Dilemma - Porsche 911 as an A45 Replacement?
Discussion
Hi,
I won't go into the full details here, but our A45 is going back to the dealership for a full refund due to ongoing issues with the gearbox that unfortunately couldn't be resolved.
Despite the problems, I love the car - it's fun and exciting, fast and importantly - practical. I'd love to simply replace it with another A45 - but I fear (since this is a widespread issue with the gearbox that so many owners are experiencing) that we'd end up in the same situation.
So I'm looking for a replacement that ticks the boxes of fun and exciting, fast and practical (we have a baby on the way). The obvious contenders of RS3 and Focus RS don't interest my wife (who drives the car the most). She says the RS is for chavs and doesn't like the look of the Audi - fair enough.
I took a Macan Turbo out yesterday hoping to find some fun in that, but left feeling that I wouldn't be gaining anything over our A45 and would be paying about 25k more for the privilege. Whilst it was 'nice' it certainly didn't have anywhere near the excitement factor of the A45.
So it occurred to me - would a 911 (perhaps a gts) have enough practicality for a baby? It obviously has the excitement factor, but realistically has anyone here manage to bring up a new born baby alongside a 911?
This C63 is currently the front runner as a replacement - but it might be a little too grown up for me! http://www.ubergt.co.uk/used-cars/mercedes-benz-c-...
Any suggestions appreciated.
I won't go into the full details here, but our A45 is going back to the dealership for a full refund due to ongoing issues with the gearbox that unfortunately couldn't be resolved.
Despite the problems, I love the car - it's fun and exciting, fast and importantly - practical. I'd love to simply replace it with another A45 - but I fear (since this is a widespread issue with the gearbox that so many owners are experiencing) that we'd end up in the same situation.
So I'm looking for a replacement that ticks the boxes of fun and exciting, fast and practical (we have a baby on the way). The obvious contenders of RS3 and Focus RS don't interest my wife (who drives the car the most). She says the RS is for chavs and doesn't like the look of the Audi - fair enough.
I took a Macan Turbo out yesterday hoping to find some fun in that, but left feeling that I wouldn't be gaining anything over our A45 and would be paying about 25k more for the privilege. Whilst it was 'nice' it certainly didn't have anywhere near the excitement factor of the A45.
So it occurred to me - would a 911 (perhaps a gts) have enough practicality for a baby? It obviously has the excitement factor, but realistically has anyone here manage to bring up a new born baby alongside a 911?
This C63 is currently the front runner as a replacement - but it might be a little too grown up for me! http://www.ubergt.co.uk/used-cars/mercedes-benz-c-...
Any suggestions appreciated.
Good man - I applaud your optimism :-)
My wife ran our 996 turbo as a daily driver when my son was about two years old, in between selling our daily 335D and a new Cayenne being delivered. Even for a couple of months, it was something of a PITA: the child seat was a tight fit in the back (seriously impacting front legroom if you had 3 people in the car - and when he was in a group 0 seat it was even worse); rear access was difficult behind a folding passenger seat; there was no easy way to carry a decent sized buggy, so we had a Quinny Zap which was ok but not a patch on the daily Bugaboo. You get the idea...!
It was certainly possible, and Mrs Pete enjoyed tearing around in the 911 every day, but as an only car it was too compromised. Don't get me wrong, we did a two week holiday around the UK in the 911 when my son was a baby and had a great time, but doing it every day you soon get fed up of looking for spaces large enough to open the passenger door fully, the hassle of strapping in a child while leaning into the back (we didn't have a front airbag deactivation device at the time, and they aren't standard in most 911s), and the general distraction of having to carefully stow luggage that *just* fits when you also have a tired or angry child competing for attention. It really made us appreciate the value of having a car where you can just fling things into the boot once the Cayenne arrived.
