Just had a baby - car required for that reason. Advice sought.

phantasmagoria · 08-06-2021 3:26pm #1

Hi,

So my wife just had a baby. She mentioned that she wants a car for the transportation of the little guy. I'm not into driving at all. Looking for advice based on the following elements:

Safe, reliable, cheap to buy and run (as I am broke af!), easy to insure. It won't be.used for much more than small journeys so doesn't have to be comfortable or fancy.

Any suggestions appreciated. Thank you.

fits · 08-06-2021 3:31pm

Here you go.
Automatic Fabia petrol estate.
https://www.donedeal.ie/view/26012257

biddyearley · 08-06-2021 3:33pm

Congrats!
Please avoid the "baby on board" sign.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/qBkAAOSwjVVVsu9F/s-l300.jpg

BronsonTB · 08-06-2021 3:34pm

phantasmagoria wrote: »

Hi,

So my wife just had a baby. She mentioned that she wants a car for the transportation of the little guy. I'm not into driving at all. Looking for advice based on the following elements:

Safe, reliable, cheap to buy and run (as I am broke af!), easy to insure. It won't be.used for much more than small journeys so doesn't have to be comfortable or fancy.

Any suggestions appreciated. Thank you.

Car suggestion: Toyota Yaris

Have you any no claims driving history in the last 2 years?
Have you a full car licence?
Both of these answers will depend on the ease to insure anything.

fits · 08-06-2021 3:39pm

BronsonTB wrote: »

Car suggestion: Toyota Yaris

Have you any no claims driving history in the last 2 years?
Have you a full car licence?
Both of these answers will depend on the ease to insure anything.

It would be really handy to have a small estate though for all the paraphernalia. I doubt the Yaris boot is up to much.

BronsonTB · 08-06-2021 3:41pm

fits wrote: »

It would be really handy to have a small estate though for all the paraphernalia. I doubt the Yaris boot is up to much.

Ah ,Good point...I was looking more at the 'easy insure' part...

OP - I second the Fabia petrol estate suggestion

coolisin · 08-06-2021 3:49pm

Easy to insure could be anything depending on your own circumstances. Full licence, how many years in your own name etc etc.

Poster above with the Fabia estate is a good shout, as when you travel with a baby now you will travel heavy regardless of where you go!
Bigger the boot for the buggy and all associated crap they come with!
Next the easier it is to get a seat in and out the better, I would recommend an ISOfix base for your first car seat that just clicks in and out.

I would suggest a Golf/Leon/Toyota corolla all either estates or hatchbacks.

I've an A4 estate for child with dog journeys and sometimes its a struggle! Its being very reliable for the time I have owned it.
But I service it regularly and get things fixed when they break!
Reliability depends on how the car was treated before you get it.

ineedeuro · 08-06-2021 3:52pm

It's one child, why would they need an estate?

Electric is cheap, safe etc but you would need a driveway to charge. Problematic for the odd long drive with charging etc but worth considering.

Apart from that after a couple of weeks you will understand why the World is moving towards Crossovers. Don't get stuck into a car because of recommendations around here.

You don't mention budget but the Qashqai is a huge favorite around the World for the reasons you mention. Plus the height for putting junior in/out will help the poor back. Plenty of them knocking around so cheap to get and you will also find cheap to repair. Also they are comfy to drive and the higher drive position is great. Some decent spec knocking around as well.

Boot space, not gigantic but more than enough for a buggy plus shopping or bags if going for a week away

coolisin · 08-06-2021 4:01pm

ineedeuro wrote: »

It's one child, why would they need an estate?

For the same reasons you recommended a crossover! Extra Boot space while also having a square door frame for access.

(Also was throwing out some personal experience. An estate has being a life saver for me with extra height in the boot)

ineedeuro · 08-06-2021 7:03pm

coolisin wrote: »

For the same reasons you recommended a crossover! Extra Boot space while also having a square door frame for access.

(Also was throwing out some personal experience. An estate has being a life saver for me with extra height in the boot)

An estate maybe if you have 3-4 kids and you might need the space. For one kid a standard Crossover/car would be more than meet the requirements.

The Skokia attached, I wouldn't do it to my worst enemy. Not saying a Qashqai is anything spectacular but that thing is awful. Jesus the interior would just depress the happiest person in the World

fits · 08-06-2021 7:04pm

ineedeuro wrote: »

An estate maybe if you have 3-4 kids and you might need the space. For one kid a standard Crossover/car would be more than meet the requirements.

