New baby = New car
Discussion
With the arrival of our new bundle of joy in December, we are on the lookout for a new car.
Why, mainly due to the fact that my E46 M3 convertible and my wife's aris are unpractical, therefore we're going to consolidate.
The problem we're facing is that our taste is hugely different, she is extremely practical and decided that the best form of transport is the new A class. The A180 CDI to be precise. The reason for this is that as she's quite short 5 foot, she needs an automatic and she wants something that is "subtle" she has to visit clients and "isn't too big".
Now having driven the car, it is really nice, but it has all the get up and go of a tortoise with an anchor. The problem is, if this will be our sole form of transport, I may die of boredom.
When my wife goes back to work she will be commuting 46 miles daily to work. She lists MPG is a priority, for me I barely look at that figure. Now, I have tried suggesting that we look at the A250, but she's against that, not only on the mpg level, But also because of the "red stitching on the seats and the red air vents, make it look Chavy" (btw she hates my car thinking it is chav incarnate). Now I'm completely lost in terms of what else to suggest. Any help for other car suggestions would be hugely appreciated, our budget is something like <380 pounds per month.
Why, mainly due to the fact that my E46 M3 convertible and my wife's aris are unpractical, therefore we're going to consolidate.
The problem we're facing is that our taste is hugely different, she is extremely practical and decided that the best form of transport is the new A class. The A180 CDI to be precise. The reason for this is that as she's quite short 5 foot, she needs an automatic and she wants something that is "subtle" she has to visit clients and "isn't too big".
Now having driven the car, it is really nice, but it has all the get up and go of a tortoise with an anchor. The problem is, if this will be our sole form of transport, I may die of boredom.
When my wife goes back to work she will be commuting 46 miles daily to work. She lists MPG is a priority, for me I barely look at that figure. Now, I have tried suggesting that we look at the A250, but she's against that, not only on the mpg level, But also because of the "red stitching on the seats and the red air vents, make it look Chavy" (btw she hates my car thinking it is chav incarnate). Now I'm completely lost in terms of what else to suggest. Any help for other car suggestions would be hugely appreciated, our budget is something like <380 pounds per month.
New babies require a lot of crap being carried around with them, a nice big pram and a big changing bag all need to fit in the boot, then if you decide to go shopping you need to fit a few carrier bags in there too.
Whilst the A Class is a very nice car indeed is it really all that practical for a new born?
Practicality has to rule over desire I reckon
Whilst the A Class is a very nice car indeed is it really all that practical for a new born?
Practicality has to rule over desire I reckon
I bought a Saab TTid estate a month before our lad was due. Brilliant car and cost peanuts to buy compared to a lot of other machinery out there.
There is so much crap you need to haul around. I find myself still trying to cram stuff despite it being an estate.
Pram, feeding system, clothes, nappies, rocking chair thingy etc etc. When the kids get to walking stage I will be looking for a XFR...
Sod having an estate again...
There is so much crap you need to haul around. I find myself still trying to cram stuff despite it being an estate.
Pram, feeding system, clothes, nappies, rocking chair thingy etc etc. When the kids get to walking stage I will be looking for a XFR...
Sod having an estate again...
If you're looking for a cheap monthly payment, skip the A-Class and take a look at the C-Class. Due to a new model out next year there are some awesome deals about - you could likely get an estate with a decent engine for not too much outlay. Just remember that you don't need to buy a LWB Sprinter just because a baby has entered the scene. 
An A250 is a good shout and a good compromise to me.
I personally wouldn't bother with the oil burners and go and get something petrol with plenty of grunt.
I'm sure the MPG would be fine if she's pootling around in it during the week.
I went out and bought a C43 as a good cross between common sense and grunt, albeit 10 years ago.
You can get an A250 which will perform just as well but do double the MPG.
I think if you step out of an M3 into a rattly four pot diesel it will slowly drive you mad and you will really come to resent it.
I know how I feel agte two weeks in four pot diesel hire car/loaner.
If you are going to have to go diesel why no a s/h C32O cdi or 335D? To me, anyway, this is the point at which diesels make more sense.
I personally wouldn't bother with the oil burners and go and get something petrol with plenty of grunt.
I'm sure the MPG would be fine if she's pootling around in it during the week.
I went out and bought a C43 as a good cross between common sense and grunt, albeit 10 years ago.
You can get an A250 which will perform just as well but do double the MPG.
I think if you step out of an M3 into a rattly four pot diesel it will slowly drive you mad and you will really come to resent it.
I know how I feel agte two weeks in four pot diesel hire car/loaner.
If you are going to have to go diesel why no a s/h C32O cdi or 335D? To me, anyway, this is the point at which diesels make more sense.
Edited by AC43 on Saturday 16th November 11:28
its probably not the sort of thing you would ordinarily choose, but we got a renault kangoo when number 1 arrived - it was very handy - we could put the 3 wheeler buggy in the back without having to collapse it, which was helpful when its hissing down (actually being able to keep dry whilst organising all the baby kit before/during an outing under the massive tailgate was neat too.
Another tip would be to make sure the bambino can see out from their seat - makes for a less stressful drive for you. Although that could be challenging with modern car design
whatever you get make sure its got seats that are easy to clean - milky vomit really stinks if it soaks in.
Another tip would be to make sure the bambino can see out from their seat - makes for a less stressful drive for you. Although that could be challenging with modern car design
whatever you get make sure its got seats that are easy to clean - milky vomit really stinks if it soaks in.
Robertos88 said:
With the arrival of our new bundle of joy in December, we are on the lookout for a new car.
Why, mainly due to the fact that my E46 M3 convertible and my wife's aris are unpractical, therefore we're going to consolidate.
The problem we're facing is that our taste is hugely different, she is extremely practical and decided that the best form of transport is the new A class. The A180 CDI to be precise. The reason for this is that as she's quite short 5 foot, she needs an automatic and she wants something that is "subtle" she has to visit clients and "isn't too big".
Now having driven the car, it is really nice, but it has all the get up and go of a tortoise with an anchor. The problem is, if this will be our sole form of transport, I may die of boredom.
When my wife goes back to work she will be commuting 46 miles daily to work. She lists MPG is a priority, for me I barely look at that figure. Now, I have tried suggesting that we look at the A250, but she's against that, not only on the mpg level, But also because of the "red stitching on the seats and the red air vents, make it look Chavy" (btw she hates my car thinking it is chav incarnate). Now I'm completely lost in terms of what else to suggest. Any help for other car suggestions would be hugely appreciated, our budget is something like <380 pounds per month.
It does sound like you need to have some real discussions with your wife! I thought there are people driving 911s with the kids in the back?Why, mainly due to the fact that my E46 M3 convertible and my wife's aris are unpractical, therefore we're going to consolidate.
The problem we're facing is that our taste is hugely different, she is extremely practical and decided that the best form of transport is the new A class. The A180 CDI to be precise. The reason for this is that as she's quite short 5 foot, she needs an automatic and she wants something that is "subtle" she has to visit clients and "isn't too big".
Now having driven the car, it is really nice, but it has all the get up and go of a tortoise with an anchor. The problem is, if this will be our sole form of transport, I may die of boredom.
When my wife goes back to work she will be commuting 46 miles daily to work. She lists MPG is a priority, for me I barely look at that figure. Now, I have tried suggesting that we look at the A250, but she's against that, not only on the mpg level, But also because of the "red stitching on the seats and the red air vents, make it look Chavy" (btw she hates my car thinking it is chav incarnate). Now I'm completely lost in terms of what else to suggest. Any help for other car suggestions would be hugely appreciated, our budget is something like <380 pounds per month.
I think you have two options:
1.Go for the A Class and stick some money into a toy for yourself (Caterham/Elise etc).
2. Forget the Merc and go for the PH favourite of an M135i or other 1 Series. A debarged, 5 door 135 should be subtle enough I would have thought.
Course the third option is to keep the M3 and get rid of the wife. Though this will no doubt prove more expensive than 380/month.
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