[kraft.wagen]

Originally Posted by Technocrat

Why were you in Neutral

He was probably coasting since its a down hill drive, saving gear changes and fuel.

But isn't driving in Neutral illegal in the states?

yes its illegal Jose

V C Section 21710 Coasting Prohibited


Coasting Prohibited

21710. The driver of a motor vehicle when traveling on down grade upon any highway shall not coast with the gears of such vehicle in neutral.

Source: DMV

[josejoseph]

Originally Posted by Technocrat

Why were you in Neutral

Originally Posted by kraft.wagen

He was probably coasting since its a down hill drive, saving gear changes and fuel.

Since the drive is downhill and traffic is literally crawling I didn't want to depress the clutch and engage the gear. That's why I was on neutral. I mentioned earlier that it took me 1 hour to cover 5 miles. So you can image the vehicle speed.

Prem - thanks for the DMV info. This is news to me.

[kraft.wagen]

Originally Posted by josejoseph

Since the drive is downhill and traffic is literally crawling I didn't want to depress the clutch and engage the gear. That's why I was on neutral. I mentioned earlier that it took me 1 hour to cover 5 miles. So you can image the vehicle speed.

Prem - thanks for the DMV info. This is news to me.

Yea the traffic on CA 17 is terrible. Are you here everyday? I'm here in Scotts Valley.

I remember talking bout coasting with a friend he mentioned bout it being illegal, never bothered since have not used manual here

[Technocrat]

Originally Posted by josejoseph

Since the drive is downhill and traffic is literally crawling I didn't want to depress the clutch and engage the gear. That's why I was on neutral. I mentioned earlier that it took me 1 hour to cover 5 miles. So you can image the vehicle speed.

Prem - thanks for the DMV info. This is news to me.

Law aside coasting in neutral is a bad practice, its will fry your brake pads besides gives you less control over the car.

[Mudhalaipatti]

What is a better car to buy for a family with 2 kids, new or otherwise. One rear facing baby seat and another forward facing baby seat. Small cars are out, I would assume.

[aah78]

Originally Posted by Mudhalaipatti

What is a better car to buy for a family with 2 kids, new or otherwise. One rear facing baby seat and another forward facing baby seat. Small cars are out, I would assume.

With all the baggage that goes along-with two little kids - diaper bags, strollers, etc. I think you're better off looking at a small SUV, or God forbid, a mini-van.

[amitoj]

Originally Posted by aah78

With all the baggage that goes along-with two little kids - diaper bags, strollers, etc. I think you're better off looking at a small SUV, or God forbid, a mini-van.

Yeah I have to agree. Although a full size sedan could also do nicely. I have done quite a few trips in the charger with a double stroller in the boot.
But what will the car be used for? Does the OP expect to occasionally ferry more than 4 people?

[Mudhalaipatti]

Originally Posted by amitoj

Yeah I have to agree. Although a full size sedan could also do nicely. I have done quite a few trips in the charger with a double stroller in the boot.
But what will the car be used for? Does the OP expect to occasionally ferry more than 4 people?

Thanks. I'm looking at a temp car for 6 months or so and then go for a *heck* minivan. The odyssey thingy appears ugly but practical. But for the time being looking for a used car preferably that doesn't loose much of its value 6 months from now. No major trips. Just the regular shopping and trip to the park and beach.

[mohit]

Originally Posted by Mudhalaipatti

Thanks. I'm looking at a temp car for 6 months or so and then go for a *heck* minivan. The odyssey thingy appears ugly but practical. But for the time being looking for a used car preferably that doesn't loose much of its value 6 months from now. No major trips. Just the regular shopping and trip to the park and beach.

Whats your budget? Almost all small Japanese SUVs will hold their value decently well. The vintage depends on what you want to spend.

[Mudhalaipatti]

Originally Posted by mohit

Whats your budget? Almost all small Japanese SUVs will hold their value decently well. The vintage depends on what you want to spend.

Honestly i have no idea. Thinking of around 10k. Manageable?

[amitoj]

Originally Posted by Mudhalaipatti

Thanks. I'm looking at a temp car for 6 months or so and then go for a *heck* minivan. The odyssey thingy appears ugly but practical. But for the time being looking for a used car preferably that doesn't loose much of its value 6 months from now. No major trips. Just the regular shopping and trip to the park and beach.

Why wait for 6 months? If you know you are going to go for the Ody (or as we call it "The Bus" in my house) very soon, then why not go for it right away?

And if for some reason you have to get another car for 6 months, then i would recommend to get a beater car. That way, you wont lose much money when you sell it off.

[NinadJoshi]

Originally Posted by Mudhalaipatti

Thanks. I'm looking at a temp car for 6 months or so and then go for a *heck* minivan. The odyssey thingy appears ugly but practical. But for the time being looking for a used car preferably that doesn't loose much of its value 6 months from now. No major trips. Just the regular shopping and trip to the park and beach.

A minivan is a daylight ahead of anything else for sheer practicality and functionality for a family. No SUV or car can bring you the ease and utility that a van gives. I have been the man-in-a-van for a few years that my kids were in their car seat phase, and I don't really have anything to regret for it.
Why not buy a van right now, given that with 2 kids you are almost guaranteed of buying one in future anyway? The new minivans have the potential to surprise you (drive really good, consume about as much gas as a full size car, and offer you literally a house on wheels), unless you have a vanophobia like some men do

That being said, I have had a friend who did just fine with his twins in a Corolla for 4-5 years. It is all about perspective (and one's take on quality of life too, I guess). If not the minivan, then a decent full-sized car should do you just fine. As far as a family transporter goes, SUV's are overrated for their S and U, in my honest opinion.

Good luck.

[kraft.wagen]

Originally Posted by Mudhalaipatti

Thanks. I'm looking at a temp car for 6 months or so and then go for a *heck* minivan. The odyssey thingy appears ugly but practical. But for the time being looking for a used car preferably that doesn't loose much of its value 6 months from now. No major trips. Just the regular shopping and trip to the park and beach.

Like amitoj mentioned you are better off buying the Odyssey now rather than wait 6 months and sell the car you buy now. If its only for 4 people, why not look at RAV4 or CRV. You can even look at some of these with 3rd row seats if you need more passenger space.

[Fraz33r]

Just adding my 2 cents here:

Since you mentioned you need one rear-facing child seat, I assume one of you kiddo is pretty young. In that case you may need an adult to accompany in the rear seat. So technically a three seat option is a must in which you can almost rule out any sedans.

By popular vote and as other have stated go for a mini-VAN. You will not regret at all.

[vineethvazhayil]

Originally Posted by Mudhalaipatti

Thanks. I'm looking at a temp car for 6 months or so and then go for a *heck* minivan.

Looks like you are getting the first car as well. I will go with the overall opinion on the forum, if you are getting a minivan, might as well get it early. Apart from moving your stuff in comfort, occasional furniture purchase, visits to the home improvement store/ikea etc - will be a breeze with the minivan. You can then get something "sportier" or more "fun to drive" later - after you cover the practicality aspect with the minivan