Help me to decide what type of car to replace my van. (first World problem alert)

[Ginevra]

Van is a 2002 Chrysler T&C. It is soon to exceed 200k miles on it. Of course, I wouldn't care that it is old, but I think the transmission is on the verge of quitting. :( It also has no working AC, which is not the worst thing, but makes me not pick this car in the summer if I can choose to drive another. We also have a Cadillac Escalade, an old Ford Taurus that DD will take to college and DH drives a work truck Ford daily.

 

I can't decide whether I should stick with a family-sized vehicle (i.e., Ford Explorer, Ford Flex) or replace the van with a sedan (i.e., Ford Fussion). (Your probably noticing a trend towards Fords or at least American brands...that is not an accident.) DS will start driving soon, which is one reason I really wanted him to be able to learn on the old beat-up van...he can use the Taurus for a bit, but it will go with DD in August and he will have months of driving practice to go in a different car (NOT the Cadillac!)

 

Sooo...do you think it is best to stick with a car that seats 7? It sure is handy when we have extra kids with us, but OTOH, we do have the Caddy when we absolutely need the room. Another 7-passenger is bound to be more expensive than a Sedan, even though we will buy used and aren't looking for high luxury in this car.

 

Thoughts?

[Tap]

I wouldn't worry about having more than one 7 passenger vehicle.  I would prefer to have one that was a bit smaller and easier to park in smaller parking spots for the times when it was just a few of us.  

 

I have a 2015 Subaru Outback that I absolutely adore! I think that the Outbacks sold in the USA, are made in the USA even though it is a Japanese brand.

[happypamama]

Given that our Ford Focus has over 200K miles on it and is doing well, I'd vote for one of those, because they're surprisingly roomy and comfortable, but since they are compact (ours is DH's commuting vehicle, so gas mileage was a priority, as opposed to my twelve passenger Ford Van, which I also love), I would probably suggest the next size up. Is that a Fusion?

 

Mom had a Honda Accord for a while and now has a Nissan Versa and has liked them both.

[skirch]

I went the sedan route. I just ditched my 2003 van with slipping transmission and barely working a/c for a Camry. I miss the van, but am loving the smaller car.

[mamaraby]

I'm iffy on Fords because our '04 Freestar has brake issue galore. With your kids' ages, I'd lean towards the smaller car, imo. I usually search here (http://www.uaw.org/cars) before we buy a car, and typically include Canadian built ones in my search. We own two minivans right now, but I think dh is looking at the Chevy Cruze when it comes time to replace the Freestar.

[Guest]

Given that our Ford Focus has over 200K miles on it and is doing well, I'd vote for one of those, because they're surprisingly roomy and comfortable, but since they are compact (ours is DH's commuting vehicle, so gas mileage was a priority, as opposed to my twelve passenger Ford Van, which I also love), I would probably suggest the next size up. Is that a Fusion?

 

Mom had a Honda Accord for a while and now has a Nissan Versa and has liked them both.

Thanks, yes, the Fusion is the next size up from the Focus. Gas mileage is another reason I'm considering downsizing from the van.

[aggieamy]

I would buy an electric car if I was in your situation.  You have other vehicle options if you need to go a long distance or take everyone with you.  When my Mercedes station wagon dies that's what I'll be buying.  The things only have 140k on it though so it'll be another ten years or so.  

 

If I was going to buy a car today it would be the Tesla.  My friend has one and they are AMAZING.  (Built in the US!)  

[chiguirre]

Another vote for a Focus. My mom's Focus wagon will not die and can haul a surprising amount of stuff when you fold all the seats. The back seat is comfortable for me and I'm 5'10".

[AK_Mom4]

DD21 has a 2014 Foed Focus that is super comfortable and holds an AMAZING amount of gear. Like a five piece jazz combo or three huge saxophones. Lots of carrying space!

