Anyone have any idea what the weight limit of the trunk is? By trunk, I mean the area that dips down behind the hump that has the gas tank underneath.

 

According to my '88 owner manual, and amazingly wimpy 100 pounds, all models.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. It's a big help!

 

No problem. I just got my car, so I just finished reading the manual cover to cover, and remembered seeing it.

As a stand alone number, it's maybe a little deceptive, because that allows for 4 occupants, and a full load of fuel, and still keeps you under GVWR. That's not to say that, running solo, you couldn't carry more back there. But, it says what it says.

 

I put a 350 pound weight set in my trunk lol. Good no know after the fact though lol

 

I loaded up my car to the top when 1 moved (these cars fit more than you would think) had 300lbs worth of weights just in the well then about 500+ pounds in other stuff in the rest of the car. drove 400 miles like that on my little 3.1 with no problems, the only thing was bottoming out on big dips. but then again these cars are already pretty low.

 

Holy cow, I couldn't imagine moving with a third gen. I consider a value meal from McDonalds to be pushing the capacity of what it can hold, lol.

 

I don't have any fears of using mine as a truck, Ive load wood and ladders on the roof, back seat full of cinder blocks, grading vibrator in the front seat, bicycles, Big screen TV so large I had to pres my nose against windshield to drive. Though I got a fold up ladder now that fits in the back seat just fine.

 

 

wow!! our 3rd gens were not meant for such mundane things like.....being used as trucks. but I have seen such things as a guy around here took his hatch off and was seen carrying a BIG recliner.....damn

 

haha I know they weren't MEANT for it but renting a truck wasn't an option at the time. (college budget) made two 400 mile trips loaded up still cheaper than one trip with a rental truck. if you put 4 people in your car at lets say 150lbs a person (that's slimming everyone down of course!) that's already 600lbs right there! the occasional "truck duty" shouldn't be a big deal!

 

i brought home 4x8 sheets of sheetrock in the back of my 84.butted against the back of the front seats.

 

I've hauled a lot of stuff as well, these cars can carry quite a bit if you're in a bind. Never thought of taking the hatch off though.

I think the reason it is rated so low is that anything put in the trunk well is at the farthest point outward creating a high polar moment. If the rear ever starts to swing out you're going to have a hard time recovering from it.

 

With the hatch, these cars can carry an AMAZING amount of stuff. Back before flat screens, i stuffed a 26" tv, (in the box!) plus an entire stereo system in the back, and CLOSED the hatch! They guy carrying the stuff out of the store was amazed! Plus, if you are 5'6" or under (and all my family is) you can put 2 adults in the back seat - fairly comfortably! I wouldn't recommend a road trip, but you can sure run around town that way. Hey, when you don't have any money, and only one car, necessity is the mother of invention!