Another car recommendation thread....NO SUVs please! (Page 3)

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I test drive a Subaru Impreza 5-door the other day.  All wheel drive, smooth ride.  

I like the 4-door better, but the truck is smaller than my current Acura RSX!  I need the space for skis and my scuba trunk.  The below image is the Impreza WRX - which I would really like to get.  But can't justify that extra $4000.

Kia Optima. It looks similar to the Lexus IS250 and the BMW 535.  Very nice car, especially the 2013 Optima Limited (SXL). Looks sharp and it's cheaper than a Lexus or Beemer

I did a TON of research on it before I bought (like I do with everything), and the Prius is really a great little car and travels at highway speeds without issue.

To answer the OP's question, yes, you can fit a bike without issue. The thing has a crazy amount of room. Now they have different models and sizes (which they did not have when I bought).

Driving them is a snap, no issues. The only thing that I did not like was the front seat. It gets a little hard feeling on long trips, but I solved this by buying a 'Wet Oakley' seat cover which made it 100x better. The new models may have better seats now, not sure.

Oh ya, and it is 'cute' I guess because I was normally driving a Corvette and when I drove the Prius, all my friends made fun of me and called it 'cute'...Soooo haha

 Oh and after we just bought my mother-in-law a 2013 Honda Accord, I too am a HUGE Honda fan! The car is just so nice with everything you could ever want, and their warranty is just unreal!! Drivetrain for life, and true bumper to bumper for 6 years or 100K for 1200 buck which even includes punctured tires...CRAZY awesome!! And she has been driving the car for about 6 months now and just loves it. Not a bike friendly car though, just thought I would give Honda some props.

i've always liked the wrx...

i just got rid of an 06 Altima.  i used to put my bike in the back seat every other day for riding after work.  just remove the front tire and shove it in the back seat.  i could even throw my tire, pump, bag and other small crap on the floor.  if you ment the trunk, i'll agree.  only way i could do that is to lower the seat.

+1

I was just going suggest a Mazda 2 or 3 or a Ford Fiesta or a Toyota Yaris (hatch).  And if you want them even sportier, go for a MazdaSpeed3 (5-door 3 with changed suspension and turbo engine).

The Mazda 2 and Fiesta are the same chassis.

I know a bike will fit in the back of a Yaris, sans front wheel.  And it has more rear seat room than a GD Imprezza (00-07).

Think I am going to get the hatch back Impreza.  Soon.  It's kind of cute for a 5-door car.  

If you like the sedan, guess you can install a bike mount and fold the back seat down if you need more space.

I have a G35 (same size as the G37), coupe, and I can sure tell you it is not good for a bike...Or much of anything else. Maybe if you got the 4-door, but who wants that .

Very nice car, but not good for the tri life (unless you have something else).

I am very impressed by how the Scion has evolved from its beginnings! Good looking ride!

Khyron - 2013-05-02 10:20 PM

 

 

 

 

What the Celica should have been. RWD, LSD, light weight. I'd take it over a 135, let alone a 128. Seats fold flat and can hold a full set of race wheels with floor jack and tool kits. Only issue would be if your bike/bars can fit through the trunk opening.

 

 

 

 

 

she's PRETTY oh my gosh.  YOU HAVE HIT ALL OF MY REQUIREMENTS ON THE HEAD.  manual transmission too?  a girl can dream?

reliability
availability of manual transmission
looks
longevity
gas efficiency

Manual is one of the best around, for 5-10K cheaper than the BMW. My reqs were manual, RWD (or AWD in a pinch), kid backseats, handling, winter driving. Options were a 997 911, 135i, 330, EvoX, Boss 302 mustang, Audi S4. The bang for buck cannot be denied.

It's a Subaru (built in their plant) with Toyota styling and direct injection. And my kids fit in the back seat.

You can call it a discount Porsche Cayman, or a modern 944. If you enjoy driving, go take one for a spin.

You can also get a Subaru BRZ (exactly same car) - a bit more expensive but leather seats, HID lights, keyless start, etc.

28-32mpg, takes premium though. 

More temptation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=romf-G6CZ7g

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/64402414/001.jpg

I never thought I would like a Scion but dang that thing looks good!

Are they finally selling for MSRP?

Last summer, when they were launched, you were looking at a $10,000 premium in many markets (on a 25,000 USD car...)

But it's also called the Toyota 86 in Japan, South Africa, and Australia.  The Toyota GT86 in Europe.  Both the 86 and GT86 in NZ.  The Subaru BRZ everywhere.  It's only badged a Scion in Canada and the US (the only places Scion exists, everywhere else Scions are just Toyotas).

The Scooby is supposed to be a little softer than the Toyota version.

The Subaru FA20 that's in there is also used in a JDM Legacy, with a turbo and 100 more hp...

I got mine for sticker with no admin fees, on first month of release. Some dealers were just dinks - find another nearby. Nobody is paying over sticker now. 

They are all built in the same Subaru plant in Japan, by the same robots. The brand differences are cosmetic/equipment levels only. All have the same motor, same brakes, same wheels etc. Like Chevy/Pontiac or Ford/Lincoln.