[MomtoCandJ]

I have a 2013 Fusion (Luna) and a 2002 Taurus (Sandy). Sandy has went into semi retirement, my brother Dan is buying her for getting to work and back. Sandy has over 200,000 hard earned miles on her and Luna has 32000. I love them both, I would be still driving Sandy but she multiple small issues and can't be trusted for long distance travel anymore (dh's truck is a gas hog).

[MomtoCandJ]

The sizes for Ford cars is Focus, Fusion then Taurus. I test drove a new Taurus and didn't like it (just too much stuff that I don't need and don't see the point of paying for and just too big for what I need) The new Taurus is quite a bit bigger than the older ones, the Fusion is the same size as the older Taurus.

[Guest]

Thank you so much, everyone! I think I am going to down-size and might even go as small as the Focus. I did a little looking around at Auto Trader and am really impressed with what I could get for $10-13k (in the Focus).

[Farrar]

Our Ford Focus Wagon blew up. So I am not super in favor of that.

 

We like the flexibility of our Mazda 5 - room to haul stuff or room to take extra people. But I think you should downsize given changing household.

[The Girls' Mom]

We just traded in our Town and Country for a Nissan Altima today.  As the kids are getting older and driving, and their friends are driving, I was putting around in that gas hog by myself way too much.  I'm already in love with the Altima.  AND it is fairly roomy in the back for when all 5 of us are actually in the car together.

 

[gardenmom5]

I want a highlander. DH reminded me major hauling days are over and it would have enough space. I only have two kids at home.

 

I like being up off the road and refuse to go back to a sedan.

[Guest]

I want a highlander. DH reminded me major hauling days are over and it would have enough space. I only have two kids at home.

 

I like being up off the road and refuse to go back to a sedan.

Yeah, I confess I do like sitting up high in my Cadillac. When I drive the Taurus afterwards, I feel like my ass is on the road, lol!

[Tsuga]

My partner likes the Nissan Rogue. It gets great mileage. He's tall, I'm not. The Rogue is very easy to drive and maneuver. It's also not too expensive.

 

ETA: But we still have four kids at home, and none of them can drive!

[Guest]

We just traded in our Town and Country for a Nissan Altima today. As the kids are getting older and driving, and their friends are driving, I was putting around in that gas hog by myself way too much. I'm already in love with the Altima. AND it is fairly roomy in the back for when all 5 of us are actually in the car together.

I've heard nothing but good things about the Altima and have an NV coming in a few weeks, myself. I love that they're built in the states and engineered very thoughtfully.

[KungFuPanda]

There are Canadian cars? That never occurred to me before this thread. Not surprising. I learned about Australian cars from the Hive.

[SKL]

I have always driven a sedan.  Last year I replaced my Saturn Ion with a Honda Accord hybrid.  There is a lot less trunk space, but I didn't actually need that much space.  (I used to keep my kids' two 16" bikes in there, but they outgrew the bikes.)

 

I have to say I don't understand why people "need" all that space.  My kids are in a lot of activities, all of which have various gear, and I have had my car packed with stuff for several activities plus my work plus my kids (in car seats) and sometimes another adult, and so far my car has never overflowed.  In the very rare case that we "need" a larger vehicle for traveling, we can rent it for a reasonable price.  There's no need to use all that gas for every routine trip.

[SKL]

Oh, and I quit buying American cars after the government essentially took the companies over.  :/  Besides, I have done a lot of work with Japanese-based automakers and I much prefer the way they do business.  I helped prop up the US car companies' big egos long enough.

[creekland]

Another Ford Focus lover here.  Ours is a 2002 (wagon) and still going strong.  I've toyed with replacing it due to its age, and if I do, I expect it will be with another Focus.

 

I loved our minivans when my kids were growing up and I definitely love sitting higher off the road when traveling, but we've gotten used to being lower and I actually like the smaller car.  It has plenty of space for everyday life and short trips.  

 

Hubby has a truck.  He needs it for work at times.  I only drive that when I absolutely have to at this point in my life!

[bettyandbob]

Oh, and I quit buying American cars after the government essentially took the companies over. :/ Besides, I have done a lot of work with Japanese-based automakers and I much prefer the way they do business. I helped prop up the US car companies' big egos long enough.

