So my 1st child is due in 2 weeks......keep the s2000 or buy a back seat?

[03_ap1]

1st son is due March 7th.  My wife drives a new Suzuki GV - and she's off work for a year.  I have an 03 s2000 that I absolutely love.  But I'm kinda looking down the road that we will need 2 cars that can carry a child.  My wife doesn't drive the S at all.

So, lets just say for a moment that I'm going to sell the s2000.  I'm considering the following cars.  Budget is 30-40 grand.

1)  New GTI
2)  Used 05 STi
3)  Used 330Ci
4)  Used 01-02 M3

[Snowman]

I would go with the ’05 STi. Proven and reliable 300 HP performance combined with AWD agility make it a perfect family sedan . There are good deals on Legacy GT’s as well.

[Bullet Blue]

Just out of curiosity, Why would you take the 330ci instead of the 330i? I don't have any kids, but I hear it can be a getting them in and out of a coupe.

I would take the 330i or STi.

[davidy]

Why not the Subaru Legacy GT?

Personally, I think that your choices generally need a suitably sized rear seat. Othersize, it will be a PITA to get your child in and out of your vehicle.

Dave

[ovr50]

Before jumping into something, why not wait until after the baby arrives and you are then aware of the volume of stuff you will need on a regular basis with the child. Wife's vehicle is fully capable of dealing with the stuff in the shorter term. A decision you make today may turn out to be wrong in 6 months or so. I have no idea how much "stuff" ppl seem to need with infants these days, but it seems to be a lot.   Just a thought.

[airbalancer]

I would just kept the same cars for a while.
One little does not need that much stuff.
If you need to take the baby, just use her car

[wildk9]

I'd either wait, or go with the GT Wagon. You WILL need the room.

[Brigitte]

I'll trade you the S2K for my Jetta.   

[Bullet Blue]

A Volvo V70 R would be fun, practical and safe 

[si]

If you're a fan of the S2000, what about saving some money (compared to others on the list) and check out the 2006 Civic Si?

[Wetson]

BMW charges an arm and a leg for parts and service. 

[haris]

Wait a bit more and see how you do with the cars you have?
Just so you don't rush into something right around the birth, under stress.

[03_ap1]

all valid points.

I'm not in a panic or anything, just starting to explore options.  The GV is the main family mover, and the other car would be more of "If I had to, I could...." sorta vehicle.  Hence why I'd consider a 330Ci over the 4 door.

My wife is more than happy with me keeping the s2000 for a while.  I do plan on keeping it for as long as practicality allows.  Just thought I'd get some initial opinions.

Thanks all.

[random006]

Definitely wait a while.  You will be buying and carrying a surprisingly large amount of stuff in short order but the amount will only become clear over time. The Suzuki will do until then.

Also, consider your budget.  The 30 to 40 grand might be reasonable now but in 6 months might be hard to justify.  If you really can't wait and are sure of your budget, consider the Legacy wagon or even a Volvo V50, if you can get one used.

I can see you'd rather have a sedan to complement the Grand Vitara but should the GV be out of commission for any length of time, you will want a wagon's cargo area to make up for it.

Just a thought.

[84im]

I take it you're thinking you won't get much S2000 time when the baby comes, and that you want to transport the three of you in something close to the same level of performance as the S2000.
In that case, I'd go with the STI (my favorite) or the GT wagon/sedan.  Even the 2006 WRX, with the new 2.5 motor,  would be nice,

[y2chuck]

Before jumping into something, why not wait until after the baby arrives and you are then aware of the volume of stuff you will need on a regular basis with the child. Wife's vehicle is fully capable of dealing with the stuff in the shorter term. A decision you make today may turn out to be wrong in 6 months or so. I have no idea how much "stuff" ppl seem to need with infants these days, but it seems to be a lot.  Just a thought.

   We very rarely if ever need to haul around the baby in the 2nd car.  I'd wait until you find out you really need a car with a backseat.  In the year we've had the Mazda6, I think we've only carted the little one around twice.  Love the car, but now I regret not checking out a Mustang or other coupe since we really didn't need a 2nd car with family hauling capabilities.

[wildk9]

BTW, if no one has mentioned this elsewhere before, Congrats!
The ride of being a dad is better than any ride you'd get from a car. 

[hondasalesguy]

ya i agree.. if you think it will be feasible hauling the baby in a small 2 door sporty coupe (like a 330 Coupe, Si Civic, RSX, etc) I am here to tell you otherwise. And if you switch cars once, then in another year feel the need to switch again, think of the money you will be losing on the 2 transactions. 2 door cars and baby seats just don't work, you can screw up your back trying to get little Johnny or Janey in and out of a small coupe.

[Turbo Bob]

Yay Congrats also!

Why do you need to sell the S2K? It can fit a child, just don't let the wife come along too... 

[safristi]

Youre obviously NOT super Wild about the S2000 OR you'd never think of selling it after only 2 years..c'mon fess UP YOU just want an Sti OR a Hot BMW fer a change.......how much will you lose in this anticipated transaction OR is the $$$'s NOT an issue with a new mouth to feed.........Congrats on the NEW S2006 Model...