car recs: sliding/automatic doors/elevated/minivan/station wagon...

papeete · October 2011

I'm not buying a car today or anything, but we'll probably have to get a new car within the next year. So, what do you (especially those of you who have babies already) recommend?

- Is it nice to have a taller car (SUV) vs. a normal-height car (sedan)?

- Do automatic doors/trunk really make life easier?

- How much storage do you really need? Minivans and station wagons seem so huge to me...

- What features could you not live without (vs. features you really don't feel make a difference)?

- Any good hybrids/cars with good mileage that you'd recommend for little ones?

We'd like to have two kids eventually (this one will be our first), in case that helps.

Thanks in advance!

MrsFeatherbottom · October 2011

No advice, but I was planning on asking this question Smile

::sits down and waits for responses::

lindy27 · October 2011

So I don't have any kids yet, but we did buy a Prius a few months ago with the thought of max 2 children in our future.

Pluses: amazing mileage, keyless start and unlocking so no digging through your bag for your keys, hatchback so you don't have to bend down to put things in/out, plenty of room in the backseat for carseats, good safety ratings, decent trunk space, pretty cheap compared to SUV's and vans.

Minus: I don't know if other models offer this but ours doesn't have an automatic opening trunk or doors

My husband will never let me buy a minivan, and we are really into high mileage cars so that vetoes all SUV's. So far we really love our Prius and think it will transfer great into family life.

winter-shock · October 2011

I'm not buying a car today or anything, but we'll probably have to get a new car within the next year. So, what do you (especially those of you who have babies already) recommend?

- Is it nice to have a taller car (SUV) vs. a normal-height car (sedan)?

I by far love having a higher vehicle! When we had a car when DD was first born it was so much work getting her in and out!

- Do automatic doors/trunk really make life easier?

I hate the automatic we opted for the good old fashion do it yourself!

- How much storage do you really need? Minivans and station wagons seem so huge to me...

We have a Toyota Sienna (Highly recommend) and love the storage. Especially if you do a lot of traveling by car we are able to pack all our bags, hers, playpen, stroller, etc. with complete ease. *Note a care is doable with one child, but we were getting tight with traveling long distances. And now with #2 on the way I am in love with my van even more!

- What features could you not live without (vs. features you really don't feel make a difference)?

We went pretty basic. I really am not a feature person. I do not feel like we are missing out on anything by not having a whole bunch of features. Things like the TV's we use my iPad strapped to the back of the headrest and DD loves it!

- Any good hybrids/cars with good mileage that you'd recommend for little ones?

As far as hybrids we had looked at the Camry. My aunt has one and loves it. BUT the trunk space is much smaller because that is where the generator comes up underneath and takes a lot of the space.

We'd like to have two kids eventually (this one will be our first), in case that helps.

Thanks in advance!

saenastarsley · October 2011

Here are two websites that list the safety ratings of cars as well as price and any other features.

https://www.forbes.com/2011/01/15/safest-cars-2011-business-autos_slide_2.html

https://autos.aol.com/article/improved-roof-strength-key-to-top-safety-pick-awards/

I hope this helps with your choosing. My FI and I love the Cadillac CTS; it's a sedan and has enough space to transport stroller, carseat, etc.

lovetohike · October 2011

I had a RAV4 when DS was an infant. It worked great. Sadly we were hit and it was totaled. ( thank goodness for a Britax rear facing car seat keeping my little guy safe) Anyway, I had like 2 weeks to get a car. I got a Honda CRV. I think I like it better. There is a special little mirror that allows you to see in the back which is cool. The console folds down, so if you need to get to the back, you can. DS Radian rearfaces great in the car. Overall it has been really nice. Plenty of room for our BOB stroller in the back. I also have his bike and whatever else in the back.

My one friend has a little Mazda she like with sliding doors.. maybe a Mazda 5? It's like a mini- mini van. I myslef am not a minivan fan, so I went with a small SUV and have been very happy. Oh yeah.. good gas milage too!

papeete · October 2011

Thanks, ladies!

@MrsFeather: glad this will help you, too. :-)

@lindy: I've definitely been looking at the Prius, too-- and wondering what year to get. Even the used ones can be pricey.

