My next vehicle: help me out!

Frapp · 04-08-06, 04:13

Howdy everyone

I've been with the forums for a while, but only recently came back. I formatted my computer and lost the link and forgot the address and everything.. it was bad. I have horrible memory sometimes. Anyways, I got a question for all of ya.

My 1997 (108K miles) Chevy Cavalier is seemingly on it's last leg, or is going to be soon. Something new is wrong with it every couple of weeks lately. I'm looking at getting another car before the Cav dies.

I've been thinking about getting a hatchback or a wagon model car, because I'll probably be needing the cargo space. I would be transporting a mid-sized guitar amplifier, bass guitar, maybe a pair mid sized speakers and a small sound mixer. If not, then at least I have the style of a hatchback

My question to you is, what hatchback-style car should I get in terms of cargo space? Preferably a used model, as I couldn't afford a new car right now. I'm also trying to avoid SUVs as much as humanly possible. Any suggestions? Thanks a bunch!

BoxsterCharlie · 04-08-06, 06:20

How about a Mazda 3 5 door? Or a Scion. I'm not a big fan of the later, but the style is growing on me. I think the Mazda 3 is probably the best driver in the small hatch/wagon utility class.

Steve02SLT · 04-08-06, 07:14

The Mazda 3 is defintaly a very nice vehicle. Depending on your budget, you could maybe find a used magnum in your area, they have plenty of room, but horrible blind spots. A friend of mine has a Scion xB, the boxy one, and fits his guitar equipment in there with no problem. They're really inexpensive also...something around 14-15k brand new, and get AMAZING gas mileage.

velobard · 04-08-06, 07:33

The Subaru WRX wagon would be worth a look. Personally, I like the style of the ones from a few years ago better than the new ones.

Accumulator · 04-08-06, 09:39

The WRX wagon won't offer much cargo space though. We got rid of ours when the younger dog started growing, didn't have nearly the room we needed. I was kinda surprised at how little space it really had (we used it to move a lot of stuff out of my dad's house, didn't hold much).

SpoiledMan · 04-08-06, 10:11

I don't know what your budget is but how about the new Honda Fit? New but inexpensive.

http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-ar...icle_id=529743

LightngSVT · 04-08-06, 12:41

OK, Ill be different. How about a Ford Focus ZX3, or ZX5? I owned one for a DD a few years back and never had a problem with the car. It was actually fun to drive, handled well and had nice brakes but wasnt the fastest thing on the road. You can find them from $4-12k used and if you can swing it the SVT Focus can be had for about $10-14k and is a very fun little pocket rocket.

In my Zx3 I had at one time 2 drag slicks, 10 bags of garnden mulch, 4 large bushes and a few odds and ends. That little car can hold alot of stuff!

Frapp · 04-08-06, 12:54

Thanks for the input guys. My budget at the moment is small, so I'm looking for the REALLY inexpensive stuff. I'll take a look at those cars and come back if I have any more questions. Thanks again!

novaracer · 04-09-06, 06:44

look at a newer cavalier with a ecotec.

they are leaps and bounds better than the older cavs. I have a 04 ls sport and i love it!

Tasty · 04-09-06, 07:13

Mazda Protege5s can be found used for sometimes very cheap. They are a well reviewed car, and very well liked by the people that own them. The last year of manufacture was '03 as the Mazda 3 was introduced the following year as a "replacement" for the Protege line. It's a good looking 5 door IMO, and I actually like its styling a bit better than the 3 5-door.

White95Max · 04-09-06, 08:33

I prefer the Protege5 styling over the Mazda3 5-door, but they're both nice vehicles.

hadboosttroy · 04-09-06, 09:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

The WRX wagon won't offer much cargo space though. We got rid of ours when the younger dog started growing, didn't have nearly the room we needed. I was kinda surprised at how little space it really had (we used it to move a lot of stuff out of my dad's house, didn't hold much).

my brothers 90lb lab fits just fine in our 03 wrx sedan, i would think the wagon is awesome for tasks like that.