• Phlogiston@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    I’ve totally got the money to buy a new car. My 2005 forester is getting long in the tooth and i’m ready to replace it.

    I want a smallish car with the same basic features: AWD, 4door, boxy rear so I can toss a full size mtn bike in there, good in the snow, etc.

    My distinct impression is that the manufacturers want to sell high end (all the options and $$) but don’t give a shit about usability. Chevy volt comes close but can’t take a bike.

    • PersnickityPenguin@lemm.ee
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      11 months ago

      I wouldn’t exactly call any car that you can throw a full size mountain bike in the back a “small car.” I could barely do that with my old Subaru outback.

      At this point in time, you’re going to be looking at a Kia Niro (sans awd), Subaru Solterra / Toyota Bz4x, plug-in hybrid Crosstrek, EV6, EV9, Ioniq 5, Volvo EX30, C40, XC40, Polestar 3, and Tesla model 3 and Y.

      But really what you want to do is to put a hitch on the back with a hitch mounted bicycle rack. They cost about 4 to $500 for a full install and will let you carry a bike without needing a huge car.

      Your other option of course is a pickup truck like a Rivian, Lightning or Cybertruck but those will set you back probably $75,000 to $100,000.

      • Phlogiston@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        My 2005 forester is much smaller than many other cars out there. It takes a full size mtn bike just fine. The real key is the boxy shape. The EV9 is bigger but not by much and might be worth me checking out. thx.

        I really appreciate having the bike inside after a ride allowing me to stop for food or an errand on the way home.

    • dumpsterlid@lemmy.world
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      11 months ago

      Just buy a toyota sienna and come over to the dark side.

      the gentle sound of a smoooooth sliding door reveals an entire living room in the back of the minivan (what the hell how much space is there back there is that a pool table??), lounge music begins playing

      come in… you know you want to

      would you like… a vacuum massage? The center console comes stock with a nice hose.

    • stringere@reddthat.com
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      11 months ago

      Look into a Leaf. I love mine. Hatchback trunk with fold down rear seats will fit you bike. I’ve had mine since 2019 and love it.