Another Vehicle Thread

[Crazy Flamer]

So the better half is looking at selling her vehicle and purchasing a new one. She is looking at something that will have the potential for three rows of seating, will hold three car seats, but is NOT a minivan.

She is dead set against the idea of a minivan. No matter how much I try to convince her that it would most likely be the most convenient solution, she refuses to budge.

We took a look at a Ford Freestyle and it seems to be something along the lines of what were were looking for. It's almost like ad SUV but the three rows of seating.

But we are wondering if there are any other makes and models that will fill our needs. Besides not wanting a minivan, she also doesn't want to drive a huge SUV. There has to be something in the middle that would satisfy her.

Any thoughts?

[CMPunk]

Dodge Journey...basically a bigger Caliber with a ton of storage

[jar_e]

Station wagon maybe?

[flylock shox]

I think you need a Mazda 5.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

Both the Toyota Rav4 and the Hyundai Santa Fe offer a third row of seating among smaller SUV's.

[Ice]

The Honda Pilot isn't a real big SUV and it has the option of third row seats. I have a friend who's driven on for about 4 years. He's had no problems with it.

[Nuje]

The Journey and the Mazda 5 are probably the biggest fit here so far I'd say.

[CMPunk]

Mazda 5


Dodge Journey

[GreenTeaFrapp]

You're not going to be able to put 3 car seats in a Mazda5.

[CRXguy]

Since you looked at the Ford Flex, I'm assuming your budget is in the $30k range? Have you checked out the GM models? Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse. I didn't know about these cars until I saw the Outlook and Acadia at the car show last year. We were almost ready to import a slightly used Honda Odyssey minivan when the U.S. $$$ was good, but couldn't sell my Subaru WRX so traded it in instead.

I have a 2008 Outlook XE with 3 little girls. One is in a booster seat and she sits in the third row. My twins are currently in rear facing seats, but they'll switch to forward facing next month. My wife and I decided on captain chairs for the middle row for ease of access to the 3rd row, and so that we could take the twins out easily out of each side. Even with the third row in use, I can still fit the stroller in the back.

If you're actually interested in the Outlook, Crowfoot Saturn is having a closing out sale and last time I checked, they have about 15 on the lot right now. Might be able to get a really good deal.

I would suggest you keep the Mazda 5 off your list if you have 3 car seats. My sister has one and it's only good if you plan on having one child. Third row is useless for anyone over 15 years old.

[mykalberta]

I am in a similar boat, although I dont need a 3rd row and my price range is max 35k. I have narrowed my search down to 3:

Ford Edge, Mazda CX7, Toyota Venza

Saturn Vue, Toyota Rav4 were also nice, but didnt like the test drive.

[henriksedin33]

I like the look of the Toyota Venza, I'd check that out.

[Ice]

Just curious, why is she so against the minivan? Is it because of the soccer mom stigma? I know they look a little dorky but with three carseats, a minivan is the best option. I was against them too, but relunctantly I got one when my kids were toddlers/babies. Once they were older and didn't have carseats I got an SUV, but I know the SUV wouldn't have come close to suiting my needs when they were in carseats. The convenience of a minivan with little ones can't be beat. (even though they look dorky)

[Sylvanfan]

My wife and I have a Toyota Rav4 with the V6, it goes like hell and gets very good fuel mileage given the amount of power the engine has. But if you're going to be hauling more than 4 people in that vehicle you'll run out of room very quickly. The Venza is based on the Camry's platform and will ride more like a car than the Rav does and it's got a bit more interior room although that is marginal.

My wife wants kids but also has that no mini van mantra. But considering that our 2 dogs fill up the current vehicle if we had one kid, I'd be telling her to swallow her damn pride and put up with a mini van! They sold millions of them for a reason...they're a useful vehicle for a typical North American family.

[Crazy Flamer]

Thanks for all the tips!

Her budget is actually about 15K and she is looking to buy a used vehicle.

And yes, she doesn't want the minivan because of the so called "soccer mom" stigma attached to it. She's pretty stubborn so shaking that thought from her head is proving to be pretty much impossible!