Buying a new vehicle for baby - advice please =)

Soashwifey

Hey everyone! My husband and I currently both drive small cars so we are trying to decide if we should buy one or even two new vehicles before the baby arrives. We have been considering purchasing one or possibly two small suvs/crossovers like the CRV or the Equinox.. that way we both always have room for whatever we may need. Does anyone have feedback on either one of these cars? Some of our friends have even suggested one of us buys an even bigger SUV like a Pilot or a Traverse... but we're wondering if that's just too big? This will be our first child and we plan on waiting a few years before we have a second. What are your thoughts on vehicles for the new baby? I appreciate all of your advice! Thanks!

bbiutmcph

I had two kids with my corolla sport.  Unless there is no room for even a carseat I wouldn't run out and buy two new vehicles just for a baby especially since you aren't planning another for a few years.

  If you just want to upgrade a vehicle SUVS are nice but large ones are going to be more expensive with tires, gas etc when used to two cars so you are talking a much bigger cost.  I recently purchased a RAV4 and traded my corolla as I wanted AWD and more room with three. We are a toyota family but I hear good things about the CRV.  I would consider trading one of the cars for that if you are wanting a new vehicle but I don't think it's necessary with one kid and I wouldn't run out and buy two new ones personally. 

Kbhunter

I have an Infiniti QX60. We had downsized to that one before my first daughter was born(16months old now). Honestly we regret it and wish we had stayed with the bigger suv. Especially now with our second coming. We will upgrade to the bigger one (QX80) as soon as we can get out of this lease!

basdenjn6

I went from a Chevy Aveo (small little compact) to an Equinox this month. My Aveo was also 10 years old and on its last legs or we might have dealt with it a little longer. But, as it was we opted for the SUV as our new one since my DH has a compact as well. I LOVE the Equinox. My parents had one for years as well. I like it because it's roomy, rides well, we've taken many long road trips in them and they're comfortable but they aren't gigantic and hard to maneuver. It's plenty of room for our LO and our puppy! FYI my BIL has a traverse and I don't love it. I feel like it's a massive car and you don't get that much more room out of it. Yes, it has an extra row of seats, but you lose trunk space for it, and how often do you need to fit 7 people in your car unless you're the Brady bunch?

beckles112

I don't have personal experience, but my sister in law drives an equinox and absolutely loves it! I've been considering one, myself, because my car is about to bite it. It's between that one and a dodge journey. Good luck on your search!

jenspeake

I traded in my Kia Optima for a Kia Sportage.  My other car was sporty and didn't get around in snow at all which is why I traded plus our lease was up.  The Sportage's are much cheaper than the Sorento's!  I would have been just fine with a regular four door car and not an SUV because DH has a truck.

gurlnthacurl

I have an Equinox. Great car, my only complaint is that there isn't an air vent in the back seat, so baby and any passengers back there might get hot

mandy903

I think a car is plenty sufficient for one car seat. As long as the car seat is secure and fits I don't see an urgent need for another vehicle. My husband has mostly drove cars like a Nissan sentra since we've had kids. I have almost always had a Jeep. I had a Cherokee but now have a jeep commander and love it. Strong quality made, roomy, gets through snow. I love it. ..

shannonescobar

I was driving a single cab chevy silverado before I found out I was pregnant. I new I would have to get a different vehicle and j was thinking a small car would be fine but then my husband and I discovered we are expecting twins! So we recently sold my silverado and bought a 2012 chevy equinox and I love it! It has plenty of room and it's good on gas

Krysta6

We have been on the SUV hunt! I am getting a Jeep Grand Cherokee but I looked at larger ones like the pilot. I really just like the jeep and one day I may need a bigger SUV but we decided to buy for what we have now instead of what we might have in the future. I would be careful with the smaller SUVs and double check the seat belts. I can't remember which one but there is a little SUV that overlaps the seatbelts with the buckle so both of those seats can't be used at once, so it's not really a 3 seat backseat.

dchiapella

Honda... Honda, Honda Honda... That's the best advice I can give. There are well built, safe and durable. I just had to buy a car because mine was complete done. Let me just say this. I was driving a 2000 Honda Accord with almost 350,000 miles on it, the engine blew over a year ago and the car let me commute to and from work (30 mins each way at that time) for 2 weeks before it finally died, once I replaced a couple parts in the engine (not even the whole thing) it ran great. Eventually the body started to give out though since the car had so many miles on it and I'm pretty sure it got totaled when someone hit me, MONTHS later the wheel bearings busted and I still got around for months. Not smart, I know, but the point is... Hondas last and will endure JUST about anything. Plus, they are such quiet cars that if it starts making noise at all you know to take it in, rather than playing the "does that sound like something's wrong" game. 

