Wagon vs. Hatchback vs. Sedan

[abrokenladder]

repost from old forum...thanks to those who referred me to the new site!
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Hello,

I am looking for a car but am unsure of which body configuration is ideal. I'm honestly not sure what the difference between a hatchback and a wagon is, but when I search craigslist, the wagons tend to be larger and more spacious. Would a smaller hatchback like a Civic be too uncomfortable? I'm short, around 5'4", and thin. My plan is to spend the day at work and in the library (or other air-conditioned space with electricity and internet) and just use a car to sleep. I think the back seats would have to fold flat, allowing me to lay a small mattress across the body of the car like this:

http://www.travelwheels.com.au/car-specifications

Really, the only reason I am even considering a sedan is because I can't find a good deal on a hatch or a wagon at the moment and it has been really frustrating. My budget is tiny at around $2500. My understanding is that many sedans also have that flat-folding capability. Would the lower ceiling of the trunk be a problem, though?

I've also read that sleepability in these cars varies from model to model (even generation to generation). Can anyone vouch for specific models? Right now, I see a Buick Roadmaster for under $1000 as-is. They are huge but don't get the greatest MPG (which is a major consideration for me and the reason I am not considering a van).

Any thoughts or experiences welcome!

 

[Vic.]

Hm. I don't have the experience yet, but what's the MPG on Volvo stationwagons? I see them for sale all the time around here and on craigslist.

 

[abrokenladder]

Yes, those Volvos are everywhere. Gas mileage is not great -- I usually see estimates of around 20mpg combined highway/city. I'm more concerned about their maintenance costs as their Swedish parts are extremely expensive here in the US. Some Civics can easily get into the high thirties and low forties MPG. I would obviously prefer that kind of fuel economy, but I think the small size might be too much to handle on a nightly basis. A decent compromise might be a slightly larger Japanese car such as the Camry or the Accord -- from 22-27 combined mpg depending on year.

The way I see it, with these super low budget car purchases, the average person will spend more on gas in a year than they will on the car itself. Every year you own the car, gas money comprises a higher percentage of your total expenditure until the initial purchase price pales in comparison.

 

[vanguy]

i once spent 3 months living in my 2004 chevy cavalier 2 door. the rear seats fold down almost flat, and i slept with my feet at the trunk. it was actually pretty comfortable, IIRC. and i'm 6'4. for your price range, it's a great option. (they are really good cars, also and used ones are cheap). i think they get 35 MPG average.

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i would avoid volvos also. my family has a 2000 wagon and it doesn't get great MPG's. parts are expensive and they are difficult to work on (meaning more $$$)

 

[Patrick46]

Welcome to the board BL!!

I (personally) would stay away from hatchbacks for living in. The huge rear windows are notorious for turning the car into a solar oven!!! Plus, I think that the hatch would eat up too much interior room, and if you're gonna be living in this car, then anything you can do to save valuable space would be to your best interest.

What part of the country are you in?? I'd think that for $2500, you should be able to find something in pretty decient mechanical condition...especially if you're willing to compromise on esthetics. (don't be fooled into buying a 'pretty shiney' car, that's been run through the gauntlet.)

Have you ever heard of the CoPart Auto Auctions?? http://www.copart.com/c2/copart_home_page.html
You can buy cars for great prices, that have been in accidents...so they'll have dents and busted fenders...but are still extremely driveable. You don't hafta be a 'dealer' to bid at their auctions, and it's a cool way to get a later model car....cheaply! (so you gotta fix a fender and replace a headlight....so what!) They have auctions spread all over the country too.

btw......I'd try to find a Honda Civic Wagon. Great car, super fuel economy, excellent reliability record, very roomy for the size, but still compact enough to cram into small spaces.

 

[abrokenladder]

vanguy, thanks for the suggestion. You were able to stretch your legs most of the way? That's impressive.

Patrick46, interesting point about the rear windows. But wouldn't that also be a problem with wagons?

Another factor I'm considering now that you've brought up the rear windows is privacy. Sedans, without all those extra windows, would actually offer greater privacy, wouldn't they? I suppose a few towels could remedy this problem in a hatchback or wagon, but the private trunk is still a nice thing I would think.

