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You could probably go with a Mazda5. It comes with a stickshift and I've seen pix of ppl cramming huge futons, stoves & 4x8 drywall into these microvans. While it doesn't get 30+ mpg's like the latest compacts, you can easily see 25~27. It's a great value for the price and attained one of the highest scores for any kind of car from CR last yr.
Or there's always the Baja. I know you said no to Subaru, but no one makes anything close to the practicality offered in such a compact sedan platform. People seriously cart mattresses, armoires, loveseats, bales of hay in the bed with the gate down. The only downside is that Baja's only get mileage in the low 20's at best.
I want to own one commuter car that works when I move stuff.
Any ideas on brand, model, year, etc.?
Reliable import (not a van).
30+ mpg, 5-speed, front-wheel-drive.
No frills (manual window handles would be okay).
Great model year (about 5+ years old)?
Not Subaru -- good cars but just my personal preference.
Easily done with almost anything out there.
Quote:
Room in back to move an easy chair or other medium-size item.
How often does this sort of need come up?
I often consider buying a small old pickup for my occasional needs...
but then I always find some kid with one who is happy to get the $20
that I'm always happy to pay for the hour or so it takes to haul my whatever..
Once in a while I'll pay a bit more ($50?) and get a few hours of labor too.
You could probably go with a Mazda5. It comes with a stickshift and I've seen pix of ppl cramming huge futons, stoves & 4x8 drywall into these microvans. While it doesn't get 30+ mpg's like the latest compacts, you can easily see 25~27. It's a great value for the price and attained one of the highest scores for any kind of car from CR last yr.
Or there's always the Baja. I know you said no to Subaru, but no one makes anything close to the practicality offered in such a compact sedan platform. People seriously cart mattresses, armoires, loveseats, bales of hay in the bed with the gate down. The only downside is that Baja's only get mileage in the low 20's at best.
You could probably go with a Mazda5. It comes with a stickshift and I've seen pix of ppl cramming huge futons, stoves & 4x8 drywall into these microvans. While it doesn't get 30+ mpg's like the latest compacts, you can easily see 25~27. It's a great value for the price and attained one of the highest scores for any kind of car from CR last yr.
Or there's always the Baja. I know you said no to Subaru, but no one makes anything close to the practicality offered in such a compact sedan platform. People seriously cart mattresses, armoires, loveseats, bales of hay in the bed with the gate down. The only downside is that Baja's only get mileage in the low 20's at best.
Look at the Mazda 3 before you buy a Honda Fit, Toyota Matrix, or Pontiac Vibe. The Mazda is better looking and more fun to drive - though I'm not digging the goofy smiley face grill on the 2010 or newer models.
Assuming the back of the easy chair slides off, which most of them do, I could easily fit one in the back of my 3 with the seats folded down.
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