What's a good car for an e. bassist?

[UtterChurl]

I'm looking for a reliable, low mileage vehicle that I can load plenty of cabinetry into/out of pretty easily. I doubt I'll ever get an 8x10, but whether I do or don't, I don't want to have the choice forced by a stupid car.

I'm getting rid of my old corolla, and my current short-list is:

• toyota prius
• toyota matrix/pontiac vibe (same car, basically)
• honda fit

What do people drive that works (or doesn't!) well for bass-amp transport purposes?

thanks!
tim . . .

[bikeplate]

HI

It really depends on your gear. Evaluate what u gig with and go from there. Ive had sport utilities for years but the gas prices lately changed my thinking. I just got an Audi A4 and my gear fits in there no problem. I use a modular Epifani setup. One 2x10, one 1x15. They both fit in the back seat!!

If you are gonna be carting around more "typical" bass cabs, you might want some type of wagon, pickup, or SUV. Good luck

Rob

[rockstar744]

subaru forester?

[onlyclave]

I would like to add that it shouldn't be one that is owned by your mom or girlfriend.

[RickenBoogie]

Toyota Rav4. Way bunch-o-room for gear, deceptively so.

[bongomania]

Here's a post I wrote recently on this exact subject:
Anyone here have a Scion tC, xD or Honda Fit? Tell me about them.

Short version: Mazda3 or Rav4.

[Slax]

I drive an '84 chevy celebrity... works fine.

[MarkMyWordsXx]

i always thought the little honda 4x4s were good for gear but my friend has one and its tiney. he picked up a 4x12 and it barely fit in the trunk, i forget the name of emmm

the elements are really good for gear

[MarkMyWordsXx]

oo i was thinking the crv

[Williamsburgjim]

I'd recommend a late 90's Civic 2-door hatchback. They look good and get around 40 mpg.

Jimmyjo

[RED5]

Originally Posted by UtterChurl

I'm looking for a reliable, low mileage vehicle that I can load plenty of cabinetry into/out of pretty easily. I doubt I'll ever get an 8x10, but whether I do or don't, I don't want to have the choice forced by a stupid car.

I'm getting rid of my old corolla, and my current short-list is:

• toyota prius
• toyota matrix/pontiac vibe (same car, basically)
• honda fit

What do people drive that works (or doesn't!) well for bass- amp transport purposes?

thanks!
tim . . .

I have a 91 Toyota Previa for the big rig AND family, an 85 633 BMW for the small rig and solo. I've loaded the Previa to the doors with PA bins,bass rig and drums when I had no passengers. Would get another in a flash. The Bm fills up quick.

[stflbn]

Nissan Titan v8 4x4

Ima breakin' all the rules, and hippies everywhere hate me.

[Chebass88]

I have a 2007 Matrix & love it. It is great to load gear in & out of - in fact I usually carpool with my drummer & can fit my amp, speaker, bass & a small jazz-style drum kit in the car. In terms of mileage (when tires are filled to ~36 psi), I routinely get 31 mpg (averaged city & hwy, based on every tank of gas). For a "base" model around $17k, it isnt too bad!

Make sure you get the rubber add-on for the rear bumper - I have a few scratches (small) from loading gear in & out, which the rubber tread thing would have prevented.

imp.

P.S. It's a decent car if you play upright too - mine fits right in the back with room for an amp or two.

[MODNY]

i drive a pontiac wave hatchback ( chevy aveo in US)

its great lil car. get crazy good gas mileage.

i can fit my reunion blues double gig bag, schroeder 410R, 2 4 space rack bags without even putting teh rear seat down.

its been super reliable, and its sporty/fun to drive.

i'll have to post osme sweet pics

[Frankjohnson]

I have an Ampeg SVT410HLF - the doors or hatch need to accomodat it.

I considered 2 avatar sb1-12's to make a better fit into just about any vehicle.

Until then - Hyundai Santa fe - holds the bass rig and PA Eqpt for the most part.

[jgsbass]

I once fit an Acoustic 360 into a 1969 Dodge Dart. Same car was able to take a SVT cabinet across the backseat. If you want a used dependable car w/ a huge trunk ( that will easily hold a 4x10) look for a Chevy Lumina (1997-2000).

[jasonbraatz]

There are two things you need.

1) A vehicle with a full height lift back, not a trunk.
2) A vehicle with fold down rear seats.

I've gigged plenty of small cars (VW Rabbit, Nissan 240SX, current ride is a Mazda Protege5) and owned plenty of large cabs. As long as it has a lift back and fold down seats you should be good unless you start venturing into crazy territory for gear.

I almost bought a Fit a few years ago. Couldn't get over the lack of HP and sunroof, but WOW can it hold a lot of stuff.

[sgfender85]

I drive a 2 door honda civic and just bought a Ampeg 810 so I am in the market to for a new vehicle as well. I was thinking of looking at Scion Xb's and Saturn Vue's. Newer vehicles regardless of size now are looking to make good gas millage so options are out there.

[manjonning]

VW Golf ..Mine was a two door!

I fit an SVT 810 - My head two Basses a kick drum - snare- pedals cymbal stands- 1 tom ..Myself - 6'5" 220lb and my Drummer 6'6" 300lbs.. Use to drive around the mid-west frequently ! The little f'er handled like a go- cart too!

Only reason I got rid of it was the whole baby/family thing!

[Liko]

Originally Posted by rockstar744

subaru forester?

+1. Loads of cargo space in a relatively small, easy-to-drive vehicle that still gets decent gas mileage. And unlike the three you mentioned, the Forester has a bit more giddy-up and IMO is much more stylish and fun.