Ford didn't participate in the government takeover scheme. They didn't like the terms. They pulled themselves together on their own, they were also in the least trouble to begin with. That said I didn't like how they handled the Explorer rollover problem a few years back. It's been several years since I had a Ford. I'd probably consider it again now. The Fusion would probably be what I looked at because I've heard good things.

 

I'd get something that was a hybrid. The op is in Maryland and probably has similar congested roads That I deal with. We acquired a used Prius a few years ago. The mileage I get is great. The best mileage seems to be at less than highway speeds, perfect for traffic I deal with. I don't like not seeing around everything, but I do like being small enough to maneuver around everything and park anywhere. If I could buy new I'd look at the Subaru Tribeca hybrid. We have a 2002 Forester and its been an awesome car.

 

Given that the OPs oldest is leaving home and her other two are old enough that she probably won't be hauling both of them to every activity each takes part in, she should really consider downsizing.

[Guest]

I have always driven a sedan. Last year I replaced my Saturn Ion with a Honda Accord hybrid. There is a lot less trunk space, but I didn't actually need that much space. (I used to keep my kids' two 16" bikes in there, but they outgrew the bikes.)

 

I have to say I don't understand why people "need" all that space. My kids are in a lot of activities, all of which have various gear, and I have had my car packed with stuff for several activities plus my work plus my kids (in car seats) and sometimes another adult, and so far my car has never overflowed. In the very rare case that we "need" a larger vehicle for traveling, we can rent it for a reasonable price. There's no need to use all that gas for every routine trip.

I find a lot of use for cargo space (although it can be had with the Cadillac, so it may not be necessary to have two large cars). I need it for a Costco run. I need it to go to our beach house, where we routinely take a packed cooler, fishing tackle, life jackets and luggage. We have even folded up the back row of seats and put the dog up in there for trips to the park or beach house.

 

Also, having three kids side-by-side in the back of a sedan is NOT ideal. Yes, it is actually possible to get them in there, but I wouldn't want that to be the only option for traveling about at all times. (I'm mainly speaking of kids at younger ages than my kids are now, but even so...a little personal space is much better than less.)

[creekland]

Also, having three kids side-by-side in the back of a sedan is NOT ideal. 

 

Three kids side-by-side in the back of our Focus works just fine.  We just make sure the girlfriend gets one window seat with the boyfriend next to her.  Changing the order of the boys can make things weird.

 

Without a girlfriend it could get dicier.  ;)

 

(Should add that my kids have always traveled well together as they inherited our "travel junkie" gene, so this is purely putting into words what came to my mind reading your post.  My mind rarely sees anything "just" as written.   :coolgleamA: )

[Guest]

About the American Car brand thing: I know that this distinction is not as meaningful as it once was, i.e., there is complete overlap as to American brands being built outside the states and foreign brands being built within the US. So I know it isn't the straightforward "support the American worker" concept it once was.

 

Nevertheless, DH is very old school and is attached to Fords. It is not necessarily based on any sort of logical analysis or Consumer Reports ranking, KWIM? I can't say he would never consider buying a Toyota, say, but it would not be something he would consider unless I made a strong case for it. Since I don't especially care and I like the Ford Fusion (maybe Focus) just fine, it's not an important argument to have. :)

[Guest]

Three kids side-by-side in the back of our Focus works just fine. We just make sure the girlfriend gets one window seat with the boyfriend next to her. Changing the order of the boys can make things weird.

 

Without a girlfriend it could get dicier. ;)

 

(Should add that my kids have always traveled well together as they inherited our "travel junkie" gene, so this is purely putting into words what came to my mind reading your post. My mind rarely sees anything "just" as written. :coolgleamA: )

Yeah, but I meant siblings and I was thinking of younger kids. Siblings having to sit in close proximity can be...not ideal. My kids get along with each other rather well, but even so, there are seating arangement that are better and arrangements that are dealbreakers.

