Kia Soul. Honda Fit & bikes

[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.

[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!!!!

[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

[surgtech1956]

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