Kia Soul ... or another suggestion

[buldog5151bass]

I am looking to get a new car. I need either a hatchback, or a small crossover (all-wheel drive is nice for NE winters) since it makes loading/unloading of gear much easier. I want to keep it smaller, since I want decent gas mileage.

Any suggestions/horror stories for cars for this kind of purchase?

 

[TBird1958]

SUBARU

I love my Outback, even at 15 years old with over 230K miles it's a great car for a working bassist and the AWD kicks ass!

 

[Linnin]

I see a lot of Kia Souls running around. I think they're pretty good looking little cars. Subaru wagons are very reliable and have a lot of room to haul gear. Plus they are a lot more expensive. How much gear do you need to haul? Stay under 20 grand?

 

[buldog5151bass]

I would love to stay under 20K, but not many options there - but in that range. I keep cars - my present truck is 11 years old, and is running great, I just want something smaller and more practical that won't kill me on gas.

As to gigs, I get by with two 2x10 or similar cabs, tiny head, and one or two basses. It would also be for around town driving and would need to be able to tow a small trailer (to replace the truck).

Basically, it is between three options:

1. Small hatchback (Hyundai Elantra or similar) - pros - mileage, cons: less storage, and no AWD
2. Small crossover (CRV or similar) - pros: more storage, AWD, cons: less mileage
3. The Soul - kind of in the middle - worried that it would not be as comfortable for highway driving

Thanks.

 

[hdracer]

I thought you were a attorney?
Shouldn't you be driving a Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5?

 

[buldog5151bass]

Attorney yes, snob, no. It pays the bills, just like playing bass and making baseball bats.

 

[iamlowsound]

Go used. Both my wife and I really like her 2010 Kia Forte, but we will be glad once it is paid off. The Soul is a good looking little car.

lowsound

 

[buldog5151bass]

Thanks for the feedback - keep it coming. I certainly am considering buying used (anyone want to buy an 11 year old Tundra in good shape?).

 

[Linnin]

Rent a Kia Soul and take it on a weekend trip. That will tell you all you need to know about highway comfort.

Of the 3 you mentioned, the Honda CRV is the most appealing to me, and is probably the most expensive.

 

[chuck norriss]

I would love to stay under 20K, but not many options there - but in that range. I keep cars - my present truck is 11 years old, and is running great, I just want something smaller and more practical that won't kill me on gas.

As to gigs, I get by with two 2x10 or similar cabs, tiny head, and one or two basses. It would also be for around town driving and would need to be able to tow a small trailer (to replace the truck).

Basically, it is between three options:

1. Small hatchback (Hyundai Elantra or similar) - pros - mileage, cons: less storage, and no AWD
2. Small crossover (CRV or similar) - pros: more storage, AWD, cons: less mileage
3. The Soul - kind of in the middle - worried that it would not be as comfortable for highway driving

Thanks.

nice interior
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/elantra/interior.aspx
my x had the crv it's roomy good for trucking gear but gutless. sounds like soul is right fit it looks roomy in there too. maybe not huge but roomy enough.

 

[chuck norriss]

nice interior
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/elantra/interior.aspx
my x had the crv it's roomy good for trucking gear but gutless. sounds like soul is right fit it looks roomy in there too. maybe not huge but roomy enough.

honda element is like a van. mileage is ok but not 4x4.

 

[4StringAxe]

I have a 2010 Forte Koup. I test drove a SOUL, didn't strike me as a gear hauler. I like the Subaru Wagon idea for gear.

 

[buldog5151bass]

My drummer has the Elantra hatchback. We can pack his entire 5 piece kit and my entire rig (except the second speaker) for a gig. I'd like to be able to return the favor with more than the 15mpg on my Tundra.

 

[Gorn]

A friend of mine just leased a Kia sorento. Fantastic car. Really smooth ride and quiet inside with lots of trunk space. Quick too. He paid $260 a month with nothing down.

 

[tangentmusic]

I own an '06 Honda Element. Great car. Good MPG. 4WD.
The back seats can be raised out of the way or removed entirely.
Enough room for large bass cabs.
Raging stereo came standard.
I believe they discontinued this model last year, so you'd have to buy used.

 

[DerHoggz]

Renegade!

 

[Linnin]

Renegade!

I LOVE JEEPS!

 

[Darth Handsome]

If I was a lawyer I'd be driving this sucker.

 

[BassGuyFL]

My mom just got a new Soul and it's a great car. Plenty of room with the seats folded down and averages 29 MPG. I see plenty driving around so I'm guessing the reliability is pretty good.

 

[Immigrant]

Those Kia Souls attract rats. I seen it on the TV.