[The Girls' Mom]

I have always driven a sedan.  Last year I replaced my Saturn Ion with a Honda Accord hybrid.  There is a lot less trunk space, but I didn't actually need that much space.  (I used to keep my kids' two 16" bikes in there, but they outgrew the bikes.)

 

I have to say I don't understand why people "need" all that space.  My kids are in a lot of activities, all of which have various gear, and I have had my car packed with stuff for several activities plus my work plus my kids (in car seats) and sometimes another adult, and so far my car has never overflowed.  In the very rare case that we "need" a larger vehicle for traveling, we can rent it for a reasonable price.  There's no need to use all that gas for every routine trip.

 

For us, I needed a vehicle that could easily seat 7.  I was forever hauling all my kids, plus friends, and often had every seat full..lol.  But I was counting the days until it was no longer needed and I could get out of the mommy mobile.  

[gardenmom5]

Yeah, I confess I do like sitting up high in my Cadillac. When I drive the Taurus afterwards, I feel like my ass is on the road, lol!

 

that was dh's Miata.  I felt like I was sitting on the ground.  after his last accident in one (not his fault), I made him get a camry.  (and dudeling can go places with him.)

 

I have always driven a sedan.  Last year I replaced my Saturn Ion with a Honda Accord hybrid.  There is a lot less trunk space, but I didn't actually need that much space.  (I used to keep my kids' two 16" bikes in there, but they outgrew the bikes.)

 

I have to say I don't understand why people "need" all that space.  

I've had things I'd never try to put in a sedan. (several times.  I had one large suv driver amazed at what I could fit in my van. didn't fit in his suv.)  I remember one time dh and I were at a hardware store (don't recall why) and there was a great clearance deal on outdoor lights (for which we were in the market.)  I was so thrilled, I bought three sets of two. .. . . . I forgot we had his car.  cry. (his trunk held two, I had to hold the last one on my lap.)

that said even though most of my kids don't live at home, if we go somewhere as a larger group (e.g. restaurant at a distance or poor parking) - we use the space.  we're currently traveling and all I can say is - I'm glad we're not camping and having to bring more "stuff" as we barely have room now. (most of it's food, and electronics, - and pillows) and that's WITH a cartop carrier holding all the luggage.

if we ever do something like this again - I'm renting a suburban. at least we'll have less stuff going back.  and 2ds has plans to ride home with 2dd and dsil.  (they're coming late.)

dsil bought a pilot last summer - he really missed his accord and was about to sell it and go back.  he ended up having dd drive it (they just bought an accord for him).  he can't believe how much "stuff" she'll end up hauling for various projects.  she can fill the space - and she doesn't have kids. .  . . .  (yet.)

hich Oh, and I quit buying American cars after the government essentially took the companies over.  :/  Besides, I have done a lot of work with Japanese-based automakers and I much prefer the way they do business.  I helped prop up the US car companies' big egos long enough.

 

 

Ford didn't participate.  

[gardenmom5]

btw: there is no sedan (even a big one) I've ever come across that has a back big enough for three adults to sit comfortably.  (the middle adult always blocks the drivers view.)  I wanted to drag 2ds car shopping to try out the highlander (which also comes in a hybrid) - he was clear he has sat in the 3rd row before.  when he was shorter.  and now he'd only sit in the 3rd row if he absolutely had to. 

[Stratford]

DH replaced his van (yes, we had two) with a VW Passat.  The back seat is really roomy, big enough for two carseats and an eleven year old kid to fit safely and comfortably.  

[Guest]

btw: there is no sedan (even a big one) I've ever come across that has a back big enough for three adults to sit comfortably. (the middle adult always blocks the drivers view.) I wanted to drag 2ds car shopping to try out the highlander (which also comes in a hybrid) - he was clear he has sat in the 3rd row before. when he was shorter. and now he'd only sit in the 3rd row if he absolutely had to.

