Volvo C30

[nbio]

my parents just got a 6spd '06 x3 3.0i for 25k
.9% financing wasnt too bad either

[416stroker]

^^ I could post pics of heavily modded hot hatches all day long but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the OP's prime directive is to get a good looking car suitable for him, his wife, and his child.

There is no doubt those C30's look better than factory but less face it they are even more impractical as a DD now, and bending over to get a child in the back of one of those will be even more of a pain in the ass.

Again, if the OP wants to go the modding route there are countless more options available for the GTI/A3 2.0T.

You know the old saying: You can dress a C30 up but.. It's still a Volvo.

You are correct I just want a stock car with at the most a mild factory drop just for looks. I want the GTI but I have some time to talk her into one. She diggs the A3 also so either would be win win.


Knonky If it were my car I would want a volvo like that.

[416stroker]

Here's my take...

You've got a kid now. Get something reliable, responsible, useful, and by all means, SAFE. An E30 is not a car I want my kid and spouse riding around in. We have a B5.5 Passat and a 05 Yukon. Passat is nice since you're not having to heave a kid up into it, but the space of the Yukon is handy. We have the Yukon so I can drag the E30 around to autocrosses and take the whole family along. I just came back from a BMWCCA event at the Tire Rack. Had the car on the trailer, wife and kids, along with the dog, and all of our luggage for the weekend. Still pulled 12mpg on the highway, and cruised in comfort.

If anything, I would say the A3 is your best bet, hands down. I'd rock that in a heartbeat.

But, my old standby family hauler is still the current Toyota Sienna, with the 3.5. Seriously, go drive one. The fact it can light the tires thru first gear, and runs 0-60 in the 7-ish range is pretty impressive.

But, yeah... It does look like you're driving a heel.

Anyways, congrats, enjoy the new kid, and take care.

A Yukon is also on our but towards the bottom of our list. she misses my old 99.

get something used, cheaper, and with 4 doors. you will hate taking the car seat in and out with a coupe, trust me. buying a new car is nice but you end up taking a huge hit on the depreciation. let someone else take that hit and find an 07 or 08 car you both like. if you're both starting out the last thing you want to do is spend a bunch of money on a car if you don't have to. find a 15k and stick the rest of the cash in the bank and start a 529 college fund for your little guy.
not trying to preach, just my 2 cents....

Good advice thanks. Ive got a few used cars on my list as well.

[konky]

My MINI works fine with my wife and 2yr son, yeah it's a 2 door pain in the ass, but it's not bad at all and the C30 has 3"'s more leg room in the rear... plus the larger trunk space. I actually thought about trading my MINI in for one. I like them. (with the R-design package)

[416stroker]

My MINI works fine with my wife and 2yr son, yeah it's a 2 door pain in the ass, but it's not bad at all and the C30 has 3"'s more leg room in the rear... plus the larger trunk space. I actually thought about trading my MINI in for one. I like them. (with the R-design package)

So the rooms good in a mini?

[konky]

Yep.

Had the MINI before my son was born, so we've had his carseat facing rear, then front with no problems at all. It's obviously not as roomy as our passat, but it works great for a 2 door. We can even fit our stroller in with the other rear seat down.

[416stroker]

Cool I'll end up looking at those too when the time comes.

[Spiff325iS]

Wait for the Diesel A3 to come out: Gold.