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Baby coming, Changing cars... My wife and I have a baby coming, so I'm considering changing cars. I currently have a '95 Miata, which I love, but it can't hold all 3 of us, and there isn't a deactivation switch for the passenger airbag, so I'm considering selling it. Anyone have good suggestions for a replacement? I enjoy having a convertible, but there aren't that many convertibles that also work as family cars. My dad is selling a Contour SVT, which is a high performance version of the Ford Contour. It is in great shape, fast, seats 5 and is decent looking, but it doesn't excite me. I'm tempted to buy a 3-series BMW, but it will be close to $25k for a recent convertible in nice shape. Anyone have good experiences with a convertible that seats 4? I'm also considering getting a newer Miata that has a switch for the passenger airbag, but that doesn't solve the 2 seats issue.
Hockey Player
The classic answer: Minivan? The Toyota Sienna is very nice...
AllanL5
As parent, I highly recommend getting 4-doors. Of course, I suppose if you have a convertable you could just open the roof -- it's probably not ideal.
Almost Anonymous
5-Series Bimmer.
Sassy
http://www.hubcapcafe.com/ocs/pages01/buic4105.htm
genius
Why not keep the Miata for your own commuting and fun? Than buy something that is really suitable for the whole family. I have been trying to find a vehicle that will be fun to drive and at the same time practical - without much success.
blah
If it were me, I'd go for something German. Either an A4 Avant Quattro or a 3 Series Touring would fit the bill.
TheGeezer
If your budget accomodates a 3 series Bimmer, I'd check out the Saab 9-3 and new Volvo S40. Mmmm, meatballs.
Caveat
Medium size SUV's are what you want. You need four doors so you can easily place your child in his seat in the back. Also, SUV's are big enough to change your child's nappy and things like that in the back.
"I'm tempted to buy a 3-series BMW"
+1 for get over it and buy a minivan.
YouWillEventuallyAnyway
I traded in my 2000 Miata two months ago for a Saturn VUE for similar reasons, been happy with it so far though I miss having a fun to drive car from time to time.
Gerald
You wouldn't believe the amount of paraphenalia that travels with a baby. You'll curse a 3 door body inside 3 months or do yourself a hernia.
trollop
I'm thinking a minivan is the next vehicle of choice for us. No SUVs allowed here.
Aaron F Stanton
How about an Audi S4? Four doors and fast.
sid
KC
Toyota KIJANG !!!
Budi Saputro
Minivan.
lrig
I suggest GAZ or ZIL (made in USSR) ;)
cuzi
SAAB 9-3 Ragtop. Swedish bathtub will keep you safe AND let you drop the top. Highly recommended. Don't know how far back you want to go, but if you stay away from about 94-97/8 model years and you'll be happy.
<sigh/>
5-series wagon.... or a Yukon
Yo
Almost Anonymous says it best: 4 doors. It is a royal pain in the ass to have a 2-door vehicle when putting in and taking out your child from his car seat in the back.
Yoey
especially when they outgrow the seats that snap into the holder in the car.....
Yo
Get an accord. The trunk is cavernous, you can't beat the reliability, and it gets good mileage.
Roysker
Get a Volkswagen Jetta or Passat. The trunk is cavernous, you can't beat the reliability, and they get good mileage.
muppet
I have four small kids and been through a couple of cars. Your car choices are all good for one or two kids. Volvo's are also very well suited for kid mobiles, I would vote for a V70. Look for cars that have the ISOFIX and will make your life easier with putting in car seats.
Bill Rushmore
V70 T5 or R. Fast, safe, and absolutely bloody enormous.
Flasher T
Thanks for all the suggestions. We live in Denver, and go to the mountains frequently. My wife has a CRV, which is our mountain car and will be our usual family car. I'm inclined to agree with the 4 door advice, my current theory is that anything with more than 2 seats should have more than 2 doors. I commute to my current client on bike, so the Miata is current getting only 4k/year (I drive it to hockey once a week and some summer time trips to the mountains). As for fitting into a 325, I'm short enough to fit in the Miata comfortably, so I'd have no problem with the BMW (except for the price tag).
Hockey Player
convert it to RHD, ship it out and I'll consider it - my kids have grown up and I've always wanted a Maz.
trollop
Buy American!
Joe Autoworker
Dodge Magnum
Data Miner
pt cruiser is now in a convertable
zekaric
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