Turning the 4200 Coupe into a family car... Possible?

[Nando]

With our first due in March I thought I'd better get thinking about a family car. Audi Q5, then Kia Sportage (I know, I know), then B7 RS4 Avant.

But the reality is we hardly drive anywhere as we live in Tower Bridge - the area, not actually in the bridge. We'll probably catch the bus a lot, as we do now and adding a third car to the household seems excessive. Not to mention a parking nightmare.

So keeping the Audi TT as my work hack and the 4200 as a weekend toy / family car seems like the best option.

- Have any of you carried a baby plus all baby kit in a 4200 Coupe?
- What baby seat did you use?
- Does anyone have a Maserati rear seat cushion for sale?
- Did anyone fit a Bugaboo Cameleon in the boot?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers
Ryan

 

[rossyl]

You should PM Woody as he's done all this research and put it into practice.

 

[mjheathcote]

4200 family car... I swopped from a Lotus Elise to the Maser for the Maser is more suitable as a family car than the Elise!
All the usual kiddy/baby seats fit in the back nicely, using the seat belts, no Isofix unfortunately.
Depending on the seat, scatter cushions in the seat depression work fine, or buy some 4 inch memory foam and cut a piece to fit.
My two are both on booster cushions now.

 

[djmhall]

I have used mine as a family car over four years and 40,000 miles - two young children, but no baby experience. Best booster solution was a cheap (c£20) basic booster from Smyths Toys, which had a rounded bottom, fitted into the back seats like a glove and was even colour coordinated!

 

[Froddy]

Hi Ryan,

What lovely news - hope all goes well in March ...

I was in a very similar situation four years ago and am happy to report that it IS possible to drive your new little person in your pride and joy. I had a GranSport and used a MaxiCosi Tobi car seat which was the best fit at the time; the Bugaboo Chameleon was our choice and it will fit in the boot only if you remove the frame's wheels and the boot's spare wheel cover. As junior gets older, it gets easier: a Maclaren buggy will easily fit in the boot and group 2 child seats are easier to choose. Make sure you use a thick seat protector to prevent heavy indentations in the soft leather, and to improve the fit. The Diono ultra mat range is really good as the mat is padded for extra protection improves the fit.

Feel free to PM me if you need any help, and all the best!!

Froddy

 

[Tinman]

I don't have any experience with baby seats but my two girls are 3 and 18 months old. I have Maxi Cosi seats in the back with car seat protectors to save the leather. No issues with the girls in the back except that the eldest is always goading me to go faster and work colleagues say that I must the most uncool Maserati in the due the seats in the back...what do they know

 

[Nando]

All - thank you for your advice and suggestions - really is appreciated. Good to see not everyone swapped their Masers for a diesel hack

I have used mine as a family car over four years and 40,000 miles - two young children, but no baby experience. Best booster solution was a cheap (c£20) basic booster from Smyths Toys, which had a rounded bottom, fitted into the back seats like a glove and was even colour coordinated!

dmjhall - is this the seat out of interest:
View attachment 18042
http://www.smythstoys.com/group-23-324sc/dream-booster-seat-plus-hatrix-ebony-131406itm.aspx?qwSessionID=2a732229-86e5-4cee-bad2-92ced7bed3e4

Hi Ryan,

What lovely news - hope all goes well in March ...

I was in a very similar situation four years ago and am happy to report that it IS possible to drive your new little person in your pride and joy. I had a GranSport and used a MaxiCosi Tobi car seat which was the best fit at the time; the Bugaboo Chameleon was our choice and it will fit in the boot only if you remove the frame's wheels and the boot's spare wheel cover. As junior gets older, it gets easier: a Maclaren buggy will easily fit in the boot and group 2 child seats are easier to choose. Make sure you use a thick seat protector to prevent heavy indentations in the soft leather, and to improve the fit. The Diono ultra mat range is really good as the mat is padded for extra protection improves the fit.

Feel free to PM me if you need any help, and all the best!!

Froddy

Thanks Froddy - both for the warm wishes and confirmation the Tobi and Cameleon work with the 4200/GS. Will get one of those mats too. Thanks.

I don't have any experience with baby seats but my two girls are 3 and 18 months old. I have Maxi Cosi seats in the back with car seat protectors to save the leather. No issues with the girls in the back except that the eldest is always goading me to go faster and work colleagues say that I must the most uncool Maserati in the due the seats in the back...what do they know

What do they know!


Thanks all.

 

[outrun]

I use a Mamas and Papas booster seat for my 4 year old with no issues. Had a 911 c4s before the Maser with the small front boot as per all 911s . Found the the Quinny Zapp was the only compact buggy that fitted in the Porsche whilst also being the only buggy to fold flat which is essential for a young baby.