6 replies to this topic

[klmk]

Does anyone have any experience they can share about vehicles that would be suitable for multiple car seats - preferably other than a mini-van?? My DS is 10 months old now and in a forward-facing seat and I am expecting twins in August. We currently have a Mazda CX-9 (LOVE IT) but it just doesn't seem like it will work for 3 car seats. Any help would be appreciated!!

[SandraDee]

Is that a crossover? We have a Toyota Highlander which fits three seats across. The brand of car seats makes a difference. You might be able to keep your current vehicle if you get the right combination of seats. Chico Keyfit, Sunshine Kids Radian and certain Britaxs are all fairly narrow -- these higher-end seats are pricey but it would be cheaper than getting a new vehicle. Maybe try googling Mazda CX-9 and 3 car seats and see if anyone has done it.

[LesleyM]

I know my girlfriend loves her Ford Expedition with her 4 kids, but that comes with a big proce tag. You really can't beat a mini-van, I love mine!

[supermom]

I agree about the mini van simply cause there is more then just car seats to deal with.
Add in a stroller, diaper bag, purse, groceries etc and even a van can become full quickly especially in the winter when there are bulky clothing.
I have a caravan with sto n go storage and I love it.

[laura02]

My DH and just finished vehicle shopping. We considered crossovers but we're going with the Toyota Sienna.

Our main reasons are:
1. Safety - The back seat in a minivan is safer than the one in a crossover. Minivans are one of the safest vehicles that you can buy.
2. Storage - More room to store baby gear in the back even with the 3rd row in (the back has a big bucket area in addition the the room behind the seat)
3. Gas mileage is way better
4. No side door to swing open = less chance of damaging our vehicle or someone elses (imagine once the kids can open it). Also, the side door on both sides is a plus.

It just makes sense to us, despite the minivan stigma.

[Browneyedgirl]

I always get the same response to my replies. Too expensive on gas and too big but I'll throw it out there anyways. A yukon (regular or XL), tahoe or suburban all fit three car seats across VERY comfortably and have the third row seating to take extra passengers along. If you go with a yukon XL or suburban you also has a ton of space even with the third row in use. I have a BMW x5 as well, and truth be told car seats also make a difference. We have the sunshine radians in it and could easily fit a third radian in, however, I have ZERO trunk space and traveling long distances in it would never happen. It's a in city driver only and only if we don't need to put anything in the back.

We bought our 08 chevy suburban with 70,000 kms on it for $30,000. If you really shop around you *can* find a great deal. If you're in a hurry, then you'll most likely end up paying more.

Oh and, once upon a time I had an 06 Chrysler Town & country. It was pretty good for when the twins were first born in their bucket infant seats but I wouldn't ever have put one of them in the back row. It was much too close to the rear and I feared in the event of an rear end collision that they would have died. That seat was also quite flimsy and uncomfortable and it really had ZERO space compared to the suburban we have now. Add to that, that it was a stinkin' minivan and looked like an old man car...shudder. I hated it. Would I ever buy a minivan again? No, defintely not. It's not my style and they appear less safe then a full sized SUV to me. I'd rather get plowed into in my suburban then that piece minivan.

[Peapod]

I'm bumping this topic back up because we're in the same situation now and don't want a minivan. Any other suggestions out there?