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Originally Posted by Kids Heart
+1 for the Diono Radian RXT for my 3 year old behind the passenger seat. The wife and I are expecting in 7 months so I need ideas for an infant carrier that will fit without sacrificing too much front leg and lean room
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Sounds like you're getting a new WRX! Rear seat room is impressive in the new 2015 model. Much improved over previous model.
A rear facing infant seat takes up all the space available on the passenger side - that front seat will be all the way forward and pretty much unusable. If, and that's a HUGE if, if you could fit your 3yr old behind your seat, then you stand the possibility of you taking the two kids in one car as long as your wife isn't traveling with you, but it's gonna be tight. I know I'm 5'10" and there's zero space for any person behind me. Maybe a small dog at best.
The WRX has good back seat space for two kids and two adults in front. Trunk space should hold a stroller. You'll be all set. The car will be faster and handle all weather conditions - it just won't be a rwd BRZ. Plan to order one in time to get it well before the due date. Try to sell the BRZ private party for best resale. You'll take a depreciation hit but there's little way around that.
Option 2 is the little way around that: keep the BRZ and buy a used family car. Something safe and reliable but not too expensive. American sedans from 8-10 years ago fall into the acceptable category. $3-4k should get you rolling. Keep the BRZ for when you're not ferrying the whole family around.
That's what I did when I had a Miata - I drove it daily when my kid was born until age 3. He never rode in it though. When I had to pick him up, I stopped home first and got my other car. As a family we'd take my wife's sedan everywhere. I sold the Miata for the BRZ bc it could still pull kid duty. You might not need a second car if you have access to your wife's car - assuming she has one and that it will hold all 4 of you. Otherwise you'll probably only need to squeeze 2 kids in the back of your BRZ on occasion.
I still think the new WRX would be a better long term solution however.
Congrats and good luck!