What new car for incoming second child?
Discussion
We've currently got a 428i GC for family duties and a Z4 3.0si Coupe for fun. We both like the 4 series' looks and that boot is great (I had a e46 330i previously so loving the hatch back style boot) but I don't like the turbo lag and the wife doesn't like the smaller 'coupe' rear doors for getting children in and out of the car seat. We've got a second child on the way so she wants to get an SUV for more space/ease of getting kids in and. Thankfully she's happy to get an estate instead as I don't like SUVs. This points us to the 340i touring (after some detours trying to justify getting an RS6/4) which seems to tick all the boxes. However we have two cars so we don't really need an all rounder; we could get a cheaper family car (maybe 520i touring or even SUV, she likes the XC60 and F-pace) and upgrade the Z4 to something more exciting like an M4. I'm dead excited about this option but concerned family car will be too much a downgrade.
What's the budget if you 'downgrade' for the family car?
We have a 65 reg X1 (facelift) and it does really well as our 'family' car.
With 2 kids I would go for the slightly larger X3.
XC60 is a good alternative but depends on if your budget buys the newer version.
The older one is a great car but is a pretty old design.
However, the D5 is a great engine and seats/space are excellent.
We have a 65 reg X1 (facelift) and it does really well as our 'family' car.
With 2 kids I would go for the slightly larger X3.
XC60 is a good alternative but depends on if your budget buys the newer version.
The older one is a great car but is a pretty old design.
However, the D5 is a great engine and seats/space are excellent.
GreatGranny said:
What's the budget if you 'downgrade' for the family car?
We have a 65 reg X1 (facelift) and it does really well as our 'family' car.
With 2 kids I would go for the slightly larger X3.
XC60 is a good alternative but depends on if your budget buys the newer version.
The older one is a great car but is a pretty old design.
However, the D5 is a great engine and seats/space are excellent.
Tbh the budget is flexible. Ideally straight swap for 428i so about £13k but that isn't going to stretch new XC60. I would have thought the X3 would be more expensive than the Volvo though, or are you comparing to F25? Thing is I don't really want to spend £20k on a SUV as I don't like them. Would much rather have an estateWe have a 65 reg X1 (facelift) and it does really well as our 'family' car.
With 2 kids I would go for the slightly larger X3.
XC60 is a good alternative but depends on if your budget buys the newer version.
The older one is a great car but is a pretty old design.
However, the D5 is a great engine and seats/space are excellent.
How old are your kids? Will there be a third? Will you need to transport other kid friends or grandparents? Will you need a double buggy? Will you need to go away on holiday in the car? A boring answer but a yes to most of those and I bought a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso. We have 3 cars and the third is a 2 seater I've had for about 10 years. It did 200 miles between MOTs the last year. It's actually really good for what it is. I'd just get the most practical family car you like.
As above, the details are everything.
- 3 series touring was too small for me with 2 car seats in the back. Being 6'1, my legroom was compromised with the kids in the car.
- 5 series was a contender, but poor standard spec put me off.
- Went through the motions with various estates like an A6, E-class etc
Eventually settled on a V90 momentum plus. Very high standard spec, low tax bracket and huge amounts of space.
On the SUV front, my wife has a Kodiaq 7 seater which is also pretty good. Huge amounts of space, if not slightly smaller than the V90.
- 3 series touring was too small for me with 2 car seats in the back. Being 6'1, my legroom was compromised with the kids in the car.
- 5 series was a contender, but poor standard spec put me off.
- Went through the motions with various estates like an A6, E-class etc
Eventually settled on a V90 momentum plus. Very high standard spec, low tax bracket and huge amounts of space.