@winter: Thanks for the experienced feedback. I'm not into TVs and fancy features in cars, either-- I meant more the sliding doors types of things. And thanks-- I've really been wondering on the height question, so it's good to hear the height does make a difference. And I like the idea of taking little road trips, so it sounds like the storage will be more useful than I realize now. Thanks so much!

@saena: Thanks for the links-- going to check them out now. :-)

Thanks again, everyone!

nanantato · October 2011

Firstly, I never wanted a van. Since having it for the last year, I LOVE IT!!!!! My van has all the bells and whitles, including great mileage. I have a Honda Odessey. Automatic doors, even the back lift is automatic. We currently have 2 kids, 10 and 2. So it is very handy with strollers and other items. Not to mention the cargo space is amazing. Oh and my kids enjoy the DVD player, it is a lifesaver for long trips. We intend on keeping the van for at least 8yrs, so we took a long time choosing what we wanted.

When I had #1 it was doable with a sedan, but the stoller took up a lot of space in the trunk and if we did groceries, most of them had to go in the back seat.

papeete · October 2011

@lovetohike: My SIL has a RAV4, and it feels a little lightweight to me, but my other SIL had a CR-V, and it definitely seemed like a good choice for a lot of reasons. Funny, it was another one of my top contenders, so I'm glad to hear you've enjoyed it. Also funny, my in-laws that have the RAV also have that mini-minivan (I think)-- and it seems like kind of a pain to bend down with everything. So, yeah, the height is sounding more and more appealing to me. And while the CR-V isn't a hybrid, I have heard it gets great mileage. Thanks for the rec! :-)

papeete · October 2011

nanantato:
Firstly, I never wanted a van. Since having it for the last year, I LOVE IT!!!!! My van has all the bells and whitles, including great mileage. I have a Honda Odessey. Automatic doors, even the back lift is automatic. We currently have 2 kids, 10 and 2. So it is very handy with strollers and other items. Not to mention the cargo space is amazing. Oh and my kids enjoy the DVD player, it is a lifesaver for long trips. We intend on keeping the van for at least 8yrs, so we took a long time choosing what we wanted.

When I had #1 it was doable with a sedan, but the stoller took up a lot of space in the trunk and if we did groceries, most of them had to go in the back seat.

Really? I wonder if I could be converted into a minivan lover. :-) Is your minivan taller, like an SUV, too? (Are they all?) Do you like the automatic doors and back? Thanks again!

fryrat · October 2011

I wound definitely recommend at least a crossover. They are the ones that kinda look like station wagons. not as big as an SUV, but more cargo room than a car. If you plan on using anything other than an umbrella stroller, it will take up a lot of space. the assisted doors are not a big deal, unless it is pouring rain. You are most likely to have the kid in a stroller or carrier, where you can let go for a second to open the door. even if you have an assisted door, you still have to have a hand free to push the button!

If you can get even a little more height, it's a thousand times better. When you have a heavy baby, in a carrier or not, and you have to reach out away from yourself to get them in the seat, you will inevitably hit your head or theirs at some point. If you can stand and put them in, this doesn't happen.

I don't have any kids, this comes from my outspoken SIL, who told me everything she went thru.

lovetohike · October 2011

papeete:
@lovetohike: My SIL has a RAV4, and it feels a little lightweight to me, but my other SIL had a CR-V, and it definitely seemed like a good choice for a lot of reasons. Funny, it was another one of my top contenders, so I'm glad to hear you've enjoyed it. Also funny, my in-laws that have the RAV also have that mini-minivan (I think)-- and it seems like kind of a pain to bend down with everything. So, yeah, the height is sounding more and more appealing to me. And while the CR-V isn't a hybrid, I have heard it gets great mileage. Thanks for the rec! :-)

You will love it if you get one! Super easy to drive.. and yeah.. it is just kinda perfect for young families. I actually read it is marketed towards moms with young children.. they got me! LOL! It ranks really high in safety which is nice. I do like being higher up. I drove to Cali iwth DS in a Corolla or something like that and really did not like the sedan feel. It's a nice little inbetween car/ suv.

picklesx · October 2011

We traded in my husbands luxury sedan for a 2011 Subaru Outback in June. We initially bought it so that he could get to work in the snow (hes in law enforcement so he doesnt get snow days) but we kept in mind that we wanted something that would be practical for babies. Its a really great car...it gets fantastic mileage, has a ton of room, is stylish and even though it's big like an Suv it drives like a car. We love it. We're going to trade in my sedan for another one before the baby is born.

papeete · October 2011

@fryrat: Good point about the auto doors. Makes a lot of sense. Thanks!

