Kia Soul. Honda Fit & bikes

[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 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

[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

[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.