The Skokia attached, I wouldn't do it to my worst enemy. Not saying a Qashqai is anything spectacular but that thing is awful. Jesus the interior would just depress the happiest person in the World

It’s just a pain to fit a buggy and the weekly shop in a small boot. The fabia definitely wouldn’t suit three kids. Qashqai and fabia estate are both practical tbh.

ineedeuro · 08-06-2021 7:08pm

fits wrote: »

It’s just a pain to fit a buggy and the weekly shop in a small boot. The fabia definitely wouldn’t suit three kids. Qashqai and fabia estate are both practical tbh.

Not really....been, done it all and till doing it. If they have already bought a buggy then bring it with you when testing.
I wouldn't be starting off in an estate for 1 child, not when a Golf/A4 etc are all options.

Personally I would be going with the Crossover of some sort based on the requirements. Cars are dead its just taking a while to work them out of the system,. (Please note I still have a car :-) )

Cooled1 · 08-06-2021 7:23pm

ineedeuro wrote: »

An estate maybe if you have 3-4 kids and you might need the space. For one kid a standard Crossover/car would be more than meet the requirements.

The Skokia attached, I wouldn't do it to my worst enemy. Not saying a Qashqai is anything spectacular but that thing is awful. Jesus the interior would just depress the happiest person in the World

That skoda is a brutal looking thing, cant believe its only 8 years old, looks like something from the late 90s. The qashqai is a good call.

brian_gall85 · 08-06-2021 8:12pm

Think we are missing the one key thing in all this, the OPs budget.

He says he's broke AF, is that early 00s Yaris broke or mid 2010s broke?

A lot will depend on that.

TP_CM · 08-06-2021 8:22pm

biddyearley wrote: »

Congrats!
Please avoid the "baby on board" sign.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/qBkAAOSwjVVVsu9F/s-l300.jpg

I want to get one of these. For some reason everyone thinks it's an attempt to change the way another person is driving. I never understood that. To me it's explaining why I myself is driving so slowly or cautiously.

Yourmama · 08-06-2021 8:35pm

ineedeuro wrote:

Apart from that after a couple of weeks you will understand why the World is moving towards Crossovers. Don't get stuck into a car because of recommendations around here.

Don't want to derail the topic but can you tell me why world is leaning towards crossovers? I'm struggling big time on this, and can't really see this happening outside Ireland.

Andrewf20 · 08-06-2021 10:58pm

With 1 sprog, I did extensive research and landed on getting a 2007 auris back in 2016. 1.4 petrol. It has a timing chain with no change interval for peace of mind. We were doing low mileage so no need for diesel. Car was perfect as roof line was reasonably high for lifting baby in and out. Car was fairly jammers for holidays but we could always pack stuff in.

Car was slow and handling was not enthusiastic but reliable and cheap as chips to own. Its too small if planning more kids.

Outkast_IRE · 08-06-2021 11:02pm

Crossovers in many cases are not much bigger than hatchbacks , just higher .

colm_mcm · 08-06-2021 11:03pm

Yourmama wrote: »

Don't want to derail the topic but can you tell me why world is leaning towards crossovers? I'm struggling big time on this, and can't really see this happening outside Ireland.

It’s happening globally.

High driving position, high roofline, easy to get kids in and out of, good for bad backs, kids love them, they’re fashionable, manufacturers like them because they can charge more and the playing field is levelled for up and coming brands compared to traditional sectors like family hatch and exec saloon that have long term class leaders they’ll never beat.

mankteln · 08-06-2021 11:31pm

TP_CM wrote: »

I want to get one of these. For some reason everyone thinks it's an attempt to change the way another person is driving. I never understood that. To me it's explaining why I myself is driving so slowly or cautiously.

This was why I got one as soon as I could! Felt bad crawling along without any explanation. And of course the actual reason is so if involved in an accident the first responders know there's a baby in the car (that's why you should put it on the side where the car seat is, to guide them)

phantasmagoria · 09-06-2021 3:09am

biddyearley wrote: »

Congrats!
Please avoid the "baby on board" sign.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/qBkAAOSwjVVVsu9F/s-l300.jpg

Thanks....yeah I don't like those signs!

phantasmagoria · 09-06-2021 3:10am

Full licence for a couple of years but no insurance record in the country as no need for a car previous.

phantasmagoria · 09-06-2021 3:11am

BronsonTB wrote: »

Car suggestion: Toyota Yaris

Have you any no claims driving history in the last 2 years?
Have you a full car licence?
Both of these answers will depend on the ease to insure anything.