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I don't see any 2004 Cavaliers in my price range right now. Do you know if the earlier models are equally reliable and have the flat-folding seats? Anyone know about the Ford Focus?

 

[Unchained]

I think the problem with hatchback windows is that they are angled, so they get exposed to direct sunlight for more hours per day.

Most sedans don't get great mileage. If I were considering a sedan, I would also look at mini vans. More room than any car and some get pretty good MPG.

 

[vanguy]

the cavaliers like the one i had were built from 2003 to 2005. come to think of it, the pontiac sunfire from the same years was almost identical, they just look different but the mechanicals are all the same. maybe check them out too.
i'm not sure about the older cavaliers, i think they're pretty good too but not sure if the seats fold down. worth checking out though.
yeah, this was a while ago but i'm pretty sure i could stretch out back there. the trunk is surprisingly huge in those cars.

 

[abrokenladder]

I think the problem with hatchback windows is that they are angled, so they get exposed to direct sunlight for more hours per day.

Aren't a sedan's rear windows also seriously angled? Some station wagons are also angled while others are quite vertical. Then again, they usually have a higher window-body ratio.

 

[Patrick46]

yeah, this was a while ago but i'm pretty sure i could stretch out back there. the trunk is surprisingly huge in those cars.

WOW....slept in any coffins lately???


as for the rear windows....ANYTHING you buy is gonna have rear windows, so it's either curtain time, or time to spray paint the insides of 'em!


ya know...a Toyota minivan gets really good gas mileage too!

 

[abrokenladder]

Like a Previa? I don't see any getting over 20mpg. And that's compared to a Civic's high-thirties!

So about the rear-window thing: why are hatchbacks any worse than sedans or wagons with regards to heat? Both have rear windows, right?

Thanks for all the help so far!

 

[abrokenladder]

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/cto/4169577047.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/cto/4188392188.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/4194495812.html

What do y'all think?

 

[Patrick46]

I think the problem with hatchback windows is that they are angled, so they get exposed to direct sunlight for more hours per day.

YES, they ALL have back windows...but the thing with 'hatchbacks' in particular is the huge rear window that is nearly horizontal....thus it acts like a big solar panel.


but hey, we're getting kinda redundant here. You asked a question, and we gave our opinions. Do whacha want with the info.

 

[abrokenladder]

I think the problem with hatchback windows is that they are angled, so they get exposed to direct sunlight for more hours per day.

YES, they ALL have back windows...but the thing with 'hatchbacks' in particular is the huge rear window that is nearly horizontal....thus it acts like a big solar panel.

But what I don't understand is how this situation is any different on a sedan/coupe. Their rear windows are nearly horizontal as well.

 

[Lifemagician]

Have you thought of something like a Dodge Caravan?

In 2009 a friend loaned me a Dodge Caravan he was going to sell. We removed all but the front seats, leaving a flat floor. A thermarest, sleeping bag, 12v cooler and small camping stove saw me take it on a 25000 mile trip over 5 months, including to AK and back. It was great to live in, and gave ample room to sit up.

Lifey

 

[Unchained]

But what I don't understand is how this situation is any different on a sedan/coupe. Their rear windows are nearly horizontal as well.

Depends on the model, but hatchbacks tend to have larger back windows at a more horizontal angle. Something to watch for, even if you choose a sedan or coupe. I still think a wagon would be a better choice than either a hatchback or sedan, but that's just my opinion. Having attempted to sleep in a Kia Rio, I would have given nearly anything to have a 4 banger pick up with shell or a wagon instead!

ETA- Lifemagician, my Therm-a-rest days are pretty much over since I scored an ALPS Mountaineering Base Camp pad for $65 (shipped) at REI's outlet during a sale. I'm all spoilt now!

 

[abrokenladder]

Depends on the model, but hatchbacks tend to have larger back windows at a more horizontal angle. Something to watch for, even if you choose a sedan or coupe.

Gotcha, thanks. How do vans compare in this regard?