As for sudan vs. suv vs. whichever... a lot depends on where you live, I'd say. I live in a really congested area (Massachusetts) so for me I felt it was unnecessary and also unrealistic to get an suv or a truck (i wanted a ridgeline) since most of the parking around here is Hobbit sized and traffic gets super nasty. 

tulegrl14

The hubby and I bought a Buick Enclave for the new little one. It seats 7 but drives like a smaller suv. Plus the safety ratings and reliabilty were really good and it's also considered luxuary and had nice features. One feature I love the most is that every row has a vent so the passengers get either warm or cool air which is nice in california when it's super hot outside.

LLynde5

We have an equinox and a Jeep Grand Cherokee. We have been looking at trading or Equinox in for something a bigger. For us with two dogs and the amount traveling we do we all prefer the Jeep. I agree about the back seat being warm but I think that is fixed on newer models. It does get good gas mileage but lacks power compared to the jeep. We loved the Suburban we had for vacation but we can't seem to pull the trigger. With only two months to go I think we are going to wait on a new car unless the right deal pops up.

eat111315

I drive a scion xa (the tiny one) and can fit two car seats and a double stroller in the trunk. With numer three on the way we're getting a minivan for the family and keeping my smaller car for whichever parent is sans kids.

Point is- you probably don't really need a new car. If you are anticipating having more kids, I would recommend researching which SUVs/crossovers can fit three car seats in the back best. That way your not in the same boat a couple years down the road.

JaqiDec04

We have one vehicle, and its a Ford Flex. We love it. It seats 7, and still has cargo room. Plus, it has rear AC vents (very important in California). The gas mileage is good, and its not considered an SUV, so no higher insurance & car registration fees. Plus, tires and other maintenance are cheaper because its not an SUV. Something to consider when upgrading.

Honestly, DD is 4, and we bought the Flex 2 years ago, but we could have survived with a smaller car. DH is a big guy, so nothing smaller than an Altima/Camry, for him, but I wouldn't buy a CRV/Cherokee/BigSUV for 1 baby, unless there is another reason for it.

For example, we love our Flex because we travel 300 miles about every 6 weeks for a weekend visit to our families. We have to take DD, and the dog in a kennel, and all our stuff. We also run an ETSY business, and the Flex is great because we can fit all our show stuff in it, plus DD. And when family comes to visit, the third row seats really come in handy.

Again, we only have one car, so our one car has to do everything we need it to do. However, if we're just talking every day life, I would be completely happy in an Altima or similar sized car for the better gas mileage, easier parking, and lower maintenance costs.

Soashwifey

Thanks everyone for your advice! I really appreciate it!

trishee13

I have an Equinox and I LOVE IT. I've had several friends purchase one after driving in my car. We have 3 dogs (golden retrievers) and its big enough for all of them. And the mileage is still really good for a 6 cyl.. Obviously you'll get better if you get a 4 cyl. And I live in Massachusetts and its great in the snow.

batmom05

My husband drives a Corolla Sport and there is more than enough space for both of our kids in the backseat as well as space for the stroller and other items (ex. groceries) in the trunk. He is keeping his car. 

I drive a Rav4 and just like with hubby's car, we have plenty of space. Generally if we are going somewhere as a family we take mine since it has a bit more space and is (in my opinion) more comfortable for all of us to travel in. 

We are planning to have another little one within the next two years and I will upgrade to something bigger, but he will keep his car since it's unlikely that we would run out of space unless we are all travelling together. At that point, I'm going to upgrade to a Highlander since it has a full third row of seats - no minivans for me!! 

brittanispears

My 1995 Toyota Tercel died in November of last year and my husband and I shared his 2008 Altima until mid-July. We found out we were expecting and thought a Camry would suffice. Then, while I was looking my mom and stepdad told me they thought I should get a small SUV because of all the baby equipment I'll be lugging around. I opted for a Honda CR-V. I never would have pictured myself driving a soccer mom car but I actually like it. It doesn't do too bad at the pump, it's spacious, easy to maintain (most Japanese cars are), and it has all the equipment and accessory options except navigation. 

An SUV definitely isn't a requirement for kids but it helps a little. I'd honestly base my decision on affordability and needs that it meets. 

taralohse

I have a new Toyota Rav4 and I love it. Great storage space!! 

nbpa3027

We kind of had the same dilemma, but trying to fit three across in our Subaru.