I say this about the 3rd row in the Escalade. It is misery for an adult. I remember arguing with my SIL about it. She wanted to take our car to a company dinner, because we have 7 seats, but I to,d her, "yeah, seven seats, but you will be hating it back there."

[DawnM]

I would go for fuel efficiency over room.  We have a Sequoia and I loved it, until gas prices shot through the roof.  I now drive a Camry hybrid car around town and use the Sequoia only occasionally.  The Camry gets around 50mpg if driven correctly.  I typically get only 40 because I don't pay attention, but DH can get up to 60 as he sees it as a game to see how high he can get.

 

If you don't need the extra seating, I would not get it.

[marbel]

My idea is against the trend but I will toss it out there.

 

Our 97 Suburban recently died and we replaced it with a Honda CR-V.  (We also have a 97 Escort which is the car my husband drives to work.)  it is a lot smaller than the Suburban (no third seat) but it still has a good bit of room for those Costco runs, beach trips, etc.  For us, it was a good compromise between large and small.  I feel much more comfortable being up a little higher.

 

When the Escort goes, we will probably get a Focus or Fusion.  We had a Fusion for a rental for a week and loved it.  My favorite car from the past was my 1991 Escort (GT model, 5-speed manual, so fun to drive) so I would be inclined toward the Focus. 

 

BTW my father loved cars and he was a self-proclaimed "Ford man."  I have a sentimental attachment to Ford because of that.  So I get you on that. I love the look of the Ford Flex and would have gotten that if we wanted another large vehicle. 

[SKL]

We've often gone with 5 people in my sedan (3 adults and 2 kids in car seats).  This includes traveling for long drives by car.  It isn't luxury, but it isn't that bad.  (And I'm usually the one in the back with the car seats, since the other adult passengers are much broader.)  Also my kids have no issues with sitting close together.  When I was a kid, 4 of us sat in the back seat and it definitely got interesting at times.  ;)

 

The Toyota Prius holds a lot of stuff in the back.  Among hybrids it may be the best in that regard.

 

And, I know Ford did not participate in the government stuff, but Ford (Fix Or Replace Daily) has its own issues, and I would not limit myself to only Fords just to feel like I "bought American."  I was a good Saturn buyer, but after Government Motors took over, they shut that operation down.  It was kind of freeing to be able to choose a car just based on what I wanted in a car.

[Tammyla]

Jmo, but you should consider test driving a Toyota or Honda of your choice.  We are in the market for another vehicle and I wanted to love a Ford, but there is still a big difference imo.

 

 

 

 

About the American Car brand thing: I know that this distinction is not as meaningful as it once was, i.e., there is complete overlap as to American brands being built outside the states and foreign brands being built within the US. So I know it isn't the straightforward "support the American worker" concept it once was.

Nevertheless, DH is very old school and is attached to Fords. It is not necessarily based on any sort of logical analysis or Consumer Reports ranking, KWIM? I can't say he would never consider buying a Toyota, say, but it would not be something he would consider unless I made a strong case for it. Since I don't especially care and I like the Ford Fusion (maybe Focus) just fine, it's not an important argument to have. :)

 

[Tap]

About the American Car brand thing: I know that this distinction is not as meaningful as it once was, i.e., there is complete overlap as to American brands being built outside the states and foreign brands being built within the US. So I know it isn't the straightforward "support the American worker" concept it once was.

 

Nevertheless, DH is very old school and is attached to Fords. It is not necessarily based on any sort of logical analysis or Consumer Reports ranking, KWIM? I can't say he would never consider buying a Toyota, say, but it would not be something he would consider unless I made a strong case for it. Since I don't especially care and I like the Ford Fusion (maybe Focus) just fine, it's not an important argument to have. :)

We had a 2013 Ford Fusion for 2 years( it was DHs company car).  It was a good car.  Not one I would buy personally, but we didn't have any problems with it.  Just as a  personal choice, I don't care for cars that you sink into the seat too much.  I like a firmer ride and seating.    The stereo Bluetooth interface with my husbands phone was great and it had some other great little convenience features as well.  My other complaint, is that his had cloth seats and they always looked dirty.  If a drop of water hit the seats, it left a permanent water mark on the fabric. We keep our cars in very nice condition, so it wasn't us being slobs. If you care how the interior looks, I would go with leather, because the cloth feels decent but looks bad fairly quick. His was charcoal grey interior and exterior.  Visibility out the windows was just ok.  I have had Accords and Subaru Outbacks for the past 20 years (both have good window visibility) so when I drove the Fusion, I felt like I couldn't see out very well.  I would not want one of my teen drivers in the Fusion for the visibility reason alone.

