OT - Looking for a fun family car

GrateEggspectations

The time has likely come for me to get rid of my beloved track-packed Mustang GT in favour of a more practical, family-appropriate alternative. I anticipate a tearful goodbye this spring. 

Given the big adjustment in this regard, I’d like a good balance between something big enough to accommodate a family of four and something that’s still got some pep and is fun to drive. I live in a climate of extremes - hot, humid summers and long, bitterly cold, snow-deluged winters. All wheel drive ain’t a bad idea. Would be a plus if my new whip didn’t break the bank. 

In light of the above, I was contemplating a Subaru - likely the 3.6R Outback (unless I can convince my wife the WRX is big enough. ).

Anyone got any alternatives that I should be considering? Just doing my research now so that I can pounce once I see a good deal - as I did with my Mustang. 

Thanks all!

alaskanassasin

Crew cab f150 platinum 

GrateEggspectations

alaskanassasin said:

Crew cab f150 platinum 

Lol. Might be a bit too much of a jump for me. Plus, my petite wife may not love having to drive a massive vehicle from time to time. 

northGAcock

Have the Outback myself. Can’t name a better option. Get the drivers assist. 

GrateEggspectations

northGAcock said:

Have the Outback myself. Can’t name a better option. Get the drivers assist. 

Did you go 2.5 or 3.6? While economical on gas, I worry the 2.5 will leave me wanting.

Mickey

The new Toyota Supra just came out. The first one brought $2.3m but they will start below $50k for the rest. 

GrateEggspectations

@Mickey: Trying to move away from a two-door coupe. 

Eggdicted_Dawgfan

Panamera

GrateEggspectations

Thanks for all the practical suggestions guys! 

Actually, my B-I-L has the 707 hp Jeep Trackhawk, which would fit the bill nicely we’re it not for the price tag. 

Mdames501

I feel your pain. I’m gearing up to sell my California special GT soon as well. I inherited my dads 69 Chevy pickup so I still have a toy but I do love the mustang 

GrateEggspectations

Mdames501 said:

I feel your pain. I’m gearing up to sell my California special GT soon as well. I inherited my dads 69 Chevy pickup so I still have a toy but I do love the mustang 

Funny - your profile has me thinking you’d be riding a real Mustang, rather than the mechanical variety. 

Mdames501

Wasn’t room for my dog on the horse. So traded it in 

CPFC1905

BMW X5 with a big lump up front, petrol or diesel.  M-spec can ride a bit hard though.  Nicer to drive then the RR Sport, in my opinion.  

northGAcock

GrateEggspectations said:

northGAcock said:

Have the Outback myself. Can’t name a better option. Get the drivers assist. 

Did you go 2.5 or 3.6? While economical on gas, I worry the 2.5 will leave me wanting.

2.5.....with all wheel has plenty of power. If you are going to pull heave loads....jump up. Otherwise the 2.5 will bring joy.

lousubcap

Only suggestion here is to keep the Mustang and add to your stable. 

ryantt

Idk what your budget is but my wife like her CTS V.  It’s fast as heck and fun to drive.  Back seat is big enough for a couple of kids.   Other than that I’m a big VW fan so the Golf GTI is fun or the Golf R if you can swing it.  

YEMTrey

Jstroke

If you are looking at the Subaru, in the 6 cylinder, I just went through this exact process with essentially the same criteria. Fun, all wheel drive, a little zip, enough room for kids and gear. Here’s the list I looked in my order of preference

Acura MDX
Toyota Highlander
Honda Pilot
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Sorento
Subaru Outback

Dont know your budget. They all come with 6 Cylinders. They all have AWD and all drive fairly sporty for what it is. 

WeberWho

I know Chevrolet didn't sell many but the SS is very much under appreciated. Rear wheel drive, 0-60 under 5 seconds, manual transmission, room for 5, and has a subtle look to it. Something that's not going to get you pulled for speeding because of the way it looks. I think they discontinued them in 2017. I think they might be possibly collector cars one day. They sold less than 12,000 total. 

It reminds me of the 1996 Impala SS (My dream car) I like the big family cruisers. 

https://youtu.be/QfJjH4oZDTA

littlerascal56

We can't go back to a car, as they are just too hard to get in and out of. And there are 2 child seats in the back for the grandkids.  Had great luck with our Acura MDX, and probably should have bought another one. WIfe drives a Lincoln MKX now, and it just turned 27K on the odometer.  She has been looking at the Audi's and Infinities for her nex SUV.

johnmitchell

Calling @fishlessman... He can swing a sweet deal on a R Rover..

TEXASBGE2018

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, or as above a BMW X5. The outback is also good but slow as molasses even in the 3.6. I would also recommend if you aren’t towing, a Lexus RX fsport. If towing the GX460 is awesome. I dunno what you mean by not breaking the bank but the certified preowned bmw’s and Lexus are amazing deals.

nolaegghead

OP asks for car suggestions, gets a bunch SUV and trucks suggested.  Welcome to forum-think.

TEXASBGE2018

nolaegghead said:

OP asks for car suggestions, gets a bunch SUV and trucks suggested.  Welcome to forum-think.

That’s because for the large majority of people there are pretty much zero cars left still being manufactured that appeal to them. Why do you think all the automobile manufactures are switching over to 95% crossovers and suvs. It’s because A) there is more profit for them, and B ) nobody wants a car when they can get a crossover with more utility and the same mpg.

GrateEggspectations

nolaegghead said:

OP asks for car suggestions, gets a bunch SUV and trucks suggested.  Welcome to forum-think.

I actually meant “vehicle,” but erred my haste. 

Cornholio

nolaegghead said:

OP asks for car suggestions, gets a bunch SUV and trucks suggested.  Welcome to forum-think.

He didn’t say SUVs were off the table, there’s not a lot of sedan options these days.  

TEXASBGE2018

I miss the days of fun to drive family cars. Per nola’s statement, If a car is specifically what you are wanting then anything from BMW or Audi are probably the only “fun” family sedans left. MAybe a couple of the infiniti models or a Lexus GX

GrateEggspectations

I had considered a Charger RT, but I am not entirely convinced it will give me enough room. 

etherdome

Acura MDX all wheel drive

unoriginalusername

Eggdicted_Dawgfan said:

Panamera

Not a bad suggestion. Used ones go for less than any other Porsche of the same age/mileage 

surprisingly spacious and still fun 

Slippy

Jeeps are fun.