What car for three children?

[PomBstard]

ezakimak said:

You can order the current 3 series with a manual as a no cost option according to the email I got from the rep the other day

Please order one! Any spec, as long as its a decent engine, and I'll buy it in a few years' time. B7 A4 is out of my budget, but you're right - its width that counts. Esp the width in the middle part of the rear seat, which is where my current Forester fails me, and the new ones are noticeably wider. I'm only 6'2" so can tolerate a slightly shorter car too...

[ezakimak]

PomBstard said:

Please order one! Any spec, as long as its a decent engine, and I'll buy it in a few years' time.

i tend to hang onto my cars for a fair amount of time. not sure why, just do as im fairly picky about what i want and cant seem to find something.

i havent looked at the wagon from BMW as i had just started considering changing over the car and hadent organised anything. then i found a B7RS4 avant that was technically out of the price range but managed to drag the princes in to try it out for size. it was on car sales. mint condition 45000km, 1 owner a 60 year old doctor, serviced every 6 months or around every 5000km (the bool service schedyual on these is closer to 15000). was absolutly gobsmacked buy it as id never realy looked into one, so much more speciall than enything else i had considered. Daytona grey, sunroof, FBSW, recaro buckets, carbon dash, sports exhaust, new Michelen tyres.......

i saw it go up on the saturday, looked at it myself on monday, draged the princess in on Thursday for a sucessfull test fit and nod of approval, then i had to work some emergancy reactive commissioning shifts on the weekend and the fleet lease company didnt get back to me. when i checked on monday morning it had been sold. gutted.

anyway, back to the BMW. have the broscher here in electronic format,
drewaming here but, specing it up id go for:

BMW328i Touring, twin turbo 4cylinder engine with double vanos.
0 - 100km/h in 6.0 seconds whith fuel consumption of 6.5l per 100km
no cost option manual transmission
M Sport package
red leather interior
M sport brake
Estoril Blue Metallic
black roof rails.
panorama glass roof
m leather steering wheel
adaptive curse control
lane change warning
navigation
internet functionallity
surround view
digital radio
harman Kardon sound system
automatic tailgate and comfort access sytem (open boot by waving foot near bumper)

wonder what $$$ that would run to

should look something like this

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8058098@N07/809793771...

Edited by ezakimak on Monday 4th November 00:34

[Pommygranite]

I'd be surprised if it was less than $90k.

[Jader1973]

PomBstard said:

Have now tried a V8 Commodore and (a) it felt a bit one-trick - lovely in a straight line, so I understand that bit, but really felt the mass through corners

Actually they have 3 tricks: burnouts and doughnuts are the other two! Try doing them in a Subaru

I've had zero exposure to Subaru so really don't understand the appeal. I've read horror stories (on here) about parts prices, reliability etc although those are from the UK, maybe they are better here for some reason.

[PomBstard]

Jader1973 said:

Actually they have 3 tricks: burnouts and doughnuts are the other two! Try doing them in a Subaru

I've had zero exposure to Subaru so really don't understand the appeal. I've read horror stories (on here) about parts prices, reliability etc although those are from the UK, maybe they are better here for some reason.

I was a little unfair to the Commy - it is huge inside. And it can of course to the aforementioned hoonery!

I've had 3 Subarus already, and I'm not sure I can explain the appeal either. I think the build quality, reliability (in my experience) and driver appeal all combine. Which is an odd thing to write as, other than top-line stuff, its not usually a spectacular drive, but I've always felt that the basics were always there. And its usually offered with my preferred transmission of choice. Not sure I'd be such a fan in the UK as there would be more competitors on my list.

Now, back to that 328i that is going to be ordered on my behalf, five years before I need it...

[Colonial]

How about an Alfa 159 wagon?

Stunning looking things. Not sure on the width though...

[Jader1973]

Colonial said:

How about an Alfa 159 wagon?

Stunning looking things. Not sure on the width though...

NO!!!!!!!

Mate of mine had one: very pretty, but never, ever worked properly and cost him a fortune in repairs.

It even broke the day before he sold it

[PomBstard]

WeirdNeville said:

Jader1973 said:

I've had zero exposure to Subaru so really don't understand the appeal. I've read horror stories (on here) about parts prices, reliability etc although those are from the UK, maybe they are better here for some reason.

You don't "get" them unless you've lived with one for a bit.

