Thinking about a change

[NeilW]

Need some advice peeps. I'm not one to keep cars for very long. In fact, the longest was 2 years more through necessity than anything else.

Currently driving a Bora 130PD highline which is nice and practical, economical, comfy, blah blah blah etc.

Used to have a Leon Cupra 180bhp and then an LCR 225bhp. I sold the LCR just before we had our first child not for financial reasons especially, more for practical reasons. Softer suspension, more comfortable, don't care if it gets covered in baby crap etc.

But now I'm bored of the Bora. A neighbour has just picked up a red Mk2 Cupra and I am extremely jealous. Really disliked the new Leon when it first came out but I must admit it is growing on me.

I've driven a Mk2 Leon FR TDi although it was brand new so couldn't give it much stick. Apart from the tacky interior and way too big rear view mirror I couldn't find much else to dislike. But I am lusting after the Cupra!

Currently do 12K miles a year so Cupra shouldn't be too expensive to run. Do any of you MK2 Cupra owners have young kids? How is the ride for them? Any problems with baby car seats etc.? Is the boot big enough to swallow a weekends worth of prams, moses baskets, general baby stuff?

Or should I just go and buy an Audi Estate and get a hot hatch again when the kids are a bit older?

 

[Tom696]

I haven't got a Cupra but do have a MK2 Leon REF Sport, the ride is fine I can get 1 baby carrier and 2 child booster seats in the back and a doulble buggy in the boot but nothing else mind!!!

Hope this helps you to buy a Cupra!!!

 

[ghosty]

we've got an FR on 18's and the ride is firm, but i dont think its too bad personally. our little one is just over 1 and she hasnt complained about the ride

not had any probs with baby seats either, there are also 2 isofix fittings in the back. the boot is a good size, what you would expect from a hatchback so more space and practical than the equivalent sized saloon (bora/jetta). we can get a buggy and all our baby stuff in there without any problems. but if its space thats the main priority then you cant compare with an audi estate!

hope thats useful

 

[NeilW]

During the day space is not a problem as little one is with the missus when I am at work. I'm thinking more evenings and weekends away.

Is the Cupra too impractical / uncomfortable to transport a new baby (3 weeks old) around in or is it not an issue?

I only mentioned Audi A4 estate as seen a lot of them on the road with baby "sun blinds" in and boots full of pushchairs / toys etc.

Our other car is a MY06 Polo so that's not really an alternative for long journeys...

Am also considering 5 door Audi S3, 5 door Golf GTI, 5 door Megane 225 etc. (anyone spot a theme).

 

[seadragon]

Hehe I can see what you are on about, I was looking thru that same list myself, not the Audi though, out of my price range.

I think if you want value for money from the cars on your list then go for the Cupra, you wont regret it.

 

[NeilW]

Value for money is fairly important. 2 main factors, in order, are:-

1. Little Ella needs to be transported comfortably and safely.

2. Dad needs to have fun "hooning around" when Ella is tucked up at home.

How easily does a baby car seat fit in behind the Cupra's front seats. Is there much room for the front passenger with the baby in the back? The missus only just fits in the Bora when the baby is in the back and she's 5" 6' !

 

[Tom696]

I have the baby carrier behind me when he's in the car and i've loads of room

 

[seadragon]

You will get the best of both worlds from the Cupra, plus its got a better reputation than the Megane (originally 2nd on my list).

The new shape Leon has grown on me, I hated it at first.

I also had a OX Plat 225 and didnt think the new car would shape up and I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised. The 2nd big decision then is the colour, not an easy one.

 

[grayman]

I also had a Bora 130TDI Highline and changed it in May for a Leon 2.0TDI Sport.

Much prefer the handling, power and looks of the Leon but it's just not quite as comfortable and doing 12000 miles a year the relatively poor fuel consumption (50mpg compared to the 57mpg on the Bora) and tyre wear will push up running costs.

Still.....

 

[Pummy]

We sold both our Puntos for the Cupra specifically to transport the impending tot and so "Daddy" can hoon about with the boys. Mind you we do no more than 7k p.a.

Assuming 10k service schedule you will do 6 services in 5 years.

 

[j3ster]

Take your baby seat into the dealer with you and try it out - its the only way to check on leg room for yourself Neil

 

[Pummy]

Take your baby seat into the dealer with you and try it out - its the only way to check on leg room for yourself Neil

Remember to take an ISOFIX base if you have one also.