Dad Cars

"Tripper" (tripe46) 03/15/2019 at 13:30 • Filed to: None

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KingTChalla’s post about the C class wagon, then CaptDale’s about his Allroad have got me back on the kid- friendly car search.

I’ve got 2 cars that are not safe, let alone manageable for a small child (2001 Ford Ranger, 1975 BMW 02), and a 3rd that is “safe enough” but it doesn’t live at home and isn’t a car that I’m likely to DD (E46 M3).

I’m in no rush but the cars I have considered so far are:

3 pedal VW Alltrack - Would buy new and in this green

Audi Allroad - Would buy new or slightly used, maybe even lease. A lso green.

3 pedal BMW M2 - Would buy used, there’s one competitively priced and this color close by. Isn’t there an Oppo with one? If so do you have kids, and do those kids use a rear facing child seat?

Range Rover Sport - Would buy used with a warranty (2014-2016)

STi Limited- Would buy new or very slightly used.

I’m serious about all cars listed, but they are ordered from most likely to least likely of actually buying. I’ve driven the Range, Allroad, and STi and like them all.

What say O ppo? What do ya like out of these, or other cars for dadding purposes but also enjoying as a car?

Ash78, voting early and often > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 13:34

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Alltrack is on my shortlist, but also another you might not have considered:

Mercedes GLK350

It’s essentially a C-Class wagon with more useful space, and it’s not as generic as most of the segment (X3, Q5, RDX, etc). With 300 naturally aspirated HP and a short wheelbase, it’s actually a really nice drive. In typical luxury fashion, the steering is numb. But you’d never know these sleepers because almost everywhere you look, they’re driven by retirees going 10 under the limit.

I want to like the Outback, but can’t get there (driving-wise, or image-wise. I like something more unique.)

Tripper > Ash78, voting early and often 03/15/2019 at 13:38

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I had not considered it, and they are good looking. I’ve never spent significant time behind the wheel of any Mercedes, outside of parking them as a valet years ago.

Any idea on upkeep? Standard German luxury $, more or less than average?

The Ghost of Oppo > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 13:38

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My neighbor has an Alltrack in that green, and I am a little envious of it

Ash78, voting early and often > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 13:41

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I’d have to defer to Oppo AMG_tech on that one, but it’s the same basic 3.5 V6 that Merc has been using for a long time. All the competition switched to I-4t engines, so it’s refreshing to have all that power from the bottom plus a nice exhaust note. In the E-Class, that engine gets about 30mpg, too. In the blockier , taller GLK only about 23-25.

I would gamble it’s cheaper in the long run than a turbo Audi or BMW, but probably not as cheap as the Asian brands.

Nibby > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 13:41

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volvo V60

E90M3 > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 13:42

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For Sweden > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 13:46

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Dad car thread?

Tripper > The Ghost of Oppo 03/15/2019 at 13:46

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would you say that you’re green with envy?

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 13:49

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Super reliable. Honestly can't even say they have a common problem. All their parts are tried and true. Just go newer than 2013 for all the best parts. 

Tripper > E90M3 03/15/2019 at 13:49

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I think I’d have to sell the M3 for this, can’t do two 17+ year old M cars. This is on the table though. E39M5 is a guaranteed win for me.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 13:52

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If say STi based on resale alone, if that matters to you. Won’t be the most civilized thing but that’s the point, it’ll be fun.

And you’ll get all your money back when you sell it... So it’s like having a car for free, as long as you can afford the up front cost. All your other cars are kind of like the opposite of that.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 13:52

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Not sure how the M2 makes the “kid friendly” list with only 2 doors.

While they are all decent choices t he only one on this list that tickles my fancy here at all is the STI and maybe the Range Rover, but I really only want a car for my next vehicle. I do like the Allroad in theory though.

I too will be looking for a “dad car” in a few years. My list right now is KIA Stinger, Lexus GS/LS , Chevy SS, and Jaguar XF. My wife’s only stipulation so far is that it has to be an automatic so she can drive it :(

I need to start getting out for some test drives on these in the mean time.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 13:54

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I like the recent  S4 with the 3.0. That’s my dream family car. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 13:55

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I would avoid the Subaru. Partly because I think they’re garbage. But also, more realistically, because they sound like ass and that might keep kids from falling asleep in them!

