What cars do you all drive?

NedRN · Mar 18, 2014

I actually bought my car in 2001 just for traveling. I was using a 1979 Subaru wagon before that, and while it certainly held everything I needed, I couldn't sleep on top of my bicycle (I like to avoid motels when I can), and packing was awkward. The PT Cruiser I got had removable rear seats (I've yet to put them back in) and a fold flat front passenger seat. I can put in two bicycles inside upright without removing any wheels or seats (no insects/dirt/theft or the big hit on mileage with a rear rack), all my stuff in four plastic containers, and sleep comfortably on top of them (they are the exact height of the folding front seat) stretched out full length on a foam mattress I cut to size. I actually took the seats out on a dealer car and tried putting the bicycle in and out.

That probably sounds a bit strange, but it has worked really well for me for 12 years and saved a ton on motels and hotels. Sometimes it takes several days to secure housing at the assignment too. Not great mileage at 28 mpg lifetime, but better than minivans and most SUVs. I don't carry so much stuff, some dishes and pots are most of the weight. One toolbox sized to fit in the rear passenger footwell so the plastic boxes are level. Then bedding takes the rest of the bulk. Full driving vision out of all the windows. I can easily get a bicycle out to take a ride when I see a good place when I'm driving across the country.

I'm looking at buying the 2015 Honda Fit when it comes out this fall (the hybrid version if they release it here). It is very similar to the PT inside with fold flat seats and I've already done the bicycle fit test on an earlier year. I think I can make it work much the same and the mileage will be better by a third or more.

I know someone who travels with a large SUV because of cats and large amounts of kitchen stuff and bedding, including a foam topper. She really could use a trailer. I have another friend who travels with an RV, trailering a car. Pretty luxurious, never having to unpack. But RV parks can be similarly priced to apartments, more than a house share, and lucky to get 12 mpg in an RV. Plus expensive to buy and maintain. So while tempted, I've never gone that route.

trackhead, APRN · Mar 19, 2014

32' fifth wheel and a 2001 Dodge 2500 (diesel) for family of three. Pros/cons. Home is always the same, free housing between assignments, some times RV parks suck (like apartments), gotta keep the truck well maintained.

shoegalRN, RN · Mar 20, 2014

I just purchased a 2014 Nissan Altima in December of last year. I'm plan on traveling in May and I will be driving to most of my assignments so I needed something with good gas mileage.

sweetgurly25 · Mar 20, 2014

I have Toyota camry 09. I want a Honda crv

BD-RN, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2014

When I moved to NC from California for nursing school I packed whatever could fit into my civic, left a tiny little space in the passenger seat for my mom and off we went! I came back and got my cat later (I figured drugging him and flying him so it's over in one day would be less stressful).

I just bought a 2014 Mazda CX-5 (Mazda's version of the Honda CR-V). I figured it's great for travel nursing since it has AWD for some unpredictable weather, it's still very good on gas for a small SUV, and it's got a ton of room. Literally just bought it a week ago; I'm always looking for an excuse to go for a drive :)

emb92250 · Mar 21, 2014

I have a little Ford Ranger with an extended cab. I bought a twin sized mattress specifically for travel nursing. Fits just right lengthwise in the truck bed. I stand it on it's skinny side and fit a table (legs come off), small lazy boy recliner, and various items in the bed. I have 2 storage totes that fit perfect in the extended part of my cab. And my kitty rides shotgun :)