Best car for baby

[Bolebroke]

Having finally struggled to maturity I find myself the proudly expectant father, due November 26th. We live in Central London and need a car for general stuff and specifically driving down the A303 every Friday night and then back up Sunday. Everyone I talk to tells me I have absolutely no idea how much stuff Junior requires..might as well buy a small lorry. So ...should I buy a cheap old RS4, RS6 or a Toyota Prius...I know..I know..more cheese before your chalk..? All suggestions gratefully received

[Jasandjules]

I'd say a Passat. Large enough for a kid in the back, comfie for motorway cruising, can get climate control and a fair few airbags etc..

[Bolebroke]

Thanks...that is a very sensible sugges! I'll make sure Mrs Bolebroke doesn't see that....

[whirligig]

Good call with Passat - or Mazda 6 estate.

[Bolebroke]

I didn't know there was a Mazda 6....I'll have a quick look..thanks

[miniman]

Have you got the pram yet? If not, buy one and then go try it in the boot of some cars. They (prams) are surprisingly big. Also check whether or not the car seat you are buying will fit. Friends of ours bought all their kit and then found that the car seat wouldn't fit in their Discovery.

[Gold]

BMW 330D Touring? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/746659.htm

[Bolebroke]

Top tip - thanks

[Meeja]

:getscoat and runs:

In all seriousness, have a think about how much stuff you feel you will need to cart around for junior..... and then double it!

To be fair, we managed with a first generation Ford Focus until my second child was nearly two - it's amazing how much stuff you can pack into a car when you really have to!

Bought the Chelsea tractor now, so as well as owning the road, getting kids stuff in the car is no longer a matter for strategic planning!

Edited by Meeja on Friday 24th October 08:34

[XJSJohn]

+ something to keep the baby safely strapped into

[Bolebroke]

No, no no....I'm looking for an upgrade

[miniman]

Gold said:

BMW 330D Touring? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/746659.htm

Personally I think it is insane spending that sort of money on a 3-series when you can get this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/746357.htm

The difference in fuel costs is not going to be epic, particularly given the initial savings on buy price. Plus you can actually get a decent amount of stuff in the boot.

Or, if Derv really is your thing:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/735987.htm

So much more car for the money.

Edited by miniman on Friday 24th October 08:35

[fathomfive]

What budget are you looking at?

Saab 9-5 Aero estate?
Volvo V70R?
Mondeo ST220 estate?
Ford S-Max 2.5T?

All with boots plenty big enough to carry all the kit and caboodle having a baby entails.

[XJSJohn]

miniman said:

Personally I think it is insane spending that sort of money on a 3-series when you can get this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/746357.htm

The difference in fuel costs is not going to be epic, particularly given the initial savings on buy price. Plus you can actually get a decent amount of stuff in the boot.

Thats a f'ing bargain that is ...

[miniman]

Alternatively, if you're looking to finance it, this has to be worth a punt:

http://www.lingscars.com/car_detail.php?make_model...

[chaosss]

I was recently in a similar position and bought a Honda Accord Touring. It came with a much higher spec than the equivalent Passat/Mondeo etc. and it not a bad car.

I bought the i-CDTI and only being a 140bhp diesel it isn't going to set hte world on fire, but I have an M3 for that. £ for £ it was much better value due to the kit (sat nav, leather/alcantara, good stereo etc.) than the equivalent stuff. The electric boot opening and closing is really useful as well (I thought it waws just a gimmick before I bought the car).

They have the new one out now so search dealers for the last few remaining old style and try and grab a bargain.

Edited by chaosss on Friday 24th October 08:38

[miniman]

XJSJohn said:

Thats a f'ing bargain that is ...

If it had leather, I would buy it right now. I like my leather though.

[Bolebroke]

Wow..that 5 series..!! Budget is 15-20. It breaks my heart to think of it sitting outside the house getting pigeoned every day. Ideally want a bit of fun without huge servicing costs...hence RS4/RS6 idea..

[chaosss]

Bolebroke said:

Ideally want a bit of fun

That pretty much rules out my Honda suggestion!

[XJSJohn]

Bolebroke said:

Wow..that 5 series..!! Budget is 15-20. It breaks my heart to think of it sitting outside the house getting pigeoned every day. Ideally want a bit of fun without huge servicing costs...hence RS4/RS6 idea..

Already told you ... sports car + trailer + roofbox to keep the nipper in (soundproofed preferably)

ohh the compassion!!!