The young family puzzle, a What cars thread?

[MrGRT]

Dear PH, I need some suggestions from people that have resolved the young family car fleet puzzle. I am out of my depth here. I am trying to figure out what cars to have to meet different needs. I apologise for the long and confusing text that follows.

Our current cars are:
-Mk4 aerotop na supra (weekend good weather)
-19 plate 2.0 petrol High pec tiguan (family car + commute), £14k balloon left to pay.
-09 corsa (cheap runabout)

I have a 2.5 year old toddler.

Our cars need to meet this Criteria:
- relatively modern suv to carry the family (2 adults + toddler)
- long and boring commute of 1h40m minimum via the M25 twice a week, the Tiguan is comfortable for this but that leaves the Corsa to my OH.
- a weekend car, special occasions, good weather
- a car that I can tour Europe, nc500, Wales, preferably with the family.
- odd track day (not a deal breaker)
- maintains its value somewhat
- doesn't cost and arm and a leg to run.
- joy to drive, nice engine and sound.
- a safe runabout where my OH can travel with our toddler

The supra was a dream car even though it is a NA but with these cars the criteria above is not met as the wife doesn't like it and has her knees on the chest with the little one seated at the back. I could use it myself with my kid only but I think there are better options out there.

Hopefully you guys can tell me what have you done or recommend.

Ideally we need 3 cars.

Budget up to 50k (75k if I sell the Supra). The tiguan could also be sold for another suv for which depreciation is minimal (2015 Macan)

1 car buying options (keep Tiguan)
-Lexus LC 500 v8 coupe: not really a good drive apparently and would we fit if we didn't in the mk4 supra?. No track day.
-Lexus RCF: same comments as the LC 500
-991 or 997: the obvious choice.
-Mustang v8: fits the bill. Strong residuals
-BMW M3 F80: could fit the bill, drops in value? .
-Alfa quadrifoglio: drops in value.
- Nissan R35 GTR: high running costs, no track day, not sure if it is special enough for me, I guess not.
- Ferrari California: high running costs, 2 + 2 questionable?. No track day. Apparently it is not good to drive. Pushing the budget.

Scratch the 2+2 requirement:
- Tiguan + (F430 or Gallardo or R8v10) + corsa: OH won't have a seat though. No track day. Limited use. High running costs are worthy. Pushing the budget.
- Tiguan + Lotus Emira + corsa: no track day, Limited use.
- Tiguan + porsche boxster gts or spyder + corsa: limited use.

Be sensible and tour in a nice sporty SUV
(Macan or Tiguan R) + (mk7 golf or some other hatchback from 2013 onwards) + (Caterham + trailer)


Head is between :
- 991 + a better hatchback
- Sporty SUV + Caterham + better hatchback. (this one is winning)

Heart:
F430

Over to you.

[ZX10R NIN]

Simple if you want a car to do the odd track day & not be too OTT for the OH to daily I'd say get a hot hatch, something like an i30n with the 5 year warranty it's a bit of a no brainer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109237...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107225...

Or the Megane RS300 Trophy:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109097...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110058...

Now I know the above don't have the best exhaust notes but they're cracking steers, so basically you just replace the Corsa.

The RC-F isn't a track car but if you want a car that feels special & that actually gets under your skin the longer you keep it then the RC-F is the pick.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106103...

Or there's the Supra:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107205...

[MrGRT]

Thanks zx10r, Forgot to say the OH only drives auto
But let me ponder those options as I reckon I could daily the hyundai.

The mk5 supra: I had a deposit and withdrew it as soon as the full details were available. I think they still have more to drop and I have seen they have questionable dynamics hence not in the list.

[ZX10R NIN]

MrGRT said:

Thanks zx10r, Forgot to say the OH only drives auto
But let me ponder those options as I reckon I could daily the hyundai.

The mk5 supra: I had a deposit and withdrew it as soon as the full details were available. I think they still have more to drop and I have seen they have questionable dynamics hence not in the list.

If it has to Auto then the Hyundai i30N does come in auto form, so you can still switch between cars, the Hyundai also doesn't have it's warranty invalidated if you go on a trackday.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108286...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106214...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110048...