Anyone else car shopping?

Kaessi

Hi Ladies! DH has decided that we need to trade in my GMC Terrain. This is partially in order to have more room for baby, and partially because it's starting to have some issues and is no longer under warranty. We went car shopping yesterday, and I test drove a Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Tahoe, and Ford Expedition. I fell in love with the Cherokee, and DH favored the Tahoe. Anyone have either of these, or can you offer any recommendations? I've done some research, and while the Jeep is bigger than my current car, I am seeing a few reviews that say it's not roomy enough. Apparently the stroller will take up the whole back, leaving no room for other cargo? Not sure if this is accurate though. This is my first baby & I'm not exactly sure what all I should be prepared for!

CaptainPhasma

I'm in the process of looking right now too, I need 4WD for work so I'm considering a Subaru Forester or maybe a Honda CRV but now you've got me looking into the American brands.

TNgoldengirl

Is the Ford Explorer an option? Not big enough? That's what we have and we love!! We originally wanted a Grand Cherokee, but this was our compromise.. A little more for the money, and similar look. 

emmaaa

I honestly don't see a need for bigger car for when baby arrives. We have a Ford Focus and while the stroller will take up the trunk, it will be fine. I don't get the fascination with a big car just because you need room for a car seat.

Now, if you are having some issues and the warranty is out, it is a good excuse to go care shopping.

DH used to own a Grand Cherokee and it has more than enough room for a stroller and car seat. However, Jeeps are something you constantly need to put money into. DH loved his 2 but had to replace the engine twice in the last one and the heat never worked. I've heard the issues have been resolved but I would look into consumer reports.

Personally, I want a GMC Yukon (basically the same thing as the Tahoe) in the future but that's 4 years away probably. I love the Yukons/Tahoes and the way they look.

fayejo

We're looking too as with two the whole back seat of my Altima will be taken up with car seats so we're looking at SUVs too.  Anyone have one you definitely wouldn't recommend?

hellopartyof5

Get a bigger car than you need! I'm so annoyed with myself that I didn't just get a larger car.  You will have more crap than you realize.

ammiddleton3

Not anymore, Lol. We bought a new vehicle 2 weeks ago! We had been looking for a while before we got pregnant, but my jeep was on it's last leg. I said I would NEVER own one, but we got a new Chrysler Town & Country, and I adore it! I'm going to miss having 4 wheel drive, but if need be I can drive hubby's truck. I wish we could have gotten a large suv, but it was out of budget, for what we could get with a van, so we went for it! 

RD2015

I love love love my Ford Explorer! Getting my niece's car seat in and out of it is a breeze and it has plenty of space (we travel out of state to see family for most holidays). I got the bucket seat middle row, which I love too. I look forward to using it with my own children. My father in law has two grand cherokees and I find them to be a less comfortable ride for long trips than the Explorer...or most other SUV's for that matter. 

kateleap

@emmaaa I couldn't agree more!

We will need to get a second car closer to baby's arrival, since right now DH drops me off at the train station on his way to work, but we are going to get another sporty sedan (beyond safety, our priorities are spacious back seat and decent trunk space). I don't anticipate traveling with all of our earthly possessions, and DH and I both LOVE to drive so forcing one of us to drive a bulky SUV instead of our sportier preferences would feel like a bigger sacrifice than editing what we haul around. Dream car is an STI, but more likely we'll end up with a WRX.

suzy311

We're also in the market to replace my little sedan. DH has a Nissan Murano so we were looking to get something that's a bit better on miles than that. I was looking at the Subaru Crosstrek but now I'm wondering if that's not big enough!

SuperKristy85

I've heard Jeeps in general are pretty notorious for mechanical problems. I agree with @TNgoldengirl I love the ford explorer. I have an edge bc I don't need the bigger car but I test drove both and they're very similar. 

I used to work for GM and the tahoe is probably one of their top vehicles. If its your car, I'd say you should get finally say over DH  

jhburton

We have been planning on replacing my car anyway after we move over the summer. My top choice is the Grand Cherokee, but I'd like to do more research. Also considering the Toyota 4Runner and Dodge Journey. 

itravelsize

I drive a two door Jeep Wrangler which I love but not really baby friendly we r considering. A Subaru cross trek it's 4w drive and seems to offer allot of specs for a fairly low cost. 

westcoastfoodie

We're looking, just because we are WAAAAAAY overdue for a new car... our are like time bombs and keep falling apart. We're hoping to get a Ford Flex! It has that third row (road trips!) and I know a lot of families that give it their endorsements! 

CopperBoom86

I have a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I absolutely LOVE. I bought it new in 2007 and haven't had ANY issues with it. My husband just recently traded in his 1994 Jeep Cherokee for a Ford truck- it was still in excellent condition after 22 years of use! 