On the SUV front, my wife has a Kodiaq 7 seater which is also pretty good. Huge amounts of space, if not slightly smaller than the V90.
edc said:
How old are your kids? Will there be a third? Will you need to transport other kid friends or grandparents? Will you need a double buggy? Will you need to go away on holiday in the car? A boring answer but a yes to most of those and I bought a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso. We have 3 cars and the third is a 2 seater I've had for about 10 years. It did 200 miles between MOTs the last year. It's actually really good for what it is. I'd just get the most practical family car you like.
What's the 2 seater? I love 2 seaters! I use mine a fair bit, 10k miles in last 12 months.Jonno02 said:
As above, the details are everything.
- 3 series touring was too small for me with 2 car seats in the back. Being 6'1, my legroom was compromised with the kids in the car.
- 5 series was a contender, but poor standard spec put me off.
- Went through the motions with various estates like an A6, E-class etc
Eventually settled on a V90 momentum plus. Very high standard spec, low tax bracket and huge amounts of space.
On the SUV front, my wife has a Kodiaq 7 seater which is also pretty good. Huge amounts of space, if not slightly smaller than the V90.
Thanks that's helpful, I was a bit worried about 3 series touring being on the small side. That's annoying about spec on 5, I haven't really looked at those. V90 is a great shout; they look really nice. What's momentum plus? What engine have you got?- 3 series touring was too small for me with 2 car seats in the back. Being 6'1, my legroom was compromised with the kids in the car.
- 5 series was a contender, but poor standard spec put me off.
- Went through the motions with various estates like an A6, E-class etc
Eventually settled on a V90 momentum plus. Very high standard spec, low tax bracket and huge amounts of space.
On the SUV front, my wife has a Kodiaq 7 seater which is also pretty good. Huge amounts of space, if not slightly smaller than the V90.
thegentleway said:
edc said:
How old are your kids? Will there be a third? Will you need to transport other kid friends or grandparents? Will you need a double buggy? Will you need to go away on holiday in the car? A boring answer but a yes to most of those and I bought a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso. We have 3 cars and the third is a 2 seater I've had for about 10 years. It did 200 miles between MOTs the last year. It's actually really good for what it is. I'd just get the most practical family car you like.
What's the 2 seater? I love 2 seaters! I use mine a fair bit, 10k miles in last 12 months.On the topic of car size and car seats even big looking cars can struggle with 2 car seats and or the rear facing car seats. In many cars with a rear bench style seat or split fold seats once you have 2 child seats in the other remaining seat is unusable for an adult.
thegentleway said:
Thanks that's helpful, I was a bit worried about 3 series touring being on the small side. That's annoying about spec on 5, I haven't really looked at those. V90 is a great shout; they look really nice. What's momentum plus? What engine have you got?
They’re a lovely drive. Momentum is the base spec, then you get R-design (which are more expensive to buy than a momentum plus because sporty body kit but have less spec than a momentum plus) then momentum plus and finally inscription. Standard kit is fantastic on the momentum plus: electric boot, keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise, adaptive high beam, heated seats etc.
I have a T4 190bhp. Plenty of poke when needed, it’s meant to be a big comfy barge after all. But there’s much more powerful offerings in both petrol and diesel.
Would recommend a look around one. Car seats these days are huge and I like my seat quite far back and it’s one of the few cars that suited that set up. Also quite nice having a boot that swallows double prams and all of the other bits and bobs.
edc said:
thegentleway said:
edc said:
How old are your kids? Will there be a third? Will you need to transport other kid friends or grandparents? Will you need a double buggy? Will you need to go away on holiday in the car? A boring answer but a yes to most of those and I bought a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso. We have 3 cars and the third is a 2 seater I've had for about 10 years. It did 200 miles between MOTs the last year. It's actually really good for what it is. I'd just get the most practical family car you like.
What's the 2 seater? I love 2 seaters! I use mine a fair bit, 10k miles in last 12 months.On the topic of car size and car seats even big looking cars can struggle with 2 car seats and or the rear facing car seats. In many cars with a rear bench style seat or split fold seats once you have 2 child seats in the other remaining seat is unusable for an adult.
