2 seaters + kids conundrum

[Legend83]

Who here makes the following work somehow:

- 3 kids that all require ferrying at various times to various clubs
- 2 parent's that both work but only one really has to commute
- One big family car
- One 2 seater as the other car

My current situation is swap point 4 with an old but reliable little hatch runaround, which I want to get rid of and replace with preferably a Z4 Coupe or failing that a MX5...

..the OH has fairly challenged whether not having the extra (at least) two seats in the second car would make our lives a hassle. But then in terms of something PH-worthy around the £10k mark that leaves me with what, a TT?

So do you make having a 2 seater work with a family life?

[Legend83]

Mr Tidy said:

For your situation a hot hatch looks like the simplest solution.

But if you really wanted a Z4 (which I can understand as I'm on my 3rd) it depends if you wanted one enough to deal with the inevitable compromises that would come with it.

Enjoy whatever you get.

Hi Mr Tidy you probably saw my intro post on the Z4Forum! I did have 2 seater permission at that point but it's been withdrawn again!

Re: your comment, herein lies the problem as I'm just not a hot hatch type...

... another option is a 6 series which is a Z4 Coupe in 2+2 form essentially but feel like the bork potential goes up a significant notch!

[Legend83]

ThingsBehindTheSun said:

Have you ever looked in the back of a TT, no way would anyone ever want to sit in the back. I have a 3 door car which my teenage children rarely sit in the back of and even that is a pain.

If I was regularly having to ferry children about I would have to go for a four door car.

Fair point on the TT - my son sat in one recently and said it was ok, but he has not started the puberty charge yet so still quite short for his age...no point buying based on the situation now I guess!

[Legend83]

fflump said:

I'd love a 2-seater but with 3 kids it does not work and to be honest I'd feel a little sad not being able to share the driving experience with more than one family member wife or kid!

There's always the possibility of making your family car the fun one like a C63 Sportwagon?
It would make ferrying the kids a bit more interesting?

It's a nice idea but we have got so used to the ease of the S Max for family duties - no thought required to get anything in the boot, plus 3 full size seats in the back reduces arguments etc.

Think I am starting to realise I need to lead with my head and not my heart here! Can't complain too much, as I have had two 2-seaters in my car history so far so not like it's completely missing from my life-history. My fault for spawning so many mini-L83s!

[Legend83]

Lil_Red_GTV said:

How about a BMW E93? I am currently running a 2009 325i as our main family car (plus a small EV as our second car). It's a full size four seater, the boot is reasonable with the roof up, and at the touch of a button the roof drops, turning it into a fun motoring experience (albeit more cruiser than hardcore sports car).

As a compromise for the family man car enthusiast that needs something semi-practical I think it's not a bad shout.

More bork factor than an MX-5 admittedly, but it's no use having an MX-5 if you hardly use it.

I think this might be the way forward...

Shortlist - any thoughts?

M135i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402156...

135i - couple of bodywork issues and high mileage

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311174...

330i - nice looking well kept car without the bork-factor of the N55

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404038...

325i - lovely looking car with BMW warranty but worried I'll always hanker for the extra power of the 330/335...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312305...

[Legend83]

ChrisH72 said:

Out of those I'd probably pick that 330i.

You'd just want to check that it's the N52 and not N53. Same with the 325i. I had a 325i coupe with the N53 and unfortunately it did suffer the notorious injector problems. Very expensive.

N53...

[Legend83]

Ken_Code said:

We’re facing the same issue, and I think that the two-seater cinvertible (650s) gets little enough use that it needs to go.

I’m thinking of getting a 2+2 instead, which doesn’t give many options.

I may put the 650 into storage and come back to it later.

I wish I had this specific problem! I read 650 and thought, "I'm sure the BMW 6 series is not a 2-seater...", then read it again more closely...OHHH.

[Legend83]

Mr Tidy said:

I remember reading it. Consent got withdrawn pretty quickly though.

I have a 2005 330i as a daily that has the same N52 engine as the 3.0Si Z4 and it has been a great car, although it doesn't drive like a Z4. Maybe an E92 330i would work, or a 335i if you are feeling brave!

From what I have read the 6 Series is only bigger externally.

In fairness the OH was keen but we both had a good chat about it and decided head over heart.