[J-rap]

We sold our two old 7-seater mini vans this past year.  I thought I might regret it, but I haven't.  I did want a car that was AWD (given our climate) that would seat 5 comfortably with good trunk space, and the Honda CRV fits that for us.  (And is rated very high.)  Plus I sit up high in it, which is what I'm used to and really like.  Our family has grown past 7 now anyway (with two married), so one mini-van wouldn't have held everyone anymore.  On the rare occasion when all of us need to drive somewhere together, we just take two cars.

 

[Tap]

I have always driven a sedan.  Last year I replaced my Saturn Ion with a Honda Accord hybrid.  There is a lot less trunk space, but I didn't actually need that much space.  (I used to keep my kids' two 16" bikes in there, but they outgrew the bikes.)

 

I have to say I don't understand why people "need" all that space.  My kids are in a lot of activities, all of which have various gear, and I have had my car packed with stuff for several activities plus my work plus my kids (in car seats) and sometimes another adult, and so far my car has never overflowed.  In the very rare case that we "need" a larger vehicle for traveling, we can rent it for a reasonable price.  There's no need to use all that gas for every routine trip.

Well, I guess each family is different but we have a couple of reason for needing the space. 

 

DD8 is the kid who tries to annoy people, and her older sister is her favorite target.  They HAVE to be an arms length apart, or DD8 will be hitting, pinching or otherwise trying to aggravate her sister to the point of DD16 wanting spew pea soup and spin her head atop her neck.  Needless to say, they do not travel well together in a cramped space.

DD8 is a stinky sweater. Literally, she often has large beads of sweat on her forehead from just sitting in a chair.  Add any warmth to that and she is sticky, wet and stinks.  (not a medical issue, just how she is) Her sweat reaks within 30 minutes and it has nothing to do with underarm or foot odor.  It is just how she is (she gets it from her bio-dad).

 

DD16 gets car sick if she watches screens or tries to read in a car.  DD16 and DS 20 have a hard time sitting next to each other because DS20 reads or plays games on long rides.  If they sit next to each other, (esp when she was younger) DD16 would forget and start watching his screen and end up car sick.

 

DS20 has ADHD.  He doesn't stop moving. He is always bouncing his hand, arm, or leg.  It is very annoying to be the person sitting close to him as he bounces you all over the place. You can remind him all you want, he tries to not do it, but then as soon and he stops thinking about it, he is moving again. It is biological and almost impossible for him to control. 

 

DS20 was 6' tall at 16yo.  DD16 was 5'8' at 15yo.  DD8 weighs 130lbs.  They are not petite, quiet, still, children.  We NEED room.

 

I average 20,000+ miles per year on my car.  If I want to have space between my kids for their comfort and my sanity. I will gladly pay a bit more in fuel to get there with out pea soup being spewed, sweat from one kid being rubbed on another, or a car sick kid yacking in my back seat.

[bettyandbob]

I don't think anyone needs to justify needing space.

 

I think when your family is at a transition point and you are looking at cars you want to consider how much space you need. If you are no longer hauling every kid at once you may want to reevaluate needs. If you still take regular long trips as a family space may be a necessity.

 

Anyway no one needs to justify themselves.

[Joules]

My idea is against the trend but I will toss it out there.

