A car that fits this bill?

**GLC1968** · 05-12-2011, 12:55 PM

Depending on how tall you guys are, you can put bikes upright in the Matrix. Mine fits fine, my DH's has to have the seat post either lowered or removed. If neither of you are tall, then they'd fit no problem.

VW TDI wagon might be an option too. 5-cyl but gets ~40 mpg diesel. Lots of room in back but I don't know about the upright bike thing or not. Most VW's do pretty well in the snow, so I can't imagine that the sport wagon would be any different.

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.

**Blueberry** · 05-12-2011, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by GLC1968

VW TDI wagon might be an option too. 5-cyl but gets ~40 mpg diesel. Lots of room in back but I don't know about the upright bike thing or not. Most VW's do pretty well in the snow, so I can't imagine that the sport wagon would be any different.

Does well in the snow that I had to test it in (which in my area isn't much). Does get 38-40 mpg (at least with the manual transmission). Don't think you could stand bikes up, though - it's somewhat shorter inside than the fit.

**jennyrc** · 05-12-2011, 01:02 PM

Subaru Forester...I lay down my seat and my bike fits without removing the wheel. For two bikes I imagine you'd have to remove at least one bike's wheel, but they would definitely fit. All Wheel drive so does great on the snow (trust me, I live in Alaska)

**maillotpois** · 05-12-2011, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by indysteel

I think you can fit two bikes upright in the Honda Fit. I assume it meets your mileage expectation, but I have no idea how it drives in the snow.

2 bikes with front wheels off in the Fit no problem. One bike with all wheels ON also no problem.

A friend took her Fit over some snowy passes this winter with no problem.

I usually average 35 mph+ on the Fit, depending on the amount of city traffic I am in.

**KnottedYet** · 05-12-2011, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by GLC1968

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.

That's why I stuck with the Impreza base rather than the Legacy base.

The Legacy (and outback Legacy) don't get nearly the good mileage of the Impreza (Impreza, older Forester)

I'm pretty happy with my 32-36 mpg.

This is my 3rd Subie. My last one was a Legacy, with mileage in the low 20's. Not so good.

**Becky** · 05-12-2011, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by GLC1968

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** · 05-12-2011, 06:56 PM

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

**eofelis** · 05-12-2011, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by Becky

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** · 05-13-2011, 02:59 AM

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.

**ASammy1** · 05-13-2011, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by Irulan

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** · 05-13-2011, 05:14 PM

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.

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