Selling my R56, damn kids are too big to fit.

Yes, well I think I'm going to have to even though we have the RAV4. My kids are 6 and 8 and my son is growing like a weed so perhaps it's time to look for something bigger. My wife drives the RAV4 but if I need to get the kids somewhere and she has the car it's time to jam in the MINI. It doesn't help the MINI's case that I have intermittent CEL for O2 sensor but right now it's off again so time to think about a trade in. The MINI has 160km's and I think I might be riding the tight rope until a big repair comes along (can you say 'death rattle'). I'm thinking Subaru WRX hatchback, '08 and up or even just a Subaru Impreza hatchback, maybe even an Outback. I still have the Mustang for fun driving so perhaps even something more pedestrian but it would have to be stick. My budget is probably in the $10k range but it needs to be a 4 door or at least a larger coupe (Honda Accord V6 Coupe sounds nice). What do you think? Yes I know I have a problem and haven't really kept a daily longer than a year or so but his time it's for a good reason. I swear.

I took an accord coupe for a spin awhile ago,nice enough but entry to the rear is pretty cramped.

I say you need a 4 door something or another for another few yrs.

Forester xt, it's a lifted sti with a smaller turbo. Can even swap to Impreza struts and springs if you want it lower.

chiodos wrote: Forester xt, it's a lifted sti with a smaller turbo. Can even swap to Impreza struts and springs if you want it lower.

We used to have an '04 Forester XT, loved it but I'd love a manual ours was an automatic. It's on my list.

Mazda 3 or 6 (mazdaspeed 3 or 6?), Cobalt ss, civic si, g35 sedan, 3 series bmw

Charger with AWD?

Keep the car. Trade in the kids for smaller ones.

What the hell is an R56? Don't you people speak English?

bravenrace wrote: What the hell is an R56? Don't you people speak English?

2008 MINI Cooper base model. Don't even get me started on Honda speak.

Can you Popemobile the rear roof of the Mini or is it more of a legroom deal?

Man that looks comfy.

In reply to rustysteel:

I'm a Honda guy and I hate trying keep chassis codes straight.

Back to the original, definitely try a '12 or earlier Accord. I have spent time in multiple 7th gen cars and they are great. My wife has a 4cyl coupe. It eats up the curves better than a mid size FWD has any right to, but the auto has me crying for a stick when the road gets fun. Rear room should be sufficient for your kids, but only the passenger seat has a 1 touch fold up. I've also driven a v6 sedan. The power is stupid, but the extra weight over the front wheels numbs the handling.

rustysteel wrote:

chiodos wrote: Forester xt, it's a lifted sti with a smaller turbo. Can even swap to Impreza struts and springs if you want it lower.

We used to have an '04 Forester XT, loved it but I'd love a manual ours was an automatic. It's on my list.

The only problem with this idea is that everyone with a Forester XT manual seems to have discovered they are rare and they want the kind of cash that would get you into a late model WRX.

Mazda 5. Available with stick shift, plenty of room and you can find one in your price range. Plenty of suspension options available also.

I noticed today that Mini Clubman prices are way down, perhaps that's a way to keep the Mini and still fit the kids in the back.

I'm almost tempted to go completely in the opposite direction and look for the Landcruiser I've always wanted. That or a nice 4Runner. Got to stop watching 'Dirt Everyday', it's a bad influence.

Before we got our Ford Country Sedan (Flex), we drove a few Outbacks. What we discovered is the trouble with getting a used Subaru is a Subaru owner had it before you. They were full of retriever hair, scuffs, dings, just sort of cosmetically "used up."

I have a '89 Outback Sport, for 5 months of the year it is the perfect car. The AC repair is more than the car is worth. The road cinder/non salt stuff hides the parking lot dings collected when the car is parked n public. The ever constant dripping oil and coolant spots on the drive way are covered up by the icy stuff falling of the car after a trip to the store. Works out the car collects it's own "kitty litter". But with a fresh set of Firestone Winterforce tires, it's "awesome".