Becoming a Dad + next car quandary
Discussion
My last 4 cars have been an Elise 111R, R53 Cooper S, Elise S, Panda 100HP. They have all been fantastic, free revving, raw, fun little cars.
This side of Christmas I am expecting twins so I need a car with space. Today I tested a B6 3.0 Quattro Avant and a B7 S4. Both were fine cars yet felt a little underwhelming. Wafty in nature, lacking raw thrills. I don't know what I was expecting (has been while since I drove a V6 or above). I suppose having done over 30,000 miles in an Elise over the last few years will make most cars feel disconnected. In addition my current commute is 8 miles of B roads and the 100HP is great fun.
I would love a V8 but happy to settle for a V6. Need to drive more and appreciate them for what they are. C350, R36, S4, S.
Anyone else gone through this transition? What did you end up in? Any regrets?
Cash budget is up to around £10k but happy to finance vehicles so will consider anything up to £25k if the right car came along.
Finally - running two cars is not an option. I'm expecting twins, I'd never use the second car. I regularly travel with work and this will increase in 2015, I will not have time or opportunity in the next few years to enjoy or justify a second car.
This side of Christmas I am expecting twins so I need a car with space. Today I tested a B6 3.0 Quattro Avant and a B7 S4. Both were fine cars yet felt a little underwhelming. Wafty in nature, lacking raw thrills. I don't know what I was expecting (has been while since I drove a V6 or above). I suppose having done over 30,000 miles in an Elise over the last few years will make most cars feel disconnected. In addition my current commute is 8 miles of B roads and the 100HP is great fun.
I would love a V8 but happy to settle for a V6. Need to drive more and appreciate them for what they are. C350, R36, S4, S.
Anyone else gone through this transition? What did you end up in? Any regrets?
Cash budget is up to around £10k but happy to finance vehicles so will consider anything up to £25k if the right car came along.
Finally - running two cars is not an option. I'm expecting twins, I'd never use the second car. I regularly travel with work and this will increase in 2015, I will not have time or opportunity in the next few years to enjoy or justify a second car.
AvonRise said:
Just checking, but it's not you personally 'expecting', is it?
No. Mrs. Hoddo. But thanks for checking. AvonRise said:
In which case, I'd assume the person expecting is also likely to need a car.
So your car, which you'll use for work travel, isn't the main concern.
Buy the other half a 3 year old Zafira, C Max, Picasso etc and keep your current car.
Remember, you don't need a car the size of a small house to carry babies around.
Mrs. Hoddo gets a new company car in May. Front runner is a Skoda VRS Estate. So your car, which you'll use for work travel, isn't the main concern.
Buy the other half a 3 year old Zafira, C Max, Picasso etc and keep your current car.
Remember, you don't need a car the size of a small house to carry babies around.
I only do 3,000 4,000 a year, so my car can be as uneconomical as it wants.
AvonRise said:
If the other half has an Octavia vRS, surely you can run something smaller and a bit silly?
Buying a big barge doesn't really make a lot of sense.
Whatever Mrs. Hoddo ends up in will not arrive till May at the earliest so we have a gap of 6 months. Hence the need for me to get something a tad more practical. Buying a big barge doesn't really make a lot of sense.
S6 V10 has been recommended. Need to go see one but they appear incredible value.
hornetrider said:
Congrats. Confused as to why you're trying Audis if you're after sharp handling. I'd be looking at a rear wheel drive, possibly estate. How about an M3 saloon? Or maybe an M5 Touring? Will 25k get you a C63 wagon?
The C63 has been lurking in the back of my mind ever since an old acquaintance (fellow PH member) suggested it in an earlier post. The 4dr M3 V8 is also tempted, i'm just anxious the rear space would not meet my requirements. Probably need to head down to the dealership with the pram + additional baby crap and see what space there is.
Ved said:
Even with just one and a dog, the boot and cabin on our Forester is regularly full so don't underestimate how much crap you'll need to hand, especially on days out or holidays.
I'd go for a Forester STI, a B7 RS4 Avant or a fully loaded JDM Legacy. All are reliable, fast, have lots of lugging room and hold their values very well.
Having tested a B7 today I fear the rear space may be lacking. I'd go for a Forester STI, a B7 RS4 Avant or a fully loaded JDM Legacy. All are reliable, fast, have lots of lugging room and hold their values very well.
Followed last week's article on the Legacy B Spec I have had an eye for them. Look like great value. Following your suggestion I will also take a look at the Forester.
yellowtang said:
Many congrats OP 
My wife (to be) and I are expecting our first child in Feb. Upon receiving this exciting news I went out to change the XKR........I bought a newer one!
The XKR has a good size boot and rear seats (sort of...) so I considered it a worthy family car
Our other car is a Z4 which is practical too because you can put the roof down and easily extract child from car!
Neither of us would be seen dead in a people carrier/MPV. Babies are small and if some parents can manage without any car at all then we can certainly manage without a ruddy 'family bus'.
Congratulations to you too. My wife (to be) and I are expecting our first child in Feb. Upon receiving this exciting news I went out to change the XKR........I bought a newer one!
The XKR has a good size boot and rear seats (sort of...) so I considered it a worthy family car
Our other car is a Z4 which is practical too because you can put the roof down and easily extract child from car!
Neither of us would be seen dead in a people carrier/MPV. Babies are small and if some parents can manage without any car at all then we can certainly manage without a ruddy 'family bus'.
I admire your commitment. As I am expecting twins I don't feel I can be quite as cavalier as your good self, however I would like to assure you I too will not be purchasing a MPV/People Carrier - I understand the logic but dear god, they're a demonstration that you've given up on life.
Edited by Hoddo on Sunday 19th October 00:01
Thank you for all the feedback. Looks like we're in agreement that space is a must.
Ved - thank you for your kind offer. I'll come back to you.
Had not considered the XC90 V8, may also have a look at the VW Touareg V8, does anyone have any experience of these?
Had a poke around a B8 S4 Avant today. Wonderful car, but reading the above comments about the mess little people make certainly puts me off spending a heap of cash on a lovely car only for it to be destroyed.
If I can find one I would love a gen one S6 4.2 Avant, however they appear incredibly rear.
Ved - thank you for your kind offer. I'll come back to you.
Had not considered the XC90 V8, may also have a look at the VW Touareg V8, does anyone have any experience of these?
Had a poke around a B8 S4 Avant today. Wonderful car, but reading the above comments about the mess little people make certainly puts me off spending a heap of cash on a lovely car only for it to be destroyed.
If I can find one I would love a gen one S6 4.2 Avant, however they appear incredibly rear.
Playing devils advocate for a moment, there is a chance Mrs. Hoddo may not return to work so we can't bank on the Octavia in the long run. With this in mind I will be looking for an estate.
Following today's 'spotted' article I have been drawn to the S6. This one looks rather splendid.
Following today's 'spotted' article I have been drawn to the S6. This one looks rather splendid.
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