KATYB wrote: mazda5 its the only answer
+1
KATYB wrote: mazda5 its the only answer
+1
Just an observation - this is the second thread today where all the requirements point exactly at the Mazda5, but it's too "van-ish".
I guess it'll keep 'em cheap for me! 
Matt B wrote: Just an observation - this is the second thread today where all the requirements point exactly at the Mazda5, but it's too "van-ish". I guess it'll keep 'em cheap for me!
+1 
It's gonna be hilarious if I'm the one that ends up with a new car on my little shopping adventure.
To the OP: Maybe it's just me, but I think the Mazda6 wagons are teh secks, and I'm not trying to change your mind on the Fit, but I KNOW I can fit my head, cabinet, and multiple guitars in there. Drums? Probably not so much, but the drummer's supposed to have his own damned truck.
Oh, I know the Fit will fit all the stuff, but not with people in the car at the same time. It's also pretty narrow, you gain a lot of width with a larger car. The Fit's ride is also pretty stiff and the seats are pretty rigid, which is a concern for a 65 year old who's had work done on her back. (Although she manages to drive my dad's S2000 pretty frequently.)
Next time I'm down there I'm gonna try to get her to a Mazda dealer. I really like the CX-5 and want to see what she thinks of it. The Mazda5 is also great but I'll have to see how she feels in person.
I think the right car here is the PriusV.
I also think that a Prius Driver Friendliness Kit would be an excellent aftermarket opportunity.
Suspension bushings, springs, shocks, bars, steering recalibration to turn the power steering off above 20 MPH - basically make it handle like an old big-springs-big-bars Pontiac.
Matt B wrote: Just an observation - this is the second thread today where all the requirements point exactly at the Mazda5, but it's too "van-ish". I guess it'll keep 'em cheap for me!
I do think it's funny how the right vehicle for so many people is a minivan, but people don't choose one because it's not "fashionable" to be seen in one. Oh, the stigma attached to minivan drivers! Vanity wins out over logic. Heh. Whatever. I love my MPV, and can't believe that Mazda made my job of finding its successor more difficult by discontinuing it. Mazda 5 is fine for midgets, but it's too small to be useful.
So we're just letting the "my mom has a band" comment go untouched? Come on! What kind of band? What do they play? What instruments are we talking here? Is she all rough and rocker like Joan Jett or does she play polka at old-folk homes?
Mazda3 5-door with SkyActive.
I know you said no SUVs, but seriously, our GMC Terrain has a TON of space, rides, drives, drinks like a (v6) car, and parks easily in our standard 2 car garage/any parking space. Floor height is no higher than a station wagon, and fold down seats open up a CAVERN of space.
WE LOVE OURS.
pinchvalve wrote: So we're just letting the "my mom has a band" comment go untouched? Come on! What kind of band? What do they play? What instruments are we talking here? Is she all rough and rocker like Joan Jett or does she play polka at old-folk homes? Mazda3 5-door with SkyActive.
Finally, THANK YOU!
pinchvalve wrote: So we're just letting the "my mom has a band" comment go untouched? Come on! What kind of band? What do they play? What instruments are we talking here? Is she all rough and rocker like Joan Jett or does she play polka at old-folk homes? Mazda3 5-door with SkyActive.
Haha. She's got a a rock band. Did it for a living back in the 60s and 70s and is back into it now that she's retired. She actually plays some pretty legit venues (House of Blues and The Viper Room are some well-known ones) and has been working with a really successful producer (like 50 gold/platinum records) on an album that's about to come out. Everybody else in the band is in their 20s or 30s.
That said, I can't bring myself to listen to any of it because, lol, I can't un-hear my friggin' mom singing, haha.
+1 on the Element. If that's too big maybe a Mazdaspeed3?
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