Kia Soul. Honda Fit & bikes

[Catrin]

Does anyone have one? Does your bike fit in the back? Do you have a hitch rack on it?

Am considering trading cars if I can qualify for a lower interest rate, and am considering what I might replace mine for if this is the case. It looks like I wouldn't take a loss in gas mileage, and it would be nice if I could fit my Gunnar or Jamis in the back without taking the wheel off. For assorted reason that is a royal PITA for both bikes - especially the Gunnar (I have to let all of the air out to get the wheel off).

I've heard the Honda Fit also fits bikes well in the back...

[Biciclista]

i have a honda fit. my bike fits inside of it easily. Two bikes would be harder. The car is great for all sorts of combos of loads and people. I love it! I don't have to take my wheel off.

[Catrin]

This is good to know, thank you! I can't think of too many times when I would be transporting more than one bike... I think the mileage of the Fit is pretty good as well.

Don't get me wrong, I love my 2008 electric blue Lancer, but if I can qualify for a zero interest or lower interest loan than what I have...

[colorisnt]

If you took the wheels off, you could get two in a Soul. Mine is a dream come true. I just throw my bike in there with the wheel on. I also have a bike hitch. I would recommend getting one. Altogether, mine was $250.00 and you might get the dealer to throw one in with a sale. The hitch is used anytime I have two bikes or I go home.

I moved 8 hours away with just the Soul. I have moved two friends with the Soul. It has a ton of cargo space and even loaded down gets amazing gas mileage. I like that it sits up. I like the display A LOT better than the fit, which is why I didn't even consider one. It was a weird console.

I have a friend who has the fit and she likes it but she can't get nearly as much in her car as mine and rear legroom is more of an issue.

[Catrin]

I narrowed it down pretty quickly to the Fit or the Soul, but they will have to make it worth my while. It sounds like you like how the Soul handles? I prefer manual transmissions and the Soul+ appears to come with it.

I haven't seen the inside of a Fit yet, but if it is like other Hondas I have seen I probably won't like it - but I do need to check it out. I do like that it is a smaller vehicle.

[Biciclista]

you can get the fit in a Manual transmission of course. The interior is so awesome, you can fold down the back seats so instead you have like a little wagon. You can even fold down the front passenger seat, I knew of a couple with a tandem that traveled with the tandem (wheels off) in that FIT!

[Catrin]

you can get the fit in a Manual transmission of course. The interior is so awesome, you can fold down the back seats so instead you have like a little wagon. You can even fold down the front passenger seat, I knew of a couple with a tandem that traveled with the tandem (wheels off) in that FIT!

It does sound pretty cool :) It is the massive dash I've seen on newer Hondas that I haven't liked, but this car is probably different.

I've been pre-approved by two dealers on both the Fit and Soul, now comes the time for test riding and careful judgement. Just because I've been pre-approved doesn't mean I will accept either offer unless it makes good financial sense. I just need to keep repeating that...I've been known to get too caught up on things. Shocking thing to consider, yes, but I do that :o I do have a car I love, so it isn't like I HAVE to do that, but ifen I could lower my payments in this process...

[Aggie_Ama]

Two of my teammates (a couple) have a Fit and they can put two 29er mountain bikes in the back. They just have a board with a fork mount, you do have to take the wheel off but it isn't that bad when you consider you don't dock your gas mileage with a rack on the back and have one more defense against thieves. They do call it their "Sissy Fit" but they love it, just joke because it is so tiny.

[colorisnt]

I love my car, actually. It handles well and came with all the upgrades I wanted. I can't drive a stick, so I didn't bother trying a + because all the dealers had were manuals. I have an ! with about 12000 miles on it (well, soon to be 12,500 tomorrow with my drive). I honestly can't say enough about how useful the car is. Before this, I never wanted a hatchback, but now I am glad I got it.

Not that it probably matters, but the sound system is WONDERFUL (I am a music buff) and the interior is not only comfortable for a short person, but also my 5'9'' all legs mom. The seat was really adjustable unlike the Mazda I test drove, wanted to like, but ended up LOATHING.

The soul also has an area beneath the floor to store things like tools and that is where the spare is. People may make fun of my car, but I am glad I got what I did.

[Catrin]

It is important to love your car :) Out of curiousity, is there enough room in the back for someone short to lie down and sleep for a few hours? I may want/need to car camp at an event this fall...

