a car poll

mirigirl · November 2014

My DH and I are considering trading in our sedan for a crossover. The payments will be exactly the same. So, for those of you who own a crossover/SUV, do you find it necessary with a little one? For those of you who do not own a crossover/SUV, do you think you can easily make due? I am just looking for opinions.

jennjilljo · November 2014

I don't think one baby requires a larger vehicle but with number 2 on the way I insisted on an SUV. Our car is a Ford Focus so it would be difficult to comfortably fit 2 car seats in there. Now that I have an SUV I love and prefer it. Now it only takes one trip to take the dogs to get boarded and leave town when we travel instead of DH taking the dogs, coming home, putting in the car seat and then packing to go. It also means we can all go to the park instead of just DH taking the girls. So not a requirement but way more convenient.

mandamoochie · November 2014

I agree, fist child doesn't need a suv... it's easier; but not necessary. If it extends the life of your car payment in any way, it really isn't necessary.

It also depends on the suv. We have a CRV which has the same frame as a civic actually, so it's not much roomier than a sedan - it just has more trunk sq footage.

michelle142 · November 2014

We have an Equinox. It was a nice perk to have that extra space with one child, but with 2 it will be a necessity.

mirigirl · November 2014

@mandamoochie We jsut bought out our lease. So the loan term and purchase price will be the same as purchasing a new crossover (our lease was a nice car). So financially it doens't hurt us at all. Thanks for the advice

coloradoginger · November 2014

We both have small, older cars (he has a sedan and I have a hatchback), and while we'd love an SUV and could afford one right now, we decided we love not making any car payments even more. We plan on upgrading our living situation soon and that takes priority for us, just knowing that we have a nice cushion is comforting. That being said, we have no animals and no outside little ones yet; also, we both commute a fair amount and our cars get great gas mileage. But yes, I do get SUV-envy.

dreemkin84 · November 2014

I think it's great to have a crossover/SUV because of all the "accessories" that go along with the baby. We got a Santa fe before Norah and it was the best decision! Our next new vehicle will be a mini van (hopefully not for a bit though because we are enjoying no car payments).

smg2302 · November 2014

We own one crossover and one minivan. The crossover is a CX-5, and while nice, I thought something like a Camry felt roomier, but the height is nice to not have to lift in and out of. The minivan is awesome. We drive longer distances quite a bit to visit family and it has been so comfortable and allow us to bring everything we need.

chickyclg · November 2014

I'm trying to decide which one I should pick, probably SS.

I have a Ford Edge which I love, but I keep talking about getting a minivan. Mainly because I feel it would be easier with 2 in infant carriers, I saw a lady walk in her van to buckle her kids in and I just keep picturing how easy that would be in the cold and rain.

crystalw88 · November 2014

I chose SS because I own a SUV and when we were in the process of buying a new vehicle DH said I couldn't even look at cars because he knew I'd want an SUV once we started a family.

CogDis · November 2014

SS: because, I own a small SUV (not up on car lingo but it is probably a cross over) but I don't own a baby, yet.

We bought it last year and I pushed for the SUV over a car because we were starting to plan a family.

My reasoning was safety via improved visibility. Which really depends on where you live. I live in a province where the most common vehicles on the road are very large trucks and SUVs. You can't even see the street signs and lights if you're behind them in little cars, so I feel safer in a SUV where I'm almost as high as them and can see around them a bit better.

I told my DH that I would not under any circumstances drive my baby in anything smaller (I'd let him drive the baby in a car, though). If I lived in a more environmentally conscious city where cars were the most common then I'd have gotten a car, not an SUV.

erobbins09 · November 2014

Last year I went from a BMW x5 to a Jeep liberty (the bmw was the most gorgeous car but premium gasoline, plus mileage and resulting repair bills caused the switch). It would be difficult for me to go to a sedan because I prefer to sit higher up now. But the reason I brought up my car switch is just point out that though it sounds like financially it isn't a problem.. Just make sure you factor in gas type and maintenance for the switch. My car now has no problems.

In terms of size.. I think the cab space may not be that drastically different but the height for putting baby in and out of the car will be nice.

schnitz9 · November 2014

I traded my accord in for the new redesigned rogue right before I found out I was pregnant. I get the same MPG and it drives very similar to my sedan. Whats really cool is it is actually a bit shorter than my sedan so it actually fits better in my garage. I was shocked with that. I love the extra room I have and like I said I don't feel like I'm driving an SUV. I think it will be nice when the little guy comes to fit the stroller in the back and have room for extra stuff. I also like the fact that its easier to take things in and out of the trunk. I don't have to bend over to lift things out and its not that High so I don't have to lift things up easier. I def recommend especially if there is no difference in payments or MPG.

mandamoochie · November 2014

@chickyclg‌ infant carriers are easy since they snap right into the base. it's when you move on to the next car seats that you strap them into in the car that are NOT fun in inclement weather. So you could potentially hold out a couple more months on the mini van.

I keep wishing for a mini van, my DH is stuck on the idea we will NEVER have one. I just wish it was in the financial stars for us to get rid of my 2 door car now with the 2nd on the way. :-< oh the sacrifices of being a SAHM.

jaytee16 · November 2014

We have a Mazda 3 hatchback (which we discovered the car seat doesn't fit behind the driver) and recently purchased a Subaru Forester (I love this car, FTR). But we're already going to be tight on space with two little car seats and an 80lbs dog! But we also can't really get a bigger vehicle since a) we just got this car, it would not be a good financial move to trade it already (and did I mention I love it?) and b) a bigger car won't fit in our garage, and there's no drive way or road parking here really, so we've decided to get a ski box to increase our storage capacity (mostly for weekends away and such).

winterbabe2015 · November 2014

We had a sedan with #1 and it was doable but really a pain to get the infant carrier in and out easily. Switched to a Ford Flex with #2 and it was so much more comfortable and convenient that I kicked myself for not doing it sooner. With #3 on the way we have already bought a new suburban and didn't think twice. The extra space is so nice :-)

WanderingA · November 2014

We had a Subaru Forrester and I LOVED that car but the space between the back and front seats was tight and having a car seat in there forced someone to keep their seat way up. We moved to an SUV (Honda Pilot) a few months ago and it has been nice to have, but a little too big for just one baby, plus it's horrible on gas mileage. We have a big dog so having room for her in the back was essential. However, now with #2 on the way it's going to be the perfect size.

I would say if you plan on expanding your family in the time period in which you would own the car than definitely get an SUV, if not you can totally make a sedan work!

StephanieLBerg · November 2014

My car is a Beetle and hubby has a SUV. I think the SUV would make getting car seats in and out a lot easier than my little Beetle would, but that isn't enough incentive for me to trade it in for a bigger car. Hubby loves his SUV, however he hates the gas mileage it gets, only 14 miles per gallon compared to my 22-27 miles per gallon makes him really jealous. I think its all personal preference. I'm ok with my coupe. If, later on, I decide I want a bigger car I can revisit this thought then, but for now I am ok. :-)

mali3 · November 2014

We must have an SUV - I have a GMC Acadia 7 passanger. But, we have 3 kids. I didnt have an SUV with just one child, so if its your first you can make due without it

ordinary1 · November 2014

For one baby, a SUV is totally unnecessary. I had a fiesta with my first as my main car with absolutely zero problems. In the off chance I used my stroller, I had plenty or trunk space for it plus anything else I needed.

With baby two on the way we got a mercury mariner. The only reason we got it is because my husband is 6'4" and there is no way we could rear face both kids and have him in the car.

kefttsc · November 2014

FTM with a minivan and I couldn't be happier. We travel with our dogs a LOT so the van came in handy for comfort and space for 4 crated dogs. Now, with two babies on the way, the dogs will just double up in two crates and we'll be on our way.

#TEAMMINIVAN

mirigirl · November 2014

Thanks so much for all of the feedback ladies!

FlowerPower16 · November 2014

I definitely don't think an SUV is necessary for one kid. We're actually going to try and make it work with 2 kids, but we'll see how it goes. We have both cars paid off right now, and with 2 in daycare it will be really nice to continue to have no car payments. We've been researching SUVs, and are open to getting one if we decide we really need the space, but we're hoping we can make it work.

Irishcurls · November 2014

We bought a CRV about a year ago, knowing we'd TTC. I plan to get two babies out of it, but who knows. If my car hadn't died last summer (VW Golf) I would have kept it with one no problem. But the trunk space is nice....test drive and see what you think? It is different being higher up, you might find it easier/harder to get in and out of. Who knows. If financing doesn't factor, I would go look and see what you think.

schnitz9 · November 2014

ChickenOnSunday said:

I went from a BMW X1 to a Acura MDX. I love the extra room of the bigger SUV. I hate the premium gas and price to fill the tank.

Remember my previous tidbit - think about getting a car with ceiling vents for the kiddos while RF in their car seats. They spend two years RF and that is a long time to go being a sweaty mess.

@chickenonsunday well look who joined the party miss fancy pants :P Hows your mom doing?

Jensoprano82 · November 2014

I went from an Acura MDX to an Infiniti G25 (sedan) a few years ago because 16mpg was simply killing me. I loved that MDX though and missed it constantly. I felt super betrayed when my compromise car (the infiniti) ended up only getting 22 MPG. Are you kidding me???? So when the lease was up I got a good deal on the Infiniti QX60 and jumped on it. LOVE IT. And it gets about 22 MPG so it was a neutural move on gas mileage. Plenty of room now for kid, dog, and restaurant stuff. (I work in the foodservice industry.)

@chickenonsunday - I never gave my MDX anything higher than middle grade gas and it was in fabulous condition for 150k miles never a problem. Don't wanna be a bad influence but just sayin,

Sahara6971 · November 2014

I had a CR-V with my first baby and looooooved that little suv! Shortly after #2 was born we upgraded to a Traverse. I don't feel it is necessary w/ only one kid but w/ 2 in car seats it was a must for us. We tend to have extra passengers and couldn't do that w/ small suv.

lorifromwi · November 2014

I have a Toyota 4 Runner and I needed the space before little E arrived on the scene! I always seem to need the room, whether it be our two dogs, moving stuff, whatever. DH has a full-sized sedan and we are lucky the double stroller fits in the trunk!

We can still comfortably do vacations with me, DH, E and the pups, but it's going to be interesting when the little man shows up. Dogs will have to get moved to the cargo space and we'll have to get a weather-proof box for the cargo rack on the trailer hitch for our stuff.

sweetdreamz6700 · November 2014

I've been thinking about this a loy myself. DH bought a Durango about 3mths before I got pregnant and I'm soooo glad he did. We absolutely need it with SS's and the baby. I drive a Scion xD and it gets all of us around wonderfully right now.

Once E gets here things will change and it will be cramped but doable for school drop off since 1 boy will be old enough to ride up front by then. It all comes down to if the stroller fits in my tiny hatch.

I really, really love my car and we'll be out of car payments soon. I would rather deal when I need to and have no car payment than go get a larger car. That being said I know I may have to. But I want atleast another 3yrs outta this one if I can.

foxslaw · November 2014

I love my envoy! My DBF has a 2 door civic, so we are very happy that I have such a large car!

Jensoprano82 · November 2014

ChickenOnSunday said:

Jensoprano82 said:

I went from an Acura MDX to an Infiniti G25 (sedan) a few years ago because 16mpg was simply killing me. I loved that MDX though and missed it constantly. I felt super betrayed when my compromise car (the infiniti) ended up only getting 22 MPG. Are you kidding me???? So when the lease was up I got a good deal on the Infiniti QX60 and jumped on it. LOVE IT. And it gets about 22 MPG so it was a neutural move on gas mileage. Plenty of room now for kid, dog, and restaurant stuff. (I work in the foodservice industry.)
@chickenonsunday - I never gave my MDX anything higher than middle grade gas and it was in fabulous condition for 150k miles never a problem. Don't wanna be a bad influence but just sayin,

My husband would be pissed if he found out I wasn't putting in supreme gas. I would totally do it if it was consistently mid-grade but he will sometimes fill the tank. I don't think bouncing between the two is a good idea.

Agreed.

estrellita23 · November 2014

I have a sedan (Hyundai Sonata) and plan on having baby in my car. We upgraded H's car to an SUV (Toyota Highlander) mostly because he had a hatchback (Hyundai Accent - NO way I'm dealing with a car seat in there!) and for the extra space. We like to go camping so we wanted to make sure we had something with enough room for our stuff. Another sedan would have been fine, but I preferred an SUV.

mishka29 · November 2014

Love my Rav 4!

RedGiant · November 2014

With just one kid we were fine with using our Corolla (compact car). We ended up getting a Prius when DS was about 8 months old and we started planning for #2. We are happy that we can fit 2 car seats easily in the midsize vehicle and a double stroller in the back. We also don't have dogs, so that may have changed our choices if we did. (Probably would have gone for a minivan)

duckymom3 · November 2014

I drive a Honda Accord with two children. It's fine and I like my car! But with number three on the way I will be forced to get something bigger.

triplej9 · November 2014

duckymom3 said:

I drive a Honda Accord with two children. It's fine and I like my car! But with number three on the way I will be forced to get something bigger.

This makes me feel better. DH and I both have 4 door sedans, and I have been having anxiety now that baby number 2 is coming that our cars will be too small. I want an SUV, but financially we can't invest in a new car right now - both of ours are paid off!

MamaS516 · November 2014

We just traded my car from an impala to an Altima. I just wanted a car that was a bit safer. It has tons of space and the back is super easy to get in and out of. SO's car is a two door and its low to the ground we might just get him a four door as well. I do think the Sedan will do just fine

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