Baby on the way car crisis
Discussion
Adrian E said:
Are there any actually for sale?! Can't find one on PH or AT but haven't delved through all possible combinations of how they might be mis-described? Even carandclassic doesn't have a real one.
I doubt you'd get 3 across the back seat when one is in a baby seat though - my mate's RS2 that he had nearly 20 years ago felt pretty compact, even then.
Nice cars but not sure I'd want to use one as a daily?
None for sale at the moment, but the OP said he has a few months yet - as I mentioned it took me 2-3 months to find mine. There are usually 3-4 for sale at any one time.I doubt you'd get 3 across the back seat when one is in a baby seat though - my mate's RS2 that he had nearly 20 years ago felt pretty compact, even then.
Nice cars but not sure I'd want to use one as a daily?
The RS2 is just a normal estate car in terms of practicality (anything but normal in terms of most other things). It's my daily driver, and is brilliant at it. I can and did get 3 across the back seat with a baby seat- it's bigger than any RS4 and has more legroom.
As I mentioned, it better accommodates my family than the current RS6. It's a bit tight with two adults plus a larger child seat (1yr+), but so are most cars. The other way I did it with a baby/child seat was to put it in the front with the wife and parents in the back - again, like many people do with any other car. But if the OP is primarily concerned about the first 6 months and visiting in-laws, the baby seat plus 2 in the back is easy - again, just like any large-ish car. And as it's squarer than all the Avants that followed it, the rear is pretty cavernous, with no angled windows eating up space; I get a c.9-foot Xmas tree in mine, with the boot closed and wife and child in the car. And the quality of the thing is something else - I used to have a W124 Mercedes (the one Gavin Green of Car described memorably as 'hewn from the solid'), and the RS2 feels even more solid than that; mine has done 100k miles, and the interior is like new. It's a beautifully-engineered car.
When I had a quick look just now, I came across this old auction ad that has an amusing tale - http://www.classic-auctions.com/Auctions/18-10-200...
kmpowell said:
You were though. A bit like the people on this thread saying the OP must buy 2 cars, because it's not possible to have a single all round car with a kid because it will get trashed and you can't enjoy it etc.
Not quite sure what the two car comment is about? Think you're confusing me with other posters. One car can do just fine.Plus I said that in hindsight we could of bought a cheaper pram. That's an opinion, not b
ks. Everyone had different needs and different solutions work for them. gt69 said:
As I mentioned, it better accommodates my family than the current RS6.
That's an interesting post. I very briefly considered an RS6 Avant but am almost certainly going the V8 Cayenne route.St John Smythe said:
Plus I said that in hindsight we could of bought a cheaper pram.
Surely the St John Smythes had good schooling? 
Regarding buggies (sorry), we ended up with a complete system...mainly because with twins it gets a bit more complicated. The good news though, is they are still worth a fair bit on the s/h market so our entire system will sell complete for approx 40-50% of the 1200 quid it cost in total. We also got given a cheapo s/h mclaren double buggy and it's hateful in comparison but it's the one we take on holiday as we don't care when it gets trashed by airport handlers.
Another vote for the quinny zapp though when space is limited, perfect for a 996 front boot even with 4WD (as shown). We bought one for 70 quid off ebay and then found out the only double buggy that goes into a 996 is the one we already had...so sold if for 70 quid on ebay
Another vote for the quinny zapp though when space is limited, perfect for a 996 front boot even with 4WD (as shown). We bought one for 70 quid off ebay and then found out the only double buggy that goes into a 996 is the one we already had...so sold if for 70 quid on ebay
What have I done! This thread seems to have gone all mumsnet. Thanks for those bringing it back to PH normality. Anyone choosing pushchairs based on whether they fit in a 911 or not deserve hero status.
My biggest problem with the two car route is that as soon as I have bought the cheap 5-Series or Saab Aero estate then Wife will consider this all we need and move the remaining funds allocation to baby travel systems, mother-baby spa weekends etc. The idea of me going off and buying some sort of weekend toy would take weeks of negotiations. It's much easier to convince her: we need a big car, therefore, it must be a 20-year-old Bentley Arnage otherwise the baby won't be comfortable and get colic...
Going to check out a GL-Class Merc this afternoon. Far bigger than I would ever need but that is part of the appeal. I spotted one wedged into the airport multistory last night and could only conclude the driver left through the side window and over the adjacent car's roof. That's the kind of action-filled lifestyle this kind of vehicle brings with it!