[colorisnt]

In mine, yes. There is room for two people.

Odd story, but my best friend visited the US last year and we went camping (she's coming back in a week! Ahhhh!). We went up to Traverse City and it poured the first night. We unloaded the car and then got in to see if necessary we could sleep. curled up, the two of us could easily fit without it being uncomfortable. It ended up letting up a bit and we didn't need it, but both my friend and I could have managed. She's 5'9'' and I'm 5'.

[grey]

Good thread! I've looked into the Fit but not at all into the Soul, and manual tranny is a MUST for me, so that's good to know about the Soul+. I have to say I have caught myself liking the looks of it when it goes by me on the Interstate. :-P
Currently, I'm still driving my 1994 Jeep Cherokee - had it for 15 years - but we all know at 250,000+ miles it's bound to die at some point, and for 2 years now I've been staring at cars trying to figure out what the heck to replace my beloved Heep with.

What about legroom for both? Hubby is 6ft 2inches...

[colorisnt]

Legroom is pretty dang good.

My mom and bestie are 5'9'' and both are legs legs legs and fit no problem. My uncle is your hubby's size and he fit too. I've driven tall, big guys around as the DD and it worked. It definitely has a better back seat than the fit. I can tell you that after sitting in both. And I can't say anything about the driver's seat for the fit, but I drive 8 hours straight regularly and it doesn't give me sleepy butt.

[evangundy]

I have a 2009 Fit and the only thing I do not like about it is the road noise I hear on the highway. Not much sound insulation and hard tires (both contribute to the good gas mileage). When the tires need replacing, I'll get softer ones. I'm ok with losing a couple miles per gallon to be able to hear the radio or cd player without having to turn the volume way up.

Test drive both vehicles, in city streets and highway if you can do both. Might also be good to take a blanket you don't mind getting dirty, and take your bike with you. Make sure the bike fits before you buy the car.

Have fun!
Edna

[azfiddle]

We have a 2011 Fit and really like it.

My bike easily fits in the back w/o taking off the wheels- but we haven't tried to put two in to the back because we have a hitch rack on it.

[zoom-zoom]

The seat was really adjustable unlike the Mazda I test drove, wanted to like, but ended up LOATHING.

Wait, which one...? We have a 3 and it's the first car we've owned that's equally comfy for DH and I and we are nearly a foot apart in height and I have stubby legs. The seat is height adjustable (but it's a manual crank that I'm betting some dealers don't properly demonstrate), and the steering wheel is telescopic.

Hubby has been lusting after the Fit ever since he first saw one the year it was released. Every time we go to an auto show he will spend at least 30 minutes caressing it and sitting in it and grinning. His first car was an '89 Civic Si. I would put money on him going back to Honda (he is now driving an older Mazda 626 that he "inherited" after his dad died).

[colorisnt]

Zoom,

It was the Mazda 3. The problem wasn't the legs but my arms and hands (which are especially small). We tried adjusting it - tried just about anything, but I was still hunched over like a hunchback to both drive and check my blindspot. My sister is also built like me and had issues. My mother could drive it with no issues - go figure! It was just uncomfortable to reach and check or reach and tick my indicator. I didn't really know what to do. It was sad because I really, really liked that car otherwise.

[Catrin]

They both sound like good options, though I will of course have to test ride them. Did I just say test RIDE them? LOL, well you know what I mean.

I hope I can make a good deal on one of them that will give me lower payments, then I can justify it. My Lancer is in great shape, but there are scratches from transporting bikes, bikes leaning against the car, etc. We will see what they might give me in trade - the blue book value is still pretty good for that car.

If this does work out, I wonder if I can talk them into tossing a hitch into the mix on a new car...especially if I get the Soul. I really like the Mini Cooper, but that is probably just too small for me these days and probably too expensive.

Good to know about the road noise on the Fit - perhaps that is better in the 2011 model? Decisions decisions, but tonight I am riding my bike so I won't go on any test rides until tomorrow evening or Friday.

[Blueberry]

Keep a close eye on blue book. From what I've heard (from the news....) used cars are currently in very high demand and blue book may actually be underestimating values. YMMV - but I would definitely get a couple of trade prices for your car from different sources.

