Becoming a Dad + next car quandary
Discussion
hornetrider said:
Congrats. Confused as to why you're trying Audis if you're after sharp handling. I'd be looking at a rear wheel drive, possibly estate. How about an M3 saloon? Or maybe an M5 Touring? Will 25k get you a C63 wagon?
The C63 has been lurking in the back of my mind ever since an old acquaintance (fellow PH member) suggested it in an earlier post. The 4dr M3 V8 is also tempted, i'm just anxious the rear space would not meet my requirements. Probably need to head down to the dealership with the pram + additional baby crap and see what space there is.
Even with just one and a dog, the boot and cabin on our Forester is regularly full so don't underestimate how much crap you'll need to hand, especially on days out or holidays.
I'd go for a Forester STI, a B7 RS4 Avant or a fully loaded JDM Legacy. All are reliable, fast, have lots of lugging room and hold their values very well.
I'd go for a Forester STI, a B7 RS4 Avant or a fully loaded JDM Legacy. All are reliable, fast, have lots of lugging room and hold their values very well.
Edited by Ved on Saturday 18th October 22:56
Ved said:
Even with just one and a dog, the boot and cabin on our Forester is regularly full so don't underestimate how much crap you'll need to hand, especially on days out or holidays.
I'd go for a Forester STI, a B7 RS4 Avant or a fully loaded JDM Legacy. All are reliable, fast, have lots of lugging room and hold their values very well.
Having tested a B7 today I fear the rear space may be lacking. I'd go for a Forester STI, a B7 RS4 Avant or a fully loaded JDM Legacy. All are reliable, fast, have lots of lugging room and hold their values very well.
Followed last week's article on the Legacy B Spec I have had an eye for them. Look like great value. Following your suggestion I will also take a look at the Forester.
I found the rear legroom in my old b7 tight when the kids were in bigger seats but ok in the small ones. That does depend on how far back you have your seat though, I'm not that tall.
That got dropped for a new 3 series which was great, but doesn't help you much unless you go 330d. I'd seriously consider something 5 series sized with twins, friends of ours with twins filled a new a6 and a roof box for a week in Cornwall as the buggy was so big.
That got dropped for a new 3 series which was great, but doesn't help you much unless you go 330d. I'd seriously consider something 5 series sized with twins, friends of ours with twins filled a new a6 and a roof box for a week in Cornwall as the buggy was so big.
Ved said:
Even with just one and a dog, the boot and cabin on our Forester is regularly full so don't underestimate how much crap you'll need to hand, especially on days out or holidays.
I'd go for a Forester STI, a B7 RS4 Avant or a fully loaded JDM Legacy. All are reliable, fast, have lots of lugging room and hold their values very well.
Yet most of us will have grown up crammed into an Escort or Cortina. This recent phenomenon of buying a behemoth of a car to carry tiny children in always puzzles me.I'd go for a Forester STI, a B7 RS4 Avant or a fully loaded JDM Legacy. All are reliable, fast, have lots of lugging room and hold their values very well.
Edited by Ved on Saturday 18th October 22:56
Many congrats OP 
My wife (to be) and I are expecting our first child in Feb. Upon receiving this exciting news I went out to change the XKR........I bought a newer one!
The XKR has a good size boot and rear seats (sort of...) so I considered it a worthy family car
Our other car is a Z4 which is practical too because you can put the roof down and easily extract child from car!
Neither of us would be seen dead in a people carrier/MPV. Babies are small and if some parents can manage without any car at all then we can certainly manage without a ruddy 'family bus'.
My wife (to be) and I are expecting our first child in Feb. Upon receiving this exciting news I went out to change the XKR........I bought a newer one!
The XKR has a good size boot and rear seats (sort of...) so I considered it a worthy family car
Our other car is a Z4 which is practical too because you can put the roof down and easily extract child from car!
Neither of us would be seen dead in a people carrier/MPV. Babies are small and if some parents can manage without any car at all then we can certainly manage without a ruddy 'family bus'.
AvonRise said:
Yet most of us will have grown up crammed into an Escort or Cortina. This recent phenomenon of buying a behemoth of a car to carry tiny children in always puzzles me.
It's called progress, mate. I'd rather not cram stuff in thanks, much better to have the space. Also back then we didn't have travel systems, travel cots, sterilisation gear, etc etc. yellowtang said:
Many congrats OP
My wife (to be) and I are expecting our first child in Feb. Upon receiving this exciting news I went out to change the XKR........I bought a newer one!
