David Fite

So we may decide to have another kid, putting us at 2 adults and 3 kids. I'm sure there is no way to fit 3 across in the rear since there's so little room there to begin with. My question is do you guys know of any other fun cars that has room for 5?

kids would be:
10
7 (booster)
1 (car seat)

Of course my affinity is with Camaro, but I'm a GM guy, so maybe something like an 87 Monte Carlo? Does those have 3 rears? The outside options would be like a Jeep Wrangler or something, if those have 3 rears.

Twin_Turbo

iTrader: (25)

the monte is about the same size back there although it does have a bench instead of 2 seat cushions

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

Drove my 3 boys around in an 86 Monte Carlo for 9 years. Had plenty room and the car rode like a dream. Very nice cars.

86LG4Bird

iTrader: (1)

1994-96 ImpalaSS, or Caprice w/LT1.
WAY more performance per dollar potential than a 3rd Gen
Immaculate ones are going for under 10k. Very nice ones with no immediate mechanical attention needed for under 5k.

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

Yess.. Very nice cars indeed! Been trying to get my friend to sell me his Impala SS for years.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Hardly. It has the LT1, so you get better intake and heads.

But you also get nearly an extra 1000lbs of weight.

Nice cars, but when you re starting out almost half a ton heavier. It would move people more comfortably, but its not going to compare to a L98 Thirdgen. The 3rd gen may have less HP, but it has less weight.

You wanna move 5 people in comfort in this day and age with a sporty ride? If you want a domestic ride the CTS-V is your only answer. LS6 406hp with a 6spd manual and 4 doors. They are also not that expensive and you are already in the LS platform so serious upgrades are available.

Twin_Turbo

iTrader: (25)

Mercury Marauder .... did I really say that? yes I did. Awesome cars

86LG4Bird

iTrader: (1)

I beg to differ. You might want to check some facts a bit before making such a proclamation.
Stock for stock they're close.
Give me $1000 to spend on bolt-on mods and tuning on both a stock L98 car and a stock LT1 B-body, and that 600 lb (not 1000...lol!) heavier car is gonna embarrass the 3rd Gen.

86LG4Bird

iTrader: (1)

Yes, they are. Stock to stock, it outperforms the LT1 B-body.
With some simple mods to each, the tables turn quickly.

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

I'd be uncomfortable putting a car seat or booster seat in anything older than a 2000 model car in today's day and age.


and let the flaming begin "I rode with rope seatbelts and no floorboards in a 1967 c-10 for 25 years . . . . ."


I love my thirdgen (and old cars in general) but I wouldn't imagine driving anyone not of adult age in it simply because if it gets in any kind of serious accident there's a good chance the occupants aren't walking away. People today drive faster than they did 30 years ago, and likewise the vehicles have improved safety features (like crumple zones) that are meant to keep their occupants alive.


If you want to haul your family around and have fun then get something newer, I think someone mentioned the CTS-V, good choice.

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

A 1999 is the newest vehicle I have personally ever owned Not counting my wifes cars ofcourse. Shes never kept one long enough to buy a set of tires.

nhgator

My "Winter Beater" is a 2010 Dodge Charger SXT,it has also been the family drivers ed car for 2 teenagers,with the big 250hp v6 it's not unfun to drive.

jmd

iTrader: (4)

The Charger / 300 were re-vamped for 2015.
I'd look into those over the mentioned vehicles.

I love the G-bodies, but they're not unlike a 4bbl 87 Camaro; several mods are needed to make them contemporary with today's cars.

I definitely believe people (who care one iota) should drive something they want to drive. Probably the best thing you could do right now is go test drive everything you're considering.

TylerSteez

iTrader: (3)

i love gbodies as well, If I didnt buy my 86 T/A I was going to get a 86/87 monte. the back seat space would be tight to an adult/older teenager but based on your kid's ages, I think they'd be fine.

my only concern would be reliability when buying a car this old to transport the family. if you were only driving yourself around then a random break down isn't the end of the world but to be driving your family around in an old car with no working ac on a hot summers day and have it break down would be catostrophic. a bunch of crying kids in the backseat while you're under the hood on the side of the highway sweating and cursing at the car would ruin any day.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

That only counts if both engines are sitting on a dyno stand. Put them in the car and the Impala SS despite its extra power, still has to contend with between ~600-800lbs difference depending on what thirdgen you start with. The GTA is the heaviest thirdgen at 3476lbs, but IROC's and Z28's have weighed in around 3250lbs.

Stop focusing only on the engine. There are still tires, steering, suspension, and brakes to work with, and the thirdgen's weight advantage over the SS can't be beat there.

Any argument after that becomes a money game, and you might as well just start with a much newer and far better platform.

86LG4Bird

iTrader: (1)

Hey, I do realize I'm on the wrong forum to be expecting much agreement with what I've said
No, not focusing on engine only
I think you discount the drastic difference in potential of the the LT1 vs the L98.
Even with whatever weight penalty you assign, how many L98's do you know of running in the 12's with bolt-on mods only. No internal engine mods. I know of about 10 B-bodies personally that have done that. Mine went a best of 12.36 And we roadrace and autocross them too.....all around performance here sir
The guy's looking for a family car...... 3rd Gen is not in the running. I just gave him an option where he can still have some great performance.

85Maroon

Not a bad idea to buy yourself a mint 90s Impala SS...

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

I have an Avalanche for such situations.

DonW

I have to chime in here. Take a good look at some Buicks! Most underrated car of all time and probably the best, most reliable cars ever made. My wife drives a 2013 Lacrosse. Has the 303 HP v6, and will flat out move some a$$ fast....and do it so comfortably that you feel like your sitting in your Lazy Boy! I recently picked up an L98 350 from a 1990 Vette to go into my 83 z to replace the worn out 305 LG4. It KILLS me to know that even after Im done with the swap, my wifes Buick with a damn V6 will still run circles around it. Get a Buick!...lol

DonW

Okay Bubba, here comes the "flaming". Wheres your Kentucky country boy roots? lol It's funny really, When I was younger I was doing a Directv install in your neck of the woods once and was pulled over for not wearing my seat belt. I let the officer know that his momma brought him home from the hospital not wearing one! He was not impressed and said " and I was just about to let you off with a warning..." and then I went into some stupid spill about his state (yours also) being the only one I knew of that doesnt have a helmet law for motorcycles, but pulled people over in a BIG van for not having on a belt! Needless to say I wear the stupid thing in Kentucky now lol. In fact, I wear it all the time. My wife made sure of it. She has trained every child to remind me to put it on every time they get in the car with me. Little law enforcement officers!

Since I have your attention, we need to draw up some sorta cruise-in around Bowling Green, at the Corvette plant no doubt ;-)

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

Oh don't worry, those roots kick in every time I take the Z out lol. Yeah. . . .our helmet law (well, lack of one) is stupid.


A BG cruise in would be cool, preferably one in the fall (since my car's a/c disappeared long ago haha).

Bob88GTA

iTrader: (2)

So I take it that the OP's family car is a Camaro now and he wants something for a family of 5? Or is he looking for another car with "go fast" potential to haul his family of 5?
Hadn't heard from him since.

Kinda unclear. Go for the Buick

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

Nearly every car being built today is pretty fast compared to our 3rd gens honestly.. Test drove a Toyota Avalon other day and it really set me back in the seat. And comfortably also.

Vanilla Ice

GTO
G8
Bonneville SSEi
Chevy Cruze
Impala SS
Monte Carlo SS
GTP

DonW

I know right? Never thought I'd live to see the day when something called a "smart car" with three little cylinders would make my V8 sweat to outrun it...LOL

zraffz

Grow up and buy a family SUV or extended (crew) cab truck. Your familys safety should be your upmost priority.

Or buy a trailblazer ss lol

Bob88GTA

iTrader: (2)

I was actually waiting to read "Mini Van"

zraffz

Nah lol... I get it the OP wants to have a go fast toy and not a boring vehicle. However, family should always come before toys.

I don't even let my dog ride in my toy.

How about a 6.2 silverado? That would spank any stock 3rd Gen and most bolt on ones too.

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Well actually, a VW Vanagon with a Subaru WRX or SVX engine conversion will make that thing go. And of course there are the turbo VW or VR6's that can go in the back to push that brick down the road.

86LG4Bird

iTrader: (1)

GTFOH with that sauerkraut and rice talk!

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

I kinda wish Dodge would hellcat the caravan. . .just cuz.

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

I like that Redleader that's funny I just watched a Youtube video of a Turbo minivan of somekind. LOL

86LG4Bird

iTrader: (1)

Back in 1999 or 2000, when I live in Cedar Falls, IA, there was guy running a turbo'd Caravan at Cedar Falls Raceway in the low 13's. Looked like a brand new van, wheel covers and all. You'd never even notice the drag radials up front

RedLeader289

iTrader: (2)

Haha, I mean, no one said minivans HAD to equal misery, right? lol

Bob88GTA

iTrader: (2)

http://americaloveshorsepower.com/sr...ravan-burnout/

It's that good!

Bob88GTA

iTrader: (2)

86LG4Bird

iTrader: (1)

Hey Bob, I visit Huntsville frequently. My daughter (with the sig car) lives in New Market. Going to the May 1 race at the 'Dega

86LG4Bird

iTrader: (1)

HaHa! #1128 just back from test and tune ...lol!

dmccain

iTrader: (2)

Haha that's the one Bob!

David Fite

Sorry guys I apparently didn't have the email notification set for this thread so I completely forgot about it. To answers everyone's question, my camaro is my TOY. I drive a 2004 Silverado and my wife drives a 2008 Tahoe. I was asking because I want a toy to wrench on, but still take the family with me. I'm not the type that won't let my kids in my show car or whatever. I enjoy showing them how to work on cars. All that being said, I'm sticking with the Camaro at the moment, but still open to other options.

ploegi

4 wheel drive truck? Camping/Off-Roading is a GREAT family activity.

novaderrik

any GM G or B body will do it... many many families were raised and driven around in these cars from the 60's to the 90's... hell, my mom proved that even a Fox body Mustang will fit 3 kids in the back seat, but that was in the late 80's and the new car seats are insanely huge compared to what was out back then...

MY87LT

iTrader: (2)

Ok. Then a GMC Typhoon and call it a day.