Can an 8x10 cab fit in a TOYOTA MATRIX ( what do you fit your gear in? )

TheWaughNick · #1 01-13-2008, 09:09 PM

Im about to buy a new car....its between the Toyota Matrix OR the Mazda 3 ( 5 door ). I just wanted to know if anyone who drives a Matrix can fit a 8x10 cab in it. All the web sites only have the " Cubic feet " Not the length in Feet. ( as far as the car goes ) I just thought this would be a good place to ask!!! Im new to this site, but not to bass. I would love to know what types of cars you fellow bass players use to lug your gear in. I REALLY want to know what kind of cars people use to LUG a 8x10 cab in......And yes, i know....A van/truck would be best. I just need a car with great MPG and can hold a gigs worth of gear. I just need to fit my SVTpro head - 8x10 cab - fender P bass - pedal board . We ( my band ) have a trailer we use for out of town gigs - so for in town gigs im looking at the Ole' Toyota Matrix. Can you fellow LOW ENDERS help a guy out??? I cant wait to hear what ya drive and how much crap you can fit in it!!!!

Nick Waugh.

fenderhutz · #2 01-13-2008, 09:12 PM

The Element was the best car I owned for gear hands down.

theshadow2001 · #3 01-13-2008, 10:58 PM

Bring a measuring tape when you test drive it.

distrot · #4 01-13-2008, 11:15 PM

its a zero on the ass getting scale but the dodge caravan has enough room for 2 8x10s and 12 space rack

Bard2dbone · #5 01-14-2008, 02:49 AM

Carrying gear was half the reason I got an Expedition. Now I don't gig anymore. And only three members of the family go camping, so I need to sell that thing and get something with better mileage.

sobie18 · #6 01-14-2008, 03:21 AM

Test drive the Matrix, drive it to your house, load it in and see if it works.

I could fit an 810 into the back of my '93 Plymouth Duster. She was the gig hauler...

i_got_a_mohawk · #7 01-14-2008, 04:00 AM

Most 5 doors should squeeze it in with the seats down, but just take a measuring tape when you test drive it

neurotictim · #8 01-14-2008, 04:05 AM

I used to fit my Behringer 4x10 (pretty big for a 4x10) and Hartke VX115 into the back seat of my 99 Grand Am sedan... Put the rack in the trunk, along with the basses. It wasn't happy about that, but it did the job.

**Pacman** · #9 01-14-2008, 04:44 AM

I can fit my rig, my upright, my electric, my kid and my wife (along with stand, books, assorted "stuff") in my Explorer.

Forget about mileage though....

JimK · #10 01-14-2008, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sobie18

Test drive the Matrix, drive it to your house, load it in and see if it works.

Sounds like a Seinfeld epsode...

Spector_Ray · #11 01-14-2008, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

The Element was the best car I owned for gear hands down.

+1000. Very versatile vehicle.

jambassist · #12 01-14-2008, 07:53 AM

i get everything in my pt cruiser. it's a good car and gets pretty good mileage. for the 810, i take out one seat and fold the other down flat. i tip the 810, slide it in, then flip it on it's side. it works.

Hoover · #13 01-14-2008, 11:11 AM

When I was 15 or 16 I got my Fender Dual Showman cabinet into the back of my mom's 1970 Volkswagen Beetle. I always thought that was an accomplishment on par with some of Harry Houdini's finest.

However, getting the cabinet out of the Beetle required way more effort & ingenuity. And time: I think it took me three days!

Just something to think about when you're sizing cars & cabinets.

**smperry** · #14 01-14-2008, 12:25 PM

I've got a Matrix, but I don't have an 8X10. Based on all the other stuff I've moved (Upright bass, cabs, furniture, basses in shipping boxes, etc.), I'm pretty sure it'd fit no problem though. The back seat folds *completely* flat.

The Matrix is reliable, gets great mileage and can haul a good amount. When I bought it, I was also looking at a Mazda 3...I don't think it can't hold as much.

Marshall

Bard2dbone · #15 01-14-2008, 03:16 PM

I'm remembering when I drove a Ford Tempo. I bough my Randall 2x15 cab without measuring it. It was about two inches too big in all three dimensions to go in the back seat.

cymbop · #16 01-14-2008, 05:13 PM

I've got the Mazda Protege 5 (predecessor to the 3) and with the back seat down, my fridge tips over the bumper and into the car with no problem whatsoever. I'd be shocked if the Matrix didn't have room.

**SoComSurfing** · #17 01-14-2008, 05:46 PM

Good job concerning your new car purchase around your gear! Priorities, man, priorities!

I would think the Matrix would be fine for holding an 8x10. I looked at them when they first came out, and was impressed with the amount of storage in the small package. I had to move my entire large rig (all in road cases) this weekend, and it wouldn't all fit int he back of my Ranger. I had to tie two cases on, leaving the tailgate down. I was sweating bullets the whole way to the practice studio.

lomer · #18 01-14-2008, 05:57 PM

You shoulda seen what me and my guitarist used to get into my old car before I wrecked it...

Ampeg B2R Head
Randall RH200 Head
410 Cab
412 Cab
Les Paul Special Bass
Ibanez Iceman Guitar
2 x Backpacks
2 x Stands

and the 2 of us in the front seats.... all... in... this...

Stanley Design · #19 01-14-2008, 06:09 PM

If I were you I'd wait for the ford flex! It looks like a modern day "Woody"!

**smperry** · #20 01-14-2008, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cymbop

I've got the Mazda Protege 5 (predecessor to the 3) and with the back seat down, my fridge tips over the bumper and into the car with no problem whatsoever. I'd be shocked if the Matrix didn't have room.

I mixed up my Mazdas...that is the one I checked out. What a fun car to drive!

M