@lovetohike: That's funny about their marketing towards young families.

Thanks, ladies! Height is sounding better and better-- I can definitely see me bonking my head and getting mad. And my husband, who's 6'2", will surely appreciate some extra head/legroom, too. Thanks! :-)

I guess, until they come up with a taller Prius, we'll start looking for used CR-Vs.

Thanks again! :-)

papeete · October 2011

@pickles: Thanks for your message. I've heard good things about Subarus, too. Is the Outback taller like an SUV? I think I'm getting suckered into wanting a taller car. (Maybe it's because I'm short and would like to see over the other tall cars on the road-- for a change...) ;-D

MeghanF13 · October 2011

We got our van (Honda Odyssey) when DD was a year old. I wish we'd had it when she was a newborn. I love the height (so much easier to get car seat in and out of) and the space. I also really love the automatic sliding doors - makes things so easy! We don't have an automatic trunk, but it would make things easier if we did.

Other things we like about the van are the following:

-separate climate controls for front and back (can keep baby warmer without roasting yourself)

- built in window shades on the sliding doors, and tinted windows

- 3rd row folds flat into the floor - great for the drive-in, but also for large strollers etc.

- never feel overcrowded, and can take extra people with us (rather than going in 2 separate cars and/or switching the car seat into another car)

- heated mirrors (not baby related but still love)

- the 2nd row seats can move (we can slide the one captain/bucket seat into the middle), and they can both move forwards/backwards to make more room for a rear-facing car seat

- radio controls on the steering wheel, as well as 6 CD changer (DD loves music).

nicolemarie517 · October 2011

can i just say i love our 2010 hyundai elantra!
it has huge amounts of trunk space and the inside of the car is super roomy as well.  it has 4 and 5 star crash test ratings all around.
we have the "blue" model which is their ecofriendly version. its pretty basic but it has pw, pl, keyless entry with trunk release and xm radio. trunk release is a lifesaver at the grocery store for me now. i can only imagine how awesome it will be with a baby, diaper bag and stroller!
it comes with a 5 speed manual trans and we get about 35 mpg on average.
this is our 2nd elantra. our first one was 2001 with an automatic trans. we averaged about 30 mpg in that car. we sold it when it had 140xxx on it and it ran perfect.
parts are cheap and my husband is mechanically inclined. that saves us tons of money on labor.
i expect to drive this elantra for the next 10+ years...unless we have 3 or more kids. then im demanding a jeep commander and a vasoctomy Stick out tongue

nanantato · October 2011

papeete:
nanantato:

Firstly, I never wanted a van. Since having it for the last year, I LOVE IT!!!!! My van has all the bells and whitles, including great mileage. I have a Honda Odessey. Automatic doors, even the back lift is automatic. We currently have 2 kids, 10 and 2. So it is very handy with strollers and other items. Not to mention the cargo space is amazing. Oh and my kids enjoy the DVD player, it is a lifesaver for long trips. We intend on keeping the van for at least 8yrs, so we took a long time choosing what we wanted.

When I had #1 it was doable with a sedan, but the stoller took up a lot of space in the trunk and if we did groceries, most of them had to go in the back seat.

Really? I wonder if I could be converted into a minivan lover. :-) Is your minivan taller, like an SUV, too? (Are they all?) Do you like the automatic doors and back? Thanks again!

I love the sliding doors feature, it comes really handy. I have never owned an suv but I think they are almost the same height. I believe the suv's are a little taller. My van drives like a car too, it doesn't have that "driving a bus" feeling. It all depends on the type of van you get. I know I felt like I was driving a bus with the Chrysler Town and Country. I hated that van. My top two choices are the Sienna and the Odyssey. The Odyssey won becuase we got better financing.

It all boils down to preference and perks. I hope you find a vehicle that suits your needs

kitcat6351 · October 2011

I have enjoyed reading these responses and am glad these questions were asked! I currently drive an old (2002) Corolla and DH drives a '06 Hyundai Tiburon. We want to get rid of both and get new vehicles, but since both of these are paid off and we haven't had car payments in years, we are going to take it one car at a time. I'll be the one getting the first new car sometime before LO arrives, but we're not sure which car we're going to ditch. Leaning towards the Tiburon, though, because that car (though prettier and the younger of the two) has been nothing but a pain in the rear.

We have been doing some research and test-driving for over a year now, just to figure out what we want. I used to be obsessed with getting either a 4Runner (I do love Toyotas) or a Grand Cherokee. I wanted an SUV-height for kids for getting the carseat in/out and also to just feel "safer" than I do in my little car. However, I wasn't thrilled with taking on a gas-guzzler, since we live in a city where you have to do a LOT of driving. Everything is very spread out here.

But then my friend bought a GMC Terrain last year, and I am almost 100% sold on getting one. She gets GREAT gas mileage (~30 mpg highway driving like a normal person, which is sadly better than my little Corolla gets these days), has plenty of storage space, and it drives much better than any SUV I've tested. I believe it's classified as a crossover, but I might be wrong.

papeete · October 2011

@meghan: wow, that sounds amazing. Separate climate controls? Never even heard of that! Built-in shades and tinted windows? Heated mirrors? Woo... That sounds so luxurious! :-)

@nicolemari: that's funny about the Jeep Commander and vasectomy. :-) One of my friends has a Hyundai and says she loves it, too. I'll look into their taller models, as I think I've been suckered into wanting a tall car. :-)

@nanantato: I'm open to a minivan, and the Odyssey does sound incredible.

In case it helps anyone else, edmunds.com has had pretty useful reviews-- I especially like how they break down the used models (2002-2006 has these pros/cons, for example).

Thanks again, everyone! :-)

lindy27 · October 2011

papeete:

@fryrat: Good point about the auto doors. Makes a lot of sense. Thanks!

@lovetohike: That's funny about their marketing towards young families.

Thanks, ladies! Height is sounding better and better-- I can definitely see me bonking my head and getting mad. And my husband, who's 6'2", will surely appreciate some extra head/legroom, too. Thanks! :-)

I guess, until they come up with a taller Prius, we'll start looking for used CR-Vs.

Thanks again! :-)

They are coming out with an "SUV like" Prius for 2012, has something like 40% more cargo space and sits a big higher, but you wouldn't be able to get it used.

Make sure you look into reliability of the year CR-V's you look at. My dad had a CR-V maybe 5-10 years ago (really no clue what year it was ) and the thing broke all the time, he sold it after 2 years cause he was so sick of it, and overal that year of CR-V was really unreliable. I have heard the newer ones aren't as bad.

elviebird · October 2011

lindy27:
So I don't have any kids yet, but we did buy a Prius a few months ago with the thought of max 2 children in our future.

Pluses: amazing mileage, keyless start and unlocking so no digging through your bag for your keys, hatchback so you don't have to bend down to put things in/out, plenty of room in the backseat for carseats, good safety ratings, decent trunk space, pretty cheap compared to SUV's and vans.

Minus: I don't know if other models offer this but ours doesn't have an automatic opening trunk or doors

My husband will never let me buy a minivan, and we are really into high mileage cars so that vetoes all SUV's. So far we really love our Prius and think it will transfer great into family life.

.

Ditto to pretty much all of this. I used to drive my mom's Prius and I loved it. It looks small but you'd be shocked at how much you can fit in it. We will most likely be buying one in the next year. If we did need something bigger I'd get a minivan over an SUV because 1) not a fan of SUV's and 2) the low frame of a minivan is SO much more convenient when you're constantly lifting things in and out and the sliding doors are a plus.

papeete · October 2011

@kitcat: I'm shocked to hear the GMC is getting 30 mpg-- wow! Thanks for sharing.

carolinaem · October 2011

I am minivan bound (child #3). I had an SUV and do not want one with 3 rows. Too big, and I hate having to haul myself out of the SUV (I am short). It is esp a PITA with an infant bucket. We will go either Honda or Chrysler (stow and go seats). That being said, If I was only going to have two I love my dh's VW Jetta TDI. The diesel gets crazy good gas mileage (~45 highway, ~35-40 city) and has a HUGE trunk. I am even tempted to look at the Passat TDI because it is slightly bigger and I could probably do three across.

papeete · October 2011

carolinaem:
I am minivan bound (child #3). I had an SUV and do not want one with 3 rows. Too big, and I hate having to haul myself out of the SUV (I am short). It is esp a PITA with an infant bucket. We will go either Honda or Chrysler (stow and go seats). That being said, If I was only going to have two I love my dh's VW Jetta TDI. The diesel gets crazy good gas mileage (~45 highway, ~35-40 city) and has a HUGE trunk. I am even tempted to look at the Passat TDI because it is slightly bigger and I could probably do three across.

That's interesting-- guess I'll have to test drive some of the taller cars to make sure I can get in and out. Ha! :-D

I also just heard recently about diesel making a comeback-- and that mpg is amazing!

Thanks for the tips!

Temp200154562509288 · October 2011

We have a Honda Odyssey that I LOVE! I was never a minivan person and swore that I would never own one, but I have to admit that it is my favorite car ever

Automatic doors are the best invention ever! With 2 kids and another on the way, I like how everyone can be loading or unloading and no one is waiting for me to come open the door. It also helps when you are carrying a million things to the car and don't have any open hands. Ours is fully loaded and there isn't one thing I would change. DD1 really enjoys the DVD player and the seats can be rearranged however you want them. I could go on and on about it and would recommend it to anyone! Good luck, with your car search

CMattus · October 2011

The exact weekend that DH and I decided to start trying for a baby, we went out and bought a new vehicle.

I knew that I absolutely did not want a mini van... my mom always had one and I always remember being super embarrased... it was even a cool one, with a DVD player and automatic doors... but still embarrassing for a teenager. haha.

I was crazy about safety rating and knew an SUV would be best for me and I got the Nissan Murano and I LOVE IT! It gets good gas mileage and it drives great! I got one without all the bells & whistles but its perfect for me and my little one on the way!

I can store a TON in it... we've already done a couple road trips, and I can't wait to do more with the baby!

mamalongarms · October 2011

DH and I just bought the 2012 Hyundai Sonata a couple months ago and it is A-mazing, I love it!

I drove my bosses around in it (nice Volvo and Mercedes owners) and they wanted one. My DH is a foot taller than yours and he can drive it and the passenger seat is super roomy even leaving enough room for the back row.

5 star safety rating, great gas mileage, anchors for the car seats. We got the SL model which is just up from the basic so it has a push button start and a key radius. I only take my keys out of my purse to open the apartment door. You can program garage doors into it as well.

I LOVE the bluetooth phone. It should be standard on all/most new vehicles. The microphone is right above the driver's head and it works so well. I called my mom when I drove the car off the lot and she couldn't tell I was in the car.

We were thinking of getting the Kia Sportage, but that may be our next purchase for kid #2.

FroggyFarts · October 2011

With DS, we had a 2001 Nissan Maxima. We had no trouble fitting baby and groceries or whatever else pretty comfortably. Less comfortable was using it to travel with two large dogs and our cats.

We're planning to upgrade to a newer car with DC #2. We're thinking another sedan, but perhaps a larger one. I do like the SUV crossovers. Not sure what we'll end up with yet.

papeete · October 2011

@mybella: I just saw a Honda Odyssey today (or noticed it, anyway) for the first time, after all of these stellar reviews, and it looks HUGE to me. I guess you get used to it... It does sound so amazing for kids/a family, but we currently have a tiny car, and I wonder if it'll be a shock to then drive such a larger car. It DOES sound amazing, though...

@cmattus: I've been wondering why no one has mentioned any Nissans, so thanks for your Nissan plug. :-) When I googled the mpg for the Murano, it said 18 city/23 highway-- is that what you're getting, too? Man, for as much as we'll likely have to drive, I think we'll need better mileage. Although it sounds like the Murano is probably the most stylish of all the cars I've looked at so far. Decisions, decisions... :-)

@mamalongar: Thanks for your input-- I've heard lots of good things about Hyundais, too (good value, for example).

@froggyfarts: I like Nissans, too-- but I'm now leaning towards a taller car. And the edmunds.com reviews of the Nissans don't seem to be as positive as those of the Hondas. In any case, good luck with your car search, too!

So, it looks like the top contenders for now are the Honda CR-V, the Honda Odyssey (if I can get used to driving such a large vehicle!) and the Prius, if I can get over wanting a taller car.

Thanks again for all of your feedback, ladies! :-)

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