[TBro2002]

In addition to our 228i we also have a Subaru Forester XT. The XT is the 2L turbo version of the Forester. The XT is a quality vehicle with plenty of power. Lots of room and very easy to get in and out of. I considered trading it in later this year on the new X1, but decided to keep it longer as it is such a great vehicle.

[omega145]

I was going to vote for the Forester XT as well. How about a Golf R? Not a CUV or wagon but you get a lot of car with 4 doors and a hatch.

[Lucky13]

The new Mini Clubman looks nice and you can get all wheel drive, its a foot longer than the old one which I owned. The interior has been improved a lot and they handle well and prerty quick with the S.

[bimmercar]

I would say 335xi GT, but 340i GT LCI is coming out July

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

I have to say my X3 was a nice everyday driver. Loved my X6's too - but thats an acquired taste - like Scotch. My wife just got an X4 (she loves the coupe look) and its a very nice vehicle too. The LCI was a nice interim step till the next gen arrives.

I like her X4 (in 28i guise) enough that the X4 40i Msport is very high on my next car list.

I've driven the x1 and have to say I was very disappointed with how it drove and the interior too - worst seats ever in a BMW.

The new RX and LX are nice in a way only Lexus can pull off. My wife drove RX's for years and they are bullet proof.

I personally like the GLC a lot too.

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Looking for something for dad, he's currently in an Allroad. Wants blind spot assist, rear view camera, all the old guy safety stuff. Currently looking at either a 335 GT or X1. New Allroad won't be here until fall need something now. Most important is ease of getting in and out, comfort while driving, and fast enough that he won't get bored. Need AWD and nothing huge so no XC90. I'll be driving it too which is why I'm asking fellow 235 owners. We obvs like the same cars so what else should I be considering in a wagon / GT / crossover? Nothing insane so pls don't tell me E63 or import and RS6 avant. He had a Macan for 6 months (sick car) but it bothered his hip and knee to climb into it. Will be a bit of a goldilocks process from that perspective. This one is too high, this one is too low, etc. Need enough room for his 2 grandchildren and their crap, but not so big that mom won't drive it.

I don't want to go ask on the respective forums bc everyone will obvs tell me whatever they have is the best, so would appreciate some impartial (as much as possible) input from some like minded enthusiasts. Thanks in advance.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I'm sorry that I do not know the answer. But, if you consider that 5'6" is approximately the height of a 50th percentile female in the US population, and the primary market for this vehicle, it is reasonable to assume that this may work out well, pending him actually trying it or you making a showroom judgement.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t-drive-review

So the GLC was really nice but a bit underpowered and not so easy for him to get in and out of. Seat was a little high and the sill was rather wide. That said there's a coupe coming next spring, AMg, that looks like a scaled down GLE to compete with the X4M. Now that should be something to see.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Transfer

I was gonna say Q5/SQ5 but if the Macan didn't work then the Audi won't either.

My wife drove an X1 28i for a couple years (2013) and we broke lease and traded it 7 months early because we didn't like it. Only time I've ever done that. It was mostly about the throttle lag issue. It took honestly close to 2 full seconds from slamming the gas to the car deciding that meant go. It was a major safety hazard and so ridiculous that I could rapidly tap dance on the throttle and the car would completely ignore it, no revs. It was the base model also and drove like a whale.

The new X1 looks great and I would give it another go because I like the size, but I would strictly vet the throttle response and only get it in M-sport if I were to do it again.

The 335 GT is ok, but man is that thing fugly. I test drove one as part of a fan day thing and thought it was just like a slightly higher and uglier F30. Definitely a car for old dudes who are trying to be "practical" and don't care about style.

What about the 2017 Tiguan? If they put in the 2.0 TSI that matches the GTI, it should be killer. I have no idea when it's available.

Yeah the GT is love it or hate it. I'd say funky as opposed to fugly but that's just me. Cabin seemed top notch which is where he'll spend most of his time anyway so we'll see. He is firmly in the "don't give a flying f*ck" camp when it comes to stuff like that. If he likes it and it works for him that's all that matters. Once caught him wearing hand made boots out in the yard to do some mulching bc "they were by the door" so he's firmly in his own universe with these things.

[krhodes1]

Originally Posted by Monsieur_G

Have you considered the Subaru Outback? My coworker has it, and surprisingly it picks up fast. I mean it's no Macan but I enjoyed driving it. It has all the bells and whistles too like rear view camera, blind spot assistance, it's comfortable and all that for a reasonable price.

From an Allroad to a Subaru?? That is like going from First Class on Emirates to Spirit Airlines... Yeah, it will get you there, but you won't enjoy the ride very much.

