Family car suggestions?

[The_Rigbys]

My husband and I would like to buy a vehicle that will serve us for at least the next five years. If God continues to shower us with blessings at the current rate, we might have four little ones by then. Back in my own childhood, it seemed like a family of six could fit in a regular sedan or station wagon (3 in front, 3 in back). I doubt that’s an option these days, what with all the child safety seats, front airbags, etc. So, despite my preference for small cars, it looks like I’m going to be driving something HUGE.

After some research, the major contenders seem to be various minivans (e.g. the Toyota Sienna), and the Suburban. We’re also considering the Eurovan; I like VWs, and it seems so cosy with the pop-top, curtains, and built-in dining area. But I’m open to just about anything. Since this car would be for local errands and occasional family trips – not for my husband’s commute – gas mileage isn’t a huge factor. (Otherwise, the Suburban would be off the list! )

So, for all you parents of medium-to-large families: What vehicle do you drive, and do you recommend it?

Thanks and God bless,
Mrs. R

 

[Princess_Abby]

have you considered an SUV? my friend just had quadruplets, and she bought a Toyota 4Runner. she’s very happy with it.

 

[Nicole]

If you get a minivan, I would go for the Honda Odyssey. If you get an SUV, check out the Honda Pilot, as well as the Suburban.

God Bless, Nicole

 

[Lilyofthevalley]

My Dodge Caravan has served me well. It’s a sound mini van.

 

[masondoggy]

I have a Honda Odyssey and we absolutely love it! Well worth the money. They’re expensive but hold their re-sale value so much better than other mini-vans. There is a huge difference in their re-sale value! My husband worked for a gm dealer and we would have been able to get a Montana very very cheap. But when we compared the re-sale value, that made our decision very quick! We’ve had several honda’s and have never been disappointed. Before I met dh, he had an old accord with over 300k miles on it! You just can’t beat that!

As far as suv’s go, my mom has a tahoe with the third row seat and I found that the minivan is much easier loading and unloading kids. It is a true pain in the neck getting the kids in and out of her truck, plus it is a true gas hog! Wouldn’t be bad if you only had 3 kids and they could all fit in the middle seat, but it’s just not practical if you have kids climbing back there every time your family gets in the car. Not to mention if you have to have 2 car seats, you can’t move the middle seat forward without taking the car seat out to let the kids in the back. You’d have to put a car seat in the third seat which isn’t practical and could be dangerous if you needed to get the kids out fast.

That’s just my experience.

 

[Rivera]

Mrs R,
We just got a mini van (DH finally relented) and I love it. I have a 7-seater 97 grand voyager, but there may be better models. No matter what you choose be sure to account for future kids…and a few friends and dogs…and you should be OK.

helpful websites: www.edmunds.com & www.cars.com

rivera

 

[The_Rigbys]

Wow, thanks for all the contributions.

I’ve heard good things about the 4Runner, but didn’t know they came with a third row of seats. We’ve also been looking at the Toyota Highlander. It’s not a “true” SUV – more like a giant, SUV-shaped Camry – but the advantage is that the gas mileage is pretty decent. They’re also coming out with a hybrid gas/electric version in the near future.

BTW, I’ve heard that some “7-passenger” vehicles aren’t good for families with many small children, because some of the vehicle’s seats face backwards, and child safety seats can only be installed in the forward-facing rows. Does anyone know how big children have to be before they can ride in a rear-facing row? Specifically, does this rule apply to booster seats (which are recommended until age 8)? Or does it just apply to infant and toddler seats?

(This sort of information is surprisingly hard to find. The manufacturers’ web pages are full of flashy presentations about the cup holders, in-car DVD systems, etc., but they don’t say much about the safety aspects of travelling with children…especially if you have three or more. The major automotive web sites just have basic information, like “the back seat is the safest place for children”. It seems like parents have to find out the details on their own…preferably, before they buy an unsuitable car! )

 

[CD4]

I am driving my second Ford Windstar, and love it. It holds lots of kids and “stuff”…Looks nice, too. Very comfortable.

 

[Faustina]

I just have two kids, but was looking into a minivan due to my daughter wanting one of her friends to come with us on occasions.
I had it down to three. The Honda Odyssey, the Dodge Caravan and the Nissan Quest. The Honda Odyssey has the best write up from Consumer reports as far as handling, gas mileage and room factor. The dodge caravan came in second with Nissan in third. The two things I would look for is the rear air conditioning and to be sure there are four doors.