 

Our 97 Suburban recently died and we replaced it with a Honda CR-V.  (We also have a 97 Escort which is the car my husband drives to work.)  it is a lot smaller than the Suburban (no third seat) but it still has a good bit of room for those Costco runs, beach trips, etc.  For us, it was a good compromise between large and small.  I feel much more comfortable being up a little higher.

 

My dad needs a car and was looking at the CR-V.  He thought the Ford Escape was similar...up high, but a smaller car.

[LucyStoner]

I have always driven a sedan. Last year I replaced my Saturn Ion with a Honda Accord hybrid. There is a lot less trunk space, but I didn't actually need that much space. (I used to keep my kids' two 16" bikes in there, but they outgrew the bikes.)

 

I have to say I don't understand why people "need" all that space. My kids are in a lot of activities, all of which have various gear, and I have had my car packed with stuff for several activities plus my work plus my kids (in car seats) and sometimes another adult, and so far my car has never overflowed. In the very rare case that we "need" a larger vehicle for traveling, we can rent it for a reasonable price. There's no need to use all that gas for every routine trip.

. I think I could have written your post 4-5 years ago. I think I did write your post 4-5 years ago. When I had two little kids, a sedan was fine. For most things it is still fine. But driving carpool with a swarm of 12-13 year olds? Oldest hitting puberty? Regularly having 4+ kids to move around? Suddenly the larger car thing made sense. We have a Camry which is larger than the Accord hybrid or most Saturn sedans and 5 people can get tricky when those people are mostly closer to adult size than tot size or have more than a minimal amount of stuff with them.

 

Things change. 7-8 seaters become more attractive, trust me.

 

The OPs younger child is older than your daughters.

[Guest]

One doesn't really need to know people's reasons for buying a bigger car than the one you drive. Just maybe, tho, their kids are much larger than yours, perhaps they regularly carry other humans in addition, maybe their sports equipment is larger/longer/more than what you can carry, maybe they buy lots more groceries more often than you, maybe they take so many vacations that renting a larger vehicle isn't the best deal, maybe( like me) they take their dog with them as often as possible and said dog seems to enjoy spreading out as much as possible...

Yeah, this.

 

When my second child was born we had a little Saturn. I soon discovered that a double stroller would not fit in the trunk, not to mention I couldn't get groceries and have a stroller. It was too tiny. That was when we bought the Taurus.

[marbel]

LOL. I'm laughing over "why do people need so much space?"  We used to go camping with 2 other families every year.  Two of us drove Suburbans; the other family drove something like, maybe Camry or even Corolla size.  They had two kids about the same ages as my two. (The other Suburban family had 3 kids about the same ages.) 

 

The wife in the sedan family would occasionally make snarky comments about our big cars and why we needed them.  But she was also always looking for chairs to sit in, because we could bring chairs and they could not.  When we were figuring out food for the trip (who brings/cooks what) she always brought things that didn't require a cooler, because they didn't have room for a large one.

 

I get that not everyone wants or needs a big car.  But it was annoying to have her dissing us for ours, when she was demonstrating the fact that she depended on us for things we could bring in our big cars.  We didn't even mind bringing extra chairs and taking care of the cold foods.  It was her nasty comments that bothered us.  We stopped going after a few years.

[Guest]

We've often gone with 5 people in my sedan (3 adults and 2 kids in car seats). This includes traveling for long drives by car. It isn't luxury, but it isn't that bad. (And I'm usually the one in the back with the car seats, since the other adult passengers are much broader.) Also my kids have no issues with sitting close together. When I was a kid, 4 of us sat in the back seat and it definitely got interesting at times. ;)

 

The Toyota Prius holds a lot of stuff in the back. Among hybrids it may be the best in that regard.

 

And, I know Ford did not participate in the government stuff, but Ford (Fix Or Replace Daily) has its own issues, and I would not limit myself to only Fords just to feel like I "bought American." I was a good Saturn buyer, but after Government Motors took over, they shut that operation down. It was kind of freeing to be able to choose a car just based on what I wanted in a car.

