New car for baby?

theluckiestduo

So this was one expense we weren't expecting (but I'm secretly VERY happy about). We are going to pick up our new SUV on Monday- and I can't wait!

Between new baby and a big dog we needed somehting larger than our Passat. Anyone else upgrading in size?

aesf

we are considering going from a honda fit to a toyota rav4, but not this year.

Mrs.Leah.Maria

Yup, DH and I are currently in the process of finding a new to us SUV. We'll be paying in cash, so we're looking at $3,500 or less.

ETA: We currently have a Grand Prix, which should be fine with two car seats. We've been driving my Dad's old Silverado ever since we lost DH's work truck a little over a year ago. We didn't have the money then to buy a vehicle, but have been able to save money for a 2nd vehicle since then. It's the first time I've been excited to buy a vehicle.

We're looking at 4WD Explorers and Blazers. I've been driving the Silverado this winter and I love the 4WD!

Kristin131

We traded in DH's Accord for a Pilot before DS came. And last summer I traded my corolla for a CR-V in anticipation for #2 (and I didn't feel good driving DS around in the snow in the corolla with all the steep hills here)

duhdaisy86

What SUV are you getting?

We currently have a mazda 6, and are looking to up size after Baby Girl is born. Our lease is up in Feb, so we probably won't get anything until them.

But we are looking into our options :O)

MFAinNYC

I have mostly had small convertibles.  When we decided to start a family, I got an A4.  Now I think I need to go a little bigger, so I'll probably get an A6.  I can't get in and out of most SUVs with my back hurting and I can't lift my niece and nephew out of SIL's SUV.

jlm245

Oh fun!  I have been telling my DH how much I like my friend's new Volvo SUV but he isn't biting.

Not sure how both the baby and our relatively big dog will fit in our VW or Volvo though!  Haha.  The first big trip we take should be interesting! 

sharonstevens85

aesf:

we are considering going from a honda fit to a toyota rav4, but not this year.

 

We upgraded from the Mazda 3 to the Toyota Rav 4 last summer, and I absolutely love it! So roomy and drives great! 

gmc222

Yes, last month I went from a Honda Accord to a CR-V. I'm in the same boat where I have dogs, so we needed the space.

MFAinNYC

jlm245:

Oh fun!  I have been telling my DH how much I like my friend's new Volvo SUV but he isn't biting.

Not sure how both the baby and our relatively big dog will fit in our VW or Volvo though!  Haha.  The first big trip we take should be interesting! 

DH wants to upgrade to an SUV for when we need to take the dogs places!  That's one thing I really like about an SUV, the dogs can go in the back.  When I was a kid we had a huge dog and all 3 kids and the dog would crowd into the backseat.  If the A/C wasn't working, we'd be sweating with dog hair all over us.  lol

marchbride32407

I'd like to, but it probably won't happen before she arrives. We like to take our dogs places with us, so we really need an SUV. We have a Chevy Avalanche, but we will NOT be putting our dogs in the bed of a truck. They're really hyper in the car and would probably kiss the poor baby to death in the backseat with her. We really need an SUV so that they can go in the very back.

Just wishful thinking...we have a lot of extra expenses now, so this isn't priority. My Honda Accord will have to do in the meantime.

theluckiestduo

duhdaisy86:

What SUV are you getting?

We currently have a mazda 6, and are looking to up size after Baby Girl is born. Our lease is up in Feb, so we probably won't get anything until them.

But we are looking into our options :O)

We're getting the BMW X5. We liked the safety ratings, warranty, and heard good things from friends/family who have the car. We origionally were looking for something slightly bigger but I think living in the city this will be easier to get around in!

dairygirl19

I just traded in my Impala for a Jeep Cherokee about 2 months ago.

Partially due to baby, partially not. Impala was just getting old and had a ton of miles. We were one breakdown a way from a major $$$. The weather also sucks here 6 months a year and I live on back gravel so I needed 4WD.

All that said, my Impala was a fine car for a baby but it was a PITA to get things out of the backseat, so I'm glad there's no bending over involved now!

mainemommy

I think we're going to go bigger. I drive a Cadillac Deville, so its big, but Im not sure how comfortable it will be with 3 kids.I might do the dreaded mini van to be honest. We'll have 3 kids & a dog, so we need something roomy for trips.

Id like to do an suv but I dont see it as being the best fit for me or the kids, theyre too high & there isnt very much space between the rows.

Besides the idea of pushing a button & having the doors open on a van is very appealing to me.

Saltina11

Mrs.Leah.Maria:

Yup, DH and I are currently in the process of finding a new to us SUV. We'll be paying in cash, so we're looking at $3,500 or less.

I love this!!! I want to do the same. For now I'm going to continue to drive around my reliable '99 Toyota (DH's car is a much newer Honda) until we have saved enough to pay cash for my next car. I don't care if people think it makes me look poor~ I know it's smart!