As for size, I'm pretty sure you won't need a small bus (Suburban, Tahoe, Expedition, Yukon) for just one child, but it's definitely worth considering if you plan on having more children in the coming years. 

wegme27

We have a Ford Expedition and love it. Super roomy. I had a 4 door Jeep Wrangler when my son was born and it was sooooo crammed with the rear facing car seat so I definitely don't recommend one of those. We ended up trading it in which was sad because that was my first new car

rhenson1

I had an old jeep Cherokee until after I got married and we liked it so much we got another when I had my 3rd baby because it would fit 3 car seats across the back. Now we are going to have to get a new vehicle before this baby comes, something with a third row, since we will have 4 car seats.

SnobunnieMel

We are currently looking too. I am stuck driving my husbands old lifted Ford F-150 and I refuse to climb up to move A car seat in and out. It will be brutal on my back. We are looking at a Honda Pilot now as we have 2 very large dogs I need to be able to fit in the back as well. Biggest problem we found while looking was a lot of the larger size SUVs have 2 captains chairs for the second row instead of a bench and I was not happy with car seat placement for that option 

von1976

I wish! A new car is not in the cards for us. I'm driving a 2006 Toyota Prius that I pray makes it until 2026. At which point, I'll buy a 2016 Toyota Prius. I love my car!

Hubby upgraded three years ago from a Jeep Wrangler to a Ford Fusion. Plenty of room for a car seat, so we're set for now.

korycir

We had a 4 door Grand Prix which had a huge back seat and trunk. We traded it in since it had 181,000 miles on it and it had been through a wreck. We never let DD ride in it after the wreck even though we had it fixed. We ended up leasing a 2016 Chevy Equinox LT. I find that it has a LOT of room but it's not too big. We will easily be able to fit 2 convertible car seats rear or forward facing nicely with a bit of space for all the things kids take with them everywhere. It drives like a dream and has a power lift gate and rear camera (and heated seats). The only downside is if you want more space for extra passengers which it really wouldn't accommodate. It does not have a third row. Some people prefer minivans because the doors slide open (sometimes with a push of a button) instead of swing. Our other vehicle is a Chevy Cruze.

edit: spelling.

PrimRoseMama

We aren't actually going to buy until September, but we are looking.

MRSCORKER

My lease is up in July so we've talked about getting a CRV. I don't like driving big cars so it seems like a good compromise. Extra room for LO but I won't feel like I'm driving a school bus. 

kmalls

jhburton said:

We have been planning on replacing my car anyway after we move over the summer. My top choice is the Grand Cherokee, but I'd like to do more research. Also considering the Toyota 4Runner and  Dodge Journey.

*****damnit, quote box fail!!*****


We got a new SUV last summer. We test drove a Dodge Durango and Journey, a Honda Pilot and a Chevy Traverse. We looooved the Traverse and got the 2015 model (newest at the time). 

The Dodge Journey was REALLY small even though it has a third row. If you're taller than a five year old, the third row isn't happening. The Durango was the right size but has pretty crappy reviews (it loses value really quickly and has a history of maintenance issues). The Pilot was great but overpriced and the dealership wouldn't budge. 

The Traverse was perfection. Huge third row, tons of cargo space (same amount of cargo space as the Tahoe, but less headroom -- meaning it's shorter) and it drives really well. It doesn't feel like you're driving a huge SUV. 

Anyway the third row was essential to us as we knew we'd be having more than 1 kid, plus we have 2 dogs. We can fit DS, the dogs, us and all our gear with ridiculous room to spare! 

jhburton

@kmalls Thanks for your input! I will have to look into the Traverse!

vanessa11411

We probably wont buy until September. I drive a Mazda 4 door. It's great for me right now since I commute 90 miles each way to work, I get about 30-40mpgs. Once baby arrives we wont have enough space for DS car seat and a new car seat. There will be 5 of us and my car seats 4 comfortable with 1 car seat. I've been eyeing the new Ford Explorer. I haven't really done any research on it other than the MPG's because I will still have the same commute so gas is going to cost me a lot more than it does right now.

AshleyGemini24

I had no choice. Our only vehicle tore up and it would have cost more to fix it than it was worth. So for nearly 2 weeks we searched for a car. Finally bought one yesterday. 98 ford explorer sport. Good luck on the car hunt 

Kaessi

TNgoldengirl said:

Is the Ford Explorer an option? Not big enough? That's what we have and we love!! We originally wanted a Grand Cherokee, but this was our compromise.. A little more for the money, and similar look.

I hadn't actually considered an Explorer (the dealership we went to yesterday didn't have any to show), but think I will look into them now! Looking for something that's a year or two old, with minimal miles.

@kmalls I have a friend that has a Traverse as well, that she absolutely loves. May consider this as an option as well.

I agree with you about big cars @MRSCORKER...I'm really not comfortable driving anything big & "bus-like". The Tahoe actually seems a bit too much for me, but I do like the extra room.