Reliability is generally very good (check out the number of aged and 300k km+ Legacies and outbacks on Gumtree and carsales), and the best terms I can put on it is that Subarus feel "honest" and wear their heart on their sleeve. You know how if you own an Audi, you just know the bd is working out how to perform a wallet-ectomy at the next service/breakdown? You don't get any of that with a Subaru. They just "are". Don't forget, their basic drivetrain configuration is common to Imprezas, Legacies(Liberties), Outbacks and Foresters. It's been working well for 30 years, with a number of minor improvements and refinements, but the basic principle is as tried and tested as drivetrains come.

They work, they feel secure on the road, unstoppable in bad conditions, and if you get a warm/hot one it will be devastatingly fast whilst covering for all manner of hamfisted driving. And they do all that through the innate chassis engineering, not a veneer of electronics filtering your inputs (more recent cars may vary in this).

I owned a 2005 Impreza WRX Prodrive wagon for a year in the UK before we came out here. With a quoted sub 5 second sprint to 60mph, faultless reliability and laugh out loud handling and road holding, they've very tough cars to beat as an ownership proposition. Fuel consumption and lacking the last few notches of ultimate driver involvement would be my only criticism. Put me on a damp leafy B-Road with somewhere 60 miles away to be in a hurry, and I would pick a hot Impreza every time.

Edited by WeirdNeville on Tuesday 5th November 01:57

I think this just about covers it all. They do seem to lack that last bit of driver involvement but reliability has been fantastic on all three of mine. The Forester we've had from new in April 07 has needed just a wheel bearing and a new AC compressor in six-and-a-half years, other than regular servicing. It has endeared itself to me in a way that I probably never though a car would, and its not a bad steer - its no B-road terror, but sure-footed and easy to place. Which is why I'll get another. The Liberty I bought a few years ago was meant to be a stop-gap car for about 6 months. I kept it for two years.

Anyway, I reckon between this thread, and the other just started on SUVs, we'll probably end up with a reasonably definitive list of family-friendly cars...

[ezakimak]

Pommygranite said:

I'd be surprised if it was less than $90k.

i suspect you are probably not far off. i have a quote for a 320I touring with 17" wheels, auto and a few other options here that is $79,660 if bought from new.
at that price i think id rather a second hand RS4

[ezakimak]

WeirdNeville said:

You don't "get" them unless you've lived with one for a bit.

Reliability is generally very good (check out the number of aged and 300k km+ Legacies and outbacks on Gumtree and carsales), and the best terms I can put on it is that Subarus feel "honest" and wear their heart on their sleeve. You know how if you own an Audi, you just know the bd is working out how to perform a wallet-ectomy at the next service/breakdown? You don't get any of that with a Subaru. They just "are". Don't forget, their basic drivetrain configuration is common to Imprezas, Legacies(Liberties), Outbacks and Foresters. It's been working well for 30 years, with a number of minor improvements and refinements, but the basic principle is as tried and tested as drivetrains come.

They work, they feel secure on the road, unstoppable in bad conditions, and if you get a warm/hot one it will be devastatingly fast whilst covering for all manner of hamfisted driving. And they do all that through the innate chassis engineering, not a veneer of electronics filtering your inputs (more recent cars may vary in this).

I owned a 2005 Impreza WRX Prodrive wagon for a year in the UK before we came out here. With a quoted sub 5 second sprint to 60mph, faultless reliability and laugh out loud handling and road holding, they've very tough cars to beat as an ownership proposition. Fuel consumption and lacking the last few notches of ultimate driver involvement would be my only criticism. Put me on a damp leafy B-Road with somewhere 60 miles away to be in a hurry, and I would pick a hot Impreza every time.

Edited by WeirdNeville on Tuesday 5th November 01:57

driven/had a few Subarus. First car was a Brumby Ute, it made all the same chassis noises as the current 2011 WRX and 2008 Liberty GT. just lacked the oughtright pace. Theres a certain clunk when fast shifting that they all make. as soon as i herd that in the GT i felt all at home and like i was back in the brumby. good times. wish i still had that car. so much fun, went everywhere, did everything in cluding stuff it shouldnt have.

[PomBstard]

Just to bring this up to date - got a 2005 Liberty GT wagon. Good nick all round, and probably just about big enough for why I need it. Have also given it the McCarrs Creek test, and it's fun too! Not MX5 fun, but enjoyable enough considering its 1500kg and seats five.

[PomBstard]

Well, looks like I'm going to be back on the hunt in a few months' time. The Liberty has been an awesome car, and one I wish I'd bought years ago, but the kids just don't seem to stay the same size for long and the car ain't growing with them. I borrowed a mate's XC90 for a quick trip and immediately understood what all the fuss was about. Three kids and the ability to separate them by an additional row of seats is a fantastic idea!