And yes, a good friend has a 2016 Outback and a Forester (wife) so have driven them. Ain't no Audi, never mind a BMW.

I think for an older gent who wants a *slightly* higher seating position with great ride and handling, some added practicality, and AWD the 3-series GT has a lot to recommend it. Or if it isn't too low, the 3-series wagon is the obvious solution too.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by bimmercar

I would say 335xi GT, but 340i GT LCI is coming out July

Yeah and I'm thinking that's a good time to get a 2016 end of quarter in June. He really wouldn't care one way or the other, I've actually got a lead on a 2015 exec demo with a thousand miles on it. If it were me I'd care about the LCI.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by omega145

I was going to vote for the Forester XT as well. How about a Golf R? Not a CUV or wagon but you get a lot of car with 4 doors and a hatch.

Had an R32 what was it a 2007? Fun car, mom hated it. Golf R would be a tough sell.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by krhodes1

From an Allroad to a Subaru?? That is like going from First Class on Emirates to Spirit Airlines... Yeah, it will get you there, but you won't enjoy the ride very much.

And yes, a good friend has a 2016 Outback and a Forester (wife) so have driven them. Ain't no Audi, never mind a BMW.

I think for an older gent who wants a *slightly* higher seating position with great ride and handling, some added practicality, and AWD the 3-series GT has a lot to recommend it. Or if it isn't too low, the 3-series wagon is the obvious solution too.

Ha you've got me thinking I should go the other way and start looking at Panameras.

[RoundelM3]

So what exactly is this "old guy safety stuff"? How old is your dad? I'm 68 and I have none of that garbage. While I do envy the rearview camera in my wife's 228i convertible, that's about as far as I'd go.

Personally, I have zero use for a crossdresser or other-named truck, but why not the X1 or X3 for your dad? The new X1 is getting some really good reviews. Should be easy enough to get into and out of, great gas mileage, and can be had with every gadget imaginable.

[CanadianGatorBacon]

Originally Posted by roundel335

So what exactly is this "old guy safety stuff"? How old is your dad? I'm 68 and I have none of that garbage. While I do envy the rearview camera in my wife's 228i convertible, that's about as far as I'd go.

Not all old guys are in the same boat. My dad is 70 and his next car will include "old guy safety stuff". First he's just not as physically able to check his blind spots and behind him because his neck isn't as flexible as it used to be. So cameras (maybe parking sensors, especially since they are often packaged) and blind spot systems are a must. Also a lighting package (although not exclusively old guy safety stuff) is a must because it's harder for him to see at night now. All the other stuff is gravy if he wants it. I don't think he needs lane keepers, autobrakes, etc., but if he feels his reflexes are dulling and wants it then I'll make sure he has it.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by CanadianGatorBacon

Not all old guys are in the same boat. My dad is 70 and his next car will include "old guy safety stuff". First he's just not as physically able to check his blind spots and behind him because his neck isn't as flexible as it used to be. So cameras (maybe parking sensors, especially since they are often packaged) and blind spot systems are a must. Also a lighting package (although not exclusively old guy safety stuff) is a must because it's harder for him to see at night now. All the other stuff is gravy if he wants it. I don't think he needs lane keepers, autobrakes, etc., but if he feels his reflexes are dulling and wants it then I'll make sure he has it.

Duly noted - however, referring to it as "old guy safety stuff" isn't the best terminology. Let's just call it "improved safety equipment", because it's not designed just for those of us of "advanced years". The politically correct term these days is "differently-abled" for those whose vision and reflexes aren't what they used to be. But my issue with that equipment is that it also tends to reduce the driving skill level of the average driver who then depends on those devices rather than their own abilities. On the plus side, it does help the differently-abled driver to continue to stay safe on the road.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by CanadianGatorBacon

Not all old guys are in the same boat. My dad is 70 and his next car will include "old guy safety stuff". First he's just not as physically able to check his blind spots and behind him because his neck isn't as flexible as it used to be. So cameras (maybe parking sensors, especially since they are often packaged) and blind spot systems are a must. Also a lighting package (although not exclusively old guy safety stuff) is a must because it's harder for him to see at night now. All the other stuff is gravy if he wants it. I don't think he needs lane keepers, autobrakes, etc., but if he feels his reflexes are dulling and wants it then I'll make sure he has it.

That's what I meant by old guy safety stuff just things to make the car more convenient. Back up camera for instance is just physically easier for my particular old guy than turning around to look out the back. He's also often got my niece and nephew in the car with him often so there's just a lot going on - the more active safety stuff the better. Forget texting and driving and distracting, I'm sure many of you have driven with a crying three year old jamming her stubby little foot into the back of your seat. Now that's distracting.

