Originally Posted by
pf0sh0
i was in the same position as you - the S3 with a rear facing car seat = barely any room in the front passenger.
I ended up getting a late gen SQ5 (2014 - 2017), which can be had in your price range, fairly reliable engine with some known common issues, but nothing wild. It fits the car seat well with room up front and pretty fun to drive with tonnes of aftermarket support (for e.g. did a stage 1 tune and intake for fun haha). Plus its easier taking baby in and out of a car seat from an SUV versus a car or maybe I just have a fucked back.
edit: To add, not sure if this is of value since you're also looking for a new car for your wife, but we traded in our 2021 Q5 for a new Tiguan as it had way more space, reasonably priced, nice styling/ driving (in our opinion of the available options in that range).