(Mostly economical) car recs for tall guys/gals with stuff
I thought I'd give this a try here since most everybody here is of above-average intelligence and sensibility: what in the heck is there out there in terms of automobile selection for A) a tall person with both long legs and upper torso (6'5"), 
this said person desiring commuting-worthy fuel economy and C) room in the back/trunk to carry a large musical instrument ('cello to be specific -- see my AI group pic). Right now I drive a '98 Tahoe, which does the job wonderfully except for the economical aspect; and this summer I may be commuting an hour to and from work daily.
I've looked hard for some time now, trying to find a balance between all those requirements, and just can't really lock onto anything (at least anything that's not completely boring and feminine -- no offense to anyone).
Help?
this said person desiring commuting-worthy fuel economy and C) room in the back/trunk to carry a large musical instrument ('cello to be specific -- see my AI group pic). Right now I drive a '98 Tahoe, which does the job wonderfully except for the economical aspect; and this summer I may be commuting an hour to and from work daily.I've looked hard for some time now, trying to find a balance between all those requirements, and just can't really lock onto anything (at least anything that's not completely boring and feminine -- no offense to anyone).
Help?
Comments
What about some of the smaller SUVs? The Saturn VUE is quite nice, gets pretty good gas mileage for an SUV and starts under $20,000. I've owned two Saturns and have been EXTREMELY pleased with everything about them: quality, appearance, customer service, dependability, the sales staff, etc.
Reading your title and your first two requirements, I thought I'd recommend you my current transport solution: motorcycle. Wonderful. I have no beef with the weather whatsoever, and it does rain here once in a while. But hey, I don't see myself transporting a cello on my lovely Honda Transalp.
Ah well. I guess that didn't help, but still,
actually, I mishit the reply for the edit button. meee stooopid
The VW bug actually accomodates tall people extremely well. My friends father is over 6 ft, bought one, the roof archs right over the front seets. If it fits a cello, i would be pretty good, despite being sorta weird.
What about the new Honda CRV, I rode in one a few days ago, its a really nice car, and their was a TON of headroom. It would definatly fit a cello, dunno about its mileage however.
I think they look pretty cool! Especially that cool metallic pea green color they have AND the new burnt orange color that just came out!
Does anyone have any experience with the Honda Civic?
Get yourself a used Jeep Cherokee. The 4 liter engine gets about 18-21 with not to heavy a foot. You can probably get a really nice used one for under $5-6000. My brother drove one for years to Arizona and back. He is 6'3" tall and didn't mind it a bit. Also it is an SUV and will fit a cello in the back.
Nick
-Suziki Aero SX big cargo for small car strong value
-Suburu Impreza wagon (WRX variant extra nice)- true wagon cargo hold, slightly unrefined drivetrain.
- Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe- consider this over the Suburu if you need an electrical outlet in your car, or desire a strong cool factor, otherwise Suburu.
-Honda Element- cool factor, value, cargo, econemy all through the roof a good choice.
-Mazda MPV- a small minivan, tons of cargo space, fold flat 3rd row seat good economy, but it is a minivan.
-Volvo V40- a good ol' volvo wagon thistime with style!
IF you realy want an suv or crossover Nissan Murano is a shure bet, good econmy because of the cvt, sport value murano has it all.
base chrysler/dodge minivan (which I have and like)
The trucks and SUVs are made to entirely different standards. The Pntiac Grand Prix / Buick Regal / Oldsmobile Intrigue (if it's still around) will get you 30mpg on the highway, they have a generally good ride, and they can fit your 6'5" frame easily. Anyways' I recommend that you look at GM cars. They are insanely reliable (The 3800 engine is a ****ing rock. 150k miles is no prob), bargain priced, and quite comfortable.
Consider that this advice is coming to you from someone who owns a thoroughbread imported sportscar: For value, reliability, and comfort, nobody on Earth beats GM.
I've heard good and bad things about the Saturn Vue; I was really considering it for a while but have read some negative comments about its mechanical reliability (see carsurvey.org -- great customer review site).
And the Civic --- I saw one of the new model hatchbacks today driving home. They don't look half bad -- wonder how the room is inside? If Honda made a 4-door hatchback I'd leap on that (been looking at the Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback, too).
Wish I could wait for the hybrids! (But I don't know if I could actually afford one anyway - maybe in 10 years when money is actually coming TO me!
I'd be curious to hear from anybody that's had either the Vue or ANY Subaru vehicle. My dad's always cautioned me about all-wheel-drive cars and their tendencies to fail rather readily. How have Subarus worked out for anybody here (esp. the Forester if anybody's had one)?
Oh, and the GMs --- can't agree with you more. I test-drove the Impala the other day. LOVED it, but I don't know about ground clearance. Do the other models do any better (supposedly Chevy says that it is within the specs of the Impala's design to bottom out in certain circumstances) in that area?
Originally posted by trumptman
Well I'm recommending what I always recommend darn it.
Get yourself a used Jeep Cherokee. The 4 liter engine gets about 18-21 with not to heavy a foot. You can probably get a really nice used one for under $5-6000. My brother drove one for years to Arizona and back. He is 6'3" tall and didn't mind it a bit. Also it is an SUV and will fit a cello in the back.
Nick
My brother also had a Jeep Cherokee . . .but it was brand new and FELL APART IMMEDIATELY AND CONSTANTLY
But everybody seems to have one . . . .
Take a look at that thing.
Another vote for looking at the Element.
The VW Bug is a great looking car.....if you're gay. (sorry, had to say it)
The Jetta's trunk doesn't actually LOOK all that spacious....I'd need to see one up close.
I don't know if a cello gets stuffed into a gig bag, but it seems to me that you'd want something big enough to accomodate the instrument with a little room to spare.
Originally posted by pfflam
My brother also had a Jeep Cherokee . . .but it was brand new and FELL APART IMMEDIATELY AND CONSTANTLY
But everybody seems to have one . . . .
Our number one seller's remorse was our 92 Jeep Cherokee (pretty much base). I wish they still made them. My wife really regrets getting rid of it. It was a very versatile small SUV. And power to spare.
Tough as nails. Only had one problem toward the end, after driving it 100,000 miles in 8 or 9 years. The ball bearings on a pulley siezed up and caused it overheat, which required replacing the radiator. Not really that bad of deal for that many years, IMO.
But, I dare say that I would NOT buy a used one. They could have been abused in SO MANY ways, unless you know the owner/driver.
Oh, and the GMs --- can't agree with you more. I test-drove the Impala the other day. LOVED it, but I don't know about ground clearance. Do the other models do any better (supposedly Chevy says that it is within the specs of the Impala's design to bottom out in certain circumstances) in that area?
Most GM's actually ride a bit higher than competing models from other manufacturers. The other non SUV models you listed have lower ground clearances. Basically, unless you're doing something stupid, you're not going to bottom-out the impala.
My new boss has a Subaru waggon/SUV thing. He likes it and the AWD.