Saltina11

Mrs.Leah.Maria:

Yup, DH and I are currently in the process of finding a new to us SUV. We'll be paying in cash, so we're looking at $3,500 or less.

I love this!!! I want to do the same. For now I'm going to continue to drive around my reliable '99 Toyota (DH's car is a much newer Honda) until we have saved enough to pay cash for my next car. I don't care if people think it makes me look poor~ I know it's smart!

DuaneHalie10

My husbands truck is perfect, but with me having a little mazda 3 we decided to see how the carseat fit.  It is so snug, that only I would be able to drive (even then it is tight against my knees). 

 So... With it not being in the expected budget we will have to be looking for something larger soon (not that I'm complaining -- I prefer SUV's over cars).

kgunz11

We aren't upgrading in size (I currently drive a Nissan Pathfinder which I LOATHE), but there is talk at my job about the company purchasing a vehicle for me very soon.  I'm really crossing my fingers they go through with it!

rpm2009

W are going to be trading in my '01 jetta for a crossover or smaller SUV.  There is nothing wrong with my car (other than being older) but the idea of trying to get two kids into that back seat is not appealing.  We are looking at the Ford Edge, Toyota Venza or slightly bigger options like the Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander.  The idea of buying a car is loathsome but it has to be done.   

MeggM1

We got one two weeks ago!  We both had two door cars and that obviously wasn't going to be good with one baby, let alone twins.  So we traded one up for a Hyundai Santa Fe - LOVING it!  It was between that, the Rav-4, and a Subaru.  It's going to be so nice not having to bend down into the car to do the car seats.

tweller

I won't be getting a new car (I have a Malibu, the newer body style), so that's pretty roomy, but my husband has a Jeep Wrangler, so we need to do something for him.  It wouldn't be a big deal to take my car every where, but he works closer to home and potential baby sitter so he will be dropping off and picking up the baby and his Jeep just isn't going to cut it.  Not sure what he's looking at, he hates buying new cars . . . me on the other hand could get a new car every 2 years and still not be happy !

FunNSunAZ

DH and I both got new cars in January. I upgraded from a Honda Civic to a Honda Accord and DH got a Toyota Sequoia. DH has a work vehicle, so the Sequoia is only used on the weekends and was bought for the purpose of weekend trips with the LO and the pups. My Accord will be used throughout the week for errands, etc, and I don't plan on driving the pups around in it. So far, we love them both!

duhdaisy86

theluckiestduo:

We're getting the BMW X5. We liked the safety ratings, warranty, and heard good things from friends/family who have the car. We origionally were looking for something slightly bigger but I think living in the city this will be easier to get around in!

That is what we are looking at...we sat in one at the Auto Show on Sunday and I fell in LOVE! :O)

We are going to do some more research on it and find out dimensions of our double stroller, then we are going to do some test driving.

theluckiestduo

dairygirl19:

All that said, my Impala was a fine car for a baby but it was a PITA to get things out of the backseat, so I'm glad there's no bending over involved now!

Yes! No more bending is what I'm most looking forward to.

ksevin

We're actually looking for a smaller car.  We have a SUV right now and, since it's a V8, it's a killer on our bank account for gas.  I really really didn't want a car payment since mine is paid off but I can't stand only having one vehicle when we live in the middle of no where!

rab41380

We had to do this when DD was born, I had a 2dr honda accord,and had a hard time getting the stroller and carseat in and out. I ended up with a new suv..

HappyKlamb10

I have a Hyundai Tucson, which is fine size-wise, but DH has a 2-door Civic.  We are going to keep it for now, but I'm guessing we will trade it in for a minivan sometime in the next 2 years or so.  DH keeps saying he wants to hold onto it as long as possible, but the thought of reaching around the front seat for the infant carrier already makes my back hurt.

Shotgunqueen12

I had an '07 Jeep Wrangler (2 door-stick shift... MISS IT!) bought it in August.  Found out I was pg in Novemeber... lost my a$$ on that thing.  Had to get rid of it though: 

1) Not safe for the baby

2) I promised the SO if we got pg that I would get rid of it.

3) I could barely get my laptop bag into the backseat let alone a car seat! 

This is our first child and the SO has a truck.  We originally were looking at SUVs (I am not a fan of driving cars), but I took one for the team and got a "gas friendly" vehicle.  I now own a '04 Grand Prix. 

 

mbritto4

I traded my Saab 9.3 wagon in last summer for a mom mobile (Chevy Traverse) and love it. It handles great in snow and my back loves not bending all the time to put DD in the back seat. DD loves the "magic door" back lift gate I put a running board on so DD can even get in the car herself, so will be good when 2.0 comes she can get in her carseat while I secure the baby, then go belt her in.

pettycrocker

I went down a bit in size from a Jeep grand cherokee to a Jeep Liberty. But we did get a new car for baby. Mine was really old, and even though it was still running pretty good H didn't feel comfortable with me driving in it while expecting our LO. 

anakalia10

I want to trade-in my 3 series for a small SUV- maybe an X3 or another smaller SUV.  I was initially thinking a 5 series but after our last winter, I think I'd rather have a small SUV.

