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      08-20-2012, 11:07 AM   #1
Hawkeye
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Help me pick a family car...

Not that I have a family yet... but it seems life is moving that direction.

I am test driving an Audi S5 tonight but also have been toying with the idea of a C63 since it has 4 doors instead of 2. Anything else I should be looking at that is performance minded that would be good for dog/kids? The girl has an SUV and I am keeping my truck so just looking for something a little more practical for trips and such.

Max price probably around $70K. I have not decided if I am going to keep the Z or not... I am leaning towards keeping it.
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      08-20-2012, 11:25 AM   #2
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What size dog(s)? That makes a difference!

No matter what, with either kids/dogs I'd look into some kind of seat protection and makes clean-up easier. Kurgo makes things that fall into this category, but I'm not sure whether they fit the Sedan class as much as the SUV class of vehicle. Kurgo also makes as well as gear to secure the dogs (similar to kid car seats, essential for your, kids, and dogs safety). You don't want a dog flying around in the car in case the unthinkable happens.

To your list I'd add the E90 M3. You could find a nice used one, 4 door, well equipped and CPO for a lot less than your max price. Also consider too the E90 335D. New or used, 4 door, gobs of torque (265 HP, 425 ft lbs tq). Will get 2 to 2.5x MPG of the M3. And it's one of the new breed of diesels, no stink, no smoke.

Last edited by Finnegan; 08-20-2012 at 11:40 AM..
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      08-20-2012, 11:28 AM   #3
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When it comes to planning for family, life will come at you much faster than you thought you were prepared for LOL.

If looking for a practical family car, I'd definatly go 4 doors when getting kids into the car seat becomes involved. 2 doors are a real PITA until kids are big enough to strap themselves in and a little bit of a pain as the gang climbs in and out of the back seat everytime you stop somewhere.

Of course I told my son inlaw the same thing and he didn't listen and now it's a lot of fun to sit back with a smile and watch him play contortionist get the grandbaby into and out of the car seat in the back.


Good luck man.
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      08-20-2012, 11:42 AM   #4
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Depends on your price range. You can pick up a used M3 in the 30k range. My boss has a WRX that I really like, and it's fast. The Panamera might be of some interest too if you can find one used. I sat in the back of one at the dealer the other day and my opinions of that car did a 180!
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      08-20-2012, 12:11 PM   #5
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you WILL keep the Z.

or else...
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      08-20-2012, 12:32 PM   #6
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more rear leg room than a Q5, trust me I know!

available in a 6 speed manual, and gobs of fun.

Good on gas, great ambient lighting, 4 wheel drive, insurance top safety pic, best resale value of any car sold in America so far (3 years 36 thousand miles projected to hold 67% of its original value, 30+ miles per gallon with over 211hp, and modifiable to the gills.

with just an ecu upgrade which controls the boost will push the 1.6 liter twin scroll turbo charged engine to over 300HP.


Plus kids love em! great little track cars and 4 doors to boot.


me and my wife traded our 2006 fully loaded Audi A6 for one and love it! its literally got every option the A6 had minus the power seats. and way more fun to drive and less problems as well.

also commute from chicago to michigan a couple times a month and the drive is great, their super responsive and the electronic diff is super sharp, the last few snow storms we had where no problem at all.

it’s crazy how much tech these come with, even the headlights move with the steering.







Last edited by -c-; 08-20-2012 at 12:44 PM..
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      08-20-2012, 12:39 PM   #7
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How about a used........



Just kidding, but i love that song..
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      08-20-2012, 01:11 PM   #8
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Get a subbie outback ... performance with dogs/kids just doesn't mix well. Keep the Z, save the dough.
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      08-20-2012, 01:21 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thekurgan View Post
Get a subbie outback ... performance with dogs/kids just doesn't mix well. Keep the Z, save the dough.
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      08-20-2012, 02:16 PM   #10
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Really depends... I love the c class line and know they will work well with older children....but 2 or more young kids and its time to step up to a suburban/escalade
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      08-20-2012, 02:29 PM   #11
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      08-20-2012, 03:15 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rclem05 View Post
Aston Martin Rapide
Maserati Quattroporte
think those blow his 70K budget.
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      08-20-2012, 03:19 PM   #13
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shoot my parents raised us 3 kids with an old chevy celebrity wagon lol 4 doors and thats about it, worked just fine........ never understood why people have to justify getting the biggest car in the world for a couple of kids.......both my wife and I have vowed to never drive a mini van....... ever!

though i have a thing for small cars so my opinion is biased....
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      08-20-2012, 03:45 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by -c- View Post
shoot my parents raised us 3 kids with an old chevy celebrity wagon lol 4 doors and thats about it, worked just fine........ never understood why people have to justify getting the biggest car in the world for a couple of kids.......both my wife and I have vowed to never drive a mini van....... ever!

though i have a thing for small cars so my opinion is biased....
No minivan - just wait, never say never! lol
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      08-20-2012, 03:58 PM   #15
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Enthusiast Auto has a pretty sweet looking M5 wagon!
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      08-20-2012, 04:02 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by inTgr8r View Post
Suby H6 is very nice all around vehicle. Wish we had this when kids were young. We have dogs now to transport.
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      08-20-2012, 04:02 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Finnegan View Post
What size dog(s)? That makes a difference!

No matter what, with either kids/dogs I'd look into some kind of seat protection and makes clean-up easier. Kurgo makes things that fall into this category, but I'm not sure whether they fit the Sedan class as much as the SUV class of vehicle. Kurgo also makes as well as gear to secure the dogs (similar to kid car seats, essential for your, kids, and dogs safety). You don't want a dog flying around in the car in case the unthinkable happens.

To your list I'd add the E90 M3. You could find a nice used one, 4 door, well equipped and CPO for a lot less than your max price. Also consider too the E90 335D. New or used, 4 door, gobs of torque (265 HP, 425 ft lbs tq). Will get 2 to 2.5x MPG of the M3. And it's one of the new breed of diesels, no stink, no smoke.
WHS

I had an Audi shop and an Audi owner tell me not to buy 1.

Subaru would be a great option if you want AWD, as well as a BMW wagon 5 or 3 series. I am sure you make more power for that price range if you want. It would be a sleeper!

http://www.m3post.com/forums/attachm...1&d=1289134111

Here's a tough family car.

Last edited by seank; 08-20-2012 at 04:17 PM..
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      08-20-2012, 05:49 PM   #18
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CTS-V sedan or wagon.

(suggested because they fit your criteria and the German options have already been voiced)
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      08-20-2012, 06:41 PM   #19
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We have 7 seater SUV and Z4. We are also looking at a 3rd car for my dd. Cayenne or XFR. I was surprised the deal Jag is giving out. For the same price as an A6 loaded, I can get the best interior in that category and 510hp.
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      08-20-2012, 06:54 PM   #20
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      08-20-2012, 09:06 PM   #21
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Get a used M6 for under $40k. I've seen them in the mid 30's with 20k miles on them. Save the cash.
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      08-20-2012, 09:19 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceJ View Post
No minivan - just wait, never say never! lol



That's why I got mama the new minivan and me a used Zed.

Got one kid left in the house but still the family got even bigger when the other got married and had a grandbaby and my SIL moved nearby When everyone is here I need to be able to move 7 people around if we go shopping for the kids or take everyone out to eat.

Even retired, we still need a people mover, more now than ever before but having the Z allows me to sneak into town for some peace and quiet without a gang of people to herd around.
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