[Catrin]

Colorinst - does the rear seat fold flush to the floor on the Soul? I just had a Honda salesperson tell me it doesn't, but my understanding is different.

I do like Honda's reputation for reliability, but Kia has certainly improved over the years... I've an appointment to check out the Soul! tonight, and Friday morning will test ride the Fit. Then we will see what we shall see, and find out if a good deal is possible.

[indysteel]

Out of curiosity, what term loan are you looking out for the new car and how much longer do you have to pay on the current car? Do you owe less/more on the Lancer than it's currently worth?

ETA: There was a recent thread (http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=253099&highlight=hyundai)on RBR that touched on this issue, i.e., whether it makes financial sense to trade in a car that still isn't paid off for a new car. The discussion gets a little but over the top at times, but you might want to read it.

[indysteel]

Keep a close eye on blue book. From what I've heard (from the news....) used cars are currently in very high demand and blue book may actually be underestimating values. YMMV - but I would definitely get a couple of trade prices for your car from different sources.

Or try to sell it privately....

[Catrin]

Yes, I am considering all of my options. Frankly it would have to be a fantastic deal for me to do this, but a zero or 1% interest rate would do it, right now my interest rate is rather higher than that... They would also need to toss in a hitch for a bike rack :cool: We will see, and I do appreciate the advice and comments. Am just working to keep a steady head about this.

[indysteel]

Yes, I am considering all of my options. Frankly it would have to be a fantastic deal for me to do this, but a zero or 1% interest rate would do it, right now my interest rate is rather higher than that... They would also need to toss in a hitch for a bike rack :cool: We will see, and I do appreciate the advice and comments. Am just working to keep a steady head about this.

If a lower interest rate will ease things for you on a monthly basis, then I understand what you're hoping to accomplish. My biggest concern--being the fiscally conservative person that I am--is the downside of extending the period you have a car payment, interest rate and amount of monthly payment aside. Owning a car out right sooner rather than later is generally a good thing. The other thing I'd consider is resale value and overall cost of ownership. Which car holds its value the best and has fewer maintenance costs?

[withm]

The new car may have a higher insurance premium thus canceling out any savings on interest or the monthly payment.

Not to mention paying sales tax again on the new car, and registration fees?

[Catrin]

Indy - you nailed what I am trying to do. This is one of the reasons I posted it here because I figured those who are more conservative than I would remind me of those extra things I need to keep in mind while I make up my mind. I've been toying with this idea for some time, and it is worth exploring. I've started a spreadsheet at home where I can compare everything. I am trying to get better in my old age :)

Good tip about the insurance rates Withim, I will add that to my spreadsheet and find out if my rates would go up - right now I pay <$600 year for full collision and comprehensive - and I don't have the minimum coverage.

[Dogmama]

I have a Pilot - a little bigger than what you want but I have to transport The Boy and his stuff.

The point of my post is that I love Hondas. Keep the maintenance done on it & it will run longer than you want to look at it. Seriously - DH had an Accord that he beat the crap out of. He is an ex-cop & they tend to be really hard on cars - but he even took this one off roading a few times. It "took a lickin' & kept on tickin'" - as the old Timex commercials would say.

I had to laugh - you said you were going to "test ride" the Fit. I think the terminology - for cars - is "test drive." Too funny!

[LivetoRide]

We own a Honda Fit (2011 model), too. It's great for hauling around bikes (I've seen photos of Fits that have fork mounts mounted in the cargo area so that two bikes can sit upright in the back with the front wheel(s) removed). It's a small car but well configured. So, in addition to the rear seats folding back, the rear seats also can flip up to allow for taller objects and whatnot to fit more easily. It gets good mileage, and thus far we haven't had any real issues with it so it's all good. :)

[colorisnt]

Catrin,

It folds completely flat. That salesman is wrong.

[Catrin]

Look what followed me home! Who could resist taking it in this lovely Kia Soul+? The color is also fun, it does come in blue but I didn't like the blue, too blah. I did like my Lancer very much, but this is a fine replacement. They made a far better deal than I though possible, massive reduction in interest rate, monthly payment much lower, even my insurance premiums decreased by $200 for the year! And, I talked them into tossing in a hitch :)

My Gunnar fits in the back just fine without taking the wheel off, but am still going to get the kind of rack I've wanted all along - the hitch rack with wheel trays. Options are good :) My Saris trunk rack won't work...don't have a trunk any longer! Will sell it on local Craig's, it would cost too much to ship it.

