Steering You Right with Sharon Peters: Wide Load
Q: We’re driving a 2014 RAV4. It just fits into our garage, with perhaps 2 inches on each side of the side rear view mirrors. Our vision is changing, and we’re interested in purchasing something that is narrower by several inches and shorter than the RAV4. We would like it to be as easy to get in and out of as the RAV. We did measure our garage before purchasing the RAV but don’t believe the dimensions in the specs included the side mirrors.
A: A 60-something friend of mine kept scraping her mirrors when backing out of her garage, and she bought a MINI Cooper, which is 4 inches narrower than your RAV. She loves it. No more embarrassing screeching sounds announcing her departure. So check that out.
Some other options, all of which are at least a couple of inches narrower than the RAV and at least 6 inches shorter: Mazda CX-3, Jeep Patriot, and Honda HR-V. Also consider the much smaller Honda Fit – 5 inches narrower and 20 inches shorter than the RAV.
You’re right: the specs that car companies post generally don’t include the side mirrors (though some savvy ones now make that clear.)
But know this: many mirrors can be popped inward for extra clearance when necessary (though it would be admittedly inconvenient to have to get out and manipulate mirrors to enter the garage every time). So measuring on the car lot is a good idea.
Q: We’re researching new SUVs for purchase this summer. There’s a chance we’ll want the towing package because, although we wouldn’t use it often, we might have to haul small U-Hauls a few times moving our kids to college. We can save a little money by buying an SUV with the towing package but without the factory-installed integrated trailer hitch and getting that put on after, once we need it (if we do need it). What do you think about that?
A: This is one of those situations where getting what you need from the manufacturer upfront is the best route. The cost is not that much different (though certainly somewhat different), I feel more confident about safety, and it has a more finished look than when you rig something up (a resale consideration).