Anyone have a VW Beatle?

[MJ4H]

How impractical are they for someone with a newborn or toddler? Is it workable? Is it just uncomfortable? Need some quick info.

[dawgfan]

I assume you're talking about the current gen of Beetles. My folks have one - my impression is that, being a 2-door, it would be kind of a pain if it's a hardtop, a little bit less of a pain if it's a convertible with the top down.

I have a 9-month old, and I'm really, really glad I opted for a 4-door when I bought a new car last year. Your life will be a lot easier if you give yourself as much access to his seat base as you can.

[Ragone]

i'd recommend something more along the lines of a 4 dr sedan... fusion, focus.. not to mention i can get you a friend and family discount with ford ;)

outside of ford, i've heard good things about mazda 6's..

[DaddyTorgo]

i'd recommend something more along the lines of a 4 dr sedan... fusion, focus.. not to mention i can get you a friend and family discount with ford ;)

outside of ford, i've heard good things about mazda 6's..

<3 my 2010 Mazda 6.

I really like the exterior lines of the car - looks more expensive than it is (or so I think at least). And the interior can be pretty nice too, especially if you shell out for the leather.

[MJ4H]

Just to refocus, I really just need opinions on this particular car. Yes the newer generation. Preferably if you have actually had experience with getting a child in and out regularly or know someone who has.

Thanks, if you can help I'd really appreciate it.

[Lathum]

I work with cars all day and would never, ever, buy one of those if I had a newborn or young child. Not only will you have issues getting the child in and out, but as he/she grows and you need a bigger car seat it would be really cramped.

The Mazda 6 is a great option.

[Drake]

My wife drives a 2002 VW Beetle. Our kids are older (i.e., teens -- big enough that they hate riding in her back seat), but I can tell you that the thought of trying to maneuver a regular-sized car seat in and out of her car gives me the shudders. There's not much clearance between the front seat and the back even in the fully-forward position.

If you want to go this route, I'd buy a separate seat just for the VW so you'd never have to take it out once you got it installed. Even then, getting the kid into it is going to be a bit of a stretch and strain.

So, I'd say that it's doable, but not optimal. At 40, again, my back groans at the thought, but if you're younger than I am, you're probably more limber and might not consider it such a big deal.