Looking for Advice - Buying a new vehicle

[fredr123]

I am seeking the advice of the CP collective to help solve a vehicle dilemma now facing our family.

We currently own a 2006 Mazda 3. It was purchased at a time when our family consisted of my wife and me. Now, we have a 3 year old and a 7 month old. Over Christmas it became painfully obvious that the car was not big enough to transport the four of us what with all of the car seats and strollers and what have you. The luggage that would be required for a trip of any considerable length simply could not be accommodated.

Ergo, we are currently in the market for something to replace the car. We aren't sure what the ideal replacement would be. I suggested something like a midsized SUV or crossover of some sort. Two rows of full-sized seats with possibly a third row and plenty of room for luggage in the back. My wife suggested a four door truck with a full-sized back seat and a truck bed to haul a bunch of crap. Something tells me a decent minivan may be in our future but we would like to canvas all of our options before going down that sad path.

To add to our dilemma, we've recently acquired a new puppy who now needs to be accommodated in our travel plans. Therefore, our new ride needs to accommodate two adults, at least two kids in car seats (perhaps more), a big dog and a bunch of luggage.

Suggestions for any particular make/model we should be looking at that would fit our requirements?

[burn_this_city]

Chevy Equinox. I've seen the commercial enough times to know it has more storage capacity than a Honda pilot, plus better fuel economy than toyota or honda

[Ironhorse]

If you're already considering a truck, you could take that one step further and look into a mid to full size SUV. Much more versatile than a pickup when it comes to families.

[Canada 02]

Audi Q7 TDI

don't have one, but been looking at vehicles lately, and this one is pretty

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

You should buy a new Toyota. I hear it should be pretty easy right now.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

You should by a new Toyota. I hear it should be pretty easy right now.

Oh I can't help myself.

Its buy not by.

[Table 5]

A pickup truck seems like a pretty bad option. Sure you can "haul stuff", but unless you're going to throw all the kids in the back, you're not going to get that much more interior space up front than the mazda 3. It just seems like wasted space.

The new Honda Crosstour seems like it could be up your alley. It's an Accord, built with the purpose of providing versatility and space. Not the prettiest car around though.

The Volvo Xc90 is a pretty good option too if you can afford it. Jeremy Clarkson has one (he's had 3)!

[REDVAN]

Get a red (min)van... works the best if you ask me.

[Netskot]

lol ^.

I don't understand why your Mazda can't accomodate 4 people? It's a 5 seater car. What crap can you possibly have that you need to bring with you that doesn't all fit in the trunk?

Only in North America is a sedan not big enough for 2 adults and 2 kids.

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by fredr123

To add to our dilemma, we've recently acquired a new puppy who now needs to be accommodated in our travel plans. Therefore, our new ride needs to accommodate two adults, at least two kids in car seats (perhaps more), a big dog and a bunch of luggage.

Originally Posted by Netskot

lol ^.

I don't understand why your Mazda can't accomodate 4 people? It's a 5 seater car. What crap can you possibly have that you need to bring with you that doesn't all fit in the trunk?

Only in North America is a sedan not big enough for 2 adults and 2 kids.

The OP also needs to carry extra luggage, strollers and a large dog. Good luck with that in a Mazda 3.

[mykalberta]

I have driven and will be purchasing a Ford Edge once I am sure the economy is back on track. Its a good price and would be large enough for 1 more kid.

I guess it depends how big your "big dog" is.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by Netskot

lol ^.

I don't understand why your Mazda can't accomodate 4 people? It's a 5 seater car. What crap can you possibly have that you need to bring with you that doesn't all fit in the trunk?

Only in North America is a sedan not big enough for 2 adults and 2 kids.

Reading the OP really helps.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Netskot

Only in North America is a sedan not big enough for 2 adults and 2 kids.

Ha, funny but definitely true. Everywhere else in the world a Mazda 3 is a pretty regular family car. A big car would be the "station wagon version" of whatever you have.

[Ironhorse]

We had a Ford Flex for a few weeks while our Expedition was getting repaired. Drives very nice, good mileage, and tons of room (almost as much room as the Expedition). If I wasn't hauling holiday or horse trailers, I'd consider trading the Expy in on an AWD Flex.

[Netskot]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Reading the OP really helps.

I did read the op. Having a dog and luggage shouldn't call for a large car.

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

We had a Ford Flex for a few weeks while our Expedition was getting repaired. Drives very nice, good mileage, and tons of room (almost as much room as the Expedition). If I wasn't hauling holiday or horse trailers, I'd consider trading the Expy in on an AWD Flex.

Interesting. Someone in our neighborhood has a Flex and I've wanted to take one out for a spin. Disappointed they can't haul a holiday trailer though.

[STeeLy]

Trade in the 3 for a Mazda 3 Hatchback... or a Mazda 5 (6 seater in a 2|2|2 configuration, back seats fold for more storage space)... if anything, move up to a Mazda 6 wagon.

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I have driven and will be purchasing a Ford Edge once I am sure the economy is back on track. Its a good price and would be large enough for 1 more kid.

I guess it depends how big your "big dog" is.

The dog is a chocolate lab. His dad is 110 lbs and I expect him to be pretty large as well. Two kids and the dog might still fit. Three kids and a dog is not going to happen.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by Netskot

I did read the op. Having a dog and luggage shouldn't call for a large car.

Well I guess he should just leave the wife on the side of the road so he can fit into your perception of what one should be allowed to carry.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Oh I can't help myself.

Its buy not by.

DAMNIT!
I mean, what ever are you talking about?