On the other hand, a 911 as a weekend car is eminently practical for a growing family, and even more so once kids get into Stage 1 seats and don't need so much life support equipment on a daily basis. I love the fact I can use the 911 frequently with one or both kids on board, which is something I'd miss if I went back to two seats for a fun car. If practicalities dictate one car and you have a baby, then something like a C63, Macan Turbo or RS4 makes sense. Otherwise I'm a firm advocate of the two (or-more!) car strategy.
My wife ran our 996 turbo as a daily driver when my son was about two years old, in between selling our daily 335D and a new Cayenne being delivered. Even for a couple of months, it was something of a PITA: the child seat was a tight fit in the back (seriously impacting front legroom if you had 3 people in the car - and when he was in a group 0 seat it was even worse); rear access was difficult behind a folding passenger seat; there was no easy way to carry a decent sized buggy, so we had a Quinny Zap which was ok but not a patch on the daily Bugaboo. You get the idea...!
It was certainly possible, and Mrs Pete enjoyed tearing around in the 911 every day, but as an only car it was too compromised. Don't get me wrong, we did a two week holiday around the UK in the 911 when my son was a baby and had a great time, but doing it every day you soon get fed up of looking for spaces large enough to open the passenger door fully, the hassle of strapping in a child while leaning into the back (we didn't have a front airbag deactivation device at the time, and they aren't standard in most 911s), and the general distraction of having to carefully stow luggage that *just* fits when you also have a tired or angry child competing for attention. It really made us appreciate the value of having a car where you can just fling things into the boot once the Cayenne arrived.
On the other hand, a 911 as a weekend car is eminently practical for a growing family, and even more so once kids get into Stage 1 seats and don't need so much life support equipment on a daily basis. I love the fact I can use the 911 frequently with one or both kids on board, which is something I'd miss if I went back to two seats for a fun car. If practicalities dictate one car and you have a baby, then something like a C63, Macan Turbo or RS4 makes sense. Otherwise I'm a firm advocate of the two (or-more!) car strategy.
How can your wife call the Focus a chavs car and yet be happy with an A45?
There's a guy at work who's bought a red one with the canards and wing on - i almost burst out laughing when i saw him park it up.
I'd sooner get a Clio Trophy and then something fun for weekends, but i guess your good lady won't be sold on the merits of a 'real' hot hatch.
There's a guy at work who's bought a red one with the canards and wing on - i almost burst out laughing when i saw him park it up.
I'd sooner get a Clio Trophy and then something fun for weekends, but i guess your good lady won't be sold on the merits of a 'real' hot hatch.
pete said:
Good man - I applaud your optimism :-)
My wife ran our 996 turbo as a daily driver when my son was about two years old, in between selling our daily 335D and a new Cayenne being delivered. Even for a couple of months, it was something of a PITA: the child seat was a tight fit in the back (seriously impacting front legroom if you had 3 people in the car - and when he was in a group 0 seat it was even worse); rear access was difficult behind a folding passenger seat; there was no easy way to carry a decent sized buggy, so we had a Quinny Zap which was ok but not a patch on the daily Bugaboo. You get the idea...!
It was certainly possible, and Mrs Pete enjoyed tearing around in the 911 every day, but as an only car it was too compromised. Don't get me wrong, we did a two week holiday around the UK in the 911 when my son was a baby and had a great time, but doing it every day you soon get fed up of looking for spaces large enough to open the passenger door fully, the hassle of strapping in a child while leaning into the back (we didn't have a front airbag deactivation device at the time, and they aren't standard in most 911s), and the general distraction of having to carefully stow luggage that *just* fits when you also have a tired or angry child competing for attention. It really made us appreciate the value of having a car where you can just fling things into the boot once the Cayenne arrived.
On the other hand, a 911 as a weekend car is eminently practical for a growing family, and even more so once kids get into Stage 1 seats and don't need so much life support equipment on a daily basis. I love the fact I can use the 911 frequently with one or both kids on board, which is something I'd miss if I went back to two seats for a fun car. If practicalities dictate one car and you have a baby, then something like a C63, Macan Turbo or RS4 makes sense. Otherwise I'm a firm advocate of the two (or-more!) car strategy.
