[justmama]

Okay so we are going to need a new car. We have a 6 year old and 2 year old obviously still in car seats. We are ttc currently. I own a 2003 Toyota Matrix and since I watch daycare kids, I know that it does NOT fit 3 car seats in the back. The 6 year old has a backless booster and hte 2 year olds have convertibles. All three cannot fit safely back there and it's not legal or safe to put the 6 year old in the front. I refuse to drive a minivan so the only other choice is an suv I'm thinking. The hippie in me is really rebelling at the thought of a gas-guzzling suv. But I'm thinking we are going to need one and money is an issue with this. Anyone got ideas for an suv that will comfortably fit 3 car seats in the back and isn't going to leave us broke? Better gas mileage would be a plus too if possible.<br><br><br>
Meg

 

[fek&fuzz]

I have a Ford Escape that I love. It might fit 3 car seats in back. It's very comfortable to drive. Not too big. Room in the way back for lots of stuff, and the seats all fold down flat if you need a lot of room in the back.

 

[Finch]

Minivan? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/headscratch.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="headscratch"> Honda Element?

 

[psyche]

I, too, used to refuse to drive a minivan.<br><br>
But those evil creations have *buttons* that open the back doors from afar.<br><br>
The dark side is so freaking awesome.

 

[HollyBearsMom]

I am curious why no to a minivan? Seems like exactly what you need. I only have one kid and those automatic doors look like lifesavers to me!

 

[katsam]

Scion XB? I've heard they fit three in the back!<br>
I was also looking at the Mazda5, it had three rows of seats. I think it is called a mini-mini van. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[Finch]

Yes, why no minivan? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/headscratch.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="headscratch"> Who cares if you look like a soccer mom, minivans are seriously pimped out these days, they've got features to make even the most anti-minivan person <i>drool</i>. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/mischievous.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="mischief">

 

[justmama]

Minivan issues? Mental block? I don't know. Seriously, minivans say soccer mom to me. I"m a 26year old mama of two and I just can't imagine myself or my 25 year old hubby driving one. I just think I'd be happier with a minivan and if I"m spending 20K or more on a car, I want one that makes me happy. I love my matrix but it's just not going to work for us unfortunately.<br><br>
Meg

 

[Peony]

Toyota Highlander might work, they are awesome, and have a third seat that you can pull out and use. We used to have one, I now drive one of those evil creations with the auto doors, and I'm no soccer mom! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol">

 

[amnda527]

Ditto on the Escape.

 

[eco_mama]

i think the best bet is to go with a hybrid suv if you have to. the escape or highlander. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/shrug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="shrug">

 

[alegna]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Peony</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7905002"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Toyota Highlander might work, they are awesome, and have a third seat that you can pull out and use. We used to have one, I now drive one of those evil creations with the auto doors, and I'm no soccer mom! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"></div>
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If you're looking at the highlander, look at the honda pilot. Just looked at both with my dad and he ended up with the pilot. The pilot has MUCH more room in the 3rd row.<br><br>
-Angela

 

[justmama]

I just want to make it clear that I"m not knocking on anyone who owns and loves their minivan. I just can't see myself being happy with one and I refuse to pay $20K for something that I hate even if it does fit my family well and have good features. Money is better than it used to be definitely, but it's still an issue and I just want to be happy if I'm shelling out big bucks. I just don't want anyone to think that I'm being a jerk to those of you who do have minivans.<br>
That said, these suggestions are awesome. Keep them coming!<br><br><br>
Meg

 

[queencarr]

I really, really liked my Hyundai Sante Fe. I only had 2 rows of seats, which might or might not work for you, but the newer ones come with 3 rows as an option. We got 22+ mpg city in a 2003 model, which was better than my previous minivan. Also, they protect well in an accident--speaking from unfortunate experience. I totalled mine last week, but the engine area took ALL the impact and the passenger area was completely undamaged. ds2, in his tethered 5 pt. carseat, and I walked away with minimal bruises from an accident that many have said we should not have survived. Een the police officer was impressed with its performance. We wanted to get another one, but there were no used ones available, and I could not afford new. I will be looking at them when it is time to car shop again.

 

[tapmilkmom]

I feel the same way about mini vans. They may actually work better for my family, but I just. can't.go.there.<br><br>
We bought a Honda Pilot in December. LOVE it!! (our children are 10 years, 2 years and 10 months. Oh, and my mom lives with us, so for a family of six it is perfect!

 

[joensally]

The Hyundai is nice. When I looked at them in '04, the middle rear seat only had a lap belt, so we passed as this is a major safety issue.<br><br>
If you're looking for a vehicle with a third row, just make sure that there's at least 12 inches between the rear seat headrest and the back of the vehicle, otherwise those seats are in the crumple zone.<br><br>
In 2004 we bought a Saturn Vue. That year, they had 5 star crash ratings all around, although the newer, redesigned models do not. We can get three seats across the back no problem. We got the 5 speed 4 cylinder and it has reasonable power (the only time I notice is on the highway when my revs are a bit higher, which is more annoying than an actual problem - I have no problem passing on the highway). The 4 cylinder gets equivalent fuel economy to many sedans (but not like the Matrix, which is pretty darn high). I like the Vue overall - it's pretty ugly (IMO), but it's a great fit for our family - great step in height and lots of room for our likely to be very tall kids in the back.<br><br>
Have you looked at Subarus? They're pricier, but very nice and have great safety ratings. If I could have afforded the extra $4000 I would have bought the Subaru for sure.

 

[Selesai]

Can't you fit three carseats in the back of a Subaru wagon? That might be an option.

 

[justmama]

That's an idea too. We'll have to look into the subaru wagon. I'm also intrigued with the idea of a pilot. I'm sad that my matrix won't be sufficient for us anymore but really excited about new car shopping. It's always fun to get new things!<br><br>
Queencarr, I'm so glad you and your ds are safe and your car protected you. That's amazing! Fortunately I've only been in 1 fender bender and my kids weren't with me. That's gotta be terrifying to have your child in the car with you. I"m sure he was so scared.<br><br><br>
Thanks everyone, this is a lot of food for thought.<br>
Meg

 

[bobica]

you can fit 3 small carseats in the subaru wagon. they're a bit roomier than the forester, but not by much.

 

[maymorales]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Finch</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/7903886"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Minivan? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/headscratch.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="headscratch"> Honda Element?</div>
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The Element is a four seater.