Other Resources My Cup of Joe » What vehicle for families? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, the bear, DerekL, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 2
 
 
2011-03-18 4:08 PM

User image

Veteran
698
500100252525
Subject: What vehicle for families?

Ok, up till now, we have had a minivan. the advantages were that you can load it up with everything needed for trips, taking the kids skying, shopping or whatever. However, the BIGGEST advantage was  that it was possible to separate the three kids, especially the boys, who tend to tease each other. The kids are aged 8 (a boy) and 6 year old twins (one boy, one girl).

Yesterday I took the minivan to the garage, and was told that fixing it would cost more then it was worth (head gaskets, ABS system, and few other items), and that all they can advise it to start looking for another vehicle.

We were thinking about a regular car, but our main worry is having the kids side by side. Despite their assurances that they will behave like saints, I am not quite ready to believe this. To tell the truth, if I have to choose between paying for more gas and having World War III erupt behind me while driving, I prefer more gas.

 

And experience and/or advise? Does anyone here have three kids, all under 10, sitting peacefully side by side for long periods of time? Is that even possible?

 

 




2011-03-18 4:25 PM
in reply to: #3404081

User image

Champion
7542
5000200050025
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bronze member
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?

We have 4 boys, 24, 21, and twins who are 18.  When the twins were born, we had a Saturn SL1.  If you're a math whiz you can count 6 people and there were only 5 seatbelts.  Unfortunately, the twins were born a year after we purchased the Saturn and weren't in a position to buy another vehicle because...kids are expensive...

We got a Crown Vic Wagon.  3 seatbelts in the front, 3 in the rear.  We'd put the booster seat in the front between the adults and the two infant seats in the back with the oldest boy (he didn't need a booster at that time).  As they got older, we'd put a twin in the front and one in the rear with the older boys on either side of him.  We traded the wagon for a 12-passenger van when they were 4.  They survived the 4-year "punishment" intact and we took several great family trips including one where the 6 of us slept in the back end of the wagon because we couldn't find a hotel. 

I joked that we should have bought a stretch limo with the privacy glass between the front and rear.  We could install an emergency button and if they pressed it without an emergency, we'd have to make one...

For around-town driving, they'd do ok in the back seat of a family (Taurus) or luxury (Town Car) sedan.  (We had a town car that was reasonable even for 4 adult-size people and two pre-adolescents.)  You can rent a mini-van for trips where the extra space is really nice. 

But...if you like your minivan, is the cost of repairing it less than buying something else?  It'd be foolish to repair it and trade it in, but if spending $2000 to repair it gives you 3 more years it might not be a bad investment. 

2011-03-18 4:29 PM
in reply to: #3404081

User image

Master
1430
100010010010010025
Calgary, AB
Silver member
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?

3 across is always going to be cramped - either the kids are small enough to be in boosters/kid seats or big enough they're going to be touching. If you're sitting on a bus do you want to be thigh to thigh with the guy next to you?

With 5 people you'll probably often have more stuff than your trunk can hold and end up killing your mpg with a ski/cargo box with the roof anyway.

I'm kind of a car nut and with 3 kids I'd have a van in a heartbeat. And a 2nd fun car.

 

 

 

2011-03-18 4:41 PM
in reply to: #3404114

User image

Veteran
698
500100252525
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?

McFuzz - 2011-03-18 2:25 PMBut...if you like your minivan, is the cost of repairing it less than buying something else?  It'd be foolish to repair it and trade it in, but if spending $2000 to repair it gives you 3 more years it might not be a bad investment. 

 

It's $3,500 if we managed to find used parts, about $5,000 if not. The transmission is starting to show problems, so that is another $2,500 coming soon.

 

Frankly, the minivan is convenient. I don't love this specific one, so I have no problem finding another one. We are simply trying to decide if to stay with the minivan at this stage.

2011-03-18 4:48 PM
in reply to: #3404081

User image

Expert
3126
2000100010025
Boise, ID
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?

 

Another thing to consider is insurance costs. The only other real option you have for third row seating is a suburban or something like a newer Honda Pilot that has fold up third row seating.

But as far as insurance goes the minivan is king. Insurance companies use symbols to determine what to charge. The Dodge Caravan has the lowest symbol of any car you can buy.

So if you like the minivan and aren't embarrased to drive one (my wife and I are pretty sure we couldn't bring ourselves to do it) then I would stick with the van, just get a new (used) one.

2011-03-18 5:34 PM
in reply to: #3404081

User image

Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?
Do Volvo wagons still have the rear facing 3rd seat?  Might be an option.   


2011-03-18 5:45 PM
in reply to: #3404191

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2011-03-18 5:58 PM
in reply to: #3404081

Pro
6767
500010005001001002525
the Alabama part of Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?

I believe having a mom-mobile (aka mini-van) will continue to prove its worth to you over the next 12 years (if it lasts that long). When mrs' gearboy's first minivan (Ford Odyssey) died (with spectacular black smoke out the exhaust, needing to be towed to its final resting place), we replaced it with a Nissan Quest, which served us well for the rest of the kids' childhoods. Think about the long haul (if you will) - not only family trips, but later possibilities of sports, scouts, or other extracurricular activities where you may want to be able to transport large numbers of people and things.

