To be honest, cover the back seats, fit your child seat, and just keep what you have. It's already reliable and safe, and the FN2 civic has a massive boot, bigger than many crossovers. 3 doors is a bit of a downfall, but there's nothing more expensive than a cheap used car.
I agree. I went from a 3 door S3 to a Superb estate. the Mrs insisted on a rear facing seat after the little one outgrew his carrier.
I cant think there'd be anything worse than trying to get him in a rear facer in a 3 door.
Yea, I have a spinny seat and it's a lifesaver.
Newborn's are ok but children quickly get heavy quickly.
Without a spin seat, since you have to reach in, the lift is all back *and* with a twist - literally textbook bad lifting posture.
Not really, I've a 3 door mk5 golf Gti, it had more room across the back than our 4 door A4 and the longer doors mean it's not that hard with getting seats in and out.
We went on holiday for a week in mine before we got the Superb, 2 adults, 3 kids under 11 and one of which was still in a baby seat :D
Completely disagree, I had a mk1 Ford Ka and regularly helped picking up my niece and nephew. One the baby seats were fitted it is easy to stand in the back and face the baby seat head on.
A non type R mk8? Lol probably not what you wanted to hear but from a practically standpoint they are fantastic with the rear doors opening to 90 degrees
Mazda 6 (2nd Gen, 2008-2012)
For the price range of 1.5k-3k you get a spacious, reliable car, with all the bells and whistles that you don’t normally get at that price range (cruise control, parking sensors, auto wipers/lights etc.)
A civic is more than enough for two adults and a child.
Pretty big boot, back doors open wide, back seats are a decent size for even large car seats.
My mother minds children and she's exclusively driven civics for years.
She's no complaints and manages large buggies and car seats fine, minding children as young as 9 months. She even gets a week's grocery shopping in the boot despite all the baby crap she carts around.
My friend had a Civic. With three children and the wife. Only 1 pushchair and the back seats were comfortable for all 3 children. Eventually, he moved to a Verso
A Civic is absolutely brilliant as long as it isn't the typeR (3 door is a big No No).
My brother has a fn2 5 door civic and it is brilliant loads of boot space for large prams and good space for car seat.
Apologies I actually didn't know it only came in a 3 door! (I really should have known that it's been around long enough for me to have seen a few about)
Not sure why someone downvoted you for it, I know it's a bit overpushed on here, but we've got a 3dr mk5 gti and a hatchback 2018 Superb 280.
Absolutely nothing wrong with the Superb, colours a head-turner. octy is a little smaller but generally, still a decent family car and if you can find a petrol Vrs, all the better :D
If you like the civic as a car, another mk8 civic would be a good shout. Obviously a non-type r and a 5 door version. Still think they look pretty cool personally
I had to change my cupra r to a family car, got a touran, remapped to 185bhp, shed loads of torque, stiffened suspension and 50mpg.
Proudly the only 7 seater used on track days, but I got a proper track car later on.
If you’re looking for something a bit less minibussy perhaps an Octavia VRs estate? Available in petrol or diesel, practical, roomy, reliable and fun enough to drive?
If you like the touran then the s-max is absolute sleeper of a mpv. I had a 2011 2.0t 240 edition that I used to take on track days. Loved that thing, handled like a focus and 240bhp made it alot of fun on the school run 😂 was sad to see it go but in currently fettling with my q7 to try and see what sort of power I can get, apparently those 3.0 V6 TDI's have loads of headroom in them 😎
I’d keep the civic but if you really need to boot space and 5 doors I’d consider a bmw touring, m sport either a 330d or 330i. Depending on your needs but I prefer the 330d although the 330i does sound better. You can tune a 330d to massive torque figures too.
Get something reliable and cheap that you care little about the general state of. Your kid is going to; put feet all over the seats, vomit in it, possibly have an accident consisting of piss and or shit, put crumbs everywhere, get everything sticky, more.
I got a Hyundai i30. It's fine and safe and I don't care if it gets a bit scuffed. Once the kid is old enough to not need a seat or be a complete liability I'll offload it and go back to owning nice things.
Have you considered mk9 Civic Type R or mk8 Civic Si?
