Dad Car for Enthusiasts (who can't afford to spend 100k+ on an RS6 Avant or M5 Touring)
The shooting brake / performance wagon seems like a great theoretical platform for enthusiasts with kids, but what if your budget is 40k-50k? I'm currently driving a manual transmission Integra which may need to get swapped out in the next year or so. Any…
The shooting brake / performance wagon seems like a great theoretical platform for enthusiasts with kids, but what if your budget is 40k-50k? I'm currently driving a manual transmission Integra which may need to get swapped out in the next year or so. Any suggestions for something practical that will be at least somewhat fun to drive? EDIT: Lots of great responses, thanks everyone. For those who don't feel like digging, a plurality of responses centered on the following: BMW X3 M40i Volvo V60 (T8 / Polestar) Porsche Macan / Cayenne A lot of folks offered suggestions in the same/similar class as my current ride (i.e. sporty hatchback). That's welcome feedback, because maybe the right answer after all this is to just stick with the Integra for now.
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Thanks - can I cite this to my wife when I come home in a gently used Porsche? "Don't blame me, honey. It was was u/BuckleSpring's idea!"
I forgot the arteon even existed! I'm not sure I'm brave enough to jump into the aftermarket tuning world, but there's no doubt this is a legitimate/thoughtful answer to the question.
Fascinating. I'll confess a knee-jerk reaction against Buick, but I shouldn't ask the question if I'm not willing to consider the responses that may actually present a solution.
Sadly I am in the US and it's not offered here. I guess i should have specified that in my post. But yes, this would be perfect.
Market bias creates value opportunities. It's true I'm a bit of a Stellantis hater, but I wouldn't be here asking the question if I didn't need some suggestions outside my own somewhat narrow view. Interesting suggestion.
Appreciate the caution flag here. Sticking with the teggy may end up being the most practical solution. I do worry about fitting strollers etc, but maybe I'm making up a problem which doesn't actually exist.
V60 Polestar. Integra type S/Civic Type R Golf R X3 M40i Macan S or higher trim 2014 X1 xDrive 35i Used Panamera wagon
Thanks. X3 with the B58 motor has been on my radar for a while. I hate the new model styling, and worry about the reliability for older BMWs. But yes, this does seem like it could be a good solution.
This seems to capture things nicely. Thanks!
Will you come live in my garage and handle the maintenance? I am not particularly handy, and don't think buying a 20+ year old car is gonna fly with the missus...
Dadcars on YouTube has tons of videos that talk about your exact conundrum. Used there are lots of options: I'm a fan of Cayennes when optioned correctly, maybe Panamera (sport turismo if you want a wagon). Macan if you want something as new as possible in budget. E63 Wagon? 2019's are sometimes under $50k Jag XF Sportbrakes are super cool and rare and under $30k BMW x3 m40i/x5 xDrive40i Volvo v60 T6/Polestar Engineered New? Mazda's turbo products are decent. Honestly for $50k new, that's just normal car pricing these days, I'd consider the EV options so you get a powerful smooth drivetrain rather than the usual direct-injected turbo 4 cylinder hybrid CVT econoboxes everyone is pushing out.
arteon is a good call, fits a ton of stuff without feeling like you gave up entirely the buick regal tourx is worth a look too, weirdly underrated and takes a tune well
Would have bought in a heartbeat if we got it in the US.
Something liftback like an arteon then tune it
X3 m40i, probably an early post LCI car. You will not regret it.
I would say the bmw m340i touring
People are gonna hate this because it's stellantis, but Dodge recently started selling the Durango with the 6.4L V8 for ~50k new. The R/T 392 is the trim you'd be looking for. R/T used to be the trim for the 5.7L V8 if you end up looking at used ones. Seats 6-7 people 475 HP/470 ft-lbs Performance suspension/brakes/tires AWD Amazing V8 sound The 6.4L and 8HP70 transmission is an overall pretty reliable combo, and Dodge has "only" been making this generation of Durango since like 2011. Worth considering as a dadmobile imo.
V60 Polestar https://youtu.be/hXzjhzdJmxc
Miata + Minivan
If you have new Integra, that is great dad car. If you like your car what about Elantra n? Big back seat and I hear nothing but great things about them. Gla 45 Benz? Like a lifted hot hatchback. Hard to make suggestions. What is your Budget? What are your preferences? Don't be me...I bought a 20 year old e500 wagon. It was cheap but I dumped a second car worth of money on a bunch of major services you would expect to do on 20 year old Benz
Ford Maverick Lobo! I just switched from a Civic Si, Wrx , and Gr Corolla as my last three cars. Never thought I would go automatic transmission again, I was able to get 5500 off msrp as well.
How old are the kids? I’ve got a 4.5 year old and we use my m340i quite a bit if we’re not bringing dogs anywhere. My daughter actually request my car more than my wife’s 😂
I got a manual GTI as a 2nd car because the z4 isn't great for car seats (but can technically work if mommy isn't coming). The GTI is also good for hauling bikes and Costco runs. The software is buggy AF, but almost everything else is great.
2005 Saaburu!!!! 9-2x WRX engine in a Saab wagon. They're so awesome.
Consider the current (not upcoming) BMW X5 xdrive40i with the m-sport package. I had one as a loaner recently and was pleasantly surprised at the performance when you put it in sport mode. Good luck!