I've been looking at rwd sports sedans and have been looking mostly at older m3s, 330i, s4 and g35s. All have different feels and I like the G alot but based purely on aesthetics, I like the coupe much more than the sedan eventhough I don't notice much difference in handling.

Anyone out there with kids (I've got a 1 year old) who have opinions about how "kid friendly" the coupe is? Four doors is ideal...but like I said if I can get by in the coupe...I'd prefer that. Also, I already have a Volvo S80 for the main family car...this one would be my fun commuter that would work in a pinch taking the little one to daycare.

Thanks

 

Same as you, my G will only have to "work in a pinch" as far as hauling the family goes. I've got a 3 yr. old and one due in September. I wouldn't bet on an extremely safe enviroment for them in the event of a collision, but the need to have the entire family in the G will be extremely rare.

I really need to stick a child seat in the G and take my boy for a ride.

 

My advice, get the G35 Coupe. You'll be very happy with it. I'm in the exact same position as you and just sold my Corvette because I needed a back seat for my 2 yr old. I bought a G35 Coupe less than 2 weeks ago as it's replacement. The car seat fits in with no problem and it's easy to get him in and out. Like you, I've got another family vehicle so the G35 is only used to transport him once in a while. Does your 1 year old use a forward facing car seat? I'm not sure how well a rear facing car seat would fit. You'd have to try it.

 

i've put my 18 month old niece in the back seat of my coupe and its fine. I thin kthose back seats are only made for kids anyways! The child seat fits fine just not the easest to get in and out. You've also gotta watch out for the leather. But I was even able to feed her raisins the whole time i was driving because of the close proximity, so maybe thats a plus!

 

I sold my 99 prelude because I thought I needed a 4 door sedan so I got my G sedan 2 1/2 years ago. I came to a conclusion that I really didn't need a 4 door so gave that to my wife and got the coupe. It's been a month and a half but have used the back seat only one. It's kinda hard to put the child seat in the back but it's ok. But I do take them off eveytime tho. What's even harder is trying to fit that child seat in the trunk. I thought I was in a deep shi* when I first bought the car without checking the trunk space. I managed to squeeze it in somehow after flipping them around for few minutes.

 

I've got twin boys (2.5 years old), both are in the booster car seats and they fit fine in the back of my G. My only gripe is when they put their feet on the back of my seats, but really that is minor. I use to own a 03 M3 and it wasn't any easier or harder to get the car seats in and out. If you like the G, go for it - it is just as kid friendly as the M3, and 2-door 330i. From a roominess perspective, I would say that the G is just as accommodating as the 4-door S4.

 

thanks for the info...before I go any further, I'm taking my car seat to the dealership to test out. BTW, my son will be in forward facing seat in a week or two...so no more back facing.

On another note, since we're talking about "kid friendly"...I'm guessing the G is bit more reliable than the BMW and Audi. I'm not **** about my cars and little things don't really rub me the wrong way...I just deal with them...the important thing for me is making my hillcountry drives fun. That in mind, would most of you agree or is the perception of Janpanese made more reliable than German made just that...perception?

 

You can get by with the Coupe tho it's cumbersome and a little cramped compared to the Sedan. I enjoyed both my Sedan and Coupe, but the Sedan gets the nod for more practicality.
Welcome to G35Driver BTW.
C.

 

I carry my 4 and 7 year old kids around about 4 times a week (when the wife isn't driving them around) and haven't had any trouble getting them or their car seats comfortably in the rear seats. They love the feature that lets them push the button on the back of the seats to make them go forward and backward automatically.

 

I have 2 kids, 9 and 10 and both are comfortable in the back. The coupe has so much room for them. Kids or no kids, the coupe is the way to go!

 

I do not have any children but I can tell you I would def. recommend the sedan over the very tight back seat. Plus you will have scuff marks all over the place back there not including the scratches and scraps on our cheap materials we have in our cars.

 

We have a 3 year old and another one on the way and we traded in our 2000 G20t for our highly desired G Coupe!! My wife and I refuse to give up our sport cars. Although we enjoyed the G20 a lot while we had it.

-Andy

 

I have a coupe and my 3 and 11yr old love riding in it. It does suck to put my 3yr old in his car seat, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from getting the coupe. Most of the time, when when go anywhere as a family, we take our Tahoe.

 

I have 4 and 7 year olds. Is it ideal, no. If you want ideal, get a minivan. If you want a car that, although may be a little combersome with kids, will put a huge grin on your face as you grab the steering after stapping the rug rats in, then get the G35c.

I did and I love it.

However, if you'll be carrying the kids more than 4x a week, however, you may want to reconsider.

 

I got the coupe when my daugther was a year old... I never regreted getting the purchase... the only thing is that the seat moves up to dayam slow... but besides that... everythings all good...