Suggestions for daily driver that can fit three car seats
 

I am looking for suggestions on an enjoyable daily driver that can fit three car seats. Right now I am looking at the Charger and the Magnum but I have no special attraction to the Dodge brand. I want something that doesn't totally suck (already have a mini-van) but I need something with more seats than the Miata if I need to pick the kids up for some reason. Even something like a G35 or other coupe might be acceptable. Used is better for my budget but haven't shopped around for cars in a while. Suggestions?

You can pick up 07 2.0L A4's for under 25k. Thats something I would look at.
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote

Don't buy a Magnum or Charger, please.

But I'm guessing you want something a little more grown up based on what you've been writing about. I'd recommend something diesel and turbo. Reason being, 50mpg and turbo is fun and responds well to any mods. Even if you don't want to mod, the oodles of torque will be plenty.

Look into find a Jetta TDi. Even that new Jetta TDi Sportwagen is pretty badass. If you want something more upscale, the E320 CDi Mercedes gets 32mpg and does it in style.

These new diesels ain't your grandpas diesels either. Quiet, smokeless, and smooth (clean too if you care). In fact my grandfather has a daily driver Jetta TDi that I am mad jealious of. He gets 50mpg and also put out nearly 300 tq at the wheels. Throw in the solid german feel and awesome leather interior, I'm sold.

I'll bet the G35 is gonna a squeeze on three car seats. Biggest issue is the rear facing - that puts the big part of the car seat(s) into the back of the front seats. I shop for similar type cars, only recreationally since as a family we only drive <5k/year... total. But the one car that I keep checking out is the 200x BMW M5s. I've seen them for sale around ATL under $20k with <100k miles. That's competitive with an 05-07 G35 (less miles) used. But I think that would fit the enjoyable requisite. I had an 02 IS300 and it was very enjoyable, just underpowered and would only fit one car seat, rear facing, if it was centered. I don't think any of the smaller sedans will work with the 3 car seats.

I believe Honda will be releasing a diesel Accord soon. that might be an option as well. My mom has a TDI Golf and it's a good DD.Just don't go auto wit a turbo diesel. Just kills the power delivery.

Buy yourself one of them Mini-Vans.
OOPS - I see that you already have one of them Mini-Vans :bowrofl:
You're in SoCal, so get a HUM - HUM
Or, get a custom-made Side Car for the Miata.

Look into the WRX wagons. I drove a buddy's and it wasn't a bad car stock.

My vote would be a newer wagon like someone else has said

A4
WRX
Jetta

Used caddilac CTS-V. Handles pretty damn good for a sedan, loads of power, and a fun comfy car. I've seen a few for under 30K

As much as I hate to say this, go drive a newer Santa Fe, they're not the nicest looking SUV's in the world but they are cheap, awesome warranty, drive great, comfortable, my mom loves hers and I drive it any chance I get despite how much I say I hate Hyundai. I'd buy one if I was looking at a newer DD and needed an SUV.

How about a little trailer you can pull behind the Miata which has a couple of car seats in it?

Are you wanting to put three car seats in back seat?

As a matter of fact I have one (SANTE FE) --
No problems what-so-ever. The only thing that I don't like is the front wheel drive. Gets about the same mileage as LOLA, and it is suprisingly very solid and comfortable

Its a bit broad since your not really listing a price range. Here are my picks:

1> Used Lexus GS
- the shit is comfy and reliable

2> Caddy CTS - Already said, but probably the best value if your picking up the 08 w/ the GM employee discount. There was an article about this in MT or Autoweek.

3> Subaru Wagon of some sort.
- Damn that shit is ugly, but functional.

My mom had one of the older body style ones and traded it in for some reason on a suzuki SX-4, hated that damn thing and just got a brand new 2008 Santa Fe Limited last week...all leather, sun-roof, tv/entertainment center int he back (cna even hook up PS2,, etc...) 4WD 7 speaker infinity stereo, thing is bad-ass and nicer than some BMW's I've been in.

You need a WAGON. MB E 4-Matic = bad ass kiddie hauler.

DONT FORGET THE VOLVO... v70's wagons 5 cyl turbo. good power/// awd xc.. if necessary. Even some models have rear facing cargo seats, chappys love em... 98-2000 on the cheap now....01-on...very comfortable. Only cause no one mentioned Volvo, and im at work now...

I doubt you could get three car seats in the back of a WRX, maybe a legacy... I have fit three in the back of an Accord and myCar, but three seats were a no go in an Audi A4.

http://www.miata.net/misc/mx5fun.html

crown vic

Saab Aero Wagon. Buy one 3 years old with 30,000 miles for about 1/3 original cost. Reliable, handle pretty well, comfortable, get 30+ mpg on the freeway, has some "cache", keeps you in a 4cyl turbo car with 250hp. For the features and the money they are tough to beat as a used car. You can buy a really good low mile newer one for well under 20k.

Don't like the wagon, the sedan is great too. That's what I had. Huge trunk, rear seats fold flat and open to the trunk to create a huge area for carrying crap. Our FX35 doesn't have nearly the interior room or loading space that that car had.

My first choice would be a subaru legacy - not too expensive, very functional, looks decent, and plenty of power/torque not to mention pretty roomy.

audi a4's are very nice too, but tend to be higher in price.

you're really not being specific about this, with the post you made the amount of cars that COULD work for you would exceed a list of 200+ so be more specific if you want good honest opinions