I did consider the Fit, but in the end I didn't want to return to a small car. I am sure it would have been fine, but I really liked this car and I would never have gotten such a good deal from the Honda dealer. My previous dealings with my dealer really paid off in this transaction. In the end, this was a financial decision and I think it was a good one. I can already hear my budget breathing better - and my gas mileage is starting out higher than it is rated for which is a good sign. Gotta love manual transmissions!

Now time for a little nap, then off to ride my bike :)

[nscrbug]

OH...I just LOVE it!!!! And I SO dig that "Alien" color too! Congrats!!!! :D

[zoom-zoom]

That is flippin' CUTE! And I love that there are still cars around with manual transmissions. DH and I are both loathe to have any more auto-magics in our driveway after replacing a transmission on a car years ago. We've never replaced a single clutch and we drive our cars pretty much from cradle-to-grave.

[grey]

I second that - it's a real relief to me to know I can still get a manual tranny. I just... don't like automatics, and that alone narrows my choices when the Heep dies. Like ZoomZoom, we keep our cars cradle to grave (though we have had to replace a clutch or two).

Your Kia is PRETTY! And I adore the color *wonders what the Heep would look like in a similar color*

[Biciclista]

congrats on your new car!

[ehirsch83]

Congrats!!

You just went through what I am about to start but I have pretty much settled on the Kia Soul based on the value of what you get, mpg, warranty,etc.

The dear SO has a 1997 subaru legagy wagon that is getting ready to bite the dust and right now we travel to farther away races in my 05 vw golf(which now needs the interior redone).

We have been looking for something to replace the subaru with that we can pack full of bikes and other things to travel to races or take the dogs to the dog park,etc.

I have followed this and am so excited you got one! We are hoping to be looking into one in the next few months ( the SO is looking for a new job, so trying to wait until that occurs).

more photos more photos :D:D

[Catrin]

more photos more photos :D:D

Here is a full frontal - shocking, I know, but this is an adult forum after all :) Hitch is getting installed tomorrow for the rack :) I will add a picture complete with bikes when I can get one. I think her name is "The Alien Bike Transporter" at least for now!

[colorisnt]

OMG. So cute! Congrats on the new Soul!

I love mine and hopefully you will love yours, too.

[Aggie_Ama]

Congrats! We just added a Suby Forester to the family to replace the truck we totaled in March. We were both super bummed we couldn't find a manual in town. I LOVE driving a manual transmission and miss it dearly (haven't had one in since 2004). My big argument for a small SUV over a car was to be able to put my bike in the back. ;) I saw a Soul this morning and thought of you, ironically it was that color which is sooooo cool.

[VeganBikeChick]

Congrats! We just added a Suby Forester to the family to replace the truck we totaled in March. We were both super bummed we couldn't find a manual in town. I LOVE driving a manual transmission and miss it dearly (haven't had one in since 2004). My big argument for a small SUV over a car was to be able to put my bike in the back. ;) I saw a Soul this morning and thought of you, ironically it was that color which is sooooo cool.

How do you like your Forester? I just bought one, manual trans too, and it's coming at the end of the month. I feel like a kid before Christmas, all ants in my pants and can't wait for it to get here. It's like the end of the month is never coming!

[Catrin]

The manual transmission shifts very nicely, it is actually smoother than my Lancer was! They have done something that I've not seen before though. Reverse is at the upper left, and there is a ring on the shifter that I have to engage to be able to get in, or out, of reverse. It is very easy and not awkward at all. Apparently other companies are moving to this as well for several reasons.

[Aggie_Ama]

How do you like your Forester? I just bought one, manual trans too, and it's coming at the end of the month. I feel like a kid before Christmas, all ants in my pants and can't wait for it to get here. It's like the end of the month is never coming!

We got it Saturday so we love it! They are really quiet and ride really smooth, lots of bells and whistles for the price (we got the Premium but not turbo). Taking it on a long road trip starting today. I am not crazy about the quality of the radio sound and the steering wheel controls aren't as easy to use as my Dodge Caliber but those are minor. We LOVE that it has practically zero blind spots.


The manual transmission shifts very nicely, it is actually smoother than my Lancer was! They have done something that I've not seen before though. Reverse is at the upper left, and there is a ring on the shifter that I have to engage to be able to get in, or out, of reverse. It is very easy and not awkward at all. Apparently other companies are moving to this as well for several reasons.

My 2001 VW Beetle I leased through college was kind of like that. You pushed down and up on the shift to engage reverse and also upper left of first gear instead of below fifth gear like every other manual I had driven. I remember on the test drive I had my parents with me so the salesman just let us go, we had to get out and ask how to put it in reverse. :o

[Catrin]

As you can tell from this photo, The Alien Bike Transport is now complete and waiting for Saturday for the first inaugural trip :D

[surgtech1956]

Catrin, congratulations on the new ride. I love that green color. I will probably be getting a Soul as my next vehicle.

[blue_angel]

I have a 2008 Fit and routinely fit two bikes in the back (removing the front wheel only of bike #2). I haven't bothered buying a bike rack, because I rarely have more than 2 people plus bikes inside. The Fit gets good mileage and has excellent storage capacity. I still don't love it as much as I loved my 2001 Subaru Forester.

[Irulan]

I have a 2009 Fit and the only thing I do not like about it is the road noise I hear on the highway. Not much sound insulation and hard tires (both contribute to the good gas mileage). When the tires need replacing, I'll get softer ones. I'm ok with losing a couple miles per gallon to be able to hear the radio or cd player without having to turn the volume way up.

Test drive both vehicles, in city streets and highway if you can do both. Might also be good to take a blanket you don't mind getting dirty, and take your bike with you. Make sure the bike fits before you buy the car.

Have fun!
Edna


the road noise is exactly why I didn't buy one. I wanted "nicely equipped" as in leather, power etc and the FIT screamed "just got out of college" to me.

[Catrin]

the road noise is exactly why I didn't buy one. I wanted "nicely equipped" as in leather, power etc and the FIT screamed "just got out of college" to me.

Yes. I didn't really have to get the rack for the Soul but it provides me with options - especially when camping. I really like being higher off the ground and I am impressed by the mileage. For me the Soul was the better choice, though the Fit also would have workded fine I am sure.

[surgtech1956]

Catrin, how do you like the Allen Bike Transport? I have an old Reese Hitch Rack that whobbles. I don't transport my bike that much, but every time I do, I keep looking back and see my bike wiggling around. Or maybe is this normal with hitch mounted racks? But I like how your bike rides in this rack. Again, very nice looking Soul ++++ color.:)

[Catrin]

Catrin, how do you like the Allen Bike Transport? I have an old Reese Hitch Rack that whobbles. I don't transport my bike that much, but every time I do, I keep looking back and see my bike wiggling around. Or maybe is this normal with hitch mounted racks? But I like how your bike rides in this rack. Again, very nice looking Soul ++++ color.:)

I like it very much. I've yet to actually move a bike on that rack, but will do so tomorrow. I did opt for the more expensive version of the Thule rack because this is said to wobble less and it is certainly a lot easier to get on and off the rack. There is an arm that comes down on the front tire next to the fork, and a strap that goes through the rear wheel. There is also a lock on that arm so I don't need to use my bike lock unless I really want to - and there is a cable that is part of the rack that can serve that purpose as well - I just need to get a lock core from Thule - it isn't included. The lock on the arms and the hitch lock are all included, just not the cable lock.

I really wanted the Saris version of this rack, but they don't make it for the smaller hitch. I think this will work fine and I think I only wanted the Saris because my last rack was a Saris.

Am quite happen with the average mpg for the Soul. It only resets if you get gas or manually reset it so you do have an idea of the real average mpg (my Lancer reset that on a daily basis). My avg mpg just driving around town in this heat is higher than the car is rated to get :D Of course, a manual transmission does provide better mileage than an automatic.

[surgtech1956]

Sounds like a great rack. Keep us posted on the weekend trip. Have funnnnnnnnnnnn

[Catrin]

Sounds like a great rack. Keep us posted on the weekend trip. Have funnnnnnnnnnnn

I will - 4 hours scheduled with a mountain bike coach - she is going to help me get more comfortable riding in the woods :D

[ehirsch83]

Thought i'd post- I joined the Soul family! After lots of deliberating and weighing options- the 2012 was the best car for the money :)

I went in Sunday and I leased myself a black Soul and I have named him Damien,lol!

now to get a hitch for him so I can get a bike rack and be set for all excursions.

Thank you everyone for your reviews on here- it helped a lot with my decision

[Giulianna23]

NIce Car...I had a 2010 Kia Soul Sport In black with black and red interior and the premium 18" wheels and stereo .I got it in 2009 and just let it go a couple of months ago. I was planning on giving it to my 16 y/o son this past summer but he was misbehaving for the past year and a half or so...
I have a 4runner which I use for long trips and hauling and a VW golf for daily commute. I realized he didn't deserve all the effort from my part I decided to save some money ..so I sold it.....I loved the car tho...it is a nice car..the only thing I didn't like to much was the suspension...it takes every little pothole like the bigges one. But overall its a very very nice car... Congrats

Just look out to avoid the potholes

[ehirsch83]

I moved up from a 2004 golf!

I drove a 2011 previously, and they made a lot of changes with the 2012(a lot more pep in the engine,etc.) Drives a lot better! I also live in FL, so our roads aren't affected by snow- so smooth driving so far.

[Giulianna23]

I moved up from a 2004 golf!

I drove a 2011 previously, and they made a lot of changes with the 2012(a lot more pep in the engine,etc.) Drives a lot better! I also live in FL, so our roads aren't affected by snow- so smooth driving so far.

I wanted to keep the Soul soo bad! it was very unique,..I think I just saw one sport besides mine in those 2 years.. .. I needed to get rid of one of the cars. I wasn't willing on giving up the 4runner because it is so convenient and reliable regardless of the MPG ( and I just have 1 year to go on the payments)...on the other hand the Golf its paid off . I also thought about the Insurance costs...so with a lot of pain that was the right decision...But the Kia Soul is a very fun car to drive and very spacious too..I am glad they mde some upgrades...Mine was gone from the dealership 3 days after I sold it.

[Catrin]

Thought i'd post- I joined the Soul family! After lots of deliberating and weighing options- the 2012 was the best car for the money :)

I went in Sunday and I leased myself a black Soul and I have named him Damien,lol!

now to get a hitch for him so I can get a bike rack and be set for all excursions.

Thank you everyone for your reviews on here- it helped a lot with my decision

I LOVE "Kermit", my green Kia Soul. The Thule hitch rack just rocks, and there is so much room inside for any and everything. It is sold as an urban vehicle but it really lends itself to pretty much anything. It is great for camping and mountain biking!

I do wonder how it will handle in snow/ice, but time will tell.

[Giulianna23]

I do wonder how it will handle in snow/ice, but time will tell.

Catrin ....I had mine for 2 winters and in handles very well.

[zoom-zoom]

I do wonder how it will handle in snow/ice, but time will tell.

You could always put snow tires on it in the Winter, if it's not great. We did this with my Mazda 3, since the stock tires are considered "all-weather performance," which really means "all-weather if you live somewhere without a true Winter." The standard wheels are 17" and low-profile, so we have 16" steel rims that we use with a higher profile tire for Winter. That car can go through anything!

[Laguna]

Hope it's OK that I revive this thread. I am taking a hard look at a used Soul as a runabout car and to take on bike rides. Just want to make sure that I can fit my road bike in the back lying down. I ride a 49cm so it's not a long frame but I don't want to have to take the front wheel off every time I put it in the back. Right now I also have a Mazda 3 hatch and it is waaaay convenient and takes my bike just fine. I know the newer Souls 2014-15 are totally new in design from the ground up. However, I'm looking at the original model, probably 2011-2012. Anyone have any thoughts or recommendations? Those of you who have one, how has it worked out for you?

Thanks!

[ny biker]

Is there a specific used car for sale right now that you're looking at? If so the best thing is to bring your bike when you go to test drive it so you can make sure it will fit.

Also if you dig around on the internet you might be able to find the specs for the older model. When I bought my car (2007 Prius) I was able to find details on the interior dimensions online before I went to the dealer to test drive.

[Jolt]

I would think you could manage it...I have a Suzuki SX4, which is probably about the same size as the Soul, and can fit my 46 cm LHT with racks/fenders in the back without removing the wheel...the key is to put it in front wheel first. There isn't much room to spare, but it does fit (obviously with the back seat folded down).