We take a lot of road trips, also have 2 dogs, and...I admit I tend to over pack! I'm in the "better to be prepared" state of mind so think I MUST bring anything we could possibly need (I should probably work on that)...but this is the reason why I think DH is leaning toward the Tahoe. There's also a potential that I will be making trips to pick up cargo for work at some point, and need to consider that as well.

kelliott09

We actually just traded my Accord for a Honda Pilot last weekend. The Accord was already starting to feel small with two in the backseat, no way was I going for three. So far, I love it. It's not bad on gas and has SO MUCH room. As far as the others mentioned, I know someone that has a newer Durango and hates it and I know someone with a 2014 Journey that's been in the shop with issues several times already. Just my 2 cents. 

Tara0604

i absolutely LOVE my jeep grand cherokee! My husband has one too. This is my second jeep and my husband's 3rd. We haven't had any problem. My only complaint (which really isn't truly a complaint) is that they have had a bunch of recalls over the last year and a half. My husband and I both "need" SUVs bc we need to get to our jobs in the snow no matter what and they don't do a good job clearing it in our city. I can fit a ton in my truck (btw), i currently have a double stroller, big bin of legos, a huge bag of dinosaurs, another huge bag of large tonka trucks, other odds and ends and it doesn't even come above the top of the back seat.

When our leases are up, I'm going to look into the durango because I would prefer a 3rd row. The trunk of the pilot is just too small for my liking. If i switch school districts, i will consider the town and country.

TNgoldengirl

Also I'd like to add, my #1 requirement was that the backseat had AC vents. My Honda Civic did not get cool enough in the backseat (no garage, no tinted windows, 100 degree summer) and it just didn't work for us. OP, sounds like all of the ones you're looking at probably have the vents, but a big perk to look for, for others who are car shopping. 

Let us know if you end up trying out the Explorer and what you end up with! 

SuperNerd42

I would love a new car! We will look to buy in about two years when a couple notes will be paid off. I love my maneuverable little sedan, but with two it will be SUV time. 

Blonde1817

We're looking too, but probably won't buy until late summer. I really need a new car anyways.   I'm looking at the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, Jeep Cherokee,  Mazda CX 9.  My dream is to get an Acura MDX but I'm not sure we can get one in our price range without high mileage.  I want to get a big enough car that it'll work even if we have more kids. We try to keep cars as long as we can.  Also, we need a car where the dogs can fit in the trunk area.  I can't imagine the craziness of trying to drive to the in laws with a baby and the dogs somehow in the backseat! DH has a Camry so this would be our road trip car.

klv

I bought a Nissian Sentra in October and now I am kinda kicking myself. Wish I would have gotten something a bit bigger with 2 kids in car seats but we will make it work. 

As far as storage goes, I had a Honda civic when DD was born. Never had a problem with a lack of space

gatorMom2014

We got a CRV after the first baby and we love it.  Feels roomy without looking huge from the outside.  Plenty of leg room, and plenty of storage in the back.

monana86

Our two main vehicles are a Nissan Xterra and a 4 Door Mazda 3.
I have a feeling we wont get much use out of the Mazda 3 anymore. It wouldn't take much to convince my husband that we should get another SUV.

nsquaredlife13

@Kaessi we bought a Dodge Durango last year when my little guy was about 5 months old. It's AMAZING! We have the bugaboo chameleon stroller which is gigantic and it fits perfectly even after a Costco run. I LOVE it and H does too since he's all about performance (we got the RT).

greenlia

We have two kids and a large dog in a 2010 Prius. The trunk is currently full of a double Bob, but hey, that's what the cargo box is for. There's also good storage space in front of the rear seats with small children, since their legs don't go there. Especially with rear facing car seats.

My H just discovered that Chrysler is coming out with a hybrid plug-in minivan (the Pacifica) in the 4th quarter of this year and is desperate to buy it, so we never have to buy gas again, since it will have a 30-mile electric range and we mostly just drive around a small town. He thinks the timing with the baby and all is a sign. I'm less desperate to buy it since two new car seats so we can go 3-across in the Prius will be far less expensive than a fancy new minivan.

thepicklemonster

My lease is up in June and I'm looking at the Subaru Forester, Rav4, Mazda CX-5, and CRV

mrszoess

I have a Ford Escape and it has plenty of room. my husband sells ford and Subaru so when his lease is up we may get an outback

nsquaredlife13

thepicklemonster said:

My lease is up in June and I'm looking at the Subaru Forester, Rav4, Mazda CX-5, and CRV

As much as I love the CX5, I absolutely HATED it when the baby arrived. I would recommend either bringing a car seat with you or asking the dealership if they have one to "try on" in the car before committing. We had the Maxi Cosi Mico AP and the ONLY spot it fit in the car was the middle. Granted, thats the recommended placement, but the car was so tiny that neither the driver nor the passenger seat could be moved back because of the carseat. Additionally, I could only fit my City Mini GT Stroller in there. If I did a grocery store trip and forgot the stroller was in the trunk, I had to load all the groceries around my little squish. It drove me bonkers.

aggiefrau08

My husband was hit by a drunk driver in my car last April and it was totaled, so we got a 2015 Honda Pilot and I absolutely LOVE it! It rides great, the gas mileage is good, and it fits three car seats across really easily.