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Double Bass Cars for bass (DB forum thread)

#81
I have one of the new RAV-4s -- it hauls the bass more easily than my old Honda Passport (same car as Isuzu Rodeo). They lengthened the wheelbase about 14" this year, and it makes all the differences in the world.

With the V-6 and the sport suspension, it's also a damned fun car to drive, bass or no bass. Not that I care, but it's also the top-rated small SUV in the new Consumer Reports.
 
#82
I just picked up a used '03 Saturn Vue since my workhorse Lumina was on its death bed. You can lower all the seats flat, even the front passenger seat. In the week that I've had it, I've packed my bass in three different configurations (while also hauling a slab, large duffel bag, garment bag, music case, and 1x12 combo amp). There are convenient eye hooks to strap items down and keep them from sliding into the bass; plus I used the rear power outlet to plug a small humidifier in to keep the cabin humidity at a comfortable level for the most important passenger. All this with a hwy fuel economy of 28 mpg? I'm in love.

The only downside (so far) is the wheel wells prevent the bass from being secured to the side of the cargo area.
 
#83
I usually take this baby to gigs....it's the Ultimate Gig Machine. I can also fit my URB in my 3 series sedan with ONE child on her booster in the back, but that is a tight squeeze.

I rented a Dodge Magnum last summer when the X5 was in the shop.....now that has a HUGE space in the back for EVERYTHING!
 

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#86
Hmmm, we can add a Hyundai Elantra sedan to this list. Front passenger seat slides back and goes flat. Open the passenger side door, open the opposite back door. Bass goes scroll first in the back door and ends up angled across the seats. I suppose someone could sit in the back, but no one has yet. The stick shift is clear, I can see over the bass, driving is fine. My car is now my motorized bass case on wheels. I'm renting a Shen SB90 from the Student String Shop in Fairport NY. til I can decide (in a few months) what bass I prefer.
 
#89
I have a Toyota Celica. I've fit my cab/amp, combo amp, 3 basses and gear bag with not much trouble. Granted, they're electric instead of double basses...

You could always go the route of my friend's wife who's a harpist... she ended up buying an older Cadillac HEARSE to transport her harp. Apparently they have this roller setup in them, she just tips her harp case on the edge and rolls it right in. :D
 
#92
I'm now looking for another vehicle since I totaled my minivan last week. My wife drives a Corolla and I can barely get my URB in it (and I mean barely). There are 3/4 basses and then there is the NS Cleveland 3/4 bass.

I'm looking at the Toyota Matrix now and even though we could probably use another minivan (3 kids) I don't feel like dealing with such low gas mileage anymore. I'd actually like another Corolla b/c the close to 40 mpg is pretty easy to deal with.

The Honda Element is nice but it's only a 4 seater (can't leave one kid home).

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is sweet but then there's that darn gas mileage again.

I just don't think I can see myself driving a Scion xB and from what I hear they lack some serious power.

There just aren't too many hatchbacks being made anymore.

I'll see this week.
 
#93
I was about to pull the trigger on a new Toyota RAV-4. It seemed perfect: large, flat cargo area with the rear seats folded down, reasonably priced, good milage, great looking, etc. Then I realized that the RAV's cargo access was by way of a swing-open gate rather than by way of a lift-up hatch. That was enough to put the kibosh on the RAV. The swing-open gate requires an additional four feet of space to open fully, which often can be problematic both when street parking and in garage usage. The lift-up hatch is far more efficient in this regard and it also provides a degree of shelter when loading/unloading in inclement weather. The swing-open gate does not.

The new model Honda CR-V abandoned the gate and went to the hatch. That did it for me. The Saturn VUE was an option in this regard, too, and I found that Chevy and Ford both recently came out with equally practical and attractive small, efficient and spacious lift-hatch SUV's. I'll bet they are considerable less costly than the CR-V, too.
 
#94
I went for a test ride in a Matrix today. Supposed to be similar to the Corolla but I found the ride to be a bit rough. I could feel every bump in the road. I also took a Rav 4 out for a test. It was nicer, roomier but at a definite increase in cost and lower gas mileage than the Corolla. My wife likes the roomier Rav 4 but I like the price and gas mileage of the Corolla. We may have to go for the Matrix.

I will look into the Honda CRV's and see how they are.
 
#95
If anyone is using:
Matrix or Scion Xb (the boxy shaped one)
I'd sure like to hear from you, please!

Freddles, the Scion is substantially cheaper, and from what I've read on the Scion boards, maintain Toyota Bomb-proof design and build.
 
#97
Chef said:
If anyone is using:
Matrix or Scion Xb (the boxy shaped one)
I'd sure like to hear from you, please!

Freddles, the Scion is substantially cheaper, and from what I've read on the Scion boards, maintain Toyota Bomb-proof design and build.
Click to expand...

I've looked at the Scion's (since they're at the Toyota dealerships) and the boxy xB is just too ugly for me, lacks power. But they have a new one coming out this summer that is better looking than the xB, it's called the xD (I think it might be replacing the xB). It's supposed to have more power, etc. The little xA is too small and the xC isn't practical for me. They're really not that much less in cost. They don't get that great of gas mileage.
 
#98
The Xb shows 36 highway, that's 3 times what my land cruiser gets;)
I ran with an Xb all the way from Chicago to St Louis last weekend, he was doing 80 the whole time.
The new motor makes 130 hp instead of 122...
 
#99
Chef said:
The Xb shows 36 highway, that's 3 times what my land cruiser gets;)
I ran with an Xb all the way from Chicago to St Louis last weekend, he was doing 80 the whole time.
The new motor makes 130 hp instead of 122...
Click to expand...

I cannot find any info on the 2007 xB's. Both Edmunds and KBB only have 2006 info on them.

Our Corolla gets about 38 and my minivan got b/w 20-22. I haven't driven the xB but my friend took one for a test drive and said that there wasn't enough get up and go when you got on the highway. I'm sure once you get it going it'll keep going but . . .

It reminds me of when I was a cop in the Air Force and we had Chrysler K-Cars. If you could anticipate the crime you could floor it and you might make it to the scene in time.
 

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