Fun and decent family car ideas????

[dasherdiablo1]

I'm now in a position to buy a weekend car that will accomodate me, my wife and our newborn baby (that is due in a 5 weeks time) in a rear facing baby seat.

I'm looking to spend around £15-20k and want something that is stylish and capable of having a decent hoon too! Initially I was going to spend more as I want a DB9 but I cant get a rear facing seat in so the intention is to buy something now, keep it for 12 months then when baby can go in a front facing seat I will get a DB9. I've considered an M5 but I am a bit scared about the mpg....

Now I know this has been asked before but I need some suggestions and I want it to be something I could turn up to Sunday Service in without feeling like I'm in something too ordinary!

[dasherdiablo1]

JREwing said:

You think an M5 is likely to be thirstier than a DB9?
What do you think of Jaguars? You can get a great XJR for that.

Definitely - without question. DB9's capable of 25mpg when doing a roadtrip and about 17mpg around town/giving it some wellie. M5 is about 18mpg on a good day and around 9mpg when driven in anger.

[dasherdiablo1]

911Ads said:

Maserati QP?

A friend of mine has one of these - he loves it but his wife is due a week before us and he is selling it because the running costs are truly hideous - and he has owned a F355, 575, Cobra....etc so is more than used to expensive bills )

[dasherdiablo1]

911Ads said:

Even at specialist prices? Or does he take it to a main dealer - may have to have a rethink, as that was going to be my practical family car once I give up my current commute.

He does a 15 mile commute each way to work but has to travel to Heathrow so a nightmare! He gets about 12mpg on these trips. He goes to specialist but he has been hit hard recently needing discs and pads and the clutch needed a strip down. He loves the car but from what he has told me they are a bit of a money pit.

[dasherdiablo1]

300bhp/ton said:

You are going to get a DB9 but you're worried about mpg in an M5? That makes no sense.

Also you've said weekend car, how many miles will you be doing? Will it be enough miles to really worry about mpg?

The point is I am happy to accept the running costs on an Aston but not on a BMW - especially an interim car because it will haemorrhage money over 12months.

[dasherdiablo1]

300bhp/ton said:

dasherdiablo1 said:

300bhp/ton said:

You are going to get a DB9 but you're worried about mpg in an M5? That makes no sense.

Also you've said weekend car, how many miles will you be doing? Will it be enough miles to really worry about mpg?

The point is I am happy to accept the running costs on an Aston but not on a BMW - especially an interim car because it will haemorrhage money over 12months.

Then buy a diesel Skoda and remap it then. I still can see the problem.

Er no thanks; I'd rather not drive for a year