Tripper > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 03/15/2019 at 13:55

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The STi was a car I never got to fully enjoy and I have always wanted another. I had one for 6 months when I was 20, got a bunch of speeding tickets, hit a deer, then traded it on my M3 because the body shop did such a shit job repairing it after the deer.

vicali > For Sweden 03/15/2019 at 13:56

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W as going to say, Mine Dads pretty awesome;

Tripper > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/15/2019 at 13:58

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Haha, that’s a non issue. My friend got married a few months ago and had a marching band come through the (super small) venue. The were right next to my daughter playing away while she was sound asleep.

It’s on the list because I had one when I was too young and to dumb to properly enjoy it, and have always wanted another. That said, it’s last on the list.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 14:00

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Well here’s your excuse to get back in to one!  Plus “honey, it’s a Subaru and AWD so it’s safe too!”.

RallyWrench > Ash78, voting early and often 03/15/2019 at 14:01

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The GLK is a very good choice, one of the very few German SUVs I recommend to clients. The 3.5 is a fine engine after the 2005-07 balance shaft issue was sorted out. Much, much cheaper to run than a Q5 or especially an X3.

Svend > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 14:01

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I’d go for the VW Golf Alltrack, very practical but not boring to drive. The Audi is essentially the same thing but costs a little more because it’s an Audi and not a VW.

The M2, nope. Fun car yes, practical and spacious, not in the slightest. 

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 14:02

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my perfect dad car will always be a First Gen SuperCrew Raptor

Tripper > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 03/15/2019 at 14:02

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The M2 makes the list if I can get a rear facing child seat in the back with my wife in the front. It doesn’t have to be convenient. I just needs it to be safe and functional.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 14:04

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If you’re considering an alltrack you can get a used   Buick regal TourX for that money. Worth a test drive.

Used allroads are expensive AF because they know what they have. New ones are rare also loaded up to nearly $ 60K in my 200 mile search area.   It’s on my list as well. Reliability also improved a lot after the 2017 update, and I have driven and   like the new A4 which this is based on.

Tripper > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 03/15/2019 at 14:05

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I’d be into that assuming  3 pedals.

Tripper > Nibby 03/15/2019 at 14:06

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I haven’t driven a Volvo in a really long time, definitely worth a TD.

VW Max > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 14:06

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BMW 3-series GT? Not the prettiest, but there is so much interior space. My dad got one to replace the Mk6 TDI wagon that I have now. It is fun to drive, but it feels really big.

Of the cars on the list, I think that the Alltrack or Allroad would make the most sense. 

Tripper > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 03/15/2019 at 14:11

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Haha true. Although she’s pretty supportive of my love of cars. Our daughter was 5 months old when I told her that I was pretty sure I wanted to buy a 44 year old BMW from Europe. She said “C ool! And I don’t care as long as it’s not as expensive as the Audi.” Referring to the S3 I bought new in 2015 without telling her.

Tripper > VW Max 03/15/2019 at 14:12

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My dad also had one! A 335 GT in white, not for me. Wasn’t for him either he didn’t keep it long. I think it was a 2015, steering was awfully numb.

Tripper > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/15/2019 at 14:15

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I can’t get down with the looks on the Buick, for it looks like a Buick. I’d probably lease the Allroad if I decided to go with one, I can’t see it being a forever car for me and maybe that means I shouldn’t get one.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 14:28

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Is not an Allroad thank god!

RallyWrench > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 14:28

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Personally I’d skip the Rover (because I’d feel ridiculous ) , Allroad (I’ve driven a couple of 2.0T Allroads and found them...underwhelming) , and BMW (despite fun factor, because 2 doors and I don’t care for any BMW newer than E90 M3s) , but would add a 5-door GTI to the list. If Hyundai would sell the i30N here it’d be there too. I’ve been pondering dad cars as well, as currently my only vehicles are a crusty sports car and a beater singlecab minitruck, so my wife’s Sienna pulls all the family car weight. Which in reality works fine for us , but it’d be nice if I had something with 4 doors and provisions for kid seats. Newer cars aren’t an option so I’m keeping my eye out for a decent W210 E320 wagon. I have the 911 (and the little Nissan hardbody, surprisingly) for fun so it doesn’t matter to me if my dad car is a hot rod. Although my dream dadwagon is a 95.5 Audi S6 Avant. If money was no object and I wasn’t me, I’d drive a Porsche Panamera. 

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 14:32

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I feel like it has to be a major PITA to put a child in a rear facing car seat with no rear door. But if it’s not regularly used for child transportation duties I could see living with it. If that’s the case, the M2 is definitely the top of this list for me.

S62B50daily > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 14:33

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Just signed the paperwork this morning, picking it up tomorrow. Great Falls Green, Black interior and 3 pedals :)

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 03/15/2019 at 14:46

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Can’t go wrong with a GS, but I will always recommend the Stinger (GT)as the value for money choice- excellent all round package and you should be able to get it real cheap in the future.

As for the SS, my hunch is manual SSs are already gone into the deep BAT territory now. Autos are cheaper and more inventory is available but even they are overpriced.

Also, shameless plug:

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/so-i-test-drove-a-stinger-gt2-rwd-today-1827364762

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/chevrolet-ss-test-drive-oppo-review-1827105900

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/15/2019 at 14:49

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As for the SS, my hunch is manual SSs are already gone into the deep BAT territory now.

That’s pretty much what I’ve been seeing too when I do look

Autos are cheaper and more inventory is available but even they are overpriced.

Hopefully that changes since they definitely aren’t the big premium auction models.

Nibby > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 14:58

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pls report back to me after you drive it, i’m seriously considering one in 2 years when my F150's lease is up

Tripper > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 03/15/2019 at 15:56

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It’s not the worst thing in the world. My mom DD’s a 13 cooper S and can get her car seat in the back. It wouldn’t be the main vehicle for the baby, I just need the option. Right now if it’s just the baby and I, I’m either stuck at home or my wife has to leave her Forester and take my truck.

Future Heap Owner > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 03/15/2019 at 15:56

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Huh, I must have a stricter definition of “reliability” than most people, because my reaction was “how could you possibly know how good the reliability is after only a few years?”

Tripper > S62B50daily 03/15/2019 at 15:57

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Awesome! Congrats!!

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 16:50

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What about a post-facelift W204 C63 AMG?

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Tripper 03/15/2019 at 18:31

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The good news for you is it’s an option; the less fun news for me is most likely if I replace my turbo beetle; it’ll be for an auto because I’d rather my wife be able to drive whatever I get. 

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 03/15/2019 at 22:14

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My brother just bought that as his Dad-car for a baby coming in July. I can't wait to insist on him letting me borrow it.

Tripper > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 03/16/2019 at 00:04

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Were currently  a 3 pedal household, 4 cars 12 pedals. The dsg is good though, I had an S3 for just over 3 years. The only auto I’ve driven that’s very slightly better is porsches pdk.

functionoverfashion > Tripper 03/26/2019 at 09:06

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Mini Clubman or Cooper S 4-door? My wife loves her Cooper S 4-door, and we can get all four of us into it when we need to. The rear-facing seat thing is tough, that thing takes up a ton of room. But it’s only for 2 years, right? So... I’m not sure I’d buy a car based only on that, unless you’re planning another... anyway.

The Alltrack would be my top choice if I were looking for something new that was as close to my E46 wagon as possible. The Clubman would be second, probably, and it makes the list because manual wagon. Could also be had in AWD with the manual. The list of AWD manual wagons is pretty short.

Tripper > functionoverfashion 03/26/2019 at 09:28

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My wife had an R53 Cooper S and we both adored it. I’m not sold on the look of the newer ones. My mom has an R56 cooper s, and I like it but not nearly as much as the R53. It does however fit the baby without issue!

I’m going to wait it out a while longer. I’m getting ready to pick up the 02 today or tomorrow for a cool $2500, the M3 needs two sensors and a valve check, and I just noticed that the ranger is leaking from the rear main seal...After I sell the Grom and fix the other two I’ll get serious about it.

Tripper > S62B50daily 06/19/2019 at 15:12

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Hey, I’m getting pretty close to pulling the trigger on one of these. Any thoughts in the first few months of ownership?

S62B50daily > Tripper 06/20/2019 at 12:25

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I love it! Coming from a B5.5 Passat wagon, the alltrack has less cargo space, not surprisingly, but interior room is similar. The electric power steering is a bit on the light side at low s pe eds, but feels more direct as you go faster. That’s with “Sport” mode enabled. 6-speed is nice, but it has the Clutch Delay Valve which makes it feels less direct. Very popular mod to remove it.   Engine has decent power, but I’ m considering an APR Plus tune because it adds 64HP with a full warranty . Fuel eco nomy is great: 23MPG in awful stop&go city traffic, 32+ at 75MPH

I love the panoramic roof. Infotain me nt system is very nice, no connectivity issues whether it’s bluetooth or plugged in for Android auto. I get compliments on the color.