Becoming a Dad + next car quandary
Discussion
OP, recently went through exactly the same process as you. In the end sold the 350Z and bouhgt a B7 S4 Avant. Great cars, but a workd of caution that they are really not as big as you'd expect on the inside. It's actually quite tight to get a baby seat in the back (rear facing). If I was any taller then it just wouldn;t fit or I'd be dirivng like a grasshopper.
Other than that its a lovely car. If I was choosing again though I'd probably stretch to a S6 5.2 V10 which can be had for similar money.
Other than that its a lovely car. If I was choosing again though I'd probably stretch to a S6 5.2 V10 which can be had for similar money.
Firstly, congratulations! Your life will never be the same again. 
Secondly, whatever you do, don't go for an E91 BMW. The handling will be so disappointing after your other cars. Do get an estate though as it's much easier to put a couple of high chairs in for example, if going to the in-laws for lunch.
If I was to do it again, I'd probably opt for two cars.
Secondly, whatever you do, don't go for an E91 BMW. The handling will be so disappointing after your other cars. Do get an estate though as it's much easier to put a couple of high chairs in for example, if going to the in-laws for lunch.
If I was to do it again, I'd probably opt for two cars.
CaptainSensib1e said:
OP, recently went through exactly the same process as you. In the end sold the 350Z and bouhgt a B7 S4 Avant. Great cars, but a workd of caution that they are really not as big as you'd expect on the inside. It's actually quite tight to get a baby seat in the back (rear facing). If I was any taller then it just wouldn;t fit or I'd be dirivng like a grasshopper.
Other than that its a lovely car. If I was choosing again though I'd probably stretch to a S6 5.2 V10 which can be had for similar money.
This. Other than that its a lovely car. If I was choosing again though I'd probably stretch to a S6 5.2 V10 which can be had for similar money.
Forget anything in the A4/3 series/C class size bracket. You need the next size up for it to be even remotely comfortable. You will get someone chip in saying they do fine is whatever small hatch, christ, we can all fit in my 182 at a push, but to be comfortable? You need something big.
Here is my family vehicle on holiday...I can't think of anything better and even if Mrs Turboteeth persuades me to create a third child I could always trade it in for a 7-seater estate version
470bhp 5.4 supercharged V8 yet a huge boot a nice comfy interior.
When I got it my wife didn't know it was anything different to our friends E320 diesel...
jamieduff1981 said:
I've got 2 children and have found that intelligent purchase of items such as child seats, pushchairs etc can make the difference between a normal Mondeo sized car being completely fit for purpose, or needing a massive estate. Go to a shop and choose a buggy that folds up small rather than one which folds up to the size of an Audi A3. You need to consider transporting baby accessories when choosing the accessories - not buy up all the bulky crap for sale in Mammas & Pappas then try to find which soul-devouring hate-mobile can fit it all in. The baby crap will expand to fit the available space. Choose a sensible sized family car and learn to work with it. We do regular long-distance trips with luggage. It's absolutely fine if you engage brain before buying the wrong stuff.
None of my interiors are ruined. None are damaged at all actually. As parents you have rather a lot of control over what foods children are given to smear over the interior. Parenting styles themselves have a large influence on how messy children are. We did baby-led weaning which meant our children could use their fingers early rather than crushing foods in their fists. You don't have to give them foods which stain if/when spilled.
We found that the optimum rear leg room gave them enough space, but enabled the front passenger to reach round to said children without having to stop the car and get out.
I have successfully driven children around without destroying the cars I wanted, and have found family-capable compromises that have not meant the complete abandonment of any driving pleasure. You're having twins - I get that. You still have massive scope to influence your life now and even though it includes children you can combine being a good father with an interest in cars.
Lexus ISF, Jag XFR or Alfa 159 3.2V6 for me.
Excellent Post...and some good options for the OPNone of my interiors are ruined. None are damaged at all actually. As parents you have rather a lot of control over what foods children are given to smear over the interior. Parenting styles themselves have a large influence on how messy children are. We did baby-led weaning which meant our children could use their fingers early rather than crushing foods in their fists. You don't have to give them foods which stain if/when spilled.
We found that the optimum rear leg room gave them enough space, but enabled the front passenger to reach round to said children without having to stop the car and get out.
I have successfully driven children around without destroying the cars I wanted, and have found family-capable compromises that have not meant the complete abandonment of any driving pleasure. You're having twins - I get that. You still have massive scope to influence your life now and even though it includes children you can combine being a good father with an interest in cars.
Lexus ISF, Jag XFR or Alfa 159 3.2V6 for me.
kapiteinlangzaam said:
Congrats, our first is due <4 weeks.
As a family car, nothing beats the XC90.
As an engine, the 320bhp Yamaha V8 is a bit of a peach.
As an occasional 4x4, the XC90 is actually rather capable.
As a safe means of transport, not much gets close.
Combine all of the above in an XC90 V8!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Volvo-XC90-4-4-V8-A...
Totally agree, the v8 in them is very reliable and it is 0-60 in 7.2, that is for a 2 tonne+ car. As a family car, nothing beats the XC90.
As an engine, the 320bhp Yamaha V8 is a bit of a peach.
As an occasional 4x4, the XC90 is actually rather capable.
As a safe means of transport, not much gets close.
Combine all of the above in an XC90 V8!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Volvo-XC90-4-4-V8-A...
I had to stop messing around with impractical fun cars when I had my daughter about two years ago. Firstly rear seat space isn't that important as long as you can get a small child seat in the back as babies are small. What you will need is as big a boot as possible.
Most baby prams are an odd shape so take up an inordinate amount of space, then you have to add a bag for nappies, change of clothes, bottles etc plus the missus stuff. After a while you can't be ar*ed to keep taking out\putting back all the baby stuff as it's a pain so you'll just leave it in there all the time which means you'll need to squeeze shopping in next to it too so you can see how a nice big boot with a BIG aperture becomes very important.
I ended up with a fast Audi (after trying lots of things) but just be aware it is a massive compromise so be under no illusion that a fast uber saloon will in no way be as fun as your previous toys. So you either give up on the fun and get a big saloon\SUV or if you can't bare the thought of that, get a stop gap till the missus gets the VRS then get yourself another toy.
Having gone through it I've put up with the competent but boring fast saloon for two years but it just isn't giving me the thrill I'm after so I am now looking at going down the two car route.
Most baby prams are an odd shape so take up an inordinate amount of space, then you have to add a bag for nappies, change of clothes, bottles etc plus the missus stuff. After a while you can't be ar*ed to keep taking out\putting back all the baby stuff as it's a pain so you'll just leave it in there all the time which means you'll need to squeeze shopping in next to it too so you can see how a nice big boot with a BIG aperture becomes very important.
I ended up with a fast Audi (after trying lots of things) but just be aware it is a massive compromise so be under no illusion that a fast uber saloon will in no way be as fun as your previous toys. So you either give up on the fun and get a big saloon\SUV or if you can't bare the thought of that, get a stop gap till the missus gets the VRS then get yourself another toy.
Having gone through it I've put up with the competent but boring fast saloon for two years but it just isn't giving me the thrill I'm after so I am now looking at going down the two car route.
Hoddo said:
Thought I would update the thread.
After seeing a very cheap lease deal on a new Golf R Estate I decided to go for it. Never leased before but the low set monthly expenditure appealed while we get thought the twins first few years.
She's a beast.
Looks like a pretty good solution.After seeing a very cheap lease deal on a new Golf R Estate I decided to go for it. Never leased before but the low set monthly expenditure appealed while we get thought the twins first few years.
She's a beast.
Edited by swisstoni on Friday 21st August 19:26
Another thing to consider is for the next few years you are going to be lifting all sorts of stuff in and out of whatever vehicle you get. You will also have to handle lifting baby, toddler etc in and out of child seats and strapping them in. You do not want a low car for that. Think of your back. And your priorities may change regarding safety. Range Rover, Volvo XC series etc beckons.
Another thing to consider is for the next few years you are going to be lifting all sorts of stuff in and out of whatever vehicle you get. You will also have to handle lifting baby, toddler etc in and out of child seats and strapping them in. You do not want a low car for that. Think of your back. And your priorities may change regarding safety. Range Rover, Volvo XC series etc beckons.
turboteeth said:
Here is my family vehicle on holiday...I can't think of anything better and even if Mrs Turboteeth persuades me to create a third child I could always trade it in for a 7-seater estate version
470bhp 5.4 supercharged V8 yet a huge boot a nice comfy interior.
When I got it my wife didn't know it was anything different to our friends E320 diesel...
just when 470bhp isnt enough. Try finding a good one though like hens teeth.
Enjoyed reading this thread OP, as our twins are due in about 3 weeks.
I sold our practical diesel Passat and bought a 9-5 Aero HOT estate when we found out (now remapped to 275bhp which makes it very quick). Managed to persuade the wife, although in all honesty I rarely get to hoon about in it as it is brutal when the turbo kicks in and it hits full boost and my wife is not fond at all!
I just cannot bring myself to buy an MPV and will be looking into roof boxes at some point I am sure!
I sold our practical diesel Passat and bought a 9-5 Aero HOT estate when we found out (now remapped to 275bhp which makes it very quick). Managed to persuade the wife, although in all honesty I rarely get to hoon about in it as it is brutal when the turbo kicks in and it hits full boost and my wife is not fond at all!
I just cannot bring myself to buy an MPV and will be looking into roof boxes at some point I am sure!
Joe M said:
Those of you with 2 kid seats, what car so you have and is the centre seat still useable?
Merc GLMerc ML
SMax
Galaxy
Seat Albramaha
VW Sharan
VW Touran
Volvo XC90
Renault Grand Scenic
Kia Careans
Hyundai Santa Fe
Citroen Grand Picasso C4
Land Rover Doscovery
Full fat Range Rover
Honda FRV
It's not a pretty picture is it!
Or what I'm really considering the Merc R class but it's 3 rows or two so two kids on different rows all the time I'm not sure I'll get away with that.
Edited by Welshbeef on Sunday 23 August 06:46
Edited by Welshbeef on Sunday 23 August 06:51
Hoddo said:
Thought I would update the thread.
After seeing a very cheap lease deal on a new Golf R Estate I decided to go for it. Never leased before but the low set monthly expenditure appealed while we get thought the twins first few years.
She's a beast.
Fast estates - big thumbs up....Golf R, I've waited a decade for them to make this car...no doubt a future classic Q car sleeper. After seeing a very cheap lease deal on a new Golf R Estate I decided to go for it. Never leased before but the low set monthly expenditure appealed while we get thought the twins first few years.
She's a beast.
Other things to think about - which I've found out along the way.
Keyless entry an utter godsend
Built in car TV digital and DVD player - for those back seats as trips get very boring especially when stuck sat in a traffic jam for 2 hours and kids screaming all the time.
Panoramic roof gives them something to look at
Roof rails and a decent roof box - you may think an estate is enough which it generally is but you have to pack it so well great but then you need to take the pram in and out and pram out etc.
Sliding rear doors as tight car parks mean you simply cannot avoid contact with another car to get the baby seat in and out plus belt them in. I say this I think I've had to get then Mrs to hold the door open as wide as she could for me to get the kids in but in aware when she is on her own kids crying or raining and in a rush that care might not be so good
Actually another serious suggestion is those Merc Vitos/what Terminal 5 use in business class parking utter luxery loads of room electric side doors can double up as a camper van(ish) but it's a van. Still given the other cars I've listed it's not like it's an appealing list of options.
Keyless entry an utter godsend
Built in car TV digital and DVD player - for those back seats as trips get very boring especially when stuck sat in a traffic jam for 2 hours and kids screaming all the time.
Panoramic roof gives them something to look at
Roof rails and a decent roof box - you may think an estate is enough which it generally is but you have to pack it so well great but then you need to take the pram in and out and pram out etc.
Sliding rear doors as tight car parks mean you simply cannot avoid contact with another car to get the baby seat in and out plus belt them in. I say this I think I've had to get then Mrs to hold the door open as wide as she could for me to get the kids in but in aware when she is on her own kids crying or raining and in a rush that care might not be so good
Actually another serious suggestion is those Merc Vitos/what Terminal 5 use in business class parking utter luxery loads of room electric side doors can double up as a camper van(ish) but it's a van. Still given the other cars I've listed it's not like it's an appealing list of options.
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