My biggest problem with the two car route is that as soon as I have bought the cheap 5-Series or Saab Aero estate then Wife will consider this all we need and move the remaining funds allocation to baby travel systems, mother-baby spa weekends etc. The idea of me going off and buying some sort of weekend toy would take weeks of negotiations. It's much easier to convince her: we need a big car, therefore, it must be a 20-year-old Bentley Arnage otherwise the baby won't be comfortable and get colic...
Going to check out a GL-Class Merc this afternoon. Far bigger than I would ever need but that is part of the appeal. I spotted one wedged into the airport multistory last night and could only conclude the driver left through the side window and over the adjacent car's roof. That's the kind of action-filled lifestyle this kind of vehicle brings with it!
turboslippers said:
Regarding buggies (sorry), we ended up with a complete system...mainly because with twins it gets a bit more complicated. The good news though, is they are still worth a fair bit on the s/h market so our entire system will sell complete for approx 40-50% of the 1200 quid it cost in total. We also got given a cheapo s/h mclaren double buggy and it's hateful in comparison but it's the one we take on holiday as we don't care when it gets trashed by airport handlers.
Another vote for the quinny zapp though when space is limited, perfect for a 996 front boot even with 4WD (as shown). We bought one for 70 quid off ebay and then found out the only double buggy that goes into a 996 is the one we already had...so sold if for 70 quid on ebay
The Quinny Zapp is a marvel. Fits in small boots, overhead lockers in planes. Can take a MaxiCosi baby seat. Another vote for the quinny zapp though when space is limited, perfect for a 996 front boot even with 4WD (as shown). We bought one for 70 quid off ebay and then found out the only double buggy that goes into a 996 is the one we already had...so sold if for 70 quid on ebay
elhashbrown said:
What have I done! This thread seems to have gone all mumsnet. Thanks for those bringing it back to PH normality. Anyone choosing pushchairs based on whether they fit in a 911 or not deserve hero status.
My biggest problem with the two car route is that as soon as I have bought the cheap 5-Series or Saab Aero estate then Wife will consider this all we need and move the remaining funds allocation to baby travel systems, mother-baby spa weekends etc. The idea of me going off and buying some sort of weekend toy would take weeks of negotiations. It's much easier to convince her: we need a big car, therefore, it must be a 20-year-old Bentley Arnage otherwise the baby won't be comfortable and get colic...
Going to check out a GL-Class Merc this afternoon. Far bigger than I would ever need but that is part of the appeal. I spotted one wedged into the airport multistory last night and could only conclude the driver left through the side window and over the adjacent car's roof. That's the kind of action-filled lifestyle this kind of vehicle brings with it!
It doesn't have to end that way!My biggest problem with the two car route is that as soon as I have bought the cheap 5-Series or Saab Aero estate then Wife will consider this all we need and move the remaining funds allocation to baby travel systems, mother-baby spa weekends etc. The idea of me going off and buying some sort of weekend toy would take weeks of negotiations. It's much easier to convince her: we need a big car, therefore, it must be a 20-year-old Bentley Arnage otherwise the baby won't be comfortable and get colic...
Going to check out a GL-Class Merc this afternoon. Far bigger than I would ever need but that is part of the appeal. I spotted one wedged into the airport multistory last night and could only conclude the driver left through the side window and over the adjacent car's roof. That's the kind of action-filled lifestyle this kind of vehicle brings with it!
Just kidding - I'm sure the GL is a fine vehicle, and will suit your immediate needs well in terms of carrying that many people and keeping everyone happy, and you can always swap into something smaller and more PH in 6 months' time when the in-laws have left. I'm pretty sure Chinese in-laws would love the GL - they'd probably prefer it to an S-Class. Though whether you actually want them to really enjoy it is another matter....
elhashbrown said:
What have I done! This thread seems to have gone all mumsnet. Thanks for those bringing it back to PH normality. Anyone choosing pushchairs based on whether they fit in a 911 or not deserve hero status.
My biggest problem with the two car route is that as soon as I have bought the cheap 5-Series or Saab Aero estate then Wife will consider this all we need and move the remaining funds allocation to baby travel systems, mother-baby spa weekends etc. The idea of me going off and buying some sort of weekend toy would take weeks of negotiations. It's much easier to convince her: we need a big car, therefore, it must be a 20-year-old Bentley Arnage otherwise the baby won't be comfortable and get colic...
