help me find a new vehicle

[FrigginChris]

if i could keep it around $15,000 that would be ideal, but i could probably go as high as $18,000 if i needed to. what i'm looking for is something that is good for hauling gear around like a 6x10 or 2 4x10 sized cabs as well as all the other essentials. i was thinking that a small pickup truck or SUV would be perfect for this. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Edit: just wanted to note that buying used is preffered

[hover]

Chevy HHR (@ 15-17 new w/ rebates)
Honda Element (def 1-2 years old used for that price, run forever)
Scion xB (stylish, well equipped for about agrand more, learn to talk down, and it's a toyota)
Subaru Forester (Bulletproof, plentiful used for that price, also the legacy outback)

Toyota Matrix (Hauled bot my and my friend Paul's 610s, 1 SVT, one rack head, two basses and 2 pedalboards and two guys to gigs, may times.) don't buy into the accelerator issue hype on the news. These are wagon version corollas. Bulletproof. Cheap to fix. Also, the Pontiac Vibe version, if you like the look better...same car.

Used Jeep liberty, or new Jeep Patriot or Compass, but I would not recommend those cars...based on the Dodge Caliber...crap car, sorry folks.

Mazda 3 wagon. INSANE amount of gear fits in those. Made a trip to TN from MA w an amp, full drumset, two coolers, and a crapload of merch and could still stretch out, and got really really good gas mileage too. Also check out its predecessor, the Protege 5.

[tplyons]

Originally Posted by hover

Chevy HHR (@ 15-17 new w/ rebates)

I can't recommend this one enough... I've been driving my 2007 LS for just over a year and 20,000 miles. Have had zero issues, and even slid off the road due to black ice... no problems other than an out of whack alignment and four bent steel wheels.

It's a comfortable ride, great gas mileage, and very easy to maintain.

I can get an 8x10 in there with a rack and basses with room to spare. Just drop the rear seats flat, and if needed, you can drop the passenger seat flat too.

[hover]

dude, I was looking at the panel-wagon version again. I wish the back cargo area had actual back seats. I believe it's just storage "compartments".... I'd love to get a panel version, and install regular back fold-down seats....I got 2 kids, but love the idea of my gear being relatively out-of-sight as well.

[elgecko]

If you want a LONG TERM investment, I'd recommend a 4-cylinder extra-cab Toyota Tacoma. You get the full size bed AND interior storage space...the 2005 and up extra cabs have the rear half door that I wish I had. The 4 bangers are good on gas and just go and go and go and go!

[masterfader87]

Nissan Versa- i got mine for 11 something brand new.
fits my 8x10 and also fits my 3/4 upright (not all at once).
gets great gas mileage too i might add.
just my .02
hope you find something you dig

[seanm]

Originally Posted by hover

dude, I was looking at the panel-wagon version again. I wish the back cargo area had actual back seats. I believe it's just storage "compartments".... I'd love to get a panel version, and install regular back fold-down seats....I got 2 kids, but love the idea of my gear being relatively out-of-sight as well.

+1 I love the look of the panel side HHR. But I would have preferred it with removable seats.

[CityEscape]

http://toyotasimulator.com

This site lets you test drive any Toyota online.

[tplyons]

Originally Posted by hover

dude, I was looking at the panel-wagon version again. I wish the back cargo area had actual back seats. I believe it's just storage "compartments".... I'd love to get a panel version, and install regular back fold-down seats....I got 2 kids, but love the idea of my gear being relatively out-of-sight as well.

I know of a few people that have done exactly this. It's definitely doable, but it costs a few bucks.

There's also the uncommon AA5 Half Panel version that they only offered for a year or two. The rearmost panel is solid, but the back doors still have glass.

[Gard]

I'll toss a recommendation in for the Honda Element. My family owns TWO, they're reliable as a car can be, get good gas mileage, have more interior space than any of the other recommendations so far, and well...it's a HONDA.

Second choice would be the Mazda, hear great things about them, they're fun to drive (I'll admit the Element is NOT a sports car in any way! ). Probably not nearly the same cargo space though.

Third choice would be the Forester. However, even used, they're on the upper end of the OP's price list. Great, very reliable cars. Still, not the same cargo capacity of the E, if that's the primary interest.

Knocks against the others:

Chevy - I'm pissed at GM and our government, and refuse to ever purchase a GM product again. In my opinion, they owe every man, woman and child in the US a free car based on the tax money they have soaked out of us. Plus, I remember "planned obsolescence" and refuse to do business with any company that ever practiced it.

Toyota - Dunno, brakes? Random acceleration? Also, the xB would fit INSIDE an Element. Matrix, even smaller, still a Toyota.

[FL Knifemaker]

Originally Posted by Gard

I'll toss a recommendation in for the Honda Element. My family owns TWO, they're reliable as a car can be, get good gas mileage, have more interior space than any of the other recommendations so far, and well...it's a HONDA.

+1
I'm not a Honda fan OR an Element fan but they are durable as hell and have plenty of room. There's a local company that uses them for deliveries. They run and beat the hell out of them and they never die.

[hover]

Gard, while on the surface, I agree with what yer sayin, it's a select few corrupt CEO's who demised the brand, not the workers...(well, some WERE getting 50 bucks an hour to install a screw, but stilll)...

All I'm sayin is I'd be just as pissed at banks and the like, and would never bank or invest again either if I were to never get past things.....sure many of the banks are paying back what was borrowed, but they still had no qualms about going on lavish vacations / conferences and giving big bonuses days after the bailouts....new jets AIG?

So yeah, I'll still consider a chevy if they are proven reliable and solid and a good value...and I'm helping keep Americans employed.

For the record, Honda just had a MAJOR brake recall on the Elements. Jus sayin

[Philbiker]

I could probably fit all that stuff in my Subaru Legacy station wagon. Good car. Much more comfortable ride than an SUV. Subarus tend to retain their value very well, so they are kind of expensive for a used car.

[MakiSupaStar]

Originally Posted by hover

Chevy HHR (@ 15-17 new w/ rebates)
Honda Element (def 1-2 years old used for that price, run forever)
Scion xB (stylish, well equipped for about agrand more, learn to talk down, and it's a toyota)
Subaru Forester (Bulletproof, plentiful used for that price, also the legacy outback)

Toyota Matrix (Hauled bot my and my friend Paul's 610s, 1 SVT, one rack head, two basses and 2 pedalboards and two guys to gigs, may times.) don't buy into the accelerator issue hype on the news. These are wagon version corollas. Bulletproof. Cheap to fix. Also, the Pontiac Vibe version, if you like the look better...same car.

Used Jeep liberty, or new Jeep Patriot or Compass, but I would not recommend those cars...based on the Dodge Caliber...crap car, sorry folks.

Mazda 3 wagon. INSANE amount of gear fits in those. Made a trip to TN from MA w an amp, full drumset, two coolers, and a crapload of merch and could still stretch out, and got really really good gas mileage too. Also check out its predecessor, the Protege 5.

These are all really good suggestions (although I'm a little gunshy on the chevy). I can also vouge for the Passat and Jetta wagons. I've had a lot of them, and while I've only had them for a year from new, I have friends that have them and they're running like champs 3, and 6 years later. The bigger engines, while they are really fun and peppy engines, can be a little thirsty on the gas though. I currently drive a Jetta with a 2.5 liter v6 and this thing hauls ass. It's great around the turns too. I put my head (a sk8 6 space rack with coasters), and a carvin 4x10 red eye, and a 1x15 cab with my pedal board and two basses as well as being able to haul a buddy, sometimes two buddies around in it.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by hover

Gard, while on the surface, I agree with what yer sayin, it's a select few corrupt CEO's who demised the brand, not the workers...(well, some WERE getting 50 bucks an hour to install a screw, but stilll)...

All I'm sayin is I'd be just as pissed at banks and the like, and would never bank or invest again either if I were to never get past things.....sure many of the banks are paying back what was borrowed, but they still had no qualms about going on lavish vacations / conferences and giving big bonuses days after the bailouts....new jets AIG?

So yeah, I'll still consider a chevy if they are proven reliable and solid and a good value...and I'm helping keep Americans employed.

For the record, Honda just had a MAJOR brake recall on the Elements. Jus sayin

Our GRANDCHILDREN will still be paying off the debt that the bailout of GM (and numerous other companies that should have died as well) cost us. I don't care WHO at the company is responsible, it was not MY responsibility to prop that company up - but I didn't get a choice in the matter...nor will my kids...nor will their kids. It was a bad decision, period. Sorry about the job situation, but that isn't the fault of the average taxpayer.

Heck, my company is having tough times too, where the $#%& is MY bailout? I have employees that need paychecks too...



...oh wait, they're not members of a large union that likes to throw it's weight around and make politicians bend like weeds in the wind.

Exactly, the Element had a recall. Honda discovered an issue, and immediately addressed it, they didn't sweep it under the carpet, they didn't hide behind anything, they FIXED it. They had a recall on the '03 for the windshield too, fixed mine in '07 and didn't even blink when I brought it in. It's sad that I have more faith in a company headquartered in Japan to provide me a reliable product at a fair price than I do in one in Detroit, isn't it?

Still doesn't mean that GM, or for that matter, Chrysler and AIG, deserved a taxpayer-funded safety net. Build me a car that is as well-designed, reliable, and sensibly priced, one that I know will still be just as functional 10 years from now, and I'll buy it. Until you PROVE to me you can do it, GM, screw you. If I'm buying an American vehicle, it will be a Ford. They had similar issues to GM and Chrysler, but refused to take the bailout money. Isn't it interesting that they are now doing better than either of the other Big 3 auto makers - oh, from what I've seen personally, there's also the fact that they are making a better product now.

[hover]

Gard, I apologize if my tone was confrontational or whatev, not my intent...I'm not looking at this with rose-colored glasses either, I hear you on every point, I truly do.

I fear for many many things, and many a time thought I deserved a bailout more than f-tards who bought 4000 sq. ft. McMansions they couldn't afford, and then cried and got their debt reduced...I fear much in the same way about the same things. I simply asked for a one-month extension on my mortage because things got tight. Denied.

So again, I agree with your sentiments, and weep for the future in the same regards. Sorry to ruffle any feathers...and the Honda thing wasn't a jab. I was just saying.

Ron

[Gard]

Originally Posted by hover

Gard, I apologize if my tone was confrontational or whatev, not my intent...I'm not looking at this with rose-colored glasses either, I hear you on every point, I truly do.

I fear for many many things, and many a time thought I deserved a bailout more than f-tards who bought 4000 sq. ft. McMansions they couldn't afford, and then cried and got their debt reduced...I fear much in the same way about the same things.

So again, I agree with your sentiments, and weep for the future in the same regards. Sorry to ruffle any feathers...and the Honda thing wasn't a jab. I was just saying.

Ron

Ron -

Sorry if I came off being too angry...having a tough morning, recently had to lay off one of the guys here in the shop, which really hurt me to do...blah blah blah...

...plus I can be a bit of a proselytizer about the Element, it's just such a good vehicle for getting you and your stuff around, especially if you're a musician!

[hover]

.

thanks, and sorry for your woes.

Also, back on topic, I cannot recommend the Dodge Caravan Short-body van as a gear hauler enough. My Brother-in-law has a fleet of them for his business, hauling stuff much heavier than typical gear, and they drive nice enough, and are for the most part very reliable. He buys them used and drives them hard, and each one of them reaches 200 thou & up.

If you can get past the minivan thing, great choice. My guitarist also has one and it is 270 thou in. Runs a little rough now, but still runs. he's horrible on maintennance.

[rollerberg2000]

I can't recommend the HHR highly enough. I specifically bought it to carry my PJB rig (16B cab, 8B cab, head with case) 2 basses, equipment case, stands, rack case, etc. Because my PJB head is out being serviced, I have to carry my "backup" which is an Ampeg SVTAV 810, head with flight case and all the other goodies previously mentioned. The Ampeg is a tighter fit, but it gets me there.

[Flyingaero]

http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/2010...ility-study/#2
I dont like GM because in my opinion cars should be made out of other things than so much plastic. I dont like anything from VW and all the companies they own (Lamborghini, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti etc.) because there is always a host of problems involved with each (all their subsidies are below the industrial average year after year). I would avoid toyota for a while until this random acceleration thing blows over. I have 0 problems with Honda. The only problems Ive ever had with Ford is the occasional flat tire, which is a given, and its subsidies Lincoln and Mercury do better in the long run. In a few months youll be able to buy the ford fiesta. Big fan of Mazda and Hyundai whose quality has jumped like you wouldnt believe. Be sure to google whatever you get though like "2007 crown vic problems". My friend did this for a saturn ( ) he was going to buy and saw problems that would make the toyota recall look like a joke.
http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/2009...esults/full/#2