Considering an 04 Pacifica as a mom-mobile. Thoughts?

palmtreemandy · July 2011

Even so, his 1997 Honda Accord has to go before baby #2 arrives. I've spoted a great deal on a 2004 Pacifica, but consumer reports is NOT a fan in any way of this model in this year. I'm looking for some real world feedback. Anyone have any?

My husband and I look at a car as a tool more than a luxury. We are a single car family, as my husband rides his bike to work most days, and I work from home, so we're not into dropping a ton of cash on a new(er) car. This model looks like a nice way to get luxury features on a basic budget.

(also posted in toddlers)

tosh24 · July 2011

I don't know about the '04 model specifically, but we went out looking at SUV's after DD was born. The Pacifica didn't have enough room in the back to safely accomodate a rear-facing infant seat (with the required 2 inches between the car seat and the back of the passenger seat). A lot of SUV's didn't safely fit a car seat, actually.

We ended up with a Nissan Versa hatchback which has a ridiculous amount of room in the back, a good size trunk, came with driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags as standard features (other car makers make you pay for an upgraded package to get the side and curtain airbags), and gets great gas mileage. I work in the environmental industry, so if I had shown up to work in an SUV I think I would have been fired lol!

PitterPat11 · July 2011

We looked at a new pacifica because it had the 3rd row but we werent big fans. It still wasn't big enough. We just purchased, today actually a Explorer xlt with the 3rd row. But if you want something to only fit 2 kids and yourselfs I would reccomend an escape. Thats what we had and it was nice for just us 4.

MrsG.060708 · July 2011

My DH manages an automotive repair shop, and is ASE certified and used to be a technician himself. He absolutely HATES Chryslers. They are notorious for breaking down and are often a PITA to fix (and expensive). He will NEVER own one, and advises everyone we know to stay away from Chrysler.

Waiting4myJulyBaby · July 2011

My aunt just bought an older molder Pacifica recently, for the same reasons- seemed to be a luxury car at a cheaper price. She returned it to the dealership within weeks and was able to get her money back because of the lemon law. The car was terrible, in the couple weeks she had it she had several issues, she said the blind spots were terrible and the 3rd row was useless. Definitely not something I'd depend on with little kids.

turtlefrankz · July 2011

I have an 07 Pacifica. I went from a Camry to this. I agree that the blind spots suck. The third row is kinda a pain to put a car seat into, but does fit my 11 yo. I have two kids now and one on the way. Once my LO comes, my oldest will go to back. If you utilize both seats in third row, there is not much room behind. I am able to fit a beach cart back there, but not sure on a larger stroller yet... I have had it a few years and have never had a problem. Good luck....

alyss0nl · July 2011

MrsG.060708:
My DH manages an automotive repair shop, and is ASE certified and used to be a technician himself. He absolutely HATES Chryslers. They are notorious for breaking down and are often a PITA to fix (and expensive). He will NEVER own one, and advises everyone we know to stay away from Chrysler.

I've heard this as a general consensus. We bought a Volkswagen Touareg. It can be awful on gas, about $65 a tank. We love the safety and engineering of a VW. Granted, more expensive to maintain, but in accidents, is pretty much a tank.

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Considering an 04 Pacifica as a mom-mobile. Thoughts?

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