Our ultimate decision as to buy different car seats and wait on the new car for another year or two and in the mean time, be putting away money so we can get the car that we really want and not have to worry as much about the cost or extra maintenance.

If the cars you have are working out right now, I wouldn't rush into buying a new one. Also, it might be worth looking into the best time to purchase a car and waiting until then for the best price. I remember reading once that the best sales are around July 4th because that's when the new model years come out and the new year because come 2016 people don't really consider the 2015 cars new anymore even if they are.

lucky10liz

We upgraded from a Ford Focus to a Ford Escape. Is a smaller SUV but we love it and it has great storage and gas mileage! 

Hemjsb8187

I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and I absolutely love it! I wouldn't even think about having anything else! It has a great amount of space and doesn't feel like you are driving a tank and it gets great gas mileage!

midge519

I wouldn't upgrade for one child. I used to have a Kia Soul with two kids and we would get around well with it. I even traveled cross country with my parents, myself, two children and all of our crap (literally had that thing loaded down) and it still did great! When SO and I got serious we got a 2003 Honda Pilot because together we have 4 LO's. Baby makes 5 so it is something very much needed. The nice thing with the pilot is the two oldest can sit in the back and we can still lay down the one seat and have a good amount of room on the side plus the back space and cargo holder thing. I love my pilot and if we were to get a newer version (we've been talking about it for in a few years) I'd be completely happy!

justagirl04

I work at a car dealership and we have tons of new parents coming in asking the same thing! My husband and I were in a car wreck around 11 weeks in a Honda Accord which was totaled. Everyone was fine but the car. I was super disappointed in loosing the car because I thought it would be perfect for me and baby but that wreck was a major blessing for us. My husband talked me into a CRV (I love hondas!) And I have not regretted it a bit. My mom has had to drive it a couple of times and is seriously considering trading in her Civic for the CRV. The ease of getting in and out and getting baby and carrier out are so easy! I would recommend a Honda CRV in a heartbeat and we send alot of soon to be parents home in them as well.

millette2015

I drive a CRV for work, and to be honest I don't find it comfortable. I'm tall and find that no matter how I adjust it, I'm never in a good position and it makes my wrists hurt. BUT that's a personal preference thing. As a car itself, we don't have a lot of issues with it and I like the space, for a smaller SUV. 

Personally, we just got a Dodge Journey. I'm in love. But it's a larger size SUV, so if you aren't looking for that then it's not a good fit for you. We basically bought our dog a car, because there was no way our dog and baby could share a back seat (she's a really big dog), plus fit all of our s#&! in it. 

Latina211508

My husband and I both had bmws until I got pregnant with our third baby. Since I always have my kids with me I got a Tahoe. I love it! It seats 9 and it's so big. I'm so happy we got an SUV, everything is so easier. Going on trips like the beach, Disneyland etc. Now I'm pregnant with our fourth and happy we have our Tahoe.

sdnyc99

We bought a Subaru Forester a year ago. I don't know where you live, but they are hugely popular around here. We had a really rough last 2 winters with the snow and ice, and really wanted the safest car. Subarus have outstanding safety ratings and ours handles beautifully in tricky road conditions.
It's very similar in size to my former Ford Escape and to my in-laws' Nissan Rogue.
I really couldn't be happier with it and would buy it again in a heartbeat.

jham201

Right before getting pregnant I was in an accident with my Mazda3.  I walked away totally fine but my little car was totaled. I was devestated because I loved that car.  Since I needed a new car and we were hoping to start a family soon, I got the Mazda CX-5 crossover.  I LOVE it so far!  I have always been a small car person, so I was not happy to give up my Mazda3 but with the baby on the way, I guess it was meant to be.

ameares721

If you live anywhere with snow, don't get an Equinox. An SUV that doesn't have 4 wheel drive is a total joke.

MamaOwl15

My husband and I drive a Civic (and when DS was born we also had a Nissan Sentra, which was mine). With one kid, those cars were fine. You don't really need to run out and buy a new car or two just for baby.

However, if you're in the market for a new vehicle anyway, I'd go with the CRV. My parents and my husband love, love, love their Hondas. They hold up so well, my parents are still driving their '99 Accord and their '03 Odyssey. A CRV will definitely give you more space than a smaller car.

My sister has a CRV, but I haven't had a chance to ask how she likes it. Granted she lives in Philly and almost never drives . . .

And a CRV is at the top of DH and my list when we can afford another car. And I'd just get one new car, not two, because, while you may need two vehicles as a household, how often would you really need two larger cars?

LLynde5

trishee13 said:

I have an Equinox and I LOVE IT. I've had several friends purchase one after driving in my car. We have 3 dogs (golden retrievers) and its big enough for all of them. And the mileage is still really good for a 6 cyl.. Obviously you'll get better if you get a 4 cyl. And I live in Massachusetts and its great in the snow.

Do you plan on going anywhere with your dogs and baby? Are you getting a cage for the trunk?

SaraFaye715

My advice is to wait...I 100% get the urge to buy, as I'm driving a 2006 cobalt that I've had for 8 years. I was seriously looking at SUVs a few weeks ago, especially because we have two dogs, and loading us all into a car for our 2+ hour drive to grandpa's is going to be tight.

I talked myself out of it, because while we could've taken $ from savings to make the purchase, there are so many financial variables in play with having our first baby.
1. Medical bills
2. Partially unpaid maternity leave
3. Either paying daycare or losing my income (I'm still undecided about this.)

I figured that the day I bought my car would be the same day that something critical in the house would break, and we'd have to pull even more out of savings!

That's my two cents...what's the rush? You can always upgrade your car in the spring, after everything has somewhat normalized again. That's my plan.

Oh, and also think about how many kids total you want. My sister bought a Pacifica after her first kid was born, and had to trade it in for a mini van after baby 3 arrived. Apparently 3 car seats don't fit in most vehicles.

blairbecky78

I actually traded in my 2012 Honda CRV for a 2015 Honda Odyssey. At first, my husband wasn't crazy about a minivan but I completely talked him into it. This is our first child but we do a lot of traveling to visit family so I wanted more room. My mother has bad knees so she loves how low the seats are. We were looking at the Pilot and I knew it would be too tall for her. The Pilot and Odyssey seat the same amount but the amount of storage area when the third row is up is much deeper in the Odyssey. My husband now loves it and we can't wait to travel in it.

ohsosonic

JessicaHam201 said:

Right before getting pregnant I was in an accident with my Mazda3.  I walked away totally fine but my little car was totaled. I was devestated because I loved that car.  Since I needed a new car and we were hoping to start a family soon, I got the Mazda CX-5 crossover.  I LOVE it so far!  I have always been a small car person, so I was not happy to give up my Mazda3 but with the baby on the way, I guess it was meant to be.

We also upgraded to the CX-5 this year and LOVE everything about it. Lots of space for baby, lots of space for the Border Collie in the back. Doesn't feel like you're driving a huge car (I drove a small car before too). Good value for the price IMO

trishee13

Nope. Our dogs haven't been in a crate since they were about 9 months old. And I could comfortably fit all 3 with a car seat in my Equinox.

And as for whoever said don't get an Equinox if you live with snow- I live in Massachusetts and I've had mine for the past 4 winters and it's been great. Even last winter when we got slammed.

Soashwifey

Thanks everyone for all the advice, really appreciate it!

EllioCor

I think a sedan is fine for a little one, and I even had a 3-door coupe awhile back that would have allowed a carseat. DH has a sedan (Pontiac grand prix) and when my 3-door sc2 needed replaced (too much needed fixed) I went with a small truck with a king cab (4 doors back seat-chevy s10). DH does most of the driving and our carseat is installed in his sedan. As long as the carseat fits, I wouldn't worry terribly about getting a car "for the baby". Now, if you just WANT a new suv, have fun test driving, though I don't think you can get a really accurate feel of a vehicle while super pregnant...

pkfinnerty

@tulegrl14 we are looking at the Enclave! I'm so glad you posted about it.
We have 3 dogs and my husband and I live 8 hours from my family and 6 from his so we drive home often. Can you take the third seat completely out or does it fold down flat where we can keep the 3 dogs and our luggage when we travel?
I have such anxiety about buyers remorse!!

KRomo16

I drive a 2014 Equinox. We bought it when we started trying to conceive in October. Love it. The only
Thing I hate about it is the AC system. There are no air vents in the back. And the way the vents are positioned in the driver seat suck because the steering wheel blocks the AC from getting to your face! Other than that we love it. It's also our first baby and with our fur any we have plenty of space

NicoleAndDerrick

Like @JessicaHam201 I also had a Mazda3 and totaled it. I walked away with just bruising on my arms from the airbag. I got a 2013 Mazda CX-5 and absolutely adore it! Mazda's are ranked only under Subaru for reliability and safety and are much more attractive in my opinion. After owning my first Mazda I can't see myself in anything else!