Of course, the one that I want is the Pacifica Cruiser. It is just too cool in appearance. It is a hybrid of mini van and SUV. They only came out in 2003, so still a little too new for ownership in my book, but maybe in a couple of years.

I did just buy a new car yesterday. A 2000 Mazda 626. It only had 26000 miles on it. One owner and they took exceptionally good care of it, complete with documentation of service work.

Sid

 

[sparkle]

I would absolutely NOT get a mini-van or SUV–as they have a very high rollover rate you know. And I think they’re just “too typical” with no character besides----ycch

Get a very good solid German or Swedish made vehicle like a Saab, a BMW, Mercedes or a Volvo. Wagon. This is a much better choice.

Good Luck~~

 

[Faustina]

sparkle:

I would absolutely NOT get a mini-van or SUV–as they have a very high rollover rate you know. And I think they’re just “too typical” with no character besides----ycch

Get a very good solid German or Swedish made vehicle like a Saab, a BMW, Mercedes or a Volvo. Wagon. This is a much better choice.

Good Luck~~

Not all SUV’s have a high turnover rate, nor is that true with mini van’s. Consumer Reports have a good write up on vehicles including roll over rates.

 

[familyof8]

We drive what we affectionately refer to as the “big blue bus,” a 15 passenger Club Wagon. Guess you don’t want anything quite that big yet!!

I rode with a friend in the back of her Suburban a couple of weeks ago…I did NOT like the way you have to climb in and out of the back row. The middle row’s end seat has to be flipped up. I guess if you have extremely kind, patient children it is ok. I can just see some of the back row kids climbing on top of someone in the middle row moving too slowly for their liking. If you were in an accident and needed out quickly, I just can’t imagine it would be very easily accomplished.

I’d go the mini van route myself. That is what we drove back in the days that our family would fit in one. We can squeeze in an Astro (our other vehicle) since it seats 8, however, it sure is nice to have extra seats for friends and “stuff.”

 

[kwitz]

When we traded in our Voyager (transmission issues - very common from what I’ve heard with Chryslers) and bought a Mazda MPV. We really like it. One of my favorite features is the seats that just pop down to give you more room. I thought it was sort of frivolous at first but I can’t believe how often we tuck the seats in to have more cargo room. Many mini-vans have this feature now and I highly recommend it.

Kris

 

[KCT]

Saturn is coming out with a 7 seater mini van this fall. Saturns are great cars. —KCT

 

[Pax]

Why hasn’t anyone suggested an H2?

 

[The_Rigbys]

sparkle:

I would absolutely NOT get a mini-van or SUV–as they have a very high rollover rate you know. And I think they’re just “too typical” with no character besides----ycch

Get a very good solid German or Swedish made vehicle like a Saab, a BMW, Mercedes or a Volvo. Wagon. This is a much better choice.

Good Luck~~

I used to think a wagon would be a good option. As I’ve discovered, though, there aren’t any that will safely hold four young children, plus a stroller…not to mention a dog. (Or, if there are, I’ve never come across them.)

It looks like our options are limited to a medium or large SUV, a minivan, or a full-size “Catholic Troop Carrier” van.

 

[Pax]

The Rigbys:

It looks like our options are limited to a medium or large SUV, a minivan, or a full-size “Catholic Troop Carrier” van.

Alright… A Catholic Troop Carrier!!! Seriously, I was only kidding about the H2!

 

[The_Rigbys]

In my research, I’ve come across several recommendations for these aftermarket “jumpseats,” that will seat 2 or 3 children:

littlepassengerseats.com/

They’re available for several popular types of SUV (including the Grand Cherokee, Trooper, and Explorer). I guess they don’t leave you with much cargo capacity…but, hey, there’s always the roof!

 

[Grayton]

We had a Dodge Caravan and it served us well. Several relatives and acquaintances own them as well.

However, one of those Caravans was stolen recently. As a result, we learned that it is one of the easiest vehicles to steal, and it is a theft-target because there is a huge black market for parts.

 

[Robert_Simmons]

I would avoid the Suburban. I have one and almost everything on it has had to be fixed. It really has reliability issues. It also guzzles gas. Why do I keep it? -it’s paid for.