need advice on family car.....
I have seen a couple of 08 Evos for around $20k.
At a $15k price point, I like MazdaSpeeds, Legacy GT, Forester XT, Volvo S60R (w/the aerokit). I like the Audi S4, but the B6s suck gas like crazy. An older E55 Mercedes is hilariously fast, but expensive car to own. Infiniti G35, Lexus IS350 and BMW 335I deals are out there.
At a $15k price point, I like MazdaSpeeds, Legacy GT, Forester XT, Volvo S60R (w/the aerokit). I like the Audi S4, but the B6s suck gas like crazy. An older E55 Mercedes is hilariously fast, but expensive car to own. Infiniti G35, Lexus IS350 and BMW 335I deals are out there.
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 99
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From: Beautiful Southern California
A father here.
Keep your Avalon.
I used to be like you with all those requirements. But you know what, after the baby was born:
1) No sports car: pointless. I will always drive very responsibly when the baby is on board. I remember how slow I drove when I first took my baby home from hospital. For the first week I had very sore muscles because I was very tense when driving: suddenly everyone drove like an idiot and tried to kill me.
Sports cars in a very loose sense (WRX, EVO, etc.)
2) No sports car: louder. Baby is very sensitive to sound and a louder car could make them cry more.
3) No sports car: harsher suspension. Baby will wake up and cry after that one bump.
4) No stick shift: more distraction. Sometimes you will need to multitask or pay extra attention when driving with baby.
5) Avalon is good: rear space is large. Easy in and out for that big bulky carseat (may I suggest you Chicco Keyfit 30 with easy release base?). It makes your life easier and saves you from chiropractor bills.
6) Save your money. Avalon insurance is cheap compared to sports cars. Unless you are loaded, you need to get the feel for the first couple of months how your life and budgeting change. Don't make a major purchase.
The keypoint: divide your tools according to the functions. Jack of all trade is a master of none.
I still keep my Evo as my fun car but we also have a utility car (Touareg) and sporty-enough commuter (GS 350).
So, my suggestion is to keep your Avalon and DSM for now then after 4-5 months you look again what's missing and you go from there. Your budget will also have been sorted out and you know your purchase power as well.
I hope this help and enjoy fatherhood!
PS: I have a friend with a heavily modified Evo and a young boy. I think he is also here and he might read this but oh well: when I saw that rollbar was only 8" away from your boy's face while he was in his carseat, I didn't feel that it was very responsible of you. But I didn't have the heart to tell you because you had wanted Evo for 8 years and you finally bought it.
Keep your Avalon.
I used to be like you with all those requirements. But you know what, after the baby was born:
1) No sports car: pointless. I will always drive very responsibly when the baby is on board. I remember how slow I drove when I first took my baby home from hospital. For the first week I had very sore muscles because I was very tense when driving: suddenly everyone drove like an idiot and tried to kill me.
Sports cars in a very loose sense (WRX, EVO, etc.)
2) No sports car: louder. Baby is very sensitive to sound and a louder car could make them cry more.
3) No sports car: harsher suspension. Baby will wake up and cry after that one bump.
4) No stick shift: more distraction. Sometimes you will need to multitask or pay extra attention when driving with baby.
5) Avalon is good: rear space is large. Easy in and out for that big bulky carseat (may I suggest you Chicco Keyfit 30 with easy release base?). It makes your life easier and saves you from chiropractor bills.
6) Save your money. Avalon insurance is cheap compared to sports cars. Unless you are loaded, you need to get the feel for the first couple of months how your life and budgeting change. Don't make a major purchase.
The keypoint: divide your tools according to the functions. Jack of all trade is a master of none.
I still keep my Evo as my fun car but we also have a utility car (Touareg) and sporty-enough commuter (GS 350).
So, my suggestion is to keep your Avalon and DSM for now then after 4-5 months you look again what's missing and you go from there. Your budget will also have been sorted out and you know your purchase power as well.
I hope this help and enjoy fatherhood!
PS: I have a friend with a heavily modified Evo and a young boy. I think he is also here and he might read this but oh well: when I saw that rollbar was only 8" away from your boy's face while he was in his carseat, I didn't feel that it was very responsible of you. But I didn't have the heart to tell you because you had wanted Evo for 8 years and you finally bought it.
Last edited by fly2low; Jan 25, 2013 at 11:43 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Beautiful Southern California
E39 M5 might work. It is manual so easier to deal with. Only a couple of common problems: radiator hose, swingarms and bushing, sometimes eating a bit oil but nothing more than 4G63. Sometimes, I still miss that car.
Thread Starter
Evolving Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 348
Likes: 1
From: PA/NJ
so many cars.... so much info. it is hard to find a used car with the options and color that i want. So far people have have been telling me good stuff about Volvo S60R,Saab 9-3 turbo X, earlier Audi S4, Bmw 5 series. I would love an Evo X but they are out of my price range.
so many cars.... so much info. it is hard to find a used car with the options and color that i want. So far people have have been telling me good stuff about Volvo S60R,Saab 9-3 turbo X, earlier Audi S4, Bmw 5 series. I would love an Evo X but they are out of my price range.
I think MazdaSpeed6 might do the trick. I'm fairly certain you can find one with low miles for under 15k and they would be reliable and reasonable on maintenance.
You'll have HIDs, possibly navigation and all the other bells and whistles of a modern car.
You'll have HIDs, possibly navigation and all the other bells and whistles of a modern car.
I started searching for a used car for ny daughter, i want a big car for her.
What about a 2002-2003 Cadillac Deville?
You can find fully loaded ones with all options for less than $3K
What about a 2002-2003 Cadillac Deville?
You can find fully loaded ones with all options for less than $3K
