sort of baby related - rec your car with a third row

maddie80

Now that DD is nearly 1.5, and DS is starting kindergarten, we are reluctantly looking at upsizing our car to something with a third row.  We have found ourselves more and more frequently wishing we had space to bring one of DS's friends home for a playdate, or had space to bring a visitor or relative along in the car. 

 It looks like to me, our options are the minivan or an SUV with  a third row.  But with the third row SUVs, how does anyone get in and out of the third row without uninstalling and reinstalling the kids' carseats in the second row? 

 I'd love some advice, and if anyone has a 3rd row car or minivan they'd love to recommend, I'd love to hear it! 

emnoahmom

We have a Honda Odyssey 07 and we love, love it! We had a Toyota Sienna before that we liked, but I find the Honda roomier. We got one that seats 8 with removable seat in the second row and we can make captain chairs so it's easy for the kids to get into the third row. I wouldn't consider a suv, mainly because I love the sliding doors and the fact that it's easy for the kids to get into the minivan.

ktpaladino

We bought a GMC Acadia for our baby mobile. Can't say one negative thing about it. It's been great so far.

maddie80

Do you guys have any trouble using such a big car as an every day car? 

oliversmommy32912

We have a Honda Pilot. We love love love love it. I can't say enough good things. We only have one car seat for now but the second row splits into two (one side with a side and middle seat and one side with just a side seat if that makes sense). With the car seat in we can easily put the other side down and get into the back. When we had three car seats in the middle and too many people in the car I opened the trunk and climbed over the back seat. I'm not agile and it wasn't too bad so a kid would have no problem doing it lol.

kalette

We test drove a Buick Enclave while my car was in the shop a few months ago. I really liked it! It had two seats in the center with an isle in the middle and then a full seat across the back that folded down for storage.

Tara*N*Chris

We got a Chevy traverse and I love it.  We upgraded to the captain seats in the 2nd row so there is an aisle in the center to get to the back row.  My DH was against mini vans, but I love them as well.  what I like better about mini vans is the doors.  You do not have to worry as much about parking close to other cars because the doors do not open out.  I did not realize how important that was till LO,got here and had to get him in and out all the time.

 

meglette417

We don't currently have either although we are also looking, we rented the Chrysler Town & Country for a week for vacation.  We loved it, so roomy and drove nice.  We looked at the Acadia, I felt the back row was tight, for kids I guess it would be fine but it lacked the storage space, there is no room under the seats and the back isn't as large as the van.  Everyone who had a van loves them and most tell me they wish they had young kids still for a reason to have one lol.  

Bella61811

I have a Nissan Pathfinder and love it. It's very roomy. We only have 1 car seat for now so I don't have experience with using the 3rd row yet.

ktpaladino

maddie80:

Do you guys have any trouble using such a big car as an every day car? 

Who is this directed at? If it was meant for me, I was really nervous about adjusting to a big SUV since I've always driven smaller cars. I got the hang of it really quickly and it doesn't even phase me anymore. Honestly, it never really felt that big in the first place. You'll just have to do some thorough test drives...I recommend trying to back up and park when you're out for a spin.  

KDR1979

My dad retired from Ford, so we get the A plan price on Fords. We got a 2012 Explorer. If Ford had minivans, I probably would have gone with a van. We also upgraded to captain seats in the middle row b/c we knew we'd have car seats for 4 years and that way people can get to the 3rd row. We used infant car seats with bases for the first year and recently switched to convertible car seats, but kept them rear facing, so now there is no way to access the middle row w/o taking a car seat out. My 5yo niece just climbs through the trunk to get to the 3rd row now. I also park far away in public lots and take up 2 parking spaces b/c I would not have enough room to get my double stroller around my car in a single space if their were cars parked on both sides of me.

The 3rd row does have one seat with the latch system, but if our frozen embryo results in a baby, I am nervous that we might to upgrade again (to a van)!

jburdet1

It depends on what you need the third row for. If you plan to travel with the third row up and carry luggage then I would say go with the mini van. My MIL has the GMC Arcadia and they always want to ride together. Even for day trips it's almost impossible since the cargo room is eliminated by the third row. If we didn't have the City Mini and had a regular travel system stroller or a double we couldn't have traveled with them. My sister has the Honda Odyssey and with the third row up you can fit strollers AND luggage.

shannm

We have a highlander with a third row.  We only use it for adults (me) when we have family in town in the front passenger seat.  When DS is a bit older, I will consider allowing him back there as well. 

I reach the seat through the center of the second row.  It has the option of the center being stowed so you have a tiny aisle.  

I am sure minivans are a bit more comfy getting in and out but we like our highlander and very infrequently use the third row. 

MesmrEwe

All things being equal, I'd opt for a Tahoe...  You get the third row along with the hauling space for trips.  It's comfortable for all involved.  You can take the third row seats out individually if you only want an extra one..  Size wise it's a little taller than something like the Enclave or Traverse.  However those would be my #2 and #3 choices. 

From there, we just test drove a Dodge Journey recently and REALLY liked it. I like that you can fold flat the 3rd row.  What I didn't like is when the third row is up it makes for a wonky blind spot.  The price with all of the rebates can't be beat though for the amount of vehicle for the money (under $20K).. 

The Toyota Pathfinder might be another option. DH is looking at one right now but I'm not exactly sold as I MUCH prefer my GM Mechanic (when I pick out a vehicle I also factor in who's going to do the work on it - DH, not so much!)