We also have an X5 (and love it!)- so if anyone has any questions, let me know!

ETA: Whatever we get, it will be cash + trade-in.  No car payment here!

ohdrama09

We have two large dogs and our LO was unexpected as well. I have a four door mazda 3 but Dh has a 2door honda civic. We would LOVE to get a honda crv but we have to wait until next year

Temp856430000003146

Mrs.Leah.Maria:

Yup, DH and I are currently in the process of finding a new to us SUV. We'll be paying in cash, so we're looking at $3,500 or less.

ETA: We currently have a Grand Prix, which should be fine with two car seats. We've been driving my Dad's old Silverado ever since we lost DH's work truck a little over a year ago. We didn't have the money then to buy a vehicle, but have been able to save money for a 2nd vehicle since then. It's the first time I've been excited to buy a vehicle.

We're looking at 4WD Explorers and Blazers. I've been driving the Silverado this winter and I love the 4WD!

You're awesome!

We already got an SUV for me when DS was born, but we're upgrading DH's car in the next year or so. He currently has a '96 Infinity with 237k miles. We love that thing, but it's going to die soon. Upgrading with cash, of course (Dave Ramsey people here)

DMBfan41

Saltina11:

Mrs.Leah.Maria:

Yup, DH and I are currently in the process of finding a new to us SUV. We'll be paying in cash, so we're looking at $3,500 or less.

I love this!!! I want to do the same. For now I'm going to continue to drive around my reliable '99 Toyota (DH's car is a much newer Honda) until we have saved enough to pay cash for my next car. I don't care if people think it makes me look poor~ I know it's smart!

We just did! And I'm sooo excited we were able to.  It was a goal of ours and I'm glad we followed through.  We're Dave Ramsey people so we're trying to remain as debt-free as possible!

Although it came with a price.  I'd been driving my '99 Dodge Stratus (that I got used in '99) for the past 12 years! BUT we were able to $17,000 in cash for my '08 Toyota Avalon last month -- and still have an emergency fund.  

DMBfan41

In response to OP, no, we didn't really go larger.  I went from a Dodge Stratus to a Toyota Avalon (which is a big car, but not an SUV).  I'm a car person, though and only 5'3'' so bending isn't much of an issue! 

tjmtjm

Saltina11:

Mrs.Leah.Maria:

Yup, DH and I are currently in the process of finding a new to us SUV. We'll be paying in cash, so we're looking at $3,500 or less.

I love this!!! I want to do the same. For now I'm going to continue to drive around my reliable '99 Toyota (DH's car is a much newer Honda) until we have saved enough to pay cash for my next car. I don't care if people think it makes me look poor~ I know it's smart!

Agree, agree!  I will never, ever have a car payment or worse...lease...*shudder*.  We bought a little 2007 SX4 Crossover (brand new) a few years ago and even though it is small...it will work for a little while with LO.  (Babies are small!  )  People like to talk a lot of crap about what a waste it is to buy new and thats fine if they feel that way...but I think its dumb dumb dumb to have a car payment.  Plus there is a really neat feeling that goes with paying for your car with CASH!   I love my little car but will probably need a larger vehicle in a few years so we are saving up again! 

Meg&Pete

I drive a BMW sedan and my fiance drives a huge lifted truck (so tall a step electronically comes out when a door opens).  I think we need two new vehicles...a bigger one for me and a smaller one for him!  I like crossover vehicles like the BMW X5 of Infiniti FX.

girl-23

We just traded in our Pontiac G5 for a new Torrent. We love it - So much room for baby (and baby stuff) and our two dogs!

Firefly9

Yep, we upgraded.  DH has a little Saturn, I have a Jeep, which is really big enough for a baby, but has lots of issues and isn't really the best for a family.  We just bought a Ford Fusion, and I love it!  The carseat fits in the back, the stroller in the trunk, and there's room to spare.  We are happy!

graceb15

FI and I both drive Subarus. I have a newer Impreza and he has a STi. My lease is up at the end of May and I really want a SUV, preferably a Land Cruiser, but with gas prices as high as they are we might try and hang onto the Subies until the end of summer. But, eventually we'll be getting a SUV.

pixiegirl131415

DH has a small Hyundai, but I have a CR-V, so I think we'll be fine until we have a second LO on the way. My car may be 10 years old, but it runs just fine, never gives me any problems, so I don't mind staying in it a few more years with NO PAYMENTS!

DH works at a car lot, so he's constantly coming home and saying how awesome such-and-such car is, and we should get it for me. Sweet thought, but not (comfortably) in the budget right now. I think it's especially funny when he raves about the minivans. I'm only carrying our first, I doubt we need a whole van just yet!