What's the ultimate "family" car?
Discussion
We`re planing to hopefully have a child within the next year, so I`m giving this topic a lot of thougt recently. The reasonable choice seems to be Skoda Octavia wagon - big, safe, inexpensive for what it is. The problem is the image (I`m not a badge snob, but Octavia is old peoples car around here) and low spec suspension on versions below 1.8tsi. 4x4 versions are nice but expensive.
For similar money as the new Octavia, You can get 3yo e91 320d touring. It will be much more fun to drive, but will have a lot of mileage, less space, and no warranty.
I don`t know what to do.
Money no object - XF Sportbrake or RS6.
For similar money as the new Octavia, You can get 3yo e91 320d touring. It will be much more fun to drive, but will have a lot of mileage, less space, and no warranty.
I don`t know what to do.
Money no object - XF Sportbrake or RS6.
Edited by MichalPH on Thursday 10th July 07:15
My family car becomes my everyday B-road blaster on my way to work. It's ok at the family bit, but it's useless at the B-road blasting bit.
BMW seem to have lost the plot with the E91 Tourer, it's an understeering mess. If you're thinking of getting an E91 and enjoy driving, I'd skip it and go straight for an RS4 instead, it'll probably understeer less. So with that out of the way, I would suggest this, although they're rather rare
BMW seem to have lost the plot with the E91 Tourer, it's an understeering mess. If you're thinking of getting an E91 and enjoy driving, I'd skip it and go straight for an RS4 instead, it'll probably understeer less. So with that out of the way, I would suggest this, although they're rather rare
gizlaroc said:
As a family wagon it has to do the following for me.
1. fit us all in, that is me, wife, daughter, son and dog.
2. Not give a s
t who eats in it and if they make a mess, it always cleans up.
3. Not give a st if everyone gets in covered in mud, it always cleans up.
4. Not give a st if dirty bikes etc. are thrown in the back, it always cleans up.
5. Have to be able to throw bikes etc. in the back as I am far too lazy for roof bars or bike racks.
6. Needs to be comfy for everyone so if we are in it all day we don't all start getting irritated.
7. Decent sound system - I need to switch off!
For me the current 02 plate ML ticks all the boxes, and it is old enough and cheap enough for me not to worry about any of the above. It is the perfect family car.
Exactly why I got the Amarok. It's even a lot of fun to try to drive in a most unusual way.1. fit us all in, that is me, wife, daughter, son and dog.
2. Not give a s
t who eats in it and if they make a mess, it always cleans up. 3. Not give a s
t if everyone gets in covered in mud, it always cleans up. 4. Not give a s
t if dirty bikes etc. are thrown in the back, it always cleans up. 5. Have to be able to throw bikes etc. in the back as I am far too lazy for roof bars or bike racks.
6. Needs to be comfy for everyone so if we are in it all day we don't all start getting irritated.
7. Decent sound system - I need to switch off!
For me the current 02 plate ML ticks all the boxes, and it is old enough and cheap enough for me not to worry about any of the above. It is the perfect family car.
Maserati QP or GT very good shouts, had a sit in a GT yesterday, my word what a lovely car.
FFRR (supercharged v8 of course) or M5, or XJR or S8 or AMG S class would be on my list too.
Not as exotic, but similar/better performance to the maseratis and more spacious and practical, so should probably score higher as a family wagon.
A B3 S8 ticks a lot of boxes for me personally but running costs would be utterly ruinous, it's got a lambo v10 though!
The newer s8 with the turbo v8 is technically better, but lambo v10!!!
4x4 / RR / SUV doesn't really suit me, I prefer cars to trucks (not that it's not a great vehicle, just not an SUV fan) and I think the m5 loses out of space a bit. Mercs don't float my boat either.
So a shiny new XJR or audi S8 b3/b4?, (assuming a Maserati isn't quite practical enough) both have tonnes of space fast as fudge and a great place to be for a long drive.
Close call.
FFRR (supercharged v8 of course) or M5, or XJR or S8 or AMG S class would be on my list too.
Not as exotic, but similar/better performance to the maseratis and more spacious and practical, so should probably score higher as a family wagon.
A B3 S8 ticks a lot of boxes for me personally but running costs would be utterly ruinous, it's got a lambo v10 though!
The newer s8 with the turbo v8 is technically better, but lambo v10!!!
4x4 / RR / SUV doesn't really suit me, I prefer cars to trucks (not that it's not a great vehicle, just not an SUV fan) and I think the m5 loses out of space a bit. Mercs don't float my boat either.
So a shiny new XJR or audi S8 b3/b4?, (assuming a Maserati isn't quite practical enough) both have tonnes of space fast as fudge and a great place to be for a long drive.
Close call.
You are all wrong 
Because you are mainly in the UK then you need to get yourself down to Vauxhall and special order a Gen F HSV Clubsport wagon like this:
A 6.2 litre LS3 engine which generates 325kW and 550Nm.
Although, if you are in Oz like me you can go for the slightly more restrained 6 litre Holden SS or SSV (260kW, 517Nm), which is what I usually do. Here's the last SSV I had:
Big enough for 5 adults, quick, sounds great, and is actually pretty good on fuel (26 mpg on average).
Because you are mainly in the UK then you need to get yourself down to Vauxhall and special order a Gen F HSV Clubsport wagon like this:
A 6.2 litre LS3 engine which generates 325kW and 550Nm.
Although, if you are in Oz like me you can go for the slightly more restrained 6 litre Holden SS or SSV (260kW, 517Nm), which is what I usually do. Here's the last SSV I had:
Big enough for 5 adults, quick, sounds great, and is actually pretty good on fuel (26 mpg on average).
g3org3y said:
Money no object?
This would be my choice.
This.This would be my choice.
Plenty of humbler versions if running costs are to be considered. Sharp looking car, doesn't draw excessive attention or 'hate' from 4x4 activists, Drives like a very convincing sport saloon and the seats and boot are nice and low so the kids and the dog can get in easily. Plus you don't have to suffer the indignity of chelsea tractorhood.
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