Good MPG NEW cars that fit bass cabs..

[LaklandBass]

So as I posted in the gas cost thread I am currently driving a 91 Camaro and the gas is killing me. Sucks because I absolutely love my car and it never lets me down.. over 20 years old and never had to rebuild the motor, trans or rear end... no head gasket repairs or anything like that at all. Just regular stuff like brakes and air filter...
So basically Im looking at the Hyundai Elantra Touring or the Toyota Matrix. Is there anything else Im missing that could fit a bass rig and gets good MPG's for a decent buck?
FWIW I play a Mesa RR215 cab and a 6 space rack. I also bring 2 basses but I can swap my backup into a gig bag for more space.

[MJ5150]

Is the gas savings in a new car going to offset the cost of buying that new car?

-Mike

[LaklandBass]

basically yea...... ill save about $250 a month in gas but my payment will be about $300/month. So Ill end up paying $50 a month for something that fits my gear better and has a 100,000 mile warranty. Rather than a 21 year old car that is awesome but is well overdue for some repairs to be needed.

[Pilgrim]

Nissan Rogue. I have its big brother the Murano, and I get 22 MPG highway driving at 75 MPH. The Rogue is rated 22/25.

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Is the gas savings in a new car going to offset the cost of buying that new car?

-Mike

This was another question in my head...but if your current car is 20+ years old, I have to thin you're ready.

I would NOT buy a new car - that is a money-loser. Buy one that's 1-2 years old and has 20-30K miles on it and you'll come out better financially.

[spade2you]

Even though TB considers the RAV4 a lesbian car, I've gotten a lot of good use out of mine. I can fit my 4x10 and 115, rack, a few basses, and extra band stuff if needed while in full-time 4 wheel drive AND getting ~25-26mpg.

[MJ5150]

It looks like you did your homework on this one. I considered purchasing a more fuel efficient vehicle, but the numbers did not add up for me. You must do way more driving than me to be saving $60+ a week in fuel costs.

-Mike

[LaklandBass]

hmmmm good suggestions... im checking out that rogue right now.

[LaklandBass]

lol 5150.... yea I drive a ton. basically spending $500/month in gas right now. When gas goes up so will that number..

[hover]

If you're considering the Matrix, if you go 1-2 years used, you'll get SUBSTANTIAL savings on its mechanical sibling, the Pontiac Vibe. Same car, parts are readily available, and since the pontiac brand is no more, the resale is kinda shot, so you'll save, as dealers want them off their lots. Before I bought my last car a month ago, I looked at a 2010 Vibe with 20 grand on the clock. I had them down to $10,000 even, on a $18,500 new, one year old car before I opted out. The car is still there. I could prolly get them to knock off another 500 bucks and still buy it.

[MJ5150]

There you have it. Good call to make that purchase. You gonna keep the Camaro?

-Mike

[kesslari]

Prius has room for gear and off-the-charts mileage. Though the seating ergonomics are not good, at least for me.

Mazda 3 and Subaru imprezza hatchbacks have tons of room and good mileage.

[LaklandBass]

lol of course the camaro is being kept.

[spade2you]

Originally Posted by kesslari

Prius has room for gear and off-the-charts mileage. Though the seating ergonomics are not good, at least for me.

Mazda 3 and Subaru imprezza hatchbacks have tons of room and good mileage.

I've been thinking about getting a Prius for the non-winter months so I can go through much less gas.

[PSPookie]

Well, it depends on how you define "good" MPGs, but having purchased 2 new cars in the last year i would look at:

Subaru Forester
Nissan Rogue
Mazda 3
Mazda 5
VW Jetta Wagon
Honda Cosstour


FWIW we bought a Forester for my wife and I got an Altima (not on list). Either of these will hold my gear (though my biggest cab is a 2x12) and still leave an empty passenger seat AND you don't have to fold down the rear seat to get it all in. That last bit was important because we each have 2 kid seats in the back.

[TOOL460002]

i bought a used 2 door ford focus hatch back, because the new focus doesnt have a hatch back option. the fiesta is the one with the hatch back. they are trying to sell those i guess, but i thought they were horrible.

i got a 2007 with under 40k miles on 12/31/10 and love the practicality of the thing, and it wastes a heck of a lot less gas than my previous mustangs. i lot of people hate ford though, so this may or may not be for you (i think it looks infinitely better than the matrix).

[Pilgrim]

Be careful with the hybrids - make 100% sure that you can get all the range you need for every trip you will ever go on...and I'd say make sure that you have at least an extra 50% range.

Since I occasionally drive 500+ miles in a day on road trips, that's a big deal to me.

I also like the Pontiac Vibe suggestion - he's correct that it's the same vehicle as a Matrix but will re-sell for less.

[fenderhutz]

I have a Matrix, but wanted a Vibe. Couldn't find one. Same dern car made by Toyota.

[stevetx19]

going manual transmission will give you a slight mpg upgrade, so if you are comfortable with that it's the way to go...

Check out the honda CR-Z...might be a little too small for gear but its a hatchback so it could work. usually in the mid 30's for fuel economy.

I don't particularly like VW's, but they get very good FE for their size; check out the 4cy golfs and jettas.

If you can find or afford a Nissan Leaf, that's pretty much the end of the line Something insane like 100mpg and plenty of room for your gear.

[MJ5150]

Check out a Kia. The warranty on those is great, and their cars are good quality. I think the Kia Forte 5-door or Soul would be worth a look. The Rio5 may be too small.

-Mike

[hover]

Funny you should mention Mike, as the Kia Soul is what we ended up buying. Fits a LOT of gear (namely my whole rig and two basses and pedalboard case, and STILL fits 2 adults.