Car Recommendations?

midwestmom12 · July 2018

I didn’t see a thread focused on vehicles, but if I missed it please point me in the right direction!

Third time mom here, and desperately need a new car. I’m in sales and really prefer to drive a car (or smaller SUV) as I’m in and out of meetings, in parking garages, parallel parking, etc. all day.

Any recommendations for a vehicle that fits three car seats across and isn’t huge?! (We have a Tahoe as our “family” car which is plenty of room, but not practical for my every day car...DH drives it!)

knottieamusements · July 2018

For three car seats across- skip the Toyota RAV4 - that is a known issue- something to do with the seatbelt configuration.

vjmc421 · July 2018

I have a Mazda CX-9 that fits 3 car seats across, but that might be a litttle bigger than what you’d like. It does have a backing cam and blindspot sensors that help with parallel parking, pulling out of tight parking spots, etc.

bntfroggie · July 2018

I have a Forester that can fit 3. So the issue with the RAV4 is that the middle seatbelt secures in the middle of one of the side seats making it a hazard for car seats. Although if you one have two car seats you are fine. You can configure it one of each side of the car or one in the middle and one on the left, but those are your only two options.

hellopartyof5 · July 2018

If your willing to spend some more $$ on car seats I think that really opens your options. Also really depends on the ages of your older 2!

purplegoldfish2 · July 2018

hellopartyof5 said:

If your willing to spend some more $$ on car seats I think that really opens your options. Also really depends on the ages of your older 2!

I agree with the ages of the older two and if you’re willing to buy new seats for them. We are fitting 3 across in my Toyota Yaris, which is frequently said to be impossible, but with 2 booster seats and an infant seat it is doable. We had to buy new seats for all the kids to get it to work, but our boys will be almost 6 by the time baby gets here, so I am comfortable with them switching to boosters then. Not sure if I’ll be able to get a convertible in it with 3 across because of front to back space, but for now it works.

What do you drive now?

mommy2ane · July 2018

We have a RAV4, which is great with two car seats. It’s going to have to go. We’ll have two rear facing and one forward facing, but still in a 5 point harness. I don’t see anyway to safely do it. Which sucks because it is paid off. Ahh!

midwestmom12 · July 2018

purplegoldfish2 said:

What do you drive now?

I drive a Honda Accord now, which has worked fine with a convertible seat and bucket seat. DD is 3 and DS is 21 months so we’ll need to fit two convertible seats and a bucket seat once the new baby gets here!

purplegoldfish2 · July 2018

You may be able to fit 3 across in it if you want to keep it. It’s almost 5” wider than my Yaris. What car seats do you have now?

ETA: unless the seatbelts overlap like the RAV4, then you’ll need a new one.

DunkinDecaf · July 2018

Chevy Traverse!! Especially if you already have and love the Tahoe, it’ll be perfect for you. We just got one a month ago and I adore it. Small enough that it doesn’t feel like I’m driving a boat, but plenty of space for the kids, stroller, dog, and all the bags of children’s stuff I’m toting around all the time. Also it’s wicked comfortable. Highly recommend.

ETA whoops just reread your post. What about the Tahoe isn’t practical for every day? Do you feel like it’s too big to park?

midwestmom12 · July 2018

@DunkinDecaf we actually have a Traverse on our short list to test drive (along with the Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9). The Tahoe is just SO BIG. I literally feel like I’m driving a boat around. I’m not the tallest person ever so even just getting in and out with my work bag is just inconvenient for me. Maybe I’m just high maintenance, lol.

nasalot188 · July 2018

We have a Honda Pilot and love it! I do believe you can fit 3 seats across but not 100% sure. I do know for certain that you can have 2 seats in middle row and at least one if not 2 in back row.

The Pilot is nice and roomy without feeling like a boat.

Laumb11 · July 2018

We had a Traverse as a rental for a few weeks and I really liked it. I would love the captain chairs! I have an MDX now but to fold down the 2nd row with another car seat is going to be a pain.
Also have you seen this website?
https://thecarseatlady.com/2017familyvehiclebuyingguide/

DunkinDecaf · July 2018

@midwestmom12 so if the Tahoe feels like a boat to you, the Traverse may too. They’re the exact same length (we checked while shopping). The traverse is a little less boxy, and has way more space inside though. With 3 kids, the third row is a must for me. In my experience mini vans actually drive a lot more like cars, so you could try text driving one of those and see how it feels for you. Obviously they’re big to park though. Honestly if I were you I’d try just making your Tahoe your every day car for a couple weeks and see if you can get used to it, because that would open your options up like crazy.

HoosOnFirst · July 2018

My friend with a 3 year old and twin 1 year olds has a Pilot. It’s the only car that’s worked for them. We have a Cr-v which will work for two but I haven’t tried with three!

missmaehurt · July 2018

I have an Equinox now and I’ve read you can get 3 across (1 convertible and 2 infants), but I think I’ll have to upgrade once they outgrow them. I was thinking about the Traverse or going minivan.

pajamstagrams · July 2018

I have a Pilot and it drives almost like my old accord! I don't think it's much bigger width wise or length wise either. Doesn't feel like I'm driving a boat, and I'm terrified of driving SUVS and the like after the Great Bachelorette Party MOH Mental Meltdown of 2016 lol.

cdepperschmidt · July 2018

If you’re on FB, check out “Car Seats for Littles”.

sammierose464 · July 2018

I went from a Focus to an Explorer. I was surprised, but I actually really like it. I miss my fun, fast, little manual "go-kart". However, I love all of the room in the Explorer.

purplegoldfish2 · July 2018

DunkinDecaf said:

@midwestmom12 so if the Tahoe feels like a boat to you, the Traverse may too. They’re the exact same length (we checked while shopping). The traverse is a little less boxy, and has way more space inside though. With 3 kids, the third row is a must for me. In my experience mini vans actually drive a lot more like cars, so you could try text driving one of those and see how it feels for you. Obviously they’re big to park though. Honestly if I were you I’d try just making your Tahoe your every day car for a couple weeks and see if you can get used to it, because that would open your options up like crazy.

While the Traverse is big,I’ve been told it’s basically the same thing as the Buick Enclave. My FIL has the Enclave and I have driven it and love it. It’s a bit harder to park than my Yaris, but it drives like a car. I wasn’t expecting it to be so smooth and was really impressed. It’s actually made me consider getting an SUV instead of a minivan for my next vehicle (although gas mileage may make me go with the van over the Enclave/Traverse).

FWIW, whatever you get, you’ll likely get used to the size and parking it pretty quickly. You could always go to an empty parking lot and practice parking so you get comfortable with it.

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