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Stealth22 · 06-10-2014, 03:39 PM

There have been plenty of vehicle suggestions here, but I'll just chime in with my $0.02, and my thoughts on two SUV's that have been suggested.

I don't hate the Ford Flex as much as I used to, but I see it as just a big box. I've never seen one in person, but have read posts from people who own it and like it. It's one of those cars that you either love or hate. GMC compares the Acadia to a luxury helicopter in their TV ads, with full access to the 3rd row, etc. Never seen or driven it either one of these SUV's, but thought I'd chime in on them since people have mentioned both.

My wife and I don't have any kids, and when the time comes, I will more than likely dig up this thread and do all the comparison shopping that you have been doing. But just from my own experience, here's what I think you should do.

My family has owned a couple of minivans and CUV's over the years. You mentioned that you test drove the Odyssey. You may want to look at the Sienna as well. It will be a matter of personal choice, and who is willing to make a deal. But we have a Sienna, and as far as loading kids into it goes, you should probably go the minivan route.

You and your wife don't like minivans, but don't discount the value of having electric sliding doors. When you and/or your wife have arms full of groceries and kids, being able to just reach in your pocket with one finger and open the doors will be a godsend. Try opening the back door to an SUV and doing that. The van will give you more space to put down the 6 year old inside the van while you strap in the newborn or 1-year-old. In an SUV, you'd have to wait for the first kid to shift over, unless you have one of the larger SUV's.

The minivans also handle pretty well these days...the crossovers are pretty equal in that regard, but both will be much better than a Yukon or Expedition.

I'd give you the names of the two Toyota salesmen we've dealt with, but we haven't bought a car from them in a while, so they probably wouldn't remember me. If you do go with Toyota, go to Charlesglen if you don't live too far. We had a better overall experience there than with Heninger.

06-10-2014, 03:39 PM	#89
Stealth22 Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: Nov 2010 Exp:	There have been plenty of vehicle suggestions here, but I'll just chime in with my $0.02, and my thoughts on two SUV's that have been suggested. I don't hate the Ford Flex as much as I used to, but I see it as just a big box. I've never seen one in person, but have read posts from people who own it and like it. It's one of those cars that you either love or hate. GMC compares the Acadia to a luxury helicopter in their TV ads, with full access to the 3rd row, etc. Never seen or driven it either one of these SUV's, but thought I'd chime in on them since people have mentioned both. My wife and I don't have any kids, and when the time comes, I will more than likely dig up this thread and do all the comparison shopping that you have been doing. But just from my own experience, here's what I think you should do. My family has owned a couple of minivans and CUV's over the years. You mentioned that you test drove the Odyssey. You may want to look at the Sienna as well. It will be a matter of personal choice, and who is willing to make a deal. But we have a Sienna, and as far as loading kids into it goes, you should probably go the minivan route. You and your wife don't like minivans, but don't discount the value of having electric sliding doors. When you and/or your wife have arms full of groceries and kids, being able to just reach in your pocket with one finger and open the doors will be a godsend. Try opening the back door to an SUV and doing that. The van will give you more space to put down the 6 year old inside the van while you strap in the newborn or 1-year-old. In an SUV, you'd have to wait for the first kid to shift over, unless you have one of the larger SUV's. The minivans also handle pretty well these days...the crossovers are pretty equal in that regard, but both will be much better than a Yukon or Expedition. I'd give you the names of the two Toyota salesmen we've dealt with, but we haven't bought a car from them in a while, so they probably wouldn't remember me. If you do go with Toyota, go to Charlesglen if you don't live too far. We had a better overall experience there than with Heninger.