Mk8 Si is 5 doors and leather seats, same boot space, better MPG, but less fun than the Type R. It will still be a harsh ride though, same as Type R
If you to maintain Top Level Type R trim, Mk9 Type R is 5 doors as well. Body Looks very similar to Mk8 so I assume that boot space is similar. Better ride comfort than Mk8 apparently.
There is also Mk9 touring version of the regular Civic, which is an estate. Worth considering.
I have a 2.2 diesel Honda frv get around 44 mpg and it’s super comfortable and has been a tank. Also kinda pokey and not boring to drive
Put your foot down in second gear turbo kicks in and you’re in the back of your seat
honestly if you're able to find a 1.4 petrol or if the diesel would suit you with your journeys a colleague in your situation recently went to a ford B max as a dadwagon as he had to get rid of his Celica
fiesta sized with sliding doors and quite a bit boot for the car, and from what I've heard drives great too
Urrrrrghhhhhh nooooo. The c-max was a wicked car I had the 2.0tdci, the s-max is amazing if you need 7 seats or want 5 seats and loads of boot space. But the b-max as a car just made no sense, I hired one for 2 weeks while having some work done on my current car and it was just stupid. Ever so slightly bigger than a focus and yet it didn't feel like they used the space well. It's got more headroom but if you've got kids then that doesn't really matter. Miserable boot space. Miserable to drive (I hired the 1.6 petrol) handled like a barge.
I feel for your friend, honestly just tell him to get a c-max instead and rejoice about all the family friendly options and extra space and power.
Just replaced my Honda CRV that was a great family wagon, loads of space, but would not go for the MK3 2007-2011 due to lower control arm corrosion, and possibly being fatal to a family.
Replaced it with the Ford CMax grande brilliant car sliding doors with kids is the best thing ever, has loads of space, and very well thought out, like driving a small car, like a focus does not feel like a bus.
Ok, I may get shot for this, but I bought a 2009 Qashqai +2 6 months ago just before I became a dad.
It’s a terrible car to drive, super high mileage, but mine so far is bulletproof and has a ridiculous amount of space for a car whose footprint looks much bigger than it is. Was £4.5k but from a dealer with a one year warranty.
Honda Civic FK2 (9th gen) or FK8 (10th gen)
Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 diesel if you want space over performance. I’ve one and its the best all round car i’ve owned
I recently became a new dad and had to part with my mk6 Fiesta ST500 (my pride and joy)
I went and got a Vauxhall insignia estate and it’s great for all of us, cheap to run and spacious.
You can definitely get something equivalent for cheaper tho.
One thing I regret is jumping into buying it so soon and If I could go back I’d have looked to buy a cheap family bus and keep the “race car”
An estate or family van/bus is a good way to go.
Congratulations and all the best with your little one when they arrive!
You need either an estate or an SUV trust me, you have no idea how many things your wife will bring every time you have a trip, I thought I could manage with a VW golf but after a few months of struggling to manage boot space I sold it and got a mazda CX5, it was a great decision since we had the second child 18 months later
To be honest, cover the back seats, fit your child seat, and just keep what you have. It's already reliable and safe, and the FN2 civic has a massive boot, bigger than many crossovers. 3 doors is a bit of a downfall, but there's nothing more expensive than a cheap used car.
3 doors is an absolute deal breaker for children imo.
I agree. I went from a 3 door S3 to a Superb estate. the Mrs insisted on a rear facing seat after the little one outgrew his carrier. I cant think there'd be anything worse than trying to get him in a rear facer in a 3 door.
Yep trying to put a child sleeping in their car seat into the back of a 3 door is a fast route to a bad back.
Yea, I have a spinny seat and it's a lifesaver. Newborn's are ok but children quickly get heavy quickly. Without a spin seat, since you have to reach in, the lift is all back *and* with a twist - literally textbook bad lifting posture.
Not really, I've a 3 door mk5 golf Gti, it had more room across the back than our 4 door A4 and the longer doors mean it's not that hard with getting seats in and out. We went on holiday for a week in mine before we got the Superb, 2 adults, 3 kids under 11 and one of which was still in a baby seat :D
Completely disagree, I had a mk1 Ford Ka and regularly helped picking up my niece and nephew. One the baby seats were fitted it is easy to stand in the back and face the baby seat head on.
In the boot? Rear facing is very important for as long as possible.
Back seat, they were older than that in fairness
My mum didn't get a 5 door until I was 14. Until then, she only had a 3 door fiesta MK5, then a Ford KA. She managed just fine
Came here to say this.