No insurance record but full licence.

phantasmagoria · 09-06-2021 3:16am

brian_gall85 wrote: »

Think we are missing the one key thing in all this, the OPs budget.

He says he's broke AF, is that early 00s Yaris broke or mid 2010s broke?

A lot will depend on that.

I'd say mid 2010s broke

phantasmagoria · 09-06-2021 3:18am

TP_CM wrote: »

I want to get one of these. For some reason everyone thinks it's an attempt to change the way another person is driving. I never understood that. To me it's explaining why I myself is driving so slowly or cautiously.

Aye, good point. I find the amount of impatience on the road to be mind blowing. Usually somebody going nuts when you are on the speed limit!

phantasmagoria · 09-06-2021 3:21am

Andrewf20 wrote: »

With 1 sprog, I did extensive research and landed on getting a 2007 auris back in 2016. 1.4 petrol. It has a timing chain with no change interval for peace of mind. We were doing low mileage so no need for diesel. Car was perfect as roof line was reasonably high for lifting baby in and out. Car was fairly jammers for holidays but we could always pack stuff in.

Car was slow and handling was not enthusiastic but reliable and cheap as chips to own. Its too small if planning more kids.

Yeah, probably going to be one more max and relatively soon...

Effects · 09-06-2021 4:03am

ineedeuro wrote: »

Electric is cheap

Electric cars aren't cheap.

triona1 · 09-06-2021 4:59am

phantasmagoria wrote:

So my wife just had a baby. She mentioned that she wants a car for the transportation of the little guy. I'm not into driving at all. Looking for advice based on the following elements:

It just popped out
(The baby) of the blue so now you want a cheap reliable car? aye sir can see how that took probably a few months to notice you may need a car that you don't want to drive,lucky girl.

Recliner · 09-06-2021 5:38am

mankteln wrote: »

This was why I got one as soon as I could! Felt bad crawling along without any explanation. And of course the actual reason is so if involved in an accident the first responders know there's a baby in the car (that's why you should put it on the side where the car seat is, to guide them)

Why does having a baby or child on board make you crawl?? I've never understand this. Surely if you are a competent and safe driver before having a baby why should your driving style change?
I can understand having one of those signs in case of an accident but crawling along whilst driving can be dangerous to other road users also.

Anyway, I'm derailing the thread.

mankteln · 09-06-2021 7:32am

Recliner wrote: »

Why does having a baby or child on board make you crawl?? I've never understand this. Surely if you are a competent and safe driver before having a baby why should your driving style change?
I can understand having one of those signs in case of an accident but crawling along whilst driving can be dangerous to other road users also.

Anyway, I'm derailing the thread.

Yeah I was overstating it as I'd still go at or around the limit once it's safe with the baby in the car but as another poster pointed out that's often not enough for some people on Irish roads.
You're driving style definitely changes to be more cautious to reflect your conscious that you've a vulnerable being in the back that you need to protect. You want to leave yourself time to react to what other road users might do. On our second trip out with our child (first week, trip back into hospital) a few weeks ago I came around a bend to be faced with a car overtaking just before it, I was going 78 (it's an 80 road) and had to slam on my brakes to stop a head on collision, if I'd been going over the limit it may well have been another story. There was a Garda car behind me and they turned around immediately so hoping whoever it was got pulled, I could have murdered him for putting my child in danger by overtaking on a blind bend.
Also bear in mind new parents might not have had that much sleep so reaction times might not be on par with usual! I personally stayed away from driving as much as possible unless absolutely essential (like that trip).

ineedeuro · 09-06-2021 8:37am

Effects wrote: »

Electric cars aren't cheap.

Yes they are....if in your budget

ineedeuro · 09-06-2021 8:40am

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

Crossovers in many cases are not much bigger than hatchbacks , just higher .

Yes I agree, it’s the height that makes the difference.

ineedeuro · 09-06-2021 8:47am

Yourmama wrote: »

Don't want to derail the topic but can you tell me why world is leaning towards crossovers? I'm struggling big time on this, and can't really see this happening outside Ireland.