So, the big Ovlov is on the list, esp as it can be had with a Yamaha-engineered V8 for about the same price as the 3.2 six. Fuel economy? Rubbish with either engine. Diesel? Not with my money. Handling? Er, um, ah, did I mention the cupholders? Well, you get the message. If I'm going SUV, then it must have 7 seats and a fun engine.

I'm still not away from a fast wagon, and for the same price as 2010 XC90, I can get its little bro, the V70 with a 3.0T six and a year or two younger, or it looks like I could possibly squeeze a VF Commodore SS wagon - and this is worth noting as I can't stand the cabin of the VE or even driving it, but the VF cabin does seem to be a genuine step up, not driven one yet. The only problem with any of them really is that they're all auto-only. I thought the SS would come with a manual option, as the sedan does, but not so the wagon. I'd love to get another Liberty, but the Gen 5 isn't usefully bigger than the Gen 4 across the back seat. Wait for a Levorg? Likely to be no bigger than what I've got.

So, that question again, what else is there? Q7 - too pricey and just no. Kluger - a bit meh, and I like Japanese stuff. CX9 - see Kluger. X5 - not enough seats. What other wagons are worth considering for a nominal price of say, $30-35k? E-class Merc - don't excite me in any way, but worth the money?

All and any suggestions welcomed and entertained!

[Kawasicki]

Ford Territory, drives way nicer than an XC90, just as big, reliable and the 4.0l petrol 2wd wouldn't be far off in terms of performance either(if at all).

I know it's a ford.

[ezakimak]

i feel your pain, E91 BMW 323 may not be big enough soon either and i want something with a tow bar.......

diesel I know

http://www.carsales.com.au/cars/results?q=(((Make%...


would it be big enough

[Colonial]

Might be big enough, but might need to haggle a bit

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Skoda-Oc...

Meh

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Skoda-Oc...

You footballer enough?

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/BMW-X5-2...

Not a wagon, but worth considering

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Ford-Fal...

[motomk]

Kawasicki said:

Ford Territory, drives way nicer than an XC90, just as big, reliable and the 4.0l petrol 2wd wouldn't be far off in terms of performance either(if at all).

I know it's a ford.

Or really lower the fuel reserves of Australia and get a Turbo petrol version!
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Ford-Te...
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Ford-Ter...
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Ford-Ter...
Or even sillier an FPV version!
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Ford-Per...

Edited by motomk on Thursday 26th March 12:16

[PomBstard]

Ta for that lot. Am no badge snob, so turbo Territory with 7 seats might be worth looking at.

X5 and Toureag are 5 seats only and I I go for SUV thingie it must be 7 seats. If I think 5 is enough, then I'd much prefer a wagon. Octavia not much bigger than a Liberty. And I do think a quick Falcon is a reasonable prospect, if only they'd done it as a wagon - really need that boot space.

Anyway, plenty of food for thought - esp as I've just taken the Lib, fully loaded with kit and family for a sightseeing lap of Mt Panorama

[Jader1973]

PomBstard said:

it looks like I could possibly squeeze a VF Commodore SS wagon - and this is worth noting as I can't stand the cabin of the VE or even driving it, but the VF cabin does seem to be a genuine step up, not driven one yet. The only problem with any of them really is that they're all auto-only. I thought the SS would come with a manual option, as the sedan does, but not so the wagon.

They are mechanically identical to the VE. The improvements were all weight reduction, interior and tech (auto park, blind zone etc). It does feel like a much better car though.

MT V8 wagons were dropped at VF.

What about an SV6 wagon? They aren't much slower than a V8 in reality.

[ezakimak]

Jader1973 said:

MT V8 wagons were dropped at VF.

ezakimak said:

Only problem is that the vf only comes in an auto unless you buy a hsv version.

I can't think of anything else to add to your list, though I haven't looked into the 300c Chrysler yet.

that's a shame that nothing has changed, id still be interested in one if they did. haven't seen any/many of the HSV versions on the second hand market either since that time.

[Hasbeen]

PomBstard said, "Anyway, plenty of food for thought - esp as I've just taken the Lib, fully loaded with kit and family for a sightseeing lap of Mt Panorama"

What gear did it need to climb the hill up to the cutting. The last time I drove up there it was in a US spec TR7, [all 90 BHP], & was surprised when starting at 60 Km/H, the legal speed, I had to go back to 3Rd to get up it. I had forgotten how steep it is, & TV gives no idea.

Are you interested in real off road stuff. It does come with big off roaders. My son has become addicted to climbing mountains, in a 4WD that a horse couldn't get up.

I love it. No more worries about speeding tickets, & it brings a car big enough for most families.