Baby Friendly Sportscars
Discussion
Well, after the arrival of my baby daughter about a month ago I have taken the potentially soul destroying measure of agreeing to sell my 1yr old Lotus Elise t25 to get something that seats four and is a convertible. It's not all doom and gloom as I get to sell the wifeys MX5 as well, which means I am thinking of buying a BMW M3 convertible. Anyone suggest any other 4 seater convertibles / sportscars that are reasonably reliable, exciting and seat 4 ?
Anyone gone from an Elise to an M3 Cabrio ? if so how did they compare ?
Sorry if this has been covered before / causes the less fatherly inclined amongst you to break out in rashes
Anyone gone from an Elise to an M3 Cabrio ? if so how did they compare ?
Sorry if this has been covered before / causes the less fatherly inclined amongst you to break out in rashes
4 seat convertible options (been there, done that...)
BMW 3 series -- best 4 seat cab, I didn't like the image
Audi 80/A4 ---- A4 wasn't around when I was looking, 80 boot too small
Merc C class -- expensive
Volvo C70 ----- expensive (for me)
Saab 9-3 ------ Terrible scuttle shake, big boot, comfortable, I bought one
Unless you have a true family car too, any of the smaller convertibles are just too small.
All just IMHO, go try them all.
Sparks
BMW 3 series -- best 4 seat cab, I didn't like the image
Audi 80/A4 ---- A4 wasn't around when I was looking, 80 boot too small
Merc C class -- expensive
Volvo C70 ----- expensive (for me)
Saab 9-3 ------ Terrible scuttle shake, big boot, comfortable, I bought one
Unless you have a true family car too, any of the smaller convertibles are just too small.
All just IMHO, go try them all.
Sparks
If you are thinking M3 Cabrio you should put a 996C2 or C4 Cabrio on your list to look at.
The rear seats are *small* but would take your newborn for some years. Porsche can even sell you the child seats you need and a buggy that will fit in the front boot.
They aren't cheap. But they have proper sports car performance and will take your nipper when necessary. The advantage of this is that days out in the sports car (with nipper) are actually possible. If you keep a two seater and get a regualr saloon you'll find the two seater is relegated to the commute...
The rear seats are *small* but would take your newborn for some years. Porsche can even sell you the child seats you need and a buggy that will fit in the front boot.
They aren't cheap. But they have proper sports car performance and will take your nipper when necessary. The advantage of this is that days out in the sports car (with nipper) are actually possible. If you keep a two seater and get a regualr saloon you'll find the two seater is relegated to the commute...
Oh....
Are you *sure* you want a cabrio? The Porsche (by repute) is OK in the rear seats with respect to buffeting and wind...but even so you might find the Olly junior doesn't take to it too well.
I'd consider a coupe, myself. But I'm not a parent so what the hell do I know?
Any parents got a view on cabrio rear seats for youngsters?
Are you *sure* you want a cabrio? The Porsche (by repute) is OK in the rear seats with respect to buffeting and wind...but even so you might find the Olly junior doesn't take to it too well.
I'd consider a coupe, myself. But I'm not a parent so what the hell do I know?
Any parents got a view on cabrio rear seats for youngsters?
suggest the cabrio will only be for your benefit, not for juniors. Believe me you (or more likely wifey) will suddenly develop paranoia for safety, sunburn, windchill etc and junior will never get the roof down.
I would go with the previously suggested Cerbera. The car is unbeleivable, big boot and feels safe, and you can look forward to your kids first memories being the sound of a sports exhaust.
I would go with the previously suggested Cerbera. The car is unbeleivable, big boot and feels safe, and you can look forward to your kids first memories being the sound of a sports exhaust.
You could always look at a 328 Convertible, still quick but not as harsh or expensive to run. And guess what ... mine is for sale (sorry couldn't resist)!
www.pistonheads.com/ads/detail.asp?i=7237&sc=DMJA&s=132
www.pistonheads.com/ads/detail.asp?i=7237&sc=DMJA&s=132
incorrigible said:
Cerbera, you can even get TVR kids/baby seats
I think you might struggle to get a rear-facing baby seat in the back of a cerb. So unless your missus (or you) enjoy sitting in the back...
I think I'm right in saying that the tvr seat (and the others commonly used) are only suitable from about 9 months+
When my youngest was born we had a 323i Cab and the boot is very much on the small side for trips with the baby. Buggys are a no no if you have anything else in the boot and had to go hehind the back seats alot of the time. My kids loved the roof down driving but as someone said the misses was no keen with the baby in the back. If you do go for a 3 series I would say forget the cab and go for one with more space in the boot.
whatever said:I think you might struggle to get a rear-facing baby seat in the back of a cerb. So unless your missus (or you) enjoy sitting in the back...
incorrigible said:
Cerbera, you can even get TVR kids/baby seats
I think I'm right in saying that the tvr seat (and the others commonly used) are only suitable from about 9 months+
Spot the bloke with no kids, I think he's probably right, although I reckone there may be enough room in the back with the seat forward
summs said: suggest the cabrio will only be for your benefit, not for juniors. Believe me you (or more likely wifey) will suddenly develop paranoia for safety, sunburn, windchill etc and junior will never get the roof down.
My son was about 9 or 10 months old before the hood came down with him in, and then he was well wrapped/SPF'd up (it was summer, and cruising at 40-50 around the local villages).
Sparks
>> Edited by sparks on Wednesday 26th February 15:23
>> Edited by sparks on Wednesday 26th February 15:24
Olly2000 said: Well, I'll still have the Scooby forester for sensible driving and lugging, just want something that we can all enjoy a drive in, top down where applicable...
If you're no bothered about it being mainstream, take a look at the Quantum 2+2. Enough room in the back for a sprog seat, which you could even fit in the centre and under the optional roll bar to keep junior really safe. Big boot so could probably carry a buggy, rust free lightweight GRP monocoque body, optional hardtop for winter and you can pick a good used one up for under £7,000.
Maybe you could afford to trade the Mazda in for a Quantum and still keep the Lotus!
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