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Double Bass Cars for bass (DB forum thread)

#102
I just bought a new 06 Scion xB last month. My reasons for buying it were fuel economy, price, and cargo space. Also the fact that it's a Toyota. There are about three ways that my bass can fit, depending on whether or not there are passengers and how much gear I'm carrying. I've got the straight drive, which is geared higher than the the auto but much, much more fun to drive. I use it primarily for driving around town to work with some road trips occasionally. It is what it is, an economy car. If things like the quality of the trim, plush ride, low engine/road noise, etc. are important, this is not your car. It's amazing to read some of the criticisms of people who have bought this car, because they are comparing it to cars that cost 5-10k more. It's hard to imagine getting more car (especially as a bassist) for what you pay for a Scion. I'm getting 35-36 mpg. I've heard through what basically amounts to gossip that the new xB, which will be a 2008, will be anywhere from 3-5k more and will compete more head-on with the Honda Element, which we also have. My wife and I are curiously attracted to cars with right angles.
 
#104
Chef, the pickup is fine for me. However, before the box I had an old Volvo, and then an old Trooper, so I was driving possibly the slowest cars ever engineered before I got the Scion. I learned to just not give a crap about my 0-60 time. The Scion definitely feels like a car with a small, low-hp engine, but the manual trans helps a lot. If I was having to commute every day on a freeway or interstate, I would want a little more zip. I should add that my previous comments seemed to suggest that the Scion is loud and rough with a cheapo interior. This is not the case at all, I actually have found everything to be of reasonable quality given the price of the car. I was really trying to make a point about the gripes that some Scion owners have made about some of these aspects. For instance, I've read complaints that the engine is noisy when it's driven at 75mph on the interstate. Well, what do you expect? If you are interested in the original xB, snatch one up, I understand they're going fast - my dealer had to hunt one down for me.
 
#108
What about something reliable and reasonably cheap used that a person can sleep in? I'm about 5' 9" tall. I seem to be on the verge of loosing everything (life happens - sigh) so I don't know if it matters if the bass fits in there with me or not. I'm not joking so any suggestions are welcome.

Peace,
S
 
#110
Well I decided to go with the Toyota Matrix. Took another one for a test ride today and this one seemed fine. Looks like there's plenty of room to haul a bass and amp and whatever else I may want to put back there. The gas mileage isn't too shabby either. Hopefully, it'll be ready for pickup before the weekend.
 
#112
I have a 1991 Honda Civic Si Hatchback. I can EASILY fit four Basses in casses, and my SWR workingman 10" PLUS A SWR 10 cab in my car without obststructing my view out the back window PLUS a 6' passenger. HATCHBACKS RULE! If I had all my basses (6) in gig bags, I coulda fit at least one or two full sized Bicycles in my car at the same time!!! BTW I am a professional Bicycle Mechanic.
 
#114
..because of some pretty crappy back problems, i just traded my Kia in for a Nissan Versa hatchback. The seats are wayyy more comfortable and today I'm taking my upright out for the first time. Plenty of room, actually more than with my Kia. My amp, chord bag and various other accessories all fit nicely with room to spare. I also like it because my sight lines are all clear and I can see perfectly out of all my windows.
 
#116
Here's my old FJ60 Land Cruiser, and my new Scion xB.
The difference in cost of fuel used makes the car payment...
The xBox holds everything the 60 used to....the 60 is now semi-retired, hauling wet dogs back and forth to the park...


boxtrucks002.jpg
 
#119
5 spd or auto?
I've only burned a 1/2 tank so far, got 210 miles, or about 33 mpg, so far...not bad for a fresh tight motor breaking in.

It swallowed my DB, Walkabout Scout, bass chair/stand, mic stand, music stand, ammo box, and electric bass, no prob.
 

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