Baby friendly suggestions.

[Brassler07 0]

I would say used Vovlo S60 T5 OR S80 T6. BOTH very safe cars and have a good amount of cargo room. Not to mention the T5 and T6 are pretty damn fast.

[chrismcdonald12 0]

The used diesel excursions are sexcellent trucks. The used prices are wonderful.

[Tirefryr 1,742]

I hadn't planned on the Neon, I just threw it out there as it was offered to me very cheap.

As for fuel, well, I don't pay for fuel, so costs are not a concern in that area. Besides, the Cobra is very fuel efficient if I don't get on it all the time. I averaged 32mpg at 75mph once on a road trip, and that was with the 4:10s.

I really am not concerned about performance anymore. Really. I just want something for my son to be safe in and well, the only vehicles I own are Mustangs and a single cab truck.

Anyways, I'm looking at a very nice Jaguar X-type with AWD for an extremely attractive price. It's roomy, quite, comfortable, low miles, and well, it's cheap. Just gotta check on insurance.

I've also found a lot of newer Explorers that are fairly cheap, as well as some newer crew cab pickups.

[rugdnit 1]

I'll throw my hat in for Toyota, since I recently converted to a 2005 Tacoma. Obviously that might be out of your price range, but the previous gen was nice as well. Try looking into a 00-04 Double cab. It'll be a short bed (5ft?) but it's a truck and that gen got good gas mileage even with the 3.4L V6.

The 2004's are priced a little high, but you may be able to scoop one up cheap as the 2009's get released.

X2.... definitely liking the Toyota. that is my next ride for work. perfect balance of what i need. good size, decent mileage and room for samples.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Ryan, I did a piece for Momentum a while back on the S40 T5 AWD. Monster trunk, very safe. high quality materials, decent scoot. quite ride, seats were a little firm, but all in all a solid car and if you have a 2nd baby seat, the 4 doors and AWD is a nice feature to have. Not to mention they can be had in manual too. If not, an A4 Avant would be sweet.

[///M5 2,833]

I have heard (with no facts to back it up other than from a dumb beyotch who had ridiculous problems with hers) that the X-types are maintenance nightmares. I really know nothing of them and figure that you would do a bit of research anyways, but since one of the w's work colleagues has had tons of issues with hers I wanted to throw that out there.

I still think an 02'ish A6 with the 3.0L would fit what you are looking for very well.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

I like the A6 idea too.

[///M5 2,833]

Super safe, HUGE trunk, reasonably quick, AWD, good gas mileage (requires prem. though ), looks good, reliable with only a few quirks.

Quirks:

-Expensive trannies

-expensive front end to align if you start to spit components

-occasionally leaky rear seals, although they have mostly not been an issue with the 3.0L but plagued the 2.8

Just watch for those things in purchasing and you should be set.

[///M5 2,833]

I suppose I should add it is exactly why we bought one, the w wanted something safe for a baby.

[Tirefryr 1,742]

Ever since I was looking at my boss's A4, I've really liked Audis. Done a ton of research on the A4, but haven't looked into any of their other offerings.

i did some research on the Jag and came up with the same things you typed.

Went looking at some Explorers today and came to the conclusion that if I'm going to spend the money on an SUV, I can get a truck and do more with it. I'm not a truck person though, and would like to stay with a car. I'll have to look into the A6. I do like the newer S4s, but they are too pricey for me.

[Chevy350TPI 12]

I really like the S4's.

I'll tell you that I really enjoyed driving the A4 and A6 both Aaron and Sean suggested when I was looking to buy.

[mikecdm 0]

I'd look into a wagon, but something euro. Maybe an A4 Avant Quattro or A6, if you got the extra loot an S4 Avant would be very nice. They look cool and you would still have the room you need for the child, tools, and stroller. Maybe a volvo, 3 series, or even a Wrx/Saab would be cool and I think better than a neon. A 4dr gti would be cool too.

Edited May 14, 2008 by mikecdm

[chrismcdonald12 0]

the Xtype is a awd ford contour with nightmares worth of trouble. lol

[audio-neon 34]

I'd look into a wagon, but something euro. Maybe an A4 Avant Quattro or A6, if you got the extra loot an S4 Avant would be very nice. They look cool and you would still have the room you need for the child, tools, and stroller. Maybe a volvo, 3 series, or even a Wrx/Saab would be cool and I think better than a neon. A 4dr gti would be cool too.

I see a lot of bashing on the srt-4. They have a rather large trunk for a compact car. I used to have a 1 year old riding around in my 98 (remember the one with the show trunk) and I could still get a stroller in there without rubbing any of my audio equipment. The srt-4 seats are a little harsh, the cars are fun. Quick and cheap to repair. They handle impacts very well and are also undefeated (or atleast they still were in 05/06) in snow racing.

Personally I will be picking up a brand new Jeep Patriot for well under your budget. I'm also a fan of the audi a6 route. A bmw 5 series, or even a infinity I30 all seem to fit the bill pretty well, as well.

[franz777000 0]

I dont know what to suggest but try a bigger car or maybe an SUV...

[lilblacky 0]

yall are probably going to dog me for it... but i got a 2004 hyundai sonata, never had a problem with it, has a huge trunk, fits in your price range, and doesnt look old... plus you can take off the hyundai logas and replace em with jag logos and say you drive a jaguar h-type =P

[///M5 2,833]

I say an old Lincoln Mark VIII

[Coolwazabi 0]

grand marquis ?

[Tirefryr 1,742]

I say an old Lincoln Mark VIII

Going to look at it next weekend. Hopefully, they'll still have it.

grand marquis ?

Had seriously considered this as well, but they have horrible re-sale.

Right now, it's between used Mark VIIIs and a new Fusion or CX-7.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

SHO ??

[Tirefryr 1,742]

SHO ??

I've done the Taurus, so no more for me.

[mrray13 30]

mini cooper clubman s

seriously, i think, lol.

room, performance, handling, gas mileage and fairly inexpensive.

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Tirefryr 1,742]

Not enough room, and frankly, smaller than I would be secure with putting my son in.

[mrray13 30]

i wouldn't be worried about the safety side of things, they are built solid as all hell. as for not enough room, well, can't really argue, although the clubman does have quite a bit for a small car.

but i thought what the hell, lol. i'd throw it out there.

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

SHO ??

I've done the Taurus, so no more for me.

I was half joking. But it seems like maybe a Fusion fresh off a lease might be the best thing with your goals.