Going to check out a GL-Class Merc this afternoon. Far bigger than I would ever need but that is part of the appeal. I spotted one wedged into the airport multistory last night and could only conclude the driver left through the side window and over the adjacent car's roof. That's the kind of action-filled lifestyle this kind of vehicle brings with it!
Campervan. If you're going to go big then go smart. My biggest problem with the two car route is that as soon as I have bought the cheap 5-Series or Saab Aero estate then Wife will consider this all we need and move the remaining funds allocation to baby travel systems, mother-baby spa weekends etc. The idea of me going off and buying some sort of weekend toy would take weeks of negotiations. It's much easier to convince her: we need a big car, therefore, it must be a 20-year-old Bentley Arnage otherwise the baby won't be comfortable and get colic...
Going to check out a GL-Class Merc this afternoon. Far bigger than I would ever need but that is part of the appeal. I spotted one wedged into the airport multistory last night and could only conclude the driver left through the side window and over the adjacent car's roof. That's the kind of action-filled lifestyle this kind of vehicle brings with it!
No bloke has ever not had a hoot driving a van for starters. And it is also very obvious that you will be needing somewhere separate to live/watch TV etc soon.
Time for a full update. Went full circle on the car choice after finding that most people advise against putting a baby seat in the middle seat (no iso points I guess) and most options have a big transmission tunnel making the middle passenger pretty uncomfortable. We narrowed the search down to a few SUVs. Range Rovers still the most tempting but with the Supercharged models apparently the most reliable and more rewarding to drive, promising no more than 17mpg raising an eyebrow of the most hardened petrolhead when a lot of journeys will be trundling around town.
It was a close call with Cayennes and ML63s seriously considered, but in the end the appauling trade-in value of a convertible in November meant that the Audi will stay in the garage for now and a more practical family wagon will be parked along side it. Everyone's a winner!
As a result the final choice was fairly sensible - a Lexus Rx400h SE-L. Very comfortable, economical for its size and with plenty of gadets to play with. Not very PHworthy but it left room in the budget to keep the toy. What the Lexus lacks in driver feedback it makes up for in wafty armchair barginess. It also has a flat floor and reclining seats in the back to aid inlaw comfort and prolonged sleep on long journeys.
The S4 will stay at least until the spring when I(we) will have to decide if it might be replaced with something lighter and more flingable or if the 4 seats are too useful to spare.
Thanks everyone for your input. Range Rover owners, I promise to give you a lift to a garage when you get stranded, if you don't mind pulling my soft-roader out of the occasional snow drift.
It was a close call with Cayennes and ML63s seriously considered, but in the end the appauling trade-in value of a convertible in November meant that the Audi will stay in the garage for now and a more practical family wagon will be parked along side it. Everyone's a winner!
As a result the final choice was fairly sensible - a Lexus Rx400h SE-L. Very comfortable, economical for its size and with plenty of gadets to play with. Not very PHworthy but it left room in the budget to keep the toy. What the Lexus lacks in driver feedback it makes up for in wafty armchair barginess. It also has a flat floor and reclining seats in the back to aid inlaw comfort and prolonged sleep on long journeys.
The S4 will stay at least until the spring when I(we) will have to decide if it might be replaced with something lighter and more flingable or if the 4 seats are too useful to spare.
Thanks everyone for your input. Range Rover owners, I promise to give you a lift to a garage when you get stranded, if you don't mind pulling my soft-roader out of the occasional snow drift.
jke11y said:
Faced with the same predicament with the arrival of son no1 last year, I bought a G500 which was a wonderful baby carrier as you can fit an entire pram in the boot without folding it up. I had to sell it (for reasons too complex to post) and bought a TDv8 Range Rover which was utter, utter rubbish. And now have an E55 estate which will hopefully be ideal for transporting son no2 who arrived this morning.
It was also an excellent choice for the drive to the hospital last night as the waters broke and the contractions instantly were almost constant. Got pulled by the police as well as I left a set of lights sideways at full beans but immediately waved on my way when she stuck her head in the passenger window. Couldn't make it up! Good luck.
I was a bit dissapointed at no chance for a hoon to the hospital......pre booked c section spoiled the funIt was also an excellent choice for the drive to the hospital last night as the waters broke and the contractions instantly were almost constant. Got pulled by the police as well as I left a set of lights sideways at full beans but immediately waved on my way when she stuck her head in the passenger window. Couldn't make it up! Good luck.
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