Need to replace a surf car . . .

[RobSF]

The transmission has fallen out of my 2005 Toyota Matrix. Cost of replacing it is about the worth of the car. I live in San Francisco.

We’re actually looking at Honda Fits, which is counterintuitive, yes. But I’ve read at least one review by someone who claimed to get a 9-foot board inside it. My go-to longboard, alas, is 10’. Could do a soft-rack on top, but I do wonder about the aerodynamics with such a little fella. The nice thing is how easily a Fit is to park in my city. And the car’s main use is not going to be surf transport.

If others have favorite cars that work for city driving but can carry a log, I’m listening. Looking for something used, but not a complete beater.

[surferbee]

Hey Rob, I've been looking for a car for my wife lately and happened to see this on Craigslist. Not what we're looking for, but might work for you. It's a re-badged Subaru that was put out by Saab (literally made by Subaru for Saab). This one happens to have only 38,000 miles on it which is pretty amazing (if it's accurate). I'm not connected to the seller in any way, but I did have a 2002 Subaru WRX that was very similar and could carry a 9ft longboard inside. Not sure about a 10-footer though. Anyway, I saw your post and remembered seeing this one:
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/pinole-2005-saab-9-2x-awd-4-door-wagon/6778748552.html

FWIW, we've been leasing a Honda Fit (EV) and I can't imagine fitting a longboard in it. I've never tried, so I could be wrong, but I don't think you could fit anything over 8ft in there with the passenger seat folded down and the board resting on the dash.

[tomthetreeman]

My last two vehicles (including the current one) have both been great. 2005 Subaru Forester and 2017 Kia Soul. The Subaru has more room inside, but both have easy roof rack setup. I can put 3, maybe even 4 boards on top no problem. The Subaru would maybe fit a 10 footer inside, the Soul only about 8’6”.

Tom

[RinkyDink]

I recommend the Honda Fit--the car I use--because I think it lives up to its name. I use soft racks for my 9'6" board, but my 8 foot Wavestorm and my 7'10" hard board will fit over the back and front seats when they're adjusted right. I like the way the car is designed to maximize space. I'm not crazy about its standard radio, however. My car is a 2012 and the radio is super basic. By the way, I tried to get my 9'6" into it, but as I recall I think it was close, but impossible. A 9' board might make it. Take a bagged board to a dealership and try it.

[pmcaero]

what's wrong with permanent roof racks?

- as a bonus, you can buy a combination lockbox and put your keys in it and lock it on the roof rack when you go surfing, never have to worry about car keys

[RobSF]

Thanks to all of you for these quick replies, with a special shout-out to rinkydink, because he or she is the first surfer I know with a signature using an Adorno quote.

All of these models are ones I’m thinking about, and I like hearing the firsthand experience. We’ve rented a Kia Soul a couple of times specifically to accommodate my longboard, and a soft rack worked great on top. Also got an 8’6” rented board inside once, if memory serves. Amazed to think a 9-footer would fit inside a Honda Fit. I was more thinking about the aerodynamics of one on top. And would probably put a permanent rack on top of whatever we get eventually, as I did with the Matrix. (Which is still not out of the running, actually. Just trying to decide whether to put $2500 into transmission repair on a car with an odometer reading of 171k that afterwards wouldn’t fetch more than $3000 blue book . . . but would be the devil we know.)

We’re probably going to go look at a Fit today, and may drive all the way out to Pinole to look at that “Saabaru.”

This is the most boring subject I can think of to have on this forum, by the way, and I’d much rather be talking about waves and boards.

[oldmansurfer]

I have a Nissan EXterra which I can put a 9'6" board shoved into the front seat foot well and angled across the back but I don't usually. It has luggage racks on top if I need to carry a longer board. My 8 foot board fit easily between the head rests horizontally.

[RinkyDink]

Thanks to all of you for these quick replies, with a special shout-out to rinkydink, because he or she is the first surfer I know with a signature using an Adorno quote.

Thanks for the shout-out. If you're thinking about buying a Honda Fit, then I recommend you get one with a stick. It's more fun to drive.

[RinkyDink]

We’re probably going to go look at a Fit today, and may drive all the way out to Pinole to look at that “Saabaru.”

This is the most boring subject I can think of to have on this forum, by the way, and I’d much rather be talking about waves and boards.

I'm a big Consumer Reports fan when it comes to buying cars. When I need to buy a car (I only buy used cars), I always renew my CR membership and tend to buy one of the used cars they recommend. I haven't gone wrong yet with that approach, but I'm someone who uses a car simply for utility (point A to point B) and my interest in car models is almost solely focused on longevity. In other words, I'm cheap when it comes to automobiles and really don't care about status or style much.

[RobSF]

Because I know you all have been coming to the forum solely to follow the news about my car . . .

Just got a 2016 Fit. (Automatic transmission, which wasn’t the first choice, though probably smarter given the city we live in.) The interior is indeed 9’ long, though I’ve taken the old Thule racks off the Matrix and am going to look for adapter feet for the Honda. They look like they were made sometime before WWII, but maybe I’m exaggerating.

Best wishes for the new year, and I look forward to talking about waves again soon rather than gas mileage.