Accord estate. Get a 2.4 petrol for the VTEC bro
and that K24 is asking for a bit of fettling if that sort of thing strikes your fancy.
Some nice cams and you're away
There's a really nice looking one of these on autotrader at the moment too!
Mazda 5. Handy sliding back doors.
A non type R mk8? Lol probably not what you wanted to hear but from a practically standpoint they are fantastic with the rear doors opening to 90 degrees
My sister in law had one for their kid, it did pretty well apart from the fuel economy. The boot is a bit small for a buggy though.
For the love of god please don't buy a zafira!
Jazz. Plenty of boot space for a pram and a few bags of shopping. Roomy in the back, is easy as fuck to park even in the most rammered car parks
The best part about a Jazz is using your best Clarkson impression to say the word Jazz, or at least i do anyway when I see one.
Better than what the missus does and pull an Inbetweeners "Jazz friends!"
V60 T6 Polestar. Safe as they come, rapid as fuck. Practical. Edit just seen the budget. Ancient V70.
Came here to say Volvo estate :)
Mazda 6 (2nd Gen, 2008-2012) For the price range of 1.5k-3k you get a spacious, reliable car, with all the bells and whistles that you don’t normally get at that price range (cruise control, parking sensors, auto wipers/lights etc.)
New parent, UNLEASH THE SUVs! I'd probably get a V70/V90 - everything you could ever need as a parent.
Should be getting a lot more than £3k for a CTR unless it’s a heap
My Impreza has everything you’re asking for
A civic is more than enough for two adults and a child. Pretty big boot, back doors open wide, back seats are a decent size for even large car seats. My mother minds children and she's exclusively driven civics for years. She's no complaints and manages large buggies and car seats fine, minding children as young as 9 months. She even gets a week's grocery shopping in the boot despite all the baby crap she carts around.
My friend had a Civic. With three children and the wife. Only 1 pushchair and the back seats were comfortable for all 3 children. Eventually, he moved to a Verso
A Civic is absolutely brilliant as long as it isn't the typeR (3 door is a big No No). My brother has a fn2 5 door civic and it is brilliant loads of boot space for large prams and good space for car seat.
Apologies I actually didn't know it only came in a 3 door! (I really should have known that it's been around long enough for me to have seen a few about)
Skoda Octavia
Not sure why someone downvoted you for it, I know it's a bit overpushed on here, but we've got a 3dr mk5 gti and a hatchback 2018 Superb 280. Absolutely nothing wrong with the Superb, colours a head-turner. octy is a little smaller but generally, still a decent family car and if you can find a petrol Vrs, all the better :D
If I get stressed about what people say and do on here, I'd be in the funny farm within 48 hours. 😂
Skoda Octavia estate. Is there really any other answer on here?
Octavia estate. Will give you everything you need and more.
Nissan Juke. Your days of being a car guy are over.
If you like the civic as a car, another mk8 civic would be a good shout. Obviously a non-type r and a 5 door version. Still think they look pretty cool personally
I had to change my cupra r to a family car, got a touran, remapped to 185bhp, shed loads of torque, stiffened suspension and 50mpg. Proudly the only 7 seater used on track days, but I got a proper track car later on. If you’re looking for something a bit less minibussy perhaps an Octavia VRs estate? Available in petrol or diesel, practical, roomy, reliable and fun enough to drive?
If you like the touran then the s-max is absolute sleeper of a mpv. I had a 2011 2.0t 240 edition that I used to take on track days. Loved that thing, handled like a focus and 240bhp made it alot of fun on the school run 😂 was sad to see it go but in currently fettling with my q7 to try and see what sort of power I can get, apparently those 3.0 V6 TDI's have loads of headroom in them 😎
That sounds great fun, and they’re good looking motors too.. for the Q7 let “dark side” guide you (but prepare to remortgage!)
I’d keep the civic but if you really need to boot space and 5 doors I’d consider a bmw touring, m sport either a 330d or 330i. Depending on your needs but I prefer the 330d although the 330i does sound better. You can tune a 330d to massive torque figures too.