E92/93 330i is the current front-runner - maybe it's because I have not bought a car in ages but are 15 year old BMW's still changing hands for north of £7.5k? To be fair, I have increased the criteria to sub-60k miles to give me the option of the BMW Insure Warranty as most I have seen have been N53 which I am a little nervous of...but still, options in my area seem pricey in isolation:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403278...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403167...

£10k!

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402046...

Almost tempting at those prices to blow the budget and get a much newer and faster M235...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312154...

(absolutely love the red)

[Legend83]

ZX10R NIN said:

For your original budget this would be my pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403167...

Lovely car and lovely engine...but after my RX8 I just can't stomach £700 on RFL for a second car that will likely do no more than 3-4k miles a year...

Going to view a local MK2 TTS tomorrow to establish if my current tallest child could fit in the back in an emergency.

[Legend83]

braddo said:

Sorry if you've mentioned here already but what was the RX-8 like, and would you not consider getting another one? Find the best pre-2006 you can to miss the high car tax?

I think the GT86 is the absolute no-brainer answer for this thread. You'll always be able to fit 2 kids in, plus the 3rd if you put the driver's seat forward a bit.

The RX8 would be my next suggestion! Nothing else comes close to those two for driving enjoyment (unless you go much older, e.g. 944).

At a higher budget this is why the 911 has been so enduring - most of the time it's the only compact, reasonably light sports car with +2 seats. Thankfully we've had the Evora for the past decade as a good alternative too.

The RX8 was a brilliant car apart from when it wasn't. It absolutely fitted the bill for sporty, eye-catching, fun and practical - plus the Miltek exhaust was addictive! I loved that car.

BUT, I only ever got 18mpg regardless of how I drove - if the thing did 0-60 in sub-4 seconds I could forgive it for that...I didn't need it to as it was great fun at legal speeds, but I always had that nagging feeling of being short-changed every time I had to pull into the local Esso, AGAIN. Considering I paid £1,800 for it I shouldn't complain too much!

The camel was a) it left my wife stranded once in a busy area which stressed her out - it was only a dodgy battery but she lost trust in it after that; and b) Covid and never driving it while still paying £700 on RFL (nearly the value of the car in 2 years ownership on tax...).

Would I have another? Probably not as scratched that itch with the best version / mods I would buy.

GT86 - completely agree this is almost perfect for my needs...but I just can't get excited about it, not sure why.

911 - this would be the dream. My friend is selling his 997 for just over £20k - technically I could buy it but it would eat into rainy day fund quite substantially and running costs would then be much higher than a BMW / Audi.

Off to see a TTS now - will report back.

[Legend83]

So just got back from seeing this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402246...

Must be one of the first TTS off the line but it wore it's 16 years and 94k miles very well.

Initial observations:

- a few paint chips here and there and one small hardly noticeable scuff on the front skirt corner but overall exterior was good
- alloys were almost perfect and had Goodyear Eagle and B Potenzas, a good start
- Twin pipes could do with a polish
- sales guy was happy for me to spend ages looking over the car by myself and fish through the paperwork - the selection of tasty looking cars on a smart "farm" enterprise gave me a positive feeling.

First thing I did was sit in the back - I mean, it's actually easy to get in but yeah not ideal for anyone past puberty. Will need to stick my son in it to check he would survive if needed.

Everything worked - heated seats, cruise, a/con ran icy cold, Pioneer unit, optional DRLs, Magride sports setting.

Rear brake light seemed to be ok, no leaky thermostat, glove box opened damped as it should, bonnet latch worked.

Interior was decent, seats were a bit saggy at the bum and no embossing in the head-rests which is annoying but the previous owner had the arm-rest re-fitted for UK use!

A very nice place to be I must say. Never driven an Audi before....and I have to say I liked it! The steering was not as light as I was lead to believe, thought it was quite nicely weighted. The ride was good on 18" wheels and no sinister knocking noises when I went over speed bumps. Gearbox was lovely to use. Good visibility, just very easy to drive - I can see why they are popular as everyday 2+2 cars.

Bumbled along in comfort for a bit then hit the revs in 2nd, 3rd and 4th - blimey it can shift from docile to very rapid in a short space of time. Felt confident driving it quickly. Only thing was I thought it would sound a little frutier but maybe I was not concentrating.

Masses of history - it's had 2 owners, first had it looked after by Audi Swansea for 8 years (all stamped), then 2nd owner by the same garage for 8 years - evidence of both window regulators changed, front and rear disks and pads in last 3 years.

HOWEVER, the big item missing was the cambelt and water pump change - the first was done in 2013 (which is correct - 75k miles or 5 years) but I could not find any evidence it had been done in 2018 and actually it would be due again next year. Sales guy was not sure either so I will ring the previous garage to see if they have a record.

IF it has not been done, is this necessarily an issue? I would just ask the current seller to change as part of any deal?








So in conclusion, I liked it a lot. Nervous about buying the first one I view! And apart from the cambelt question, the biggest downside is it's in the most boring colour...

ETA - garage confirmed cambelt not done despite always advising it. Would make me think "what else have they scrimped on" but for the fact there is a ton of receipts for other stuff .

Edited by Legend83 on Friday 19th April 15:07

Edited by Legend83 on Friday 19th April 15:07

[Legend83]

ChrisH72 said:

Yes I guess so. I used to have an E92 and there was no issue having a child seat in the back even when using one with a large isofix base. I think with the TT it just gets me that you may as well not have those back seats. But I can see that if you very rarely need them at least they are there if necessary to transport small kids over short distances.

It probably would work for me. Most of the time when I take my son out he could actually ride in the front. On the odd occasion when the three of us go anywhere I’m sure he’d manage in the back. But that’s almost never anyway. I suppose when used that way the TT is fine.

OP I would definitely want that cam belt doing. I know it’s unlikely but imagine if it were to break on your drive home! At 11 years it’s most certainly overdue.

Thanks and agreed!

The situation you describe above is pretty much exactly how our life runs - 90% of the time I am transporting a child it will be just them and will be fine, it's the other 10% which means a pure 2-seater won't be practical and just having the emergency "seats" will be handy. If we ever drive long distances, it tends to be all of us together in which case it would be the S Max.

[Legend83]

braddo said:

There's loads of room for kids? More than in a 911. For kids in the 4-12 year old range they're great (for a car that isn't the main family car).

The car the OP is looking at:

Leg room would be fine, it's head room I am concerned about (particularly as the kids move into teen-age).

[Legend83]

The Cardinal said:

I've run a Mk3 TTS since around Christmas. Admittedly we also have a Golf and a T5 camper, but our 11/14-year old kids love the TTS and are perfectly happy to jump in the back for a short journey.

I can't imagine a Mk3 is much better for space than a Mk2, but if you can stretch the budget then the later car is a substantial upgrade. Either way, the TTS is considered the sweet spot in the range.

Followed your readers car thread - love your car!

Can't stretch to a MK3 unfortunately but was very happy with the way the MK2 drove today. As I said, my main disappointment if I buy this car (which for the price and mileage is clearly a very good example) will be the colour; would much rather the blue like yours.

But would also rather a silver one that works, than keep looking for a blue one that turns out to be a turd .

[Legend83]

The main stumbling block was put to bed today as a kind local MK2 owner let me try our boys in the back seats - success! My eldest has about 4" of head room and was very keen for me to buy one!

12 year olds grow obviously, but as I said from the starts the rear seats are really for emergencies and at worst, local trips.

Watch this space.

[Legend83]

Arse it.

The one thing I forgot to test in my excitement was if the parking sensors worked. In my head I didn't recall hearing a beep when I put it into reverse.

Turns out it doesn't have them...not an issue for me, but a deal-breaker for the wife who will be driving it a fair bit. It's not a big car but she is not the most confident when parking..

Options presumably a) look at a different car; b) retro-fit but what a faff?

[Legend83]

BoRED S2upid said:

Option 3 wife gets better at parking.

I said that, and got a look.

[Legend83]

cerb4.5lee said:

My 370Z doesn't have rear parking sensors, and I have to admit that I do miss having them to be honest, because I'm so used to having them in the other cars.

It's annoying because I think I just assumed it had them and I realise now it was because they are listed in the ad! I am checking with the dealer again to see if it's an error in the ad.

[Legend83]

ChrisH72 said:

Agreed.

The Dolphin kit I linked to is cheap. Here's a guy who will come and fit them at your home for £117

https://www.parkingsensorsfitted4u.co.uk/product/d...

Or any decent auto electrician.

Great find thank you! That gives me some peace of mind it's not a big financial outlay to get it done if needed.

[Legend83]

Not many reviews but the ones I could find on Trustpilot were not great...but rang a local recommended place who said they would do it for £195 which I can stomach .