I still think a wagon would be a better choice than either a hatchback or sedan, but that's just my opinion. Having attempted to sleep in a Kia Rio, I would have given nearly anything to have a 4 banger pick up with shell or a wagon instead!

Interesting. Was it the lack of horizontal space for sleeping that bothered you? Are you quite tall?

Have you thought of something like a Dodge Caravan?

In 2009 a friend loaned me a Dodge Caravan he was going to sell. We removed all but the front seats, leaving a flat floor. A thermarest, sleeping bag, 12v cooler and small camping stove saw me take it on a 25000 mile trip over 5 months, including to AK and back. It was great to live in, and gave ample room to sit up.

Lifey

When I first began considering the idea of living out of a vehicle, I assumed that a van would be a necessity. And I think it makes sense for most people. However, I hope to spend most of my time in libraries, coffee shops, and other free (or minimal cost) spaces with electricity and internet where I can sit and get things done. I think I'll end up spending around $1000 extra annually for gas if I get a 20 mpg vehicle (which is optimistic for a minivan) vs. a 35 mpg civic. I am currently without a job and I honestly don't know how long it will take to find one, so those extra 15 MPGs seem significant to me.

I have a feeling I'll be able to sleep in a lot of these sedans/hatchbacks/wagons. My concern right now is cargo space for a cooler, food, clothes, etc. I will have a storage unit rented in the area, though, so I should be covered.

Anything I'm overlooking?

 

[Unchained]

Gotcha, thanks. How do vans compare in this regard?

Full sized vans? No comparison, the van wins every time. Mini vans- depends on the make and model. Some are more 'squarish' (this is good), while others have huge, sloped windows in the back.

Interesting. Was it the lack of horizontal space for sleeping that bothered you? Are you quite tall?

I'm 5'10", tall enough
I mostly just didn't like having my lower half stuffed in the trunk, roomy though it is (Rios have BIG trunks), and the windows sketched me. Having cut my vehicle dwelling teeth under the protective camper shell on my old 4 banger Nissan pick up, all windows heavily tinted, the Rio was a bit too exposed for my comfort level. But maybe that's just me

 

[wagoneer]

Picked up a 1987 MB diesel wagon perfect for one guy/gal

 

[Patrick46]

When I first began considering the idea of living out of a vehicle, I assumed that a van would be a necessity. And I think it makes sense for most people. However, I hope to spend most of my time in libraries, coffee shops, and other free (or minimal cost) spaces with electricity and internet where I can sit and get things done. I think I'll end up spending around $1000 extra annually for gas if I get a 20 mpg vehicle (which is optimistic for a minivan) vs. a 35 mpg civic. I am currently without a job and I honestly don't know how long it will take to find one, so those extra 15 MPGs seem significant to me.

I have a feeling I'll be able to sleep in a lot of these sedans/hatchbacks/wagons. My concern right now is cargo space for a cooler, food, clothes, etc. I will have a storage unit rented in the area, though, so I should be covered.

Anything I'm overlooking?

Well here's a question that hasn't been addressed yet...
are you gonna be traveling alot, or are you planning on staying put in one basic area? You talk about spending alot of time in librarys and coffee shops...but realistically...you'll be spending ALOT of time in whatever rig you do choose, so don't kid yourself about the importance of having enough room to live in.

Also, are you thinking of doing this for a year or two, or are you serious about doing this for a LONNNNNG time??? Why not make the investment so that you're comfortable NOW, and less likely to bail on the idea if you go too small and find it's too cramped for really living in? (can you see putting your pants on in the front seat of a small sedan for the next 10-20 years because you didn't want to buy something bigger??)

As for the fuel use thing...that's why I ask if you're gonna be traveling alot. If you're gonna be criss-crossing the country (like some of the folks on here do), then YES...fuel economy is super important!!
But if you're going to be just bombing around 1 area for the next decade, then how much driving will you really be doing anyways??

Everything's a trade-off. You sacrifice comfort for good gas mileage, or you get something roomy and comfortable but not travel much. But these are questions that only you can answer. I'd just like to see you making a good choice, and not regretting it later.