[Teej]

Need input on what to consider for my next car. It needs to fit my wife and 3 kids who will be 7, 5, and 3 by the time I get the car next year, after May 2013. My wife drives a Highlander and I have an 06 Mini Cooper S at the moment, which I would like to keep if financially feasible. Right now I drop by 2 older boys at school in my Mini (they love it, even though the drive takes 2 minutes), but starting next year I will need to drop my daughter off too. Ideally, the whole family can fit in the car, along with "some" stuff. For longer road trips, we can take the Highlander, even though driving it is no fun. So here are my requirements:

- MUST Fit all 3 kids, preferably all in the back. I believe my oldest one can sit up front if needed, I'm not sure?? Anyways, I'd rather have all 3 in boosters/convertibles in the back, especially if its not just a school drop-off.
- Prefer stick, but if this is the only hiccup, I MAY be willing to give up on this
- MUST be fun to drive. I won't be tracking the car, but I do consider myself an "enthusiast". It should at least be quicker than my Mini (just a psychological thing..and quicker the better), and fun in the curves.
- MUST NOT be FWD.
- As close to $50k (out the door) as possible. Definitely cannot be > $60k.
- Preference: Wagon > Sedan > SUV/crossover

Some contenders (mostly in random order) that I've come up with are as follows, but for many I'm not sure if I can even fit 3 car seats in the back:

1. BMW 328 wagon
2. BMW 328/335 sedan
3. Audi S4
4. Audi Allroad
5. Cadillac ATS
6. Acura TL (the next generation, although not sure when this is coming out)
7. Ford Fusion (I just think its cool-looking, and the AWD turbo may be pretty good)
8. VW Passat V6 (somehow hoping that it will have AWD)
9. BMW 535
10. Audi A6
11. Infiniti G37 (the next generation, although not sure when this is coming out, and whether it will still be a "37")

So, am I missing any potential contenders? Any on the list that you think will definitely not work for 3 kids?

[b0bab0i]

Wrx Sti, 335i, Evo.

[Robin_NL]

The first 3 options on your list plus nr 5 and what he said.

Originally Posted by benmoooon

Wrx Sti, 335i, Evo.

Welcome btw.

[TK-421]

If you have to buy new than get the 328 wagon. But if you'd be okay with buying used and wanted to really have fun, I'd go with the E63 wagon.

[mmm def]

Did i miss that it must be new? If so, the new 328 and a very lightly optioned S4 come to mind. If not, CPO 6sp E90 M3 all day long.

[Legato2057]

The new M550d wagon when they bring it over here.

[Teej]

Originally Posted by benmoooon

Wrx Sti, 335i, Evo.

Ah yes forgot about the wrx/sti and evo, although aren't they even smaller? Would prefer the new subaru. Thanks!

[ragingclue]

No Fiat Panda TwinAir Turbo on your fun car list?

All three kids in the back, as long as they're not big I suppose the STi could do it.... When would you be acquiring this vehicle?

[Teej]

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

The first 3 options on your list plus nr 5 and what he said.




Welcome btw.

Thanks! what's nr5?

[Teej]

Originally Posted by TK-421

If you have to buy new than get the 328 wagon. But if you'd be okay with buying used and wanted to really have fun, I'd go with the E63 wagon.

Did i miss that it must be new? If so, the new 328 and a very lightly optioned S4 come to mind. If not, CPO 6sp E90 M3 all day long.

I would prefer new but should probably consider used too. And these are great suggestions, thanks! How are the mercs in terms of reliability, any idea?

[Teej]

Originally Posted by Legato2057

The new M550d wagon when they bring it over here.

Pretty sure we're not getting that in the u.s. And anyways it would be too much

[Teej]

Originally Posted by ragingclue

No Fiat Panda TwinAir Turbo on your fun car list?

All three kids in the back, as long as they're not big I suppose the STi could do it.... When would you be acquiring this vehicle?

Panda in the US?
I will probably need two boosters and a convertible in the back, so not sure if they will fit in the back of the sti (or a number of other ones on the list). Guess I'll just have to try at the dealer unless someone has real world experience. Thanks! Oh and this will be next year summer or fall.

[Legato2057]

Originally Posted by Teej

Pretty sure we're not getting that in the u.s. And anyways it would be too much

Probably, but it does look pretty damn nice.

I say go for the 328 wagon new. Or a used 535 wagon.

[kyleb350]

Yeah, before ready your list, the new 3er popped into my head.

[TK-421]

Originally Posted by Teej

I would prefer new but should probably consider used too. And these are great suggestions, thanks! How are the mercs in terms of reliability, any idea?

The 6.2 is a great motor (although I prefer the previous supercharged one) and will treat you right if you do the same with basic care. Also the rear facing third row would be amazing for the kids.

[Teej]

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

Sorry but a 3 series is not cut out for 3 kids. Easy choice for me. E63 wagon. Problem is, they were built to order so there aren't too many running around.

I would also try a Cayenne GTS.

Darn. If the 3 isn't big enougn for 3 kids, then that probably also rules out the S4 and ATS.

I'll have to see how much used Cayennes are. Doesn't have to be the GTS, but don't want the base Cayenne either.

Thanks!

[Teej]

Originally Posted by TK-421

The 6.2 is a great motor (although I prefer the previous supercharged one) and will treat you right if you do the same with basic care. Also the rear facing third row would be amazing for the kids.

Oh thats right, I can get the rear facing seats. That would be awesome! Hope I can find one of these beasts to try out next year.

[wisesoul]

E55 Wagon, E63 Wagon. Both used

[Teej]

Tried doing a search on autotrader for the amg wagon (2010 onwards), anywhere in the country. Came back with 0 results. I don't want to get a used car more than 2-3 years old. Maybe next year when I'm really ready I'll have better luck.

[ragingclue]

Originally Posted by Teej

Panda in the US?

Sorry, it was a TG (James May) reference.

Anyway, I've also looked around for the AMG wagons and they're tough to find for sure.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Teej

Tried doing a search on autotrader for the amg wagon (2010 onwards), anywhere in the country. Came back with 0 results. I don't want to get a used car more than 2-3 years old. Maybe next year when I'm really ready I'll have better luck.

There's one on Autotrader, but it's a 2005, and it's in Connecticut, not exactly ideal for you:
http://goo.gl/iVUQZ

When I lived in Laguna Beach, there was at least one E63 wagon in town, just wait that guy out, he's bound to sell!

[TK-421]

Originally Posted by Teej

Tried doing a search on autotrader for the amg wagon (2010 onwards), anywhere in the country. Came back with 0 results. I don't want to get a used car more than 2-3 years old. Maybe next year when I'm really ready I'll have better luck.

I remember reading on mbworld that only about 100 were imported to the states. The rarity adds to the value but nowhere near offsets the typical AMG resale hit so you'll be under budget for sure if you find a good one.