I've had a 996 turbo since my daughter was born who just turned 3 this month. While it's not are only car, (my wife had a fiesta the upgraded to a focus st) ots not that bad. I have my daughter behind me which is a bit tight and my sun in the back on the passenger side he is 5 months old. My wife fortunately is only 5 foot 3 so ots not too bad, I was very tempted to take my car to legalize last year but in the end took the focus but it was a very close choice (we had 2 nights in Windsor). So in summary, ots not the worst car to use, I should add mines a daily and I pick my daughter up from nursery 3 times a week and will also pick my son up when he starts. I really want a c2s cab pdk as a replacement as putting the roof down seems like an easy way to load up kids. I've also manged to take various bits and pieces to the tip.My wife ran our 996 turbo as a daily driver when my son was about two years old, in between selling our daily 335D and a new Cayenne being delivered. Even for a couple of months, it was something of a PITA: the child seat was a tight fit in the back (seriously impacting front legroom if you had 3 people in the car - and when he was in a group 0 seat it was even worse); rear access was difficult behind a folding passenger seat; there was no easy way to carry a decent sized buggy, so we had a Quinny Zap which was ok but not a patch on the daily Bugaboo. You get the idea...!
It was certainly possible, and Mrs Pete enjoyed tearing around in the 911 every day, but as an only car it was too compromised. Don't get me wrong, we did a two week holiday around the UK in the 911 when my son was a baby and had a great time, but doing it every day you soon get fed up of looking for spaces large enough to open the passenger door fully, the hassle of strapping in a child while leaning into the back (we didn't have a front airbag deactivation device at the time, and they aren't standard in most 911s), and the general distraction of having to carefully stow luggage that *just* fits when you also have a tired or angry child competing for attention. It really made us appreciate the value of having a car where you can just fling things into the boot once the Cayenne arrived.
On the other hand, a 911 as a weekend car is eminently practical for a growing family, and even more so once kids get into Stage 1 seats and don't need so much life support equipment on a daily basis. I love the fact I can use the 911 frequently with one or both kids on board, which is something I'd miss if I went back to two seats for a fun car. If practicalities dictate one car and you have a baby, then something like a C63, Macan Turbo or RS4 makes sense. Otherwise I'm a firm advocate of the two (or-more!) car strategy.
Thanks guys,
Yes our A45 has the wing and canards - I will happily accept it looks a little chavvy. My somewhat flimsy 'excuse' is that A45's without the aero pack don't command anywhere near the resale prices of those with it. I'm also 'only' 30 so I've convinced myself I can just about get away with it.
We have another car, a civic so could fling stuff in that if absolutely necessary (it's a bit of a heap), but it's good to hear that a 911 could offer at least some chance of practicality mixed with certain fun. Let the wife convincing begin...
Yes our A45 has the wing and canards - I will happily accept it looks a little chavvy. My somewhat flimsy 'excuse' is that A45's without the aero pack don't command anywhere near the resale prices of those with it. I'm also 'only' 30 so I've convinced myself I can just about get away with it.
We have another car, a civic so could fling stuff in that if absolutely necessary (it's a bit of a heap), but it's good to hear that a 911 could offer at least some chance of practicality mixed with certain fun. Let the wife convincing begin...
VULCANT said:
Thanks guys,
Yes our A45 has the wing and canards - I will happily accept it looks a little chavvy. My somewhat flimsy 'excuse' is that A45's without the aero pack don't command anywhere near the resale prices of those with it. I'm also 'only' 30 so I've convinced myself I can just about get away with it.
We have another car, a civic so could fling stuff in that if absolutely necessary (it's a bit of a heap), but it's good to hear that a 911 could offer at least some chance of practicality mixed with certain fun. Let the wife convincing begin...