The XKR has a good size boot and rear seats (sort of...) so I considered it a worthy family car
Our other car is a Z4 which is practical too because you can put the roof down and easily extract child from car!
Neither of us would be seen dead in a people carrier/MPV. Babies are small and if some parents can manage without any car at all then we can certainly manage without a ruddy 'family bus'.
Congratulations to you too. My wife (to be) and I are expecting our first child in Feb. Upon receiving this exciting news I went out to change the XKR........I bought a newer one!
The XKR has a good size boot and rear seats (sort of...) so I considered it a worthy family car
Our other car is a Z4 which is practical too because you can put the roof down and easily extract child from car!
Neither of us would be seen dead in a people carrier/MPV. Babies are small and if some parents can manage without any car at all then we can certainly manage without a ruddy 'family bus'.
I admire your commitment. As I am expecting twins I don't feel I can be quite as cavalier as your good self, however I would like to assure you I too will not be purchasing a MPV/People Carrier - I understand the logic but dear god, they're a demonstration that you've given up on life.
Edited by Hoddo on Sunday 19th October 00:01
Congratulations!! My first child is due in December and was in the same predicament. The wife had a MINI Cooper Clubman S and I've got a Caterham.
We sold the wife's car and we got her a 2014 Kuga. So I can keep the Caterham for the odd early morning retreat. Even if I use it once a year it will be worth it.
Buy a toy for the odd occasion out and use the wife's car for the baby duties or buy a shed. Every bloke needs a toy.
We sold the wife's car and we got her a 2014 Kuga. So I can keep the Caterham for the odd early morning retreat. Even if I use it once a year it will be worth it.
Buy a toy for the odd occasion out and use the wife's car for the baby duties or buy a shed. Every bloke needs a toy.
t which makes your life easier. I'm all for it. When my little-un arrived so did the Lotus Esprit. Managed fine but I think you are ready to move on.
I got an Alfa for the practicality and the style and THAT engine. The 156 V6.
No regrets, handling was a bit naff but I wasn't 'throwing' it into the corners any more so no probs
I would say as long as you have 4 seats you don't need an estate, at all.
Kids DON'T have that much crap that you need one (a small daysack with nappies and other stuff is it). They're mostly for shifting fridges etc.
A GT or a 156 Gta, something like that but with the Arese V6 and some stainless noisy pipes. That'll keep you interested.
I got an Alfa for the practicality and the style and THAT engine. The 156 V6.
No regrets, handling was a bit naff but I wasn't 'throwing' it into the corners any more so no probs
I would say as long as you have 4 seats you don't need an estate, at all.
Kids DON'T have that much crap that you need one (a small daysack with nappies and other stuff is it). They're mostly for shifting fridges etc.
A GT or a 156 Gta, something like that but with the Arese V6 and some stainless noisy pipes. That'll keep you interested.
Edited by Oilchange on Sunday 19th October 00:53
Congratulations - it will be the best thing you have ever done (plus if you have more than 1 it just keeps getting better- life is different sure but once you do you will never change it). A tip for you - make the most of sleep now as you might not have a great sleeping baby (we had best part of two years badly broken sleep along with easily 4/5 nights out of every week where we'd be up pretty much all night trying to get her to sleep ))
As for cars between the two cars of a household one has to be an estate if you only have one car get an estate the pram baby bag baby toys and baby stuff mean that really you have little room for anything else in the boot - heck now we have two going good shopping simply isn't practical so little additional space + with all the hassle and lost time shopping its worthwhile getting a delivery.
We had two estates a Honda Accord and an RS6, now we have an Accord estate an a 5 series saloon. I had my eye on an S Max as the family car but a test drive highlighted a driving position problem(or rather pedal position) a great car but one I simply cannot drive in anything but discomfort- will consider the XC90 when the time comes to change the Accord
As for cars between the two cars of a household one has to be an estate if you only have one car get an estate the pram baby bag baby toys and baby stuff mean that really you have little room for anything else in the boot - heck now we have two going good shopping simply isn't practical so little additional space + with all the hassle and lost time shopping its worthwhile getting a delivery.
We had two estates a Honda Accord and an RS6, now we have an Accord estate an a 5 series saloon. I had my eye on an S Max as the family car but a test drive highlighted a driving position problem(or rather pedal position) a great car but one I simply cannot drive in anything but discomfort- will consider the XC90 when the time comes to change the Accord
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff