Car advice?

noellehm · December 2016

Anybody have recommendations for a family friendly car? FTM here and we are planning on buying a car--our current car is a 2-door 20 year old Mustang on it's last legs. After talking to a few of his friends with multiple kids, DH is convinced we should get a minivan. I'm a little hesitant because a) the good ones are more money than I want to spend, b) I'll be commuting with the car so gas mileage matters, and c) we live in a city so a shorter car would be easier to park/ get around in (I really like hatchbacks/ station wagons). Also not sure if I'm mentally ready for a minivan for the first kid, but it's also hard to argue with the practicality. Anybody have a car they love? Should I just give in and get the minivan? Thanks!

Jendink · December 2016

I'm with you! Won't give into a mini van! Lol. I love my GMC Terrain. its been great for us. We bought it shortly after my dd was born. Now that I'm expecting my second, I think the terrain will still work but of course I'd LOVE an Acadia since it has a 3rd row/ more trunk space. The only thing I'm not a fan of with the terrain is the trunk space. Wish it was a little bugger but we've made it work and even drove to Florida last summer in it. On average is say it gets 25-27mpg.

michaela0704 · December 2016

It is ridiculous as now I'm expecting #3 and kind of wish I would've just gotten the minivan but mentally couldn't do it when I was pregnant with twins... I went from a Camry to a Buick Enclave. I love it but now I'm dreading crawling into the 3rd row to buckle up at least one if not both twins.

When looking... I did test drive the Volvo station wagon, but if I was seriously about a wagon (it only seats 5 though...) I would probably get a Subaru, they last forever and seem to be great cars from what I've seen/experienced with friends that have them.

kfry22 · December 2016

I think we had a thread about this earlier but can't find it at the moment. There was a lot of good advice in it and some reviews of a particular vehicle...

With that being said we will also be in the market for something different before number two comes. My personal vehicle is a Chevy truck. Not doing it with two car seats. One is bad enough. My company vehicle is a mini van and I love it. I drive it a lot on personal time because it's so easy with the car seat. Don't rule out minivans just because of what they are! I was the most anti van person around and after six months of having one as a work vehicle, I want one of my own

LilLee11 · December 2016

I wouldn't get a minivan yet, if I were you. It's practical and my favorite is the sliding doors, but with a first kiddo I think you should resist it haha We got one, with me kicking and screaming, when we had 2 LOs though and didn't know yet if we'd have 3. I'm so glad my husband pushed me to get a van! He said I can have my sexy car in 10 years when kids aren't flinging doors open. Ha!

I'd look at a midsize - we had a Volvo XC90 and it was a great car!!! It's a true third row - a grown man couldn't fit comfortably, but I could and was comfortable.

delujm0 · December 2016

I also drive into the city a lot and have to deal with parking decks, etc...we went with a used Jetta Sportswagen when I was expecting DD. The current model is a Golf Sportswagen I think. I am OBSESSED with the car, I love it so much. Unfortunately I got the diesel one, so I'm going to have to sell it back in a year or so (for a profit, but still) because VW doesn't think they can fix their diesel-gate situation for my model year. I'm considering just getting a new one in the Gas version because I love it so much but I'm worried it won't be big enough for 2 kids. I hate to spend a lot on cars, and I always pay cash for them, but I'm considering going with the new Volvo V70 wagon that is coming out in 2017 because it is larger than the VW and I'm not ready for a minivan or SUV just yet. But it's also at least twice the cost, and since it's new finding one used won't be an option unfortunately. I'm considering leasing it (which I hate on principle) just because I fear that it would be sufficient for two little kids, but in a few years when they're bigger and want to bring friends around with us i'll need a larger car with a third row of seats (I like to buy cars and absolutely run them into the ground - the VW is only the second car I've ever owned, and I had the first one for 16 years).

In short...I also don't know what to do, but I don't have to sell back my current car for at least another year or so, so I may wait until my maternity leave is ending to deal with it.

kdanjou · December 2016

I would personally avoid a minivan at all costs. They are huge and expensive and unless you have 3+ kids they just aren't necessary.
I LOVE my subaru outback. We live in the northeast and get a lot of snow some years and it has never let me down yet. I've had it for 5 years now with zero complaints. It has plenty of room for at least two big carseats in the back and plenty of foot-room up front. The hatchback/trunk area is huge and great for loading up baby stuff like strollers and pack-n-plays.

BelhurstBride · December 2016

I honestly think it depends on how often you guys prefer to buy cars and how many kids you plan on having.

When we were expecting DD1 we dumped my small car for a Pilot, and mostly loved it when we just had DD1. The only major annoyance then was trying to get her in and out of her carseat next to an asshole parker. There's also limited storage; if we have the third row up we can't fit a stroller, or much of anything, in the car with us.

When we had DD2 the third row became useless. Now to access the third row we have to climb in and out of the trunk. That's when we started saving for a minivan. (We pay cash for cars.)