I had an A45 for a while and it was by far the worst car ive ever owned, Count yourself lucky its going back.Yes our A45 has the wing and canards - I will happily accept it looks a little chavvy. My somewhat flimsy 'excuse' is that A45's without the aero pack don't command anywhere near the resale prices of those with it. I'm also 'only' 30 so I've convinced myself I can just about get away with it.
We have another car, a civic so could fling stuff in that if absolutely necessary (it's a bit of a heap), but it's good to hear that a 911 could offer at least some chance of practicality mixed with certain fun. Let the wife convincing begin...
Anyway the 911 will be fine with a baby My 4 year old absolutely loves mine and i've had no problems getting him in and out over the past couple of years.
VULCANT said:
We have another car, a civic so could fling stuff in that if absolutely necessary (it's a bit of a heap), but it's good to hear that a 911 could offer at least some chance of practicality mixed with certain fun. Let the wife convincing begin...
Oho, in that case you should run (don't walk!) straight to your local OPC or decent independent for a test drive. If you have an everyday shed then a 911 is a great second car for a new family, and like I said, gets even better as your kids get a bit bigger. The ability to use a 911 for everyday activities like school runs, shopping, trips to the tip etc is a great bonus that few other "weekend" cars can offer. Even more so if you can pick and choose when to use the Porsche vs when to use something more mundane.Enjoy the search!
While the 911 is more practical than most sports cars and I use ours a lot for school runs, I would be reluctant to recommend it as a family car with a baby for several reasons.
1) Where are you going to put the pram / pushchair?
2) Kids destroy car interiors - vomit, food smears, general kid grime
3) Visibility makes parking difficult and kerb rashing the wheels is easy to do
4) The doors are long and thick and this makes it a colossal pain getting things in / out of the rear seats in tight carparks.
1) Where are you going to put the pram / pushchair?
2) Kids destroy car interiors - vomit, food smears, general kid grime
3) Visibility makes parking difficult and kerb rashing the wheels is easy to do
4) The doors are long and thick and this makes it a colossal pain getting things in / out of the rear seats in tight carparks.
It will be more of a pain, but if a second car and things thought through it can work. Biggie is the buggy. We ran a smart car for a while with a young child, car seat went in passenger seat and I had to buy a new shorter buggy to fit in the boot. This woudl need to go across your rear seats in the 911.
I woudl say the Macan is lovely or also consider a cayman as this is much more practical than 911 and buggy might go in the boot over the engine cover..
I woudl say either would really only be a two seat car, maybe get three of you in the 911 with buggy in the fourth seat?
I woudl say the Macan is lovely or also consider a cayman as this is much more practical than 911 and buggy might go in the boot over the engine cover..
I woudl say either would really only be a two seat car, maybe get three of you in the 911 with buggy in the fourth seat?
Fish said:
It will be more of a pain, but if a second car and things thought through it can work. Biggie is the buggy. We ran a smart car for a while with a young child, car seat went in passenger seat and I had to buy a new shorter buggy to fit in the boot. This woudl need to go across your rear seats in the 911.
I woudl say the Macan is lovely or also consider a cayman as this is much more practical than 911 and buggy might go in the boot over the engine cover..
I woudl say either would really only be a two seat car, maybe get three of you in the 911 with buggy in the fourth seat?
Quinn zapp fits under the drunk in a turbo.I woudl say the Macan is lovely or also consider a cayman as this is much more practical than 911 and buggy might go in the boot over the engine cover..
I woudl say either would really only be a two seat car, maybe get three of you in the 911 with buggy in the fourth seat?
stuno1 said:
Ah ok. Firstly.... congratulations! Unless your wife is short you won't fit her and a rear facing baby seat in a 911.
I can confirm a 5 foot 3 and peanut sized lady will fit in the passenger seat. I'm only 5 foot 10 but with a bit of discomfort I can fit in to but it involves sitting with legs at an angle and I would want to do it for a long journey also no way of opening glove box when on the move.Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff