fit with the back seat down. Now I drive pickups with campershells.

[bassman314]

That HHR is intriguing!

I currently drive a Saturn Ion2, and it's rough getting my rig into the car.

Cab and bass in the back seat. Rack, pedal board, and other gear, as well as usually a suitcase, go in the trunk. I then have no passenger space, apart from my front passenger seat.

Yeah.. no bueno.

[96tbird]

I just feel bad for young fellas these days. What with all the mid and compacts, most cars have tiny back seats. :P

[MrDOS]

I'm in the same boat -- picking up a Volvo wagon tomorrow.



Huh huh huh -- "boat"

[chadds]

Originally Posted by chadds

My drummer took his entire set to the dealership to load it before committing to a purchase.
I commend this.
Why? Some of us consider ourselves musicians first and drivers, second.

I love cars so this quest has included a 300hp, 6-speed manual, All wheel drive, Brembo braked---Wagon.
Thank goodness the Europeans love estates(wagons). They outsell sedans there.

[nickrs540]

Thats exactly why I bought my 4runner. I didn't go down the carboard box route, but I knew roughly the measurements of the biggest cab I would have to fit in there was. I did bring my DB on a couple test drives though to see if it would move around much in the back. Good thing I did that or I would be driving a 00' Dakota RT and my DB would be shaken and bashed into pieces by now haha.

[Stumbo]

Nice!
Tint those back windows!

[Ralphdaddy]

When I bought my Forester, I brought both my cabs, my SVT-CL and my double gig bag to the dealer to ensure everything fit and that I could still have part of the seat up and take 2 people with me to gigs. When I bought my Traynor YBA200 and YBX1510 cab, I loaded the cab into my Honda Accord before buying it because if it didn't fit, I sure as sh*t wasn't going to pay for it!

If you're looking to save money on the car, take a look at this website. They do upfront pricing, free trade-in valuations, all that good stuff. New Car Prices, Used Car Prices, Car Quote, New Car Price Quote, CarQuotes.com

[topcat2069]

I called my father and asked him to measure my SKB Bass case to see if it would fit in a Honda CRX in 1991

It did, and so did my two Mesa Powerhouse 1X15s, My SWR 220 ST in a SKB 2 space rack, my briefcase with mic and cords, EV monitor and I still had the passenger seat available ...just in case..

I now drive a mid size pickup with a cover.

[phillipkregg]

I have a couple of friends that load bass gear and drums into Honda Elements and they love it.

I've always thought they were great and you can get a used one for around 13K.

[bassman314]

Originally Posted by phillipkregg

I have a couple of friends that load bass gear and drums into Honda Elements and they love it.

I've always thought they were great and you can get a used one for around 13K.

My mom has an Element. She has 4 dogs, so it is perfect. I've driven it a few times, and it handles well.

I love the fact that the rear seats fold away separately. I think I could get all of my gear into an Element by folding one seat, and still have space for a passenger in the back!

[HolmeBass]

Originally Posted by YuppyPunk

I am on the market for a new car. One of my major factors is the ability to get my amp in it without much hastle. I have actually gone as far as mocking up a cardboard box that is the same dimensions as the cab. Am I the only one who's this much of a lunatic?

I think you're a lunatic for not just taking your actual rig down to the car dealership, like I did. On the last car purchase the requirement was that the rig, less basses, fit entirely in the back without having to fold down a seat. So we upgraded at that moment from the Forrester to the Outback, and it's been a champ for me.

[Gord_oh]

i bought this with the idea of "moving gear" in mind.

[rojo412]

Of the 2 wagons I own, the one that I drive predominantly has a small subwoofer installed and I can still fit my whole rig easily.
The other has a larger subwoofer and doesn't go gigging...

Recently, I was offered my dad's 2002 BMW 525i. I declined it, citing my need for rig space as one of the factors.

I like the "mock-up box" idea. You can bring a tape measure and such, but you don't know if it will REALLY fit sometimes until you actually drop it in.



(That's what she said )