Not sure how long your father keeps his cars but in the event mine wants to keep his I'm going overboard with all this stuff so if / when he needs all the extra crap he can get the car already has it. Right now he just wants blind spot and rear view.

That said my friend bought his father (88) a fully loaded GLS 63 AMG with every available safety feature and he still just totaled a brick mailbox with it. Thankfully we are not there yet in my case.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by roundel335

So what exactly is this "old guy safety stuff"? How old is your dad? I'm 68 and I have none of that garbage. While I do envy the rearview camera in my wife's 228i convertible, that's about as far as I'd go.

Personally, I have zero use for a crossdresser or other-named truck, but why not the X1 or X3 for your dad? The new X1 is getting some really good reviews. Should be easy enough to get into and out of, great gas mileage, and can be had with every gadget imaginable.

We are driving the X1 and GT on Saturday. GLC was too high assume the X3 will be similar.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by krhodes1

From an Allroad to a Subaru?? That is like going from First Class on Emirates to Spirit Airlines... Yeah, it will get you there, but you won't enjoy the ride very much.

I don't think that is a very apt comparison. Spirit Airlines specializes in poor customer service and uncomfortable transportation. Subaru is diametrical to that, albeit at a different price point. A Yugo would be the proper analogy to Spirit.

There is a difference between poor quality and low cost. Subie has figured out how to engineer and build comfortable, safe, high quality, well-performing cars in various sizes and shapes for high value/low price. They are not meant to be BMWs/MBs/Audis, but compared to their objective, they accomplish their goal just as well, earning them high ratings from most/many sources. If you can appreciate a vehicle for what it is trying to be, just as journalists strive to do, any Subaru can be admired and ours earns a spot in our garage along with our 2 Series and Audi A6...each vehicle for a purpose.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I don't think that is a very apt comparison. Spirit Airlines specializes in poor customer service and uncomfortable transportation. Subaru is diametrical to that, albeit at a different price point. A Yugo would be the proper analogy to Spirit.

There is a difference between poor quality and low cost. Subie has figured out how to engineer and build comfortable, safe, high quality, well-performing cars in various sizes and shapes for high value/low price. They are not meant to be BMWs/MBs/Audis, but compared to their objective, they accomplish their goal just as well, earning them high ratings from most/many sources. If you can appreciate a vehicle for what it is trying to be, just as journalists strive to do, any Subaru can be admired and ours earns a spot in our garage along with our 2 Series and Audi A6...each vehicle for a purpose.

I'm a big Subie fan, for what they are they're great. Just prob not exactly what I'm looking for in this case. I'd have no qualms about driving one, neither would dad.

They're also a very progressive forward looking company. Were big on supporting gay rights before it became super popular / high profile, both in terms of celeb endorsements and financing for couples that weren't married, that sort of thing.

Don't want to call it a niche company bc the sell a ton of cars but they do their own thing and do it very very well.

[ckfraser]

The V60 Polestar is quite nice. If you catch one soon, you might be able to get one of the last six cylinders (they're changing to 4 next year)

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I'm a big Subie fan, for what they are they're great. Just prob not exactly what I'm looking for in this case. I'd have no qualms about driving one, neither would dad.

They're also a very progressive forward looking company. Were big on supporting gay rights before it became super popular / high profile, both in terms of celeb endorsements and financing for couples that weren't married, that sort of thing.

Don't want to call it a niche company bc the sell a ton of cars but they do their own thing and do it very very well.

Completely agree....have to match the car to the buyer...but the Spirit Airline slam was just too unreasonable....good luck with the next test ingresses/egresses!

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Completely agree....have to match the car to the buyer...but the Spirit Airline slam was just too unreasonable....good luck with the next test ingresses/egresses!

Last night was hilarious. We had 45 mins at the dealer. 10 on a test drive, 5 chatting about the car and 30 mins of in and out of the car. Drop the seat all the way, leg in first then sit. Then sit first swing legs in. Then move seat up a millimeter and repeat the process.

I will say that car would be awesome for someone with just a bad back. It's tall so you can literally back up to it, drop into the seat, swing around and never move your head, neck or back. Assuming you're not like 6'6" or something crazy.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by ckfraser

The V60 Polestar is quite nice. If you catch one soon, you might be able to get one of the last six cylinders (they're changing to 4 next year)

He's really not into the Polestar for whatever reason, has also owned a lot of Volvos. Counting mom's cars that he drives too I think it has been 10 Volvos, 10 Benzes, 3 Saabs, 3 Subarus, 2 VW, 2 BMW, 2 Olds, 1 Datsun, 1 Porsche. That's just what I can remember. Maybe interested in Volvos coming out with the Chinese $ but nothing so far fits the bill.