What car? Petrol head dad vs. conservative mum and new born

[pernod]

Right, time for another 'what car' thread.

Being a new Mum and Dad to be, the much loved MX5 needs to go and be replaced by something that can hold a baby and all the stuff they come with.

Ground rules from "Mum" are:

• no station wagons
• no people movers
• no breakdowns will be tolerated.

Based on that we are looking in crossover territory.

Budget is ideally under £8k but can stretch (or shrink) for the right car.

Thoughts so far

• "Mum" likes Qashqai and Rav4. Qashqai is out as we can only get a 1st gen for the cash with the old motor.
• I've had her drive a Lexus RX300 as a comparison and she is coming round to the pros of a more luxurious option, albeit older (although ahe's not a fan of the extra costs of the V6 ).
• Based on a random list given by KiwiFraser, we are also going to try and find a X3 and Nissan Murano tomorrow as a comparison on size/feel (subject to being able to move the MX5 in the snow!).

So, now you know as much as we do... over to you for the general fun and games.

[pernod]

Furry Exocet said:

I bought a skoda Octavia vrs when we had our first baby, its quick and has more than enough room for everything (the boots are huge)
I sold that the other week and now have a Seat Leon Cupra 2007 and that fits the bill too (we have two kids now 4 year old and 1 year old)

We are aiming slightly bigger... think "long weekend camping with far too much crap".

[pernod]

hoyin said:

But why must you have a 4x4 if you have a kid?

Doesn't have to be a 4x4. Based on experiences with the last few cars, and what we tend to throw at them, the other half would prefer something that we can drop the seats flat and fit in extra large loads (for dump runs, furniture etc), so station wagons and hatches are the best fit for our lifestyle.

Normally I'm the first to line up abuse for 4x4 on-roaders, but having also always had lowered suspension vehicles I'm actually keen to try the other extreme with a high driving position.

The other car will be a VXR so hoonability isn't a massive requirement on this one.

[pernod]

edc said:

An £8k X3 must be one of the first gen models and they are cramped interior wise for what you think you might get. It's no better than a 3 series. The boot whilst higher isn't big.

Good to know! Thanks

[pernod]

CX7 looks very interesting - had written them off as being too far beyond budget but they are withing the 'stretch room'. S1 loves her mazdas so it would be an easy tick from her.

There is one locally we are going to head out to have a look at this week.

[pernod]

kiwifraser said:

In the RAV/ qashqai size category, you may just about be able to find a LR FL2 in budget.
Its not my cup of tea (I'd personally choose Disco 3/ L322 Vogue), but it might be an S1 choice.

eta fixed link: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

Edited by kiwifraser on Monday 6th February 12:56

S1 dismissed that from a picture alone - not her cup of tea either apparently!

[pernod]

Very helpful! Thanks John.


In other news...
In typical Murphy Law style, the Cam belt on the MX5 snapped this morning just as we start to think about selling it...

[pernod]

MX-5 Lazza said:

They are so it should only be the cost of a belt replacement.

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Tuesday 7th February 11:56

Yep, that's why it hadn't been done. Had decided to keep running and sell it as 'Cambelt replacement due'... but it had other ideas.

On the plus it died while sitting in the driveway so an easy breakdown in the scheme of things.

[pernod]

Test drove a 2008 model CX7 tonight (slightly higher in the budget, but think we can stretch to it):

• Really nice drive. Surprisingly similar turbo feel to the VXR.
• Suspension had a great mix of feedback, nimbleness and comfort.
• And to aid sterotypes, S1 loved the colour (Blue).
• Only odd thing I could spot was that it has had 2 private owners in the 3 1/2 years... or does that seem reasonable to everyone else?

The feedback on here that the boot isn't much different than a sedan was definitely the case with the CX7 due to the sloping back roof, but I think the ability to fold the seat flat and load it full is still a winner for us. It also had less cabin space than the RAV4, but still comfortable.

Checked out all of JohnR's thoughts and reasonably happy with them all (although the road tax is almost twice my VXR ). Anyone got any other thoughts on them and what to look for (or general tractor abuse?)?


P.S. Getting nervous on the MX5 after lots of people questioning the non-interference engine really delivering. Have asked in the Miata forum for their thoughts if anyone here has any
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Edited by pernod on Tuesday 7th February 19:06

[pernod]

wackojacko said:

I think we should meet for a pint at somepoint to discuss....

Best answer yet.

[pernod]

Anyone had any dealings with Twyford 4x4?

[pernod]

edc said:

£8k gets you into a new shape Grand Cherokee. 3l diesel or 5.7 Hemi V8! 56 plate on wards. A lot of car for the money.

It's not for me... I've been allowed to keep my VXR on the condition I stop looking at V8s as a child-mover

[pernod]

Thanks for all the advise guys. We pick up our CX7 tomorrow.

Went for our last drive together in the MX5 tonight. There was very nearly tears... and not just from the other half!