Post by chickens987 on Jan 31, 2015 7:59:10 GMT -5
Ditto the mazda 5. I wanted something that could seat 6 if needed and didn't feel like a huge waste to drive when it's only me. It's the perfect size and the sliding doors are awesome.
I really love my VW Tiguan. It is so much fun to drive and works great for our family. We bought it used (it's a 2012), and I'd probably go that route again if we bought another.
Post by cricketwife on Jan 31, 2015 8:57:26 GMT -5
I'd rec a Subaru forester. I loved driving it. We went with an outback for more space and I regret it. The forester was easier to drive and I could see a lot better in it. Good mileage and reasonably priced.
I was happy with my Honda Civic hatchback for years when DS was a baby.
I got a small SUV (Jeep Cherokee) when DS was in preschool but only because the Honda was totalled in a flood. It was useful for carpooling and scouting. I passed it on to DS when he learned to drive.
My H also had an Accent (2 door hatchback) and I told him there was no way we were putting a baby in that backseat! We went with a Toyota Highlander. It's slightly bigger than we were looking for because we were looking at Rav 4s mostly, but it's still on the smaller end. Ours doesn't have 3rd row or AWD but those are options. I don't mind driving it at all because it feels like a car, just a little taller. Gas mileage is about the same as my Hyundai Sonata, so it's not too bad. Not as good as the tiny Accent though we paid around $11k for an 07 at a dealer.
ETA: We also looked at a Tuscon that we liked (around the same price), a Vera Cruz (bigger than we wanted but lots of features for around the same price with heated seats, sunroof, backup assistance, 3rd row seating, etc but the timing belt was going to need replacing soon and we didn't want to pay for that), a CR-V (it was a lot older, good condition though, but the guy wouldn't give us a reasonable trade in offer on H's car so we laughed and walked away). We were thinking about a Prius or something similar too when we came across the Highlander.
Hyundai has a small SUV I believe. You'd get a loyalty discount and the 10 year warranty.
The Tucson is their small SUV. I considered that but found it to be under-powered.
Ended up with a Mazda CX-5 and love it. The only issue is DH is uncomfortable sitting in front of the car seat, so if you or your DH is tall (he's 6'1") it might not work well for 2 kids in car seats.
Why do you need an SUV just because you're having a kid? Stick with something small if that's what you like. Wagon style cars are great if you like small but want space, and they don't drive like large sedans. I have a Pontiac Vibe and it's everything I could want. While Pontiac is out of business, it's the exact same car as the Toyota Matrix. If you want to live simply with a car that won't burn tons of fuel, that's still doable with kids.
Thanks to everyone for their insight! I started a Pinterest board with all of these suggestions!
bailarina, I'm definitely looking at this being more of a "some months from