Indeed, does that mean the Picasso can swallow two child seats and still have space for an adult?
Brett748 said:
F Chassis 5 series touring must be a decent contender for £13k.
I’ve had saloons (3 Series and C Class) since my now near 3 year old was born and it is a ball ache. I’m definitely getting an estate or SUV when we have a second.
Agreed, I prefer 3 touring as it looks a bit more sporty but 5 will have more space and still looks great.I’ve had saloons (3 Series and C Class) since my now near 3 year old was born and it is a ball ache. I’m definitely getting an estate or SUV when we have a second.
Saloons aren't ideal for kids that's for sure: estates/SUVs are the way to go.
Jonno02 said:
thegentleway said:
Thanks that's helpful, I was a bit worried about 3 series touring being on the small side. That's annoying about spec on 5, I haven't really looked at those. V90 is a great shout; they look really nice. What's momentum plus? What engine have you got?
They’re a lovely drive. Momentum is the base spec, then you get R-design (which are more expensive to buy than a momentum plus because sporty body kit but have less spec than a momentum plus) then momentum plus and finally inscription. Standard kit is fantastic on the momentum plus: electric boot, keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise, adaptive high beam, heated seats etc.
I have a T4 190bhp. Plenty of poke when needed, it’s meant to be a big comfy barge after all. But there’s much more powerful offerings in both petrol and diesel.
Would recommend a look around one. Car seats these days are huge and I like my seat quite far back and it’s one of the few cars that suited that set up. Also quite nice having a boot that swallows double prams and all of the other bits and bobs.
thegentleway said:
Swervin_Mervin said:
Skoda Superb 3 for your everyday do it all car. Hatch will be more space than you'll ever need.
That is a massive boot! Love the hatch opening on saloons.And there's enough space between front and rear passengers that even a near 7yr old can't kick the front seats - one of those things that you just don't think about until the first time they start doing it!
thegentleway said:
edc said:
thegentleway said:
edc said:
How old are your kids? Will there be a third? Will you need to transport other kid friends or grandparents? Will you need a double buggy? Will you need to go away on holiday in the car? A boring answer but a yes to most of those and I bought a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso. We have 3 cars and the third is a 2 seater I've had for about 10 years. It did 200 miles between MOTs the last year. It's actually really good for what it is. I'd just get the most practical family car you like.
What's the 2 seater? I love 2 seaters! I use mine a fair bit, 10k miles in last 12 months.On the topic of car size and car seats even big looking cars can struggle with 2 car seats and or the rear facing car seats. In many cars with a rear bench style seat or split fold seats once you have 2 child seats in the other remaining seat is unusable for an adult.
Indeed, does that mean the Picasso can swallow two child seats and still have space for an adult?
On cars like C4 Grand Picasso and newer Touran the rear seats are an even size and individually folding and moving. That also means the isofix points if you will use them are evenly spaced. In many other cars you will find the 2 outer rear seats bigger than the middle and that the isofix points are pushed inboard more. The upshot is that on these cars generally you cannot easily get 3 car seats together and if you use the 2 outer seats not only can you not access the middle seat anyway but it will be unusable for most adults. You will also struggle to get 2 car seats side by side in outer and middle seat because of this.
Of course the bigger MPV like Sharan, Alhambra ,Galaxy and Smax have no or fewer issues like this.
You will also find some cars and I think the Citroen C5 aircross is one restrict you on what type of car seat can go in the middle seat. The prices are creeping back down but not along ago I laid £14.7k for a 67 plate top spec Flair model. Quite honestly with kids in the back you ain't going to be doing any hooning or late braking so the handling nuances are all a moot point. Driven at up to 8/10ths it's perfectly good.
The other thing with the C4 G Picasso is that it looks bigger than it actually is. The footprint is just about smaller than a Touraeg. Little things like the doors opening that bit wider, the built in sunblinds all make a difference when you have kids.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff