Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Tuner-Technicians Forum Looking for small car that can fit grand action

I'm looking to buy a fuel efficient used hatchback (Prius is out of my price range) that can hold a grand action. Any suggestions?

used Scion Xb? I have one of the first generation ones - 30+mpg the norm... The newer ones are less efficient and more expensive.
While not sturdy enough to haul a lot of weight, the "box" can sure hold big stuff!

Ron Koval
chicagoland

Toyota Matrix.

I've gotten 40+ mpg on the road, and routinely get 35 - 37 in town. My full size keyboard fits, my mother's wheelchair fits, the back lays flat and has a flat entry. I'm not a tech, but this car works well for me.

Cathy

ditto... I have just bought a Pontiac Vibe which is a Toyota Matrix. good on gas and plenty of room

I bought a Mazda5 last year for my business. I can get a 9' grand action, all my tools and supplies (including stringing kit) and still have enough room for 3 people in the car. The gas mileage is not as good as I would like (24-26 combined), but it is sure nice to have all that room.

The Mazda5 has been one of Consumer Report's Recommended Best Buys for the last few years and I can see why.

I carry a 88 key Digital in a hard case, plus a Hammond organ clone in a case, and an amplifier, stand, seat, 2 gig bags, etc, in my Chevy HHR with room to spare. Good mileage (24-28) and real comfortable.

Tried a Toyota Rav4, and the seats were atrocious.

I had a matrix as well. If you want to fit an action on the back seat, you need a wide car and the spec to watch is rear seat hip room. That tells you the distance between the rear arm rests. You want 54" rear seat hip room or better.

I've had Focus and Cavaliers, and two door works better on these - I'd fold the front passenger seat forward and place one side of the action on the back seat, and the other end sits on the back of the front passenger seat.

For any hatch back, make sure the rear seat folds flat to give you a better loading surface.

My favorites for all around was my Honda CRV so you might want to find a used late model one. The action fits on the back seat and the rear doors open 90 degrees to the body, so it's easy to slide the action in. Decent mileage, safety, reliability and resale value. I always regretted giving mine to my wife.

Have you considered a Nissan Cube?

Thanks everyone the input; you have given direction to my search.