The likes of VW have stopped selling cars in the US because they only buy Crossover/SUV. the Mondeo is been pulled because nobody is buying anymore, the icon Ford card for 40 years.

The Camry which was launched by Toyota, flopped compared to the new Rav

It’s happening all over the World and ireland is just following. In a few years you might be able to buy very few cars unless they are specialist

fits · 09-06-2021 10:11am

Id take an estate car any day over a crossover. I hate the qashqais. But the height is convenient alright.

Recently test drove Volvo V60 and Skoda Octavia estates and they are both lovely cars. But I do a lot of driving and OP does not.

Andrewf20 · 09-06-2021 1:37pm

phantasmagoria wrote: »

Yeah, probably going to be one more max and relatively soon...

We have 2 kids. Now have a 2009 1.8 Petrol Ford c max. Best car I ever bought. Still doing low mileage so petrol makes sense. Old style and bought for 3k with 2 year nct and 71k miles in 2018. Boot is actually slightly bigger than new style. 1.8 has reasonable poke (125bhp). 1.8s are rare, alot more 1.6s on donedeal so might be slow with 100bhp. Tax on both engines the same at 570eu.

Superb reliability since we got it. Simple engines (non turbo) but obviously thirstier than diesel. Get about 500km for 50 eu with mixed driving.

Nct is just out but something like:
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2008-ford-c-max-0830131033/28326536

Also, https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/ford-c-max-1-8-ghia/25783727

I'd recommend a high up roof as your back would be half broken lifting kids in and out of car seats in a saloon. Especially if there are tantrums and the like to deal with. Some car seats are very tall and may struggle to fit into some small saloons like a BMW 3 series.

ineedeuro · 09-06-2021 5:10pm

Andrewf20 wrote: »

We have 2 kids. Now have a 2009 1.8 Petrol Ford c max. Best car I ever bought. Still doing low mileage so petrol makes sense. Old style and bought for 3k with 2 year nct and 71k miles in 2018. Boot is actually slightly bigger than new style. 1.8 has reasonable poke (125bhp). 1.8s are rare, alot more 1.6s on donedeal so might be slow with 100bhp. Tax on both engines the same at 570eu.

Superb reliability since we got it. Simple engines (non turbo) but obviously thirstier than diesel. Get about 500km for 50 eu with mixed driving.

Nct is just out but something like:
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2008-ford-c-max-0830131033/28326536

Also, https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/ford-c-max-1-8-ghia/25783727

I'd recommend a high up roof as your back would be half broken lifting kids in and out of car seats in a saloon. Especially if there are tantrums and the like to deal with. Some car seats are very tall and may struggle to fit into some small saloons like a BMW 3 series.

You can't beat a Ford for family cars. The SMAX and Galaxy are excellent as well. The C-Max in this case would be excellent choice.

Pain in the rear end trying to reach across a child in a 3 series/A4 etc plugging in the seat buckle when they move into a booster seat.

Most of the car seats swivel now as well so with a higher car you are putting the small ones directly in, no bending back etc.....as you say when in full tantrum mode that is worth its weight in gold....otherwise you should expect a couple of digs in the head from a foot

Andrewf20 · 09-06-2021 7:17pm

ineedeuro wrote: »

You can't beat a Ford for family cars. The SMAX and Galaxy are excellent as well. The C-Max in this case would be excellent choice.

Pain in the rear end trying to reach across a child in a 3 series/A4 etc plugging in the seat buckle when they move into a booster seat.

Most of the car seats swivel now as well so with a higher car you are putting the small ones directly in, no bending back etc.....as you say when in full tantrum mode that is worth its weight in gold....otherwise you should expect a couple of digs in the head from a foot

Agreed. There's enough lifting of young kids without the ergo issues of cars.

I did a ton of research on cars and landed on this one. It's amazing how much you save on buying the older model even though it essentially the same as the newer version. 2010, newer model petrol c Max's were selling for 6-7k for similar mileage and condition. Made little sense. I always think that the last of a model is probably a safer bet as any teething issues / recalls with the model of car would be fixed by the manufacturer.

And non turbo petrols are almost unheard of now on more modern baby wagons. Dieselville everywhere.

Just note, the middle seat in the back in narrower than the 2 outer seats but it's still wide enough to be comfortable for an adult for a long journey.

Just had a baby - car required for that reason. Advice sought.

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