A car that fits this bill?

[Becky]

I like the Subaru's but they really need to work on their gas mileage. We considered an Outback but found the MPG really disappointing and removed it from our list.

My Outback's listed mileage is pretty dismal. Its actual mileage, given the size of the car, its hauling capacity and its AWD, is pretty decent.

[Irulan]

you don't really say **how** you want to put two bikes in. Laying on top of each other, fork mounts...?

[ASammy1]

you don't really say **how** you want to put two bikes in. Laying on top of each other, fork mounts...?

Actually, I did... See post #8 in this thread on the first page. "Indy-"great" is 35+ mpg, and "fit" is 2 bikes (front wheels off is fine) upright if possible."


Wow... So many opinions on this subject. You all have given me a lot to think about. Thank you!!!!

[hulagirl]

Another vote for the Fit. 2 bikes, front tire off in back seat. Still have the covered trunk (no need to fold DOWN the back seats to fit 2 bikes, you fold UP the back seat keeping the trunk the way it should be - normal!) for gear and easy access.

City MPG is 30 for us here in Hawaii and that's going over a 1600' "pass" back and forth. It's not the fastest car on the block, but for the price (it's no $30,000 Mini or Prius) and dependability and cost to own, it's is perfect for us and our lifestyle.

Snow? If it snows in Hawaii, I'll let ya know.

[eofelis]

My Outback's listed mileage is pretty dismal. Its actual mileage, given the size of the car, its hauling capacity and its AWD, is pretty decent.

My Outback is a 2001 model, manual transmission. I get 30 on the highway with it. I got 33 once from Flagstaff to Phoenix, all downhill!

[OakLeaf]

AWD is a gas hog, no question, but you've got to compare apples to apples. The Subarus get better mileage than any other AWD vehicles out there, maybe some of the hybrids excepted. I loved both of mine, and if I still had to drive in snow with any regularity, I'd have another. I think my sister still has my old '98, not sure how many miles must be on it by now, but she's got a good mechanic who keeps it on the road.

My last 'Ru was an '03 and at that time, the Legacy (Outback) and Impreza (Outback Sport) had the same spec fuel economy (mid-20s, which is what we got in practice. Living in the country probably gets the worst fuel economy of any type of driving. Accelerate to highway speed, drive up and down steep hills for 2-3 miles, stop at stop sign, repeat). There didn't seem to be any point to go with the smaller vehicle! I know later Outbacks are much taller, which probably affects the fuel economy.