Best Hatchback Vehicle for Drums?

[chris perra]

Hey,.. To add to my search for the lightest hardware,.. I'm wondering what you guys think is the best hatchback for drums.
My back is toast... and I'm making some changes.. I have corolla sedan that fits all my gear.. Drumset, mixer and a self powered bass bin.

I need to get a car that can make my life easier loading in and out,.. A bassbin though a back door of a corolla is not what a chiropractor recommends haha..

It's easy to see whats out there in models, but It's tough to find the right balance of cargo size, engine size/torque and gas mileage.

I'm wondering what your experience is with what you guys currently use..

Right now I'm leaning towards a Kia Soul.. as I fit what normally takes up my whole car including the front seat into a buddy's Soul and still had the front seat open. Any experiences with a Focus or Matrix or Hyundai Elantra touring, Honda Fit, VW Golf Wagon, Nissan Cube, Mazda 3, Scion XB, Chevy HHR, in regards to daily drum cartage use, gas mileage and things you discovered you hated after buying?.

[langmick]

I have a Mazda 3 hatchback, I like the car a lot.

Durable and fun to drive.

I can fit a big set in it too.

[DSOP]

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ant/ct ... 19088.html

My brother has a Kia Soul. It's not as big as it seems.

[Joe Nocella]

I don't know it it's the best, but my Honda CR-V kicks ass! Great grocery getter too.

[james]

i 2nd the mazda 3 hatchback. it's very roomy and is a fun car to drive.
i drive a mini cooper and fit a 5 pc kit in there just fine without using the front passenger seat. it's even more fun to drive and is better on gas.

[DSOP]

i drive a mini cooper and fit a 5 pc kit in there just fine without using the front passenger seat. it's even more fun to drive and is better on gas.

Seriously? Do the rear seats fold down?

[chris perra]

I have a 24 by 15 kick and a 15 inch Mackie self powered sub..

Mini cooper,..don't think I would fit..

[DSOP]

My parents have a Matrix. It seems to be pretty reliable and have quite a bit of space in it. I remember borrowing my dad's Oldsmobile to haul around my big Slingerland kit years ago. Two 24" bass drums!

[james]

i drive a mini cooper and fit a 5 pc kit in there just fine without using the front passenger seat. it's even more fun to drive and is better on gas.

Seriously? Do the rear seats fold down?

They do, but i play a 20" kick drum so a 24 may not fit. My wife drives a Kia Soul and I agree, it's not as spacious as it looks.

[chris perra]

The Soul is like a Honda Civic hatchback on roids,.. It's pretty big, but Smaller than a Scion XB, HHR, Nissan Cube or Honda Element

I fit a 24 by 15 kick, a twin 10,12 tom case case, 14 by 7 snare, 16 inch floor tom, Xl Protechtor 36 by 16 by 12 hardware case, a 23 by 23 by 18 Subwoofer, Cymbal bag, Ford Fatcat drum throne with base, Tama speed cobra double pedal case, mic Cord packsack, Yamaha self powered mixer, mic stand and mic pack, and gig carpet, plus a little fold up Canadian tire hand cart all behind the front seats.

The same amount of stuff takes up Trunk, back seats and front seat in my 2001 corolla sedan.
A little more space would be nice to have though... That felt like it was some serious Tetris.. If I get a Soul, I'll probably get a better pack in system happening,.. as we all do over time..