Our intention when we purchased the Pilot, like all cars we purchase, is to drive them until they're basically useless. We regret not thinking through the longevity of the Pilot as a family vehicle.

mamaelle27 · December 2016

I'm expecting my second child and I cannot wait to get my minivan! We currently have a small SUV and even with just one child it stinks. With her rear facing car seat in place, you can't recline the front seats and the two other back seats are narrowed to the point where an adult can't fit there comfortably. With her stroller in the trunk there is no room for anything else. I won't just upgrade to a larger SUV because 1- third row is hard to access if you need to assist little kids back there 2- doors fling open vs a van where they slide (can fit in narrower parking spots and still get kids in and out) 3- there's floor space in the van to change a diaper, etc. (like you can lock you and the kids in and then change a diaper vs doing it in the trunk out in the open) 4- trunk space in a van is awesome (the double strollers are huge!) 4- vans are lower to the ground so easier to climb in and out of pregnant/with kids/hauling stuff.

I guess it depends if you hope to have more kids close in age, but those are some considerations. I'd highly suggest bringing the car seat and stroller when you go car shopping to see exactly how everything would fit. Good luck!

Wino0920 · December 2016

I LOVE MY MINIVAN!! I have never been one to care about cars. They are a waste of money really and I don't need to keep up with the Jones.' The minivan is so practical in so many different ways. I can't go back!

So my mini van just started having problems after 7 years and we bought it used. I have only fixed the tires/brakes. We were going to wait until the new baby, but it's too much money to put into the car, so looks like I might be getting the new Pacifica today.

The gas gas mileage is awesome on it as well.

lmc929 · December 2016

Second kid on the way and we are considering a Tahoe. I have Jeep Grand Cherokee now but its actually tight with just one carseat. Not to mention hard to change a diaper in the car - we pretty much need to use the trunk. We plan to fold down or remove the third row seats of a Tahoe to get more cargo space -- we have a large dog that cant fit with a stroller in the Jeep.

acrose0226 · December 2016

We have a Honda CRV that we really like -- good mid-size SUV. My husband drives the Honda, and I'm still holding on out a 10-year-old Toyota Corolla that I really just use for commuting to/from work (whenever we go anywhere together, we take the Honda). We were thinking of replacing the Toyota in the late winter/early spring before the baby is born, but then I thought...why am I going to buy a new car when I'll then just be going on maternity leave for 4 months and the car will be sitting in the garage and depreciating? So now I think we're going to wait to buy a new car in late summer/early fall 2017 right before I return to work.

When we do get a new one, we're likely getting a Subaru. Our fave car brands - due to safety, durability, and reasonable price point - are Hondas, Toyotas and Subarus.

owensmom0807 · December 2016

We upgraded from an Explorer to an Expedition. The Explorer was great but just not big enough for our growing family. So far so good, I love it!

Assiram42 · December 2016

I think it depends on how many kids you intend to have. We drove a Honda Civic with two kids and it worked just fine. We upgraded to a Honda Pilot when we assumed we were done at three. We're going to try and make it work for as long as possible, but I think a minivan would be most practical.

LOTON01 · December 2016

We just traded in our Mazda3 for a Mazda CX9. I love it! I am not ready for a mini van and we live in the city!

ccc123456 · December 2016

I have a Cadillac SRX and I LOVE it! I would honestly recommend it to anyone looking for a mid-size crossover. I was considering the SRX, the Lexus RX, and the Toyota 4Runner, and they were all comparable in comfort, but for the price of the SRX and the amenities it has, it was definitely the better value. The fact that it has remote start AND I can start it from my phone on the On-Star app (without an OnStar subscription btw) is SO amazing in the winter and summer months. Also, how can you ever go wrong with a heated steering wheel??? Just for comparison, the Lexus was $6k more and didn't have any of those features..

Fight the good fight, don't go gently into the land of the minivans just yet

silliegirlie143 · December 2016

You wanna talk mpg's here ya go: the Mr just traded our regular Prius for a Prius V (the larger wagon style)

I hated the old one. I always felt cramped with DD in her car seat which forced me to drive so I had room for my legs.

She sits behind the passenger seat in the V and I have room to sit comfortably. We took it for our 5-hour drive home for Thanksgiving.

This is car has enough space in the hatchback area for our two 70+ pound dogs.

With two LOs the seats will fit but you won't be bringing a 5th person.

We fill the tank every 400 miles or so. Plus it's a Toyota so it's super reliable. Not cute, but it fits everything we need for our smaller car.

kahlan82 · December 2016

We just got a Chrysler town and country minivan and love it. It has great storage and we needed something that would fit kids and our camping gear.

jesselayne8 · December 2016

I agree with the previous poster. It really depends on your long term plans. It sounds like you want to keep the car long term. If you want 1-2 kids max then no need for a minivan. I drove a Mercedes SUV that I LOVED until I got pregnant with #3 so I got a minivan and I love it. However as soon as my 2 oldest kids can buckle themselves in by themselves in the 3rd then I will go back to an SUV. For now my Odysessy is pretty awesome.

semicolon · December 2016

With our first, our Camry worked great! When we were expecting, we bought a highlander. I'm not a mini van fan.

semicolon · December 2016

Ps, love the highlander and the Camry.

awillis13 · December 2016

We have an Acadia, and I hate it. I would not recommend at all. I've had more problems with it. The only plus is that the 2nd row is captains chairs so it's easier to get to the 3rd row. And the captains chairs can slide back and forward so you can move it back to give more space for a rear facing car seat. Still not worth buying.

roo1381 · December 2016

I love my Mazda 5. It's the smallest minivan the is and looks more like a crossover but the sliding doors are convenient with carseats

Sbruins20 · December 2016

I'm a big fan of my Subaru Forester! It does help that I live in snowy Minnesota and DH puts snow tires on but it's been the best handled car I've ever driven and I love that there is a ton of room in the back for the stroller and dog.

Knottie42089123 · December 2016

I can't wait to have a minivan one day! Reminds me of childhood. Right now I'm driving a 10 year old 2 door Acura that I don't feel like I fit in anymore. Seriously my knees have been hitting the steering column and my butt kills me after a long drive. We're going to buy a used Lexus RX, probably a 2013. I think it was rated safest mid size SUV. DH drives a Nissan Sentra, so we'll both be able to carry car seats. If we don't get the truck before baby gets here I'll probably start driving his car. I sure as hell am not driving the little roachmobile with a huge belly.

noellehm · December 2016

Thanks everyone for taking time to respond. I do prefer getting a car I can hold on to for the long term, but probably won't have more than 2 kids. These are some great ideas! Now to challenge Hubby in the great minivan debate.....

shmarpler · December 2016

Whatever you buy, make sure to take your carseat car shopping with you to make sure it fits. If you want to do extended rear facing, you will need more space between the front and back seats.

JessyKV · December 2016

Funny story! There was a thread like this a little bit ago and I totally said I did not want a mini van and wanted an Acadia or other 3rd row SUV.

This is my 3rd kiddo. I've driven a Honda Accord since college and it was great for commuting to work and I didn't even mind it with 2 kiddos. It has a pretty big trunk that fit my double stroller great. Now after staying home with my kids for a year vs working full time I think of cars so differently. My husband has a Ford Edge which I love and is great for when we need more space so it's always worked with having one car and one SUV.

Now that I schlep the kids around everyday, convenience and space is key. Plus we go visit our parents once or more a month and we will have 3 kids and a dog in the car. So ive come to accept a minivan is the best thing for my family right now. I'm not loving the idea but I think I will once I get it.

So I think it really depends on your needs and how much you will use it for the kids vs work and how many kiddos you plan to have.

ellie111227 · December 2016

I don't think you need a minivan for one kid. If you are planning to a couple more in quick succession, then it might be worth it though. I love Hondas -they run great forever. Right now we have a civic and a crv. The crv is more than big enough with our one lo, even for road trips, and I anticipate it being perfectly fine with two also. The civic is great too, but if you are going to have only one car, I would actually choose a Honda fit. My mom has one, and it actually holds more than my suv, let alone my civic, and it would be easy to park in the city. I swear that car seems bigger on the inside than the outside. Of course, if you get pregnant with twins in a year, you'll regret any non-minivan purchase you make, but unless you are planning to try for that, I think it makes more sense to stick with what is efficient and practical for now.

mezalune · December 2016

I second the Prius V. I do a lot of city driving and get 45+ mpg regularly. It's got plenty of leg room front and back with space for a stroller and groceries but more to spare.

sparrow-2 · December 2016

@noellehm - I think we're from the same area:) Also SFBay? My DH and I just had to buy two new cars in August as ours (both hailing from high school years) were on their last legs. I also commute, so I went with a used, but nearly new Prius plug in and my DH went with a used, but also nearly new RAV4. Four months later we're pretty happy with both picks. The mileage on the prius, especially when I can charge it, is great and it's surprisingly spacious. Good luck!

wifeinraleigh28 · December 2016

My dream mom car is the Honda Odyssey! I can't wait to buy one of those. I've always loved minivans growing up (my parents had one) and I just feel like nothing beats it when you have little ones. The sliding doors alone are a done deal for me!

noellehm · December 2016

sparrow - Yep, I live in SFbay! Good to know that you are happy with the cars. We are looking at similar picks (definitely looking at some of the bigger prius models, but other wagons/ mid sized SUVs like the RAV4 are also on the list). Probably will come down to what nearly new car we can find a good a deal on

.

mrt · December 2016

@ellie111227 we had a Honda fit and loved it! It was out only car before we had kids. My husband used it to commute with our 4 year old, but we could only do a rear facing carseat if it was the only car seat in the car, or if we basically sacrificed the passenger seat by pushing it super far forward. Though it probably would have worked with a different car seat. That said, we would still have that car if it hadn't been rearended by a big SUV last year. It got pretty crushed, but my 4 year old in the back seat was perfectly fine. My husband decided he wanted a Prius to replace it, but the fit was a great car.

bar italia · December 2016

we have a 2014 subaru impreza hatchback and its been wonderful. the AWD is great if you live in a place where you might get snow and the interior space, especially in the back seat, cannot be beat for a car in its size/class. we tested them all, and the impreza won hands down. we're now firm converts to the cult of subaru! we might trade up for a forrester or outback now that we're going to have two kids and we now owe less on it than what its worth....but we might not....we haven't decided yet.

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