Well, as I said, it is DH's preference, and I don't have a strong opinion as to a different car. As explored in the book "Paradox of Choice," it is easier to choose from a narrow range of choices. So if I were saying, "I need a smaller car than my current van and it should have good gas mileage and be relatively inexpensive to buy." Well, there are dozens of choices and it is more stressful. It's enough of a choice just to decide between Fusion of Focus.

 

And, though it is just my personal experience talking, we have had few problems mechanically with our Fords. The Taurus is a '92 and is still reliable enough that I have no worries about sending dd off to college in it.

[Guest]

LOL. I'm laughing over "why do people need so much space?" We used to go camping with 2 other families every year. Two of us drove Suburbans; the other family drove something like, maybe Camry or even Corolla size. They had two kids about the same ages as my two. (The other Suburban family had 3 kids about the same ages.)

 

The wife in the sedan family would occasionally make snarky comments about our big cars and why we needed them. But she was also always looking for chairs to sit in, because we could bring chairs and they could not. When we were figuring out food for the trip (who brings/cooks what) she always brought things that didn't require a cooler, because they didn't have room for a large one.

 

I get that not everyone wants or needs a big car. But it was annoying to have her dissing us for ours, when she was demonstrating the fact that she depended on us for things we could bring in our big cars. We didn't even mind bringing extra chairs and taking care of the cold foods. It was her nasty comments that bothered us. We stopped going after a few years.

I can imagine this and yeah, this is how we pack out the Escalade to go to our beach house. The cooler alone takes up significant space. If we literally did not have the option, yeah, we could function differently (plan to eat out, buy food at our destination, don't keep any fish we catch because there's no way to bring them home). But I definitely would not prefer that.

[Grantmom]

Is the Escalade your main car?  What would this other car be for?  I have a Pilot, and I like having that third seat for when we have friends along, which is pretty often, or room for our stuff.  But it sounds like the Escalade is comparable to that for you.  So, is the other car just to have something for DS to learn to drive and to have a car with better gas mileage for short trips?  What do you foresee using this car for?

[LucyStoner]

LOL. I'm laughing over "why do people need so much space?" We used to go camping with 2 other families every year. Two of us drove Suburbans; the other family drove something like, maybe Camry or even Corolla size. They had two kids about the same ages as my two. (The other Suburban family had 3 kids about the same ages.)

 

The wife in the sedan family would occasionally make snarky comments about our big cars and why we needed them. But she was also always looking for chairs to sit in, because we could bring chairs and they could not. When we were figuring out food for the trip (who brings/cooks what) she always brought things that didn't require a cooler, because they didn't have room for a large one.

 

I get that not everyone wants or needs a big car. But it was annoying to have her dissing us for ours, when she was demonstrating the fact that she depended on us for things we could bring in our big cars. We didn't even mind bringing extra chairs and taking care of the cold foods. It was her nasty comments that bothered us. We stopped going after a few years.

Well, that is annoying. And rude.

 

And she's a minor league packer! I never had to forgo a cooler (or two) and a chair for each butt in either our Corolla or Camry. And we took our bikes more than occasionally to boot. Of course we didn't get a big tent until 2011.

 

That said, I am way, way into the minivan this year. So much easier with a third adult. I would happily compose sonnets extolling it's virtues!

[MomtoCandJ]

Yeah, this.

 

When my second child was born we had a little Saturn. I soon discovered that a double stroller would not fit in the trunk, not to mention I couldn't get groceries and have a stroller. It was too tiny. That was when we bought the Taurus.

When we bought my Fusion, one of the tests were if I could fit dd2's stroller in the trunk and still have plenty of space for other stuff. Another was if I could fit in the back seat between dd1's booster and dd2's convertible car seat.

[Mergath]

Our Ford Focus Wagon blew up. So I am not super in favor of that.

 

I had a Focus sedan and the transmission went after a whole 90k miles.  :cursing:  With the other dozen things that were broken on it, I'll never drive a Focus again. I have an '09 Chevy Impala now, and it is so nice to drive a vehicle that doesn't have something breaking every other week.