Can I fit J. App. or AHH in back of Civic or Impreza with back seat down?

[Roberta]

I'm away from home without my bikes and found I need to buy a another car.  I'm looking at the Civic and Imprezza sedans, but will go with the hatchback versions if needed.  I'm leaning more toward Civic.  I haven't seen either yet, just internet research.

Currently (until Tuesday, that is), I put down my back seats,  took the front wheel off and put a bike laid down on a diagonal in my Jetta Hybrid. Can anyone confirm that they do the same with the Civic or Imprezza?  I just need a bike to fit one way or another.  I'll also install a hitch, but it's nice to have options.

I'm only looking at those two cars.  I'm looking for short length for easier parallel parking, as good mpg as possible (I drive long distances a lot--sorry), less expensive than your "average" car, and a great ride (Jetta Hybrid was GREAT).  I know, two out of three...or three out of four... 

I do have a car to drive home this weekend for test fitting next weekend.  For those who are curious, $5,600 for a new transmission in my hybrid on a 98,000 mile car.  I have no issues spending the money there, but I'm wondering what else I have in store for me...

Thanks,

Roberta

[Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY]

$5600?! Yeah, that'll make you think. My octogenarian pal recently gifted us her "99" Mercury Mountaineer, and then my sister found herself wanting to give up a 2010 Hyundai that's cozy, which I jumped at the chance for. So yesterday I regifted the Mercury to a coworker's kid and will be looking to install a hitch for a bike rack (no trailer towing) on the Hyundai. Point is, go tiny and stick bikes outside any way possible. 

Sorry about your Jetta

-Kai

[Ryan M.]

Man, that is an expensive transmission...I'd seriously be looking at another car too. 

I drive a Nissan Versa note that is a small hatchback and can fit my Appaloosa into the back with the seats folded down if I take both wheels off. I just lay the wheels on top of the bike and it all fits nice and snug. I installed a hitch and a Kuat Sherpa rack on the back that I normally use, but I stick the bike in the hatchback if I need it locked up. 

Come to think of it, I fit that bike in my sister's Honda Fit that way too. Should fit in a Civic I would think.

[Julian Westerhout]

Roberta, 

I'd go with the hatchback regardless -- lots more versatility and room with no downsides that I can see. 

Can't speak to the current models, but I owned a 1990s Impreza hatchback and that thing carried remarkably big loads -- smallish outside, huge inside -- like magic!  

You might not usually need the extra space, but it's fantastic when you do need it -- to carry two bikes inside, perhaps, or a chair, or lots of camping gear and a dog, or....    :)

Julian Westerhout

Bloomington, IL 

On Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 1:14:16 PM UTC-5, Roberta wrote:

[Joe Bernard]

While the hatchback is certainly simpler for loading bikes, I own a large sedan ('17 Chevy Impala) and can vouch for the benefit of an enclosed trunk. I drive a lot for work and usually have stuff rattling around back there, but it's out of sight and mostly silent. If I ever wear this one out I might go hatchback or SUV next because the bike loading IS more difficult with a sedan, but that wouldn't be an easy decision.

[Steve Palincsar]

Put fenders on; that will make the loading vastly more difficult (if not outright impossible) and will simplify your decision.

On 6/18/20 3:26 PM, Joe Bernard wrote:

While the hatchback is certainly simpler for loading bikes, I own a large sedan ('17 Chevy Impala) and can vouch for the benefit of an enclosed trunk. I drive a lot for work and usually have stuff rattling around back there, but it's out of sight and mostly silent. If I ever wear this one out I might go hatchback or SUV next because the bike loading IS more difficult with a sedan, but that wouldn't be an easy decision. 

-- 
Steve Palincsar
Alexandria, Virginia 
USA

[Roberta]

Ha, ha, Steve.  That is why when I bought the AHH, I kept it nekk'ed (that is federless for those who don't speak southern).

I'll probably shop "for real" when I come back next week with a bike, but if I see something I love when I'm sans bike, I wanted to jump on it (I'm also looking at used and a good one can come in and out on the same day.  Just ask me how I know!).

Roberta

[Nick Payne]

Depends somewhat on the frame size, as smaller frames not only have short seat tubes but also shorter top tubes. My wife can fit her bikes in the back of our Hyundai Kona without removing either wheel, but mine won't fit without removing the front wheel and dropping the saddle.

Nick

[Eric Daume]

I fit my tandem in the back of my Accord with both wheels off. Of course, this is completely unhelpful to your question, but I was pretty impressed by it :)

Eric

Now with a Bike Friday tandem that would make it even easier 

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[Ann L]

Roberta:

I would suggest going with the hatchback.  I currently drive a mini cooper (4 door edition) and I can fit my Appaloosa in with the front wheel off.  I would also recommend showing up at the dealership with one of your bikes to test their cargo capacity.  It will give you a good idea of how the bike fits and drive the sales person nuts. 

[John G.]

I own a 2012 Impreza hatchback and have put my old 61 cm MUSA Atlantis in the back with the seat down and front wheel still on. I end up turning the wheel up.

[Roberta]

Thanks.

If I see a car before I get home to my bikes, I’ll feel ok to buy it. If not, I will be bringing the AHH with me next weekend. AHH is 54.5, Appaloosa is 51. Doubtful I’d put both in the car simultaneously.

Yes, last car buying experience I did bring my bike. I was probably known as the “weird bike woman” from then on.

[Joe Bernard]

They let you drag a bike into a brand new car??

[Ann L]

Yes.  If you tell them the deal is the bike fitting in the back, they will.  They didn't even put protective covering down for the bike when I did this (which I suggested).  I also recommend bringing a ipad or equivalent and looking at cars at other dealerships when they do the "I need to consult with my manager" BS and angle so the manager can see (they didn't let this go on for very long).  Also, have the Kelley Bluebook value of the car and and your trade in with you.  I got yelled at by a salesperson who tried to convince me this "just included taxes" and tried to get me to pay full MSRP.  Note: I didn't buy the car.  I hate absolutley buying cars.  But when I do, I understand myself to be a warrior going into battle.

[Joe Bernard]

I hear ya, Ann. I consider myself fairly good at the buying process but I DETEST it 😣

[Eamon Nordquist]

With the chain stays on the Appa, it may not fit with both wheels on, based on what I can fit in my Hyundai Accent hatchback (a bike with 46cm chainstays is about max with the back wheel still on). If you don’t have fenders, you’re probably good.

Eamon

[Surlyprof]

Roberta,

I can fit a 56 Hillborne (with fenders and front wheel off) in the hatch of our 2014 Prius easily. It’s nice to be able to lock it inside. That said, I added a hitch and removable rack for loading convenience and to keep the fenders from getting bent.

As for the buying experience, if you know what you’re looking for, have you tried one of the online services? My wife used Truecar.com for our last two cars and got the lowest quote possible at home before walking into the dealership. We then called the dealership we prefer and asked if they had the same car and if they’d match the price. Even though their original quote was higher, they still matched it. Worked great. No haggling and they had the car ready when she got there. Last time I bought a car was 2003 (when I got rid of my Jetta) and I had to spend over 5 hours at the dealership on Easter just to get the price down far enough. Never again!

John
Niles, CA

[Roberta]

Thanks, John,

Prius, hum...  That wasn't on my radar, but fits the small, energy efficient ideals I'm looking for.  I choose Jetta Hybrid over that 6 years ago, mostly for the more car-sedan styling.

I'll review Truecar.com .   I've also been reviewing cargurus.  It's interesting there, in that you can see all the price changes and how long a car has been on the lot.  Perhaps that will translate how much less $$ they'll want to get a car off the lot.

Ann, I love your tablet idea.  Joe, a second "yes" to them testing a bike fit.

If I find something I like today, even without having my bike (Rivendell!) to fit, I will get it.  I'm in a good situation in that I can indefinitely borrow a car until I find one I want.  However, it's not really a car I want to be driving.  Think boat-sized.

[Lynn Haas]

We had a Civic sedan from 2007 until 2018. I could fit my 52 cm Surly LHT in with fenders but no front wheel with the stock handlebars (cheapo drop bars). It was an easy two-person job with practice, but more difficult by myself. When I switched to Nitto Noodles, I suddenly couldn't fit the bike in due to the bar flare, unless I wanted to take off the fender and turn the stem. The critical spots were the width at the opening between the trunk and interior (I usually dropped my seat post) and at the trunk opening, where the handlebars needed to fit through at full width while attached to the bike. If you get another hybrid, watch out to make sure the battery doesn't rob you of any space between the trunk and interior. It was a tight fit. 

Since then we have converted to hatchbacks. My 53 cm Atlantis fits OK in our Prius C. I have to take off the front wheel, and scoot the car's passenger seat up a bit. For a road trip this winter, I took off both wheels, the fenders, and the rear derailleur, and stood it on its head across the back cargo area. I've taken two cross-country trips in that car and spent about $15/day in gas both times.

When we shopped for our most recent car we took my bike, and none of the dealers even batted an eye. The Honda dealer said he saw a ton of bicyclists and that they usually wanted to be able to stand their bikes up on the forks. He even knew which models would fit my bike that way, versus bikes for tall people. 

Kind regards,

Lynn

On Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 1:14:16 PM UTC-5, Roberta wrote:

[Ty Graham]

Just to add my .02.

I have a 2013 Honda Fit. I also have a 64cm Toyo Atlantis with fenders. 

It’s a bit fussy, but I can fit with the front wheel removed. Which is nice as far as not worrying about the bike when we’re in the city or overnight, etc.

Honda Fit is kind of a cheap little car, but man I love how much it can haul. 

[lconley]

+1 on the Fit. I have a 2018 Fit EX HFP with the HondaSensing and six speed manual. I do not consider it a cheap car. It has much taller doors than a Civic and is easier to get into and out of. It has an amazing amount of space in it.

Laing

Delray Beach FL

[Bill Eberle in Portland OR]

I had a 2014 Civic 2-door coupe. The rear seatback folded forward the same as it does in sedans. My Honjo fendered 60cm Saluki fit in back with its front wheel removed, no problem.

Bill in PDX

[Jim Whorton]

I have carried my 59cm Clem, with fenders on, in the back of a 2013 Impreza hatchback. Took the front wheel and pedals off for a long car trip. It was tight, and I’m not sure it would have worked with a passenger up front, because I had to scoot the passenger seat way up. Would’ve been easier without fenders for sure.

Jim

[David Hays]

In 2018 I bought a VW Golf Alltrack. It gets 38mpg on trips and can take my Homer without removing any wheels to keep it safe.

I also had a hitch installed so I can put a rack on to carry more bikes and not have to lift them overhead after a long ride.

David

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[Joe Bernard]

I'll also throw down for the Fit just because I like them. Never owned one but I think they're fascinating exercises in space management, plus the look is cool in a funky way that appeals to me. The old Honda Element was like that, too. Mark @ Riv has one.

[lconley]

I have a 2006 Element as well as the Fit. The rear seats of the Element come out - I took them out right after I got it and they have never gone back in. Normal bikes fit upright in the Element with the front wheels turned. The Hubbuhubbuh fits in the Element, upside down with the rear wheel between the front seats.

Laing

On Friday, June 19, 2020 at 1:57:19 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote:

[Roberta]

Thank you, EVERYONE!

Based on your feedback, I took a leap of faith and bought a Civic Sedan this afternoon. The trunk with back seat down looks plenty big.   I'll be picking it up next week with my AHH next Saturday.  I'll get the hitch installed later.

Roberta

[Joe Bernard]

Yayyy!!!

[spencer robinson]

+1 for the Hondas! My daughter has a Fit and she was able to rescue me on day, Sam H fits in the fit with the wheels on.

I have a Ridgeline and the Sam will fit in the back seat or the bed.  Been looking for a decent element but good ones are pricy now a days.

On Friday, June 19, 2020 at 6:20:21 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote:

Yayyy!!!

[RichS]

Roberta,

My fendered 51cm MIT Hilsen fits fine (with front wheel)
inside our Honda Fit.

Best,
Rich in ATL