Don't really want mini-van......but....

JillShari

what other good options do I have???  The issue is that I am going to have two car seats and then sometimes we take my mom with us....so, that would be fitting 3 adults and 2 car seats in some vehicle.  We do take road trips, so having storage is a consideration.  The other issue is that I am short... 4'11'' and I have a CR-V now and I know I can't do a higher SUV because I can't reach to get a child in or out.  (It's tough for me now)  So, any other vehicles to look at or am I doomed to get a mini-van????

ElizabethD

That is tough.  I'm super tall but thin and I could fit in the back with our subaru forester, but only with the infant car seat plus a convertible car seat.  i've heard they did a HUGE remodel and made the inside bigger so I'd check the 2009 subaru forester to see about size.

we love ours!  there is no reason you couldn't just rent a minivan if you go on a road trip.  I mean, seriously if you did the math on the 1-2 trips a year and the rental costs I guarentee it'll be lower than the price of a mini-van plus the low gas milage.

g'luck

Tasa_chan

You could look at some of those SUV/van cross-overs.... they look a little sportier than a Van. Especially the Buick models.

Or you could go for a good old station wagon =D

amiamish

Crossovers are great--

seating 7 or 8: https://www.chevrolet.com/2009traverse/

Seating 6 or 7: https://www.ford.com/vehicles/vehicle-showroom#/crossovers/ford-taurus-x-2009 

seats 7: https://www.ford.com/vehicles/vehicle-showroom#/crossovers/mazda-cx-9-2009 

I'm sure there are more... just look up crossover vehicles, they are a van/suv mix kinda... seating like an SUV, but lower to the ground like a van. (FWIW, I refuse to get a van.)

MelandJeff

I have a cross over. It's a Nissan Rogue. LOVE it.

brightning

Maybe you could look for something that has fold-down 3rd row seating. I can't think of any models off the top of my head, but they're all SUV-crossovers. We were considering that type of a car for a while. I'm not a huge fan of minivans, but a few moms I know have them and said that they'll never go back to a car again, they totally love their minivans.

winery

We have the GMC Acadia and I'll tell you that it's been a blessing to have.

When we're taking people around, or just to the airport with me, MH + 2 kids, it's nice that there's another bench seat in the back that could possibly seat 2 adults or 3 petite adults.

The Saturn Outlook, I think, is the same thing, as is the Buick Enclave.  The GMC model is just the middle version of the 2.

And, since GMC is in the shitter, I heard they're selling some Acadias for 20k off of the fully loaded price.

 

Temp159135562506975

most minivans have a much lower profile now than most SUVs do... so i don't think your height will matter at all.

I have a grande caravan- i was against getting it- but it was a free car (company car i can use for personal) and we needed the space... so i got it... I do love it - it's so convienent with children!  The doors open on their own- great when your hands are full... there is a ton of room for baby and other adults + luggage, etc.  You really can't get that in any SUV without getting one of the HUGE mac daddy ones- which you'd never be able to get in and out of if you are short

go test drive some minivans- you will probably be surprised at how much you like them.... once you get over the fact that you are actually DRIVING A MINIVAN

goodhartedmommy

I love my minivan. I swore I'd never have one, but I love it. They're so practical.

Shortcake79

Hey Jill-

I have to tell you I had the CR-V before and Elliot wanted the mini van. I'm also 4'11 and let me tell you I LOVE my mini van. I always told Elliot it would be over my dead body to have one...I have raise the seat ..and Mollie climbs into her seat herself...its just the baby seat and that snaps in...I have a Honda mini van...

JOEBunny

We have a Saab 95 wagon and have done a road trip with 2 decent sized me, a 2 year old, a 5 year old, and me. It worked fine, with winter gear for 4 days and all.  I can see mini vans when you get to the carpool stage, but I am far away from that.

Bellisimo

We just bought a Toyota Sequoia Limited and brought it home last night!  It's perfect for our needs....we have a toddler and one on the way.  We wanted an SUV with captain's chairs in the second row to make the third row more accessible for when we have other passengers riding with us.  Not all the Sequoias come with captain's chairs....some have bench seats which we did not want.  The third row lies down flat to provide more storage in the back.  We looked at the GMC Denali and Chevy Suburban, but the third row doesn't lie down flat....it's only semi flat and doesn't lend well to storing a stroller and other things.  Plus, you have to get the extended version to get the space you need.  The Sequoia has an electric lift gate in the back.  The third row seats are also electrically adjustable which is pretty rare.  My Sequoia drives like a car...has a tight turning radius and is a V8 which makes getting up and going a breeze.  One huge selling point for me was the fact that it has retractable sun screens throughout....each window has the ability to be shielded from the sun without having to use those sunscreens that you stick to the window.  Plus, there is TONS of storage in the console, double glove box and a million cup holders and other storage crannies.  And we've got tv's in the headrests throughout!   I love it!