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Its time for a change of cars. (running a Ford Puma at the min)
I have always owned coupes and small hatch backs (last few cars Fiesta, Ibiza, 325ci) But now I have got back into biking i have found it a struggle and pain to transport my bike. (only fits in with no wheels and seat)
And its even more of push to fit 2 in.
so wonder what cars are good for bikes? But still want something that fun to drive.
And don't really want a roof rack or bike rack.
Do other problem is apart from the bike, around 75% of all my driving is just me on my own and the other 25% with the wife. So don't really need the space
Or do I go for plan B and get a cheap small van (Transit connect) and get another coupe etc?
Small van is the way to go in my experience, then get a lairy car!
How did you get on with the 325Ci? The Touring isn't really and bigger......
The only Car I've ever owned which would swallow a bike whole (wheels on) was my old Honda Accord Touring, it was MASSIVE, but in no way fun to drive - they say the 2.4 Type S is pretty quick, but it would still be a boat IMHO.
Subaru WRX Sportback? They're more hatchbacks than true estates but should take a bike front wheel off with the back seats down?
Transit Connect works, i did this for a while but then needed more than 2 seats..if you dont need the seats then give it a go, the engines are reliable and being turbo diesels can easily be tuned for more performance (if thats your thing)....
Interestingly my father has a Kia Venga which looks like a typical small hatchback on the outside but (with the rear seats down) took my road bike without having to remove any wheels or put the seatpost down which was excellent and surprising!
Whats the insurance like for a van vs car?
I used to fit a bike with just the front wheel removed into an old Renault Clio. Also done it with a Skoda Fabia and a Hyundai i30, but I wouldn't call any of them fun to drive (Clio could be with the right engine, but it's still a Renault). Just now it's 2008 SAAB 9-3 2.0T Sportcombi, which does all of that with a little more speed and comfort (and does all the child-carrying things that are far more important than bike-lugging just now).
I've just changed from a BMW 318ti, to a Renault Kangoo, and it's the best thing I've done, going to a cycling event, is now a joy, no more splitting the bike down, open doors, bungee it in place, chuck in kit, and just pootle along, drive on to muddy field/forest track, no ground clearance issues, front wheel drive just getting on with it. Space to change in the back, so you don't need to show the world your genitalia. Chuck it back in the back when muddy, no carpets to get filthy, no tarpaulins to try and keep in place, drive home and unload.
So in short, get a van, get one now 🙂
I've just changed from a BMW 318ti, to a Renault Kangoo, and it's the best thing I've done, going to a cycling event, is now a joy, no more splitting the bike down, open doors, bungee it in place, chuck in kit, and just pootle along, drive on to muddy field/forest track, no ground clearance issues, front wheel drive just getting on with it. Space to change in the back, so you don't need to show the world your genitalia. Chuck it back in the back when muddy, no carpets to get filthy, no tarpaulins to try and keep in place, drive home and unload.So in short, get a van, get one now
This, if you dont need a car get one.
Far more practical in other ways too, bought a new sofa or need to move furniture?...no problem...taking two muddy dogs for a walk?...no problem etc etc....i miss mine.
Detachable towbar and rear rack?
I went from an Accord Tourer (huge) to a Civic and detachable towbar/rack. The rear seats also fold up so if desired I'd get two bikes in the footwells (wheels off). Happy so far.
matttromans - it was a 2002 model E46.
If i was honest i would say most unreliable car since my Fiat Uno. nothing major until the gearbox broke.
It drank oil for fun. Nice to drive, but had no sole. The Puma I have is far more fun to drive.
The more I think about it the more a small van makes sense (yes paying a little more for Tax and insurance) but don't have to worry about messing up my car. always handy to have the load carrying room.
As long as I keep off the Van forums it should be cheap
tow bar and rear rack if using a car or get a small van. Small van (transit connect) is great, comfy to drive, spacious but more expensive on tolls.
The tax is less on my little van and cheaper insurance, double win 🙂
Last car was a Puma, great little car but lately had the water proofing of a colander. Now got a Alfa Romeo 147 bit more space but still nice to drive. For bikes, kit and stuff nothing beats our trusty 1.9 diesel Berlingo.