what vehicle for a bass player?

for around 5K, you'll want something more of the econo-variety, so that you get a relatively newer vehicle and potentially more service life..hopefully...I know econo doesn't = long life, but you never know. You'd be hard pressed to find a decent outback wagon for 5K.

I'd suggest these to balance the age / mileage / economy of fuel in your favor

chevy cavalier wagon
ford escort or even taurus wagon
PT cruiser
suzuki sidekick
mazda protege 5
honda civic wagon / hatchback
older vw jetta wagon
mid-90's Jeep Cherokee with the 6

you get the idea.

 

Do you guys have panelvans over there? Get one of them

 

See if you can find an ol Toyota Rav 4 in your price range. Decent, sqaure space in the back, economical, fairly reliable.

edit: sorry, violates your 'no suv rule'...

 

DOn't forget Nissan + mazda pickups (around here resale on them is low) and the Nissans go a long time ) I know of some in the 200k miles range, look like heck, run like a top) on a little bit of care. Dakotas and Rangers in the 5k brakcket should be fairly clean and lower mileage (except 4 wheel drive and loaded versions).

Isuzu used in the $5k might have around 30,000 miles and could be good until 120k-140k.

Best of Luck,
Wesley R.

 

I'd go for the Mazda Protege 5, if you can find one used. They run great, are relatively simple, cheap on gas, and have enough room. Another one that is VERY affordable, but not popular, is the Kia Cinco. For 5K, you should be able to get into a one-year-old model wagon with A/C and stock stereo. The only thing to watch for on these cars is maintenance. They absolutely need their timing belts changed on time (70-75k). Other than that, they're great- cheap to run, cheap to insure- I had a 2000 Sephia, and it was a great car until it got totalled by a mysterious Ford F350. Nobody was in the car, it was parked and the wad in the truck backed into so hard it knocked it into the club... ...insurance company wouldn't fix it, as the tranny was busted and frame was bent. But it was a truly great little car, never had a lick of trouble with it.

 

You should be able to find a good condition legacy or impreza wagon for $5k if not an outback. The main difference is ground clearance and looks. If you aren't planning on doing a lot of offroading a normal subie will work fine. Subarus are excellent cars that can quite easily reach 200k+ with minimal work. They also hold a good amount of gear. I would look for one of those over any other vehicle listed in this thread. There are only a few cars I would be confident in buying that already had more than 100k on them, and a Subaru is one of them. My brother is on his 3rd Subaru (two Outbacks and a Forrester). I know the first outback went to over 200k, the second one has around 40 or 50 now and his wife has about 60k on the forester. He's had one problem in that time: the ECU went bad on his first outback locking it in closed loop mode. Had to be replaced via recall.

I just got an 06 WRX and love it. I think I'll be drivings subarus for quite some time.

I also owned a Jeep Cherokee with the I6 for quite a few years. Great vehicle, but ast the approach 100k you need to be prepared for a few things that WILL go bad - transfer case and u joints being the most expensive. If you find a Jeep with those already done and with no rust you can expect a long problem free run. Those I6s go forever (I know of at least one that went to over 350 in a Wrangler). Getting a heavy cab into the back requires a decent sized vertical lift, but if you are used to a pickup it shouldn't feel too bad.

Speaking of pickups the aforementioned Nissan and Mazda pickups are great, as are Toyotas. Lack of potential passenger space and need for a cap to protect gear are my only problems with these.

Might also want to look at a Civic hatchback. Very reliable, good cargo space for thier size, excellent milage and they made like 300 gazillion of the damned things so finding one is easy.

 

I agree with Tash entirely. I was merely taking mileage /age into account with my suggestions. And I second the thoughts on the Jeep. Mine currently has 204,500 miles on it. Not a bad runner.

Mon

 

Age is irrelevant talking about cars. I've seen 2 year old Audis with more problems than 20 year old Toyotas. All that matters is how well built it was from the start and how well taken care of it's been. You will get more use out of a Camary with 120k on the clock than you will out of most brand new cars.

 

Also, I have to sing the praises of the least 'mini' of the minivans. The Chevy Astro. I swore for years I would never get a minivan. Then I becamr a bew Dad. We could not fit a babyseat into my beloved Nissan pickup unless the truck held only the baby seat and the driver. A poor design. I had to let my beloved truck go away, and in her place I got a Chevy Astro.

It drives like a truck. Most minivans drive like cars. Rear wheel drive, amazing cargo space (We sometimes used it as a camper.) decent mileage for a van.They can be had cheap. I put 253,500 miles on it. Actually, I put about 135,000 on it. The first owner did the rest.

Of the people in my current band we have one large SUV (mine), one full-size pickup (singer's) one small SUV (drummer's) and one Subaru Outback (guitarist's). All have their upsides. I am impressed with John's Subaru. I might buy my wife one when her Taurus dies.

 

If it has wheels and fits my amp, I'll rock that b around the block.

 

Again, that's a big "of course", but if you don't know the history straight out....how exactly would you be able to surmise how well it was taken care of? Even some real creampuff lookin older cars can be dogs, and the higher in mileage, it doesn't always factor favorably. No maker is immune to making an occasional lemon. And in the instance of that Toyota you mention, if you drive / maintain it differently than the grandma before it, chances are it won't last a year.

 

I'll throw in a vote for the pre-99 Subaru Outback. Plenty of room inside, you can even stand a 4x12 on it's side. Mileage is OK, and its AWD.

 

If you could find a good older subaru in that price range, I would also look into the foresters. Those hold alot of gear too.

 

The Forester is shorter than the Outback wagon.

 

I have a '98 Ford Explorer sport. Cost me $5500 w/ 53k mi in great condition. Its a great ride, great price. You can find alot of used ones around the same price. 2 door, 6 cyl. You can fit a large bass rig and a 1/2 stack with room to spare.

But good on gas it is not. I average 13 mi/gallon I still love it though. It rules in the snow.

 

I know,but it's taller. maybe? Aw who cares? I fit an SVT, a 610, 2 basses and my pedalboard and still had room for the Missus. that's plenty of cargo for one gig.

 

Another thing you may want to consider...
If you ever need to leave your gear unattended in the vehicle, you're less likely to lose it to theft if it can't be seen.
You can improve your odds against the guy who just intended to steal your radio , if you can fit the bass goodies in the trunk (and disable the trunk popper on the inside).

 

Id just try to ride a Fodera to work. If it doesnt work out you can just stay home and play bass.