Automobiles

[treadonme]

Per Lionel’s Q, Civic Type R.

[jerk]

I hate myself for saying it- but a Macan with all the suspension you can afford would be pretty perfect.

[sk_tle]

The Golf is a very small car to throw a big bike in it.

USA or europe ?

I'd say Golf R wagon, Mercedes B Class, BMW X1, Ford C-Max, Mazda CX5,

[Saab2000]

USA or europe ?

I'd say Golf R wagon, Mercedes B Class, BMW X1, Ford C-Max, Mazda CX5,

In terms of size, the Golf in the US is the same as the Golf in Europe, at least when comparing generations.

My GTI is a 2006 and I routinely throw my bike in the back and take off only the front wheel. I know Lionel's bikes are bigger, so that is a definite consideration. But in terms of usable space and excellent driving dynamics it's hard to beat a Golf of any level and the GTI and Golf R get great reviews.

[twowheels]

I've got an R. It's a great car and feels like it would outrun the '99 996 I once had. It fits my road bikes with a 770mm saddle height fine with the front wheel off. It's not so good for a bike with fenders so if I need to carry the fender bike or more than one bike I use my 4Runner.

[sbornia]

Like Saab and Jerk mentioned, SQ5 or Macan; or the newish X3 M40i.

[Jason Musgrave]

Well it looks like I'm in the market for new wheels :-/

> $10K
Room for 3 kids
Manual Transmission
decent economy
preferably rear-wheel drive.

E46 maybe?

[Lionel]

USA or europe ?

I'd say Golf R wagon, Mercedes B Class, BMW X1, Ford C-Max, Mazda CX5,

This would be for the US. It's a bit theoretical right now. A Golf is way too small. When I had a Forester this was too small already to throw the bike in with wheels. Saddle height 84cm here.

[sk_tle]

In terms of size, the Golf in the US is the same as the Golf in Europe, at least when comparing generations.

I asked because I thought the Golf R wasn't available in wagon form in the us.


Well if a wagon is too small you are pretty much entering small van territory.

Since it is based on the focus platform, I'd go with the Ford Tourneo/transit Connect and apply some suspension mods and ecu reprog to give it a more sporty character.

[Saab2000]

You are correct that the wagon Golf R is denied to us. In fact, we are denied many cool European cars......

[Matthew Strongin]

If a Forrester was too small, you’re probably looking for an SUV.

[TTX1]

This would be for the US. It's a bit theoretical right now. A Golf is way too small. When I had a Forester this was too small already to throw the bike in with wheels. Saddle height 84cm here.

I offer my ‘02 S4 wagon for your consideration.

170k miles, and I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it cross country.

Suitable as a second or third car for someone who needs to haul a bike or skis inside from time to time.

It’s also silver, which we all know is the fastest color.

I’ve been thinking of putting it in the classifieds here - cheaper than your Sachs frame...

[maunahaole]

VW needs to make the awd golf wagon with the GTI engine. And a stick.

[robin3mj]

Spotted near the Outer Banks- that's an early 90's-era Suburban with painted Woody panels.
The painted-on shadows are awesome.

[Mabouya]

Well it looks like I'm in the market for new wheels :-/

> $10K

Don't see this sort of requirement too often - should be easy enough to do. ;)

[Lionel]

I asked because I thought the Golf R wasn't available in wagon form in the us.


Well if a wagon is too small you are pretty much entering small van territory.

Since it is based on the focus platform, I'd go with the Ford Tourneo/transit Connect and apply some suspension mods and ecu reprog to give it a more sporty character.

Well, funny, I happen to have this car in France, my wife uses it mostly to get the dogs around to the various walking spots. You can certainly put any bike you want in there. But it really does not qualify as a fun car to drive ! This would be on the complete opposite end of the spectrum in fact. It is sporting a 3 cylinder turbo charged gas engine.

[Lionel]

If a Forrester was too small, you’re probably looking for an SUV.

Yeah, I think I am going to stick (pun intended) to the 911 with seasucker

[joosttx]

If I was looking for a good car that is fun to drive and also practical to carry a bike inside (or outside in case of a pickup) what would you guys recommend ?

The big Prius

[Lionel]

The big Prius

Funny.

[sk_tle]

You can certainly put any bike you want in there. But it really does not qualify as a fun car to drive ! This would be on the complete opposite end of the spectrum in fact.

These are very difficult parameters to match obviously. I thought it could be setup to have decent road manners given it is pretty much a Focus with a longer wheelbase. Doesn't it come with a more powerful 2.5L engine in the US ? 911 + seasucker seems fine to me.