Wanted: unreasonable family car

[sarolea]

Fact: we got a little girl. This unfortunately implies no more two-seaters and the need for a real family car.

To be clear, we rarely need our car. We live in the center of a big city and do everything on foot or bike. Even the daily commute to work and the grocery getting is done without a car. Basically we don't need/use/want a car. But since I actually do like cars I decided we need one to visit the grandparents! Such a visit means either 160 km or 500 km. Both times 95% of the trajectory is freeway, so being able to cruise at some sort of speed is important. Hills and snow are part of the deal. Let's say mileage would be around 5000 km a year.

Budget is 20k tops, but I'm a cheapskate. Thus if I can find something for 3k that could be parked on the street (big plus) I would go for it. Fuel consumption and reliability are not the priority. Parts availability and comfort do play a role. Not looking for a restoration project, but if it needs some work that's not an issue. I enjoy working on cars so if the car is expensive to run/fix because of the labor that's involved it's not that big of a deal. In general I do most if not all of what comes with maintenance/repairs myself. Oh, obviously if I wanted a toyota or a volvo I wouldn't ask for advice here.

Actually that's a lie. I did want a Volvo. A Volvo p1800es. That's till I found out a good one basically starts at 20k. Did I say already I'm a cheapskate?

After I realized I might actually ending up having to spend some money I thought I could as well get a Jaguar. Went to look at some Mk2's which turned out to be either not great for the money or 2.4, auto and rhd (I'm on the continent so...). Next step was falling in love with a completely rotten Mk1. Somebody then talked me into an xjs (not a v-12, but an in line 6) which unfortunately sold the day I decided I should buy it.

In between I've considered;
- a Jensen GT: rare in LHD but over 10k for a non running car needing both mechanical and cosmetic work is a bit much. Also probably not the easiest classic to run? (both parts availability and reliability)
- a Lancia Beta HPE: plenty available for cheap, few around with the Volumex it seems though. Also apparently a real rustbucket and most don't have a funky '70s interior
- a Lotus elan+2: rare to find in LHD. Those that fit my budget all seem to need a fair bit of work. Not sure what the situation is when it comes to parts availability and reliability. Also how much fun are they when you spend most of the time on the freeway?
- a Citroen GS: super cheap, but they do rust. Comes with real hydropneumatic suspension! But a GS would benefit from fitting a GSA engine with the 5 speed. This apparently involves modifications to the firewall and I suddenly see a project in the shed rather than us driving a classic.
- a Maserati biturbo: people did ask me if I've lost my mind

Does that really mean I will end up buying a porsche 944 (even though a 924 is prettier...) or a Volvo 850 t5r? There must be a better alternative out there, no?

Anybody any suggestions?

Also nobody can predict the future and the car is anything but an investment. It just needs to bring joy when I drive it, and it's ok if I regret my decision when I'm once again stranded because the previous owner didn't maintain it properly. But to be honest if it's unlikely to depreciate that would be cool. Hence, I do not consider any sort of 911. The cheaper low spec cars have to go down in price at some point, no?

[LimaDelta]

Canada?



Edit - sorry, nothing helpful to add, just intrigued by the mix of 'labor', 'freeway' and 'km' in the same post.

[Byker28i]

and snow and hills

In fact if you go into Disney Epcot, Canada exhibition it consists of a 3d cinema presentation whilst they sing about "we've got mounties, we've got rivers and mountains, and have we told you about the mounties..."

Why not a nice old truck

[Alfa numeric]

I had an Elise which became a garage ornament when our daughter was born. After a brief flirtation with an E93 M3 with electrical issues I've now got an M140i which I love. It's fast, fun to drive and usable as a family car- my daughter loves riding in it, calling it "noisy car" as it's got the louder M-sport exhaust. More telling is the fact that my wife, who really isn't into cars, keeps nicking it when I'm not using it.

[Eyersey1234]

Congratulations on the birth of your daughter. Sorry I've nothing more helpful to add as being UK based I'm not familiar with most foreign cars.

[Slow]

Canada?

Head down to the USA and buy this raptor

https://turbo.cars.com/vdp/771540098?partnerlf=bot...

[Miserablegit]

Daimler Ferret Scout Car- seats 3 so it's basically an F1

[DickyC]

Audi S4 Avant.

[swisstoni]

I’d go for something interesting but a lot younger than some of the OPs suggestions.

[flatso]

Caddy cts-v
Lexus LS 460 or LS 600h
2006-2007 Lexus LX 470 (ideally the limited edition), truly built like a tank.

Cheapskate options in North America.....I would consider a late model Buick Roadmaster Wagon with the LT1 Vette motor.

[Zarco]

Surely you want something that will start on the odd occasion its used? (none in the OP fill me with confidence in that respect!)

I'd get something a bit more modern. Might even have stuff like Isofix in the back, which is handy but not essential. 911? M3? Hot hatch?

[ZX10R NIN]

Cadillac CTS V

[Frankthered]

When in a similar position a friend of mine saw it as his last chance to get a 2+2 for a while and went for a Subaru SVX.

Or how about an Audi 80 GT/Quattro? Old 6 series BMW?

[griffter]

I love the Jensen GT. A couple of fully rebuilt, fully restored ones sold this year in the uk (RHD) for £11k. Asking prices for others currently on the market are £22k & £30k...

If you’re determined, RHD and import might be your best bet.

But let’s get real, you’ve got a little girl. You need a safe reliable car with a heater and air con. Buy something sensible but interesting and save the classic for when your priorities swing back in that direction.

[Martyn76]

Just rent one when you need it?

[crusty]

60's or 70's muscle car?

Citroen CX GTI Turbo

[Stuart70]

E39 535I BMW or Jaguar XFR.

[MKnight702]

I think the Elan +2 is a good shout, spares isn't too big a deal, the body won't rust and other than that I think everything else is available (Spyder will do most things I think).

[nav2014]

Buy my XK8, just spent £2k getting bodywork sorted, needs a tiny bit of elbow grease on the interior and some bushes on the rear unless I do them when I get back from holiday.

I'm on holiday, I want a boat now.

[PurpleTurtle]

Martyn76 said:

Just rent one when you need it?

Surely this would be the cheapest, least aggro approach?

Trips with toddlers are hardly done at breakneck speed, I drive like Miss Daisy with my 4yo on board, as an old boy at a motorway services once said to me, “precious cargo”.

I’d be inclined to go the rental route, and try something different each time.