We put some serious mileage on the vans - the Nissan gave up the ghost at 246,000 miles. It saw service in numerous girl scout trips to camping sites, horse shows, band trips, and a memorable trek out to Tennessee for Bonnaroo as a graduation trip for the oldest daughter, her two friends, and the youngest.

2011-03-18 7:15 PM
in reply to: #3404200

Elite
4372
200020001001001002525
Connecticut
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?
FoggyGoggles - 2011-03-18 6:45 PM

A few crossover options, used and new:

  • Chrysler Pacifica - rented one once and enjoyed it.
  • Mazda CX9 - all wheel drive and sporty
  • Nissan Murano - neighbor has one and his family is the same size as yours
  • Dodge Durango - has a third row now I believe
  • Buick Enclave - a little spendy, but you can get your inner-Tiger channeled
  • BMW X5 - I sold my 2007 for $20,000 last year. Cheap!
  • GMC came out with a new crossover as well. Looks nice

We had one for awhile and it had a HORRIBLE blind spot.  I don't know if they have fixed it but something to think about if you consider this car.

We have a Mazda 5 and I LOVE it!  It seats 6 but doesn't have the cargo room that a full size minivan has.  We solved that with a roof rack and a cargo carrier.  We have three kids and my boys (ages 8 and 7) CANNOT be next to each other and this solves most issues.  I think we paid $18,000ish for it so it is cheaper than a minivan and doesn't quite have the soccer mom look to it.  At least that is what I keep telling myself.

2011-03-18 8:08 PM
in reply to: #3404081

Extreme Veteran
961
5001001001001002525
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?
I'm a single dad with 4 kids (12, 8, 5 & 5) on my second Acura MDX. Love everything about it except the price, they are crazy expensive. I buy them with about 3 years/30,000 miles on them to keep the purchase price from making me dizzy.

Same platform as the Honda Pilot (and the Odyssey, which honestly would be more practical) as another option. All very good family vehicles.
2011-03-18 9:37 PM
in reply to: #3404081

Extreme Veteran
872
5001001001002525
Tx
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?
Problem solved:  Boo-yah


2011-03-18 10:18 PM
in reply to: #3404081

Master
1795
1000500100100252525
Boynton Beach, FL
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?
Just read the list of affordable (relative term) mid size SUVs. Ranked list had new explorer #1, and out of order next were Nissan murano, chevy traverse, Mazda cx-9 and dodge during. This week I rented the chevy traverse for three day trip and really liked it. Also agree with Acura Mex comment. I'm on my 3rd Acura and they are great value in terms of upkeep etc.
2011-03-19 8:50 AM
in reply to: #3404142

Champion
4835
2000200050010010010025
Eat Cheese or Die
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?
Aarondb4 - 2011-03-18 4:48 PM

 

Another thing to consider is insurance costs. The only other real option you have for third row seating is a suburban or something like a newer Honda Pilot that has fold up third row seating.

But as far as insurance goes the minivan is king. Insurance companies use symbols to determine what to charge. The Dodge Caravan has the lowest symbol of any car you can buy.

So if you like the minivan and aren't embarrased to drive one (my wife and I are pretty sure we couldn't bring ourselves to do it) then I would stick with the van, just get a new (used) one.



All pilots have 3rd row seating, as does newer pathfinders. Both much smaller options then a suburban.

We drive an 06 pilot.
2011-03-19 9:18 AM
in reply to: #3404081

Champion
16151
50005000500010001002525
Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?
Dion't have the multi-kids issue, but a Ford Flex is really nice. It's got three row seating and a fridge between the seats in row 2. Saw a 2010 advertised in today's paper for 1/3 off the cost of new. I have rented them twice and it's a fantastic vehicle. The styling is love or hate; mileage is ~19 mixed.
2011-03-19 9:28 AM
in reply to: #3404582

Elite
4564
200020005002525
Boise
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?

pitt83 - 2011-03-19 8:18 AM Dion't have the multi-kids issue, but a Ford Flex is really nice. It's got three row seating and a fridge between the seats in row 2. Saw a 2010 advertised in today's paper for 1/3 off the cost of new. I have rented them twice and it's a fantastic vehicle. The styling is love or hate; mileage is ~19 mixed.

 

x2

2011-03-20 8:24 AM
in reply to: #3404117

Champion
4835
2000200050010010010025
Eat Cheese or Die
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?
Khyron - 2011-03-18 4:29 PM
With 5 people you'll probably often have more stuff than your trunk can hold and end up killing your mpg with a ski/cargo box with the roof anyway.


A newer sleek roof box isn't going to wreck your mileage. We maybe lose 1-2mpg, but I can't attribute that all to the box because when the box is on we are also loaded down with cargo (3 passengers, a dog w/crate and luggage for a week) so the vehicle weight is much higher. I imagine that if I threw the box on and drove around for a tank under our everyday driving conditions I probably wouldn't be able to see a drop in mileage.

I'll give you that those square boxes from Sears and the soft bags will kill your mileage.


2011-03-20 8:50 AM
in reply to: #3404081

Pro
4824
20002000500100100100
Houston
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?

5 kids = Toyota Sienna. My husband just got a Ford Edge as a company car and we are hoping once it is ready to trade back to the fleet we will buy it. At that time the teenagers will be driving their own cars (18 & 16) right now and may even be out of the house so we are hoping the smaller vehicle will work for us.

 

2011-03-20 9:48 AM
in reply to: #3404081

Master
2327
200010010010025
North Alabama
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?

We have the 05 pilot and it has the 3rd row. It's prett y awesome.

We've had two carseats on the middle row, 2 adults on back row, and then stuff in the back. Not too bad.

2011-03-20 3:10 PM
in reply to: #3404081

Elite
4148
2000200010025
Utah
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?

I'm a Subaru lover.. however, we recently went to the AutoExpo in search of future possibilities.
I'm sold on the Mazda CX-9.  Why?  It's slightly larger than the subaru (3rd row option), AWD (winter driving conditions), and it's Mazda (reliability).  Also, I use my roof racks and as a vertical challenged individual I don't think I'll have to buy a taller step stool to rack my bike and/or skis

I've been checking out USED CX-9's and they seem to hold their value really well.

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

(FWIW:  Hubby likes the Ford "something or other" but I won't consider it.  There was also a Hyundai that seemed fairly impressive for the $)

2011-03-20 6:53 PM
in reply to: #3404081

Champion
16151
50005000500010001002525
Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?
My $0.02: Hyundai is lipstick on a pig. They look nice at first glance, but underneath the lipstick; it's still a pig. The interior looks good at first glance, but has squeaks and rattles. The seats are very unsuppoprtive and after a 2 hourt drive, you are very uncomfortable. I've rented the Santa Fe and the sedans and neither were very good. The Kia is trickle down even poorer quality.

I know some like them and they compete well on price. But the GM, Ford, Honda or Nissan beat them in any quality measure.

My opinion: I'm sure many folks differ.
2011-03-21 9:43 AM
in reply to: #3404081

Expert
1203
1000100100
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?
Honda Pilot, 3rd row seats and can seat 8 total.  We only have 2 kids but we have used the all 8 seats to haul kids and their friends around on more than one occassion.  Not the sportiest ride ever and certainly does not have the "swagger" of a mini-van.   Love the Pilot.


2011-03-23 1:42 PM
in reply to: #3406548

Expert
1149
100010025
CenTex
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?

Another vote for the Pilot. 

We have a '10 Pilot and ride with 4 boys (17, 16, 11, 10; all over 5'2" & 160lbs) without any issues.  Had a Honda Odyssey and glad we moved to the Pilot.  I like the seating options better and the cargo room is comparable.

2011-03-23 3:47 PM
in reply to: #3404081

Master
2083
2000252525
Houston, TX
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?

I have 3 under 10 and I'm kind of surprised you would even consider having them 3 in row across a back seat.  You must have recently wiped out on your bike and hit your head.Smile  No way, no how, would I put my 3 in the back seat touching each other for anything longer than 30 minutes.  Mine are actually really good for about that long.  not a peep.  but more than that and elbow missiles get launched amongst high volume "negotiations" and violent territorial disputes erupt. (we have a Kia Soul that they get crammed into on occasion).

 

Since SUV's have just as much room (for the most part) as a minivan these days, I think your real question is 2 rows or 3 rows?  From your comments you sound like you already know the answer is 3 rows.  My vote at the age your kids are at = minivan

If you opt for a minivan, my recommendation would be toward either a Honda Odyssey or a Toyota sienna (in that order).  We currently own a 2007 Nissan quest and it has 55,000 miles on it.  I have gone through 2 sets of tires and 2 sets of brakes already (my wife drives it, not me).  In my opinion that is extremely excessive AND the gas mileage doesn't get much over 17 - 18 mi/gal. I don't have any experience with American minivans, I just don't trust them (based on terrible, horrible experiences with cars and trucks), hence no rec toward any American vehicle.

Just my 2 cents.

 

edited: for being a dufus



Edited by jgaither 2011-03-23 3:57 PM
2011-03-23 3:54 PM
in reply to: #3404081

Extreme Veteran
525
50025
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?

If you're looking for the ability to seperate kids but also not having to pay the high gas costs of the larger cross-overs, SUVs, and mini-vans then I would suggest looking at the Mazda 5 or the upcoming Ford C-Max.  These "micro-vans" are about the size of the original mini-vans, 3-rows, easier on the wallet, and relatively fuel efficient. 

Both offer a semi-sporty drive but I understand that the Mazda might feel a bit underpowered.  Who races in a mini-van anways?

2011-03-23 4:02 PM
in reply to: #3404081

Expert
1580
1000500252525
Ankeny, Iowa
Subject: RE: What vehicle for families?
We don't have the problem with multiple kids but my brother has the Chevy Traverse and my sister (with multiple kids) has the Toyota Highlander. Drove both this past weekend and LOVED them.
New Thread
Other Resources My Cup of Joe » What vehicle for families? Rss Feed  
 
 
of 2