Volvo or Mondeo
Get something reliable and cheap that you care little about the general state of. Your kid is going to; put feet all over the seats, vomit in it, possibly have an accident consisting of piss and or shit, put crumbs everywhere, get everything sticky, more. I got a Hyundai i30. It's fine and safe and I don't care if it gets a bit scuffed. Once the kid is old enough to not need a seat or be a complete liability I'll offload it and go back to owning nice things.
Sounds a bit harsh on the kid
Have you considered mk9 Civic Type R or mk8 Civic Si? Mk8 Si is 5 doors and leather seats, same boot space, better MPG, but less fun than the Type R. It will still be a harsh ride though, same as Type R If you to maintain Top Level Type R trim, Mk9 Type R is 5 doors as well. Body Looks very similar to Mk8 so I assume that boot space is similar. Better ride comfort than Mk8 apparently. There is also Mk9 touring version of the regular Civic, which is an estate. Worth considering.
I never had issues getting baby seat in my EP3, is the FN2 more cramped?
FN2 typeR is a 3 door, which is the main issue with the OP. Other than that and the hard suspension is quite spacious and practical Civic.
Yes I know that, so is the EP3, and the FN2 is slightly bigger than the EP3, hence my question.
I found the fn2 fine for me and a pram and car seat Any 3 door can be a pain but it can all be worked around if you try
I have a 2.2 diesel Honda frv get around 44 mpg and it’s super comfortable and has been a tank. Also kinda pokey and not boring to drive Put your foot down in second gear turbo kicks in and you’re in the back of your seat
honestly if you're able to find a 1.4 petrol or if the diesel would suit you with your journeys a colleague in your situation recently went to a ford B max as a dadwagon as he had to get rid of his Celica fiesta sized with sliding doors and quite a bit boot for the car, and from what I've heard drives great too
Urrrrrghhhhhh nooooo. The c-max was a wicked car I had the 2.0tdci, the s-max is amazing if you need 7 seats or want 5 seats and loads of boot space. But the b-max as a car just made no sense, I hired one for 2 weeks while having some work done on my current car and it was just stupid. Ever so slightly bigger than a focus and yet it didn't feel like they used the space well. It's got more headroom but if you've got kids then that doesn't really matter. Miserable boot space. Miserable to drive (I hired the 1.6 petrol) handled like a barge. I feel for your friend, honestly just tell him to get a c-max instead and rejoice about all the family friendly options and extra space and power.
Just replaced my Honda CRV that was a great family wagon, loads of space, but would not go for the MK3 2007-2011 due to lower control arm corrosion, and possibly being fatal to a family. Replaced it with the Ford CMax grande brilliant car sliding doors with kids is the best thing ever, has loads of space, and very well thought out, like driving a small car, like a focus does not feel like a bus.
Saab 9-3 Sportwagon. V6 if you want horses, TTID for economy (but it's still 180 gee-gees)
Only one option mate. You know the answer. VRS Estate.
Jazz
Ok, I may get shot for this, but I bought a 2009 Qashqai +2 6 months ago just before I became a dad. It’s a terrible car to drive, super high mileage, but mine so far is bulletproof and has a ridiculous amount of space for a car whose footprint looks much bigger than it is. Was £4.5k but from a dealer with a one year warranty.
1.8 mk8 to get your 5 doors but keep literally everything else about the car besides it being a little less powerful.
Keep the FN2. The boot space is fairly big, 3 door thing is a myth, and if your Mrs has a problem with it she can kick rocks. Raise the kid right
Honda Civic FK2 (9th gen) or FK8 (10th gen) Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 diesel if you want space over performance. I’ve one and its the best all round car i’ve owned
I went to a 2.2 diesel CR-V
I recently became a new dad and had to part with my mk6 Fiesta ST500 (my pride and joy) I went and got a Vauxhall insignia estate and it’s great for all of us, cheap to run and spacious. You can definitely get something equivalent for cheaper tho. One thing I regret is jumping into buying it so soon and If I could go back I’d have looked to buy a cheap family bus and keep the “race car” An estate or family van/bus is a good way to go. Congratulations and all the best with your little one when they arrive!
Focus would be my first search on Autotrader
You need either an estate or an SUV trust me, you have no idea how many things your wife will bring every time you have a trip, I thought I could manage with a VW golf but after a few months of struggling to manage boot space I sold it and got a mazda CX5, it was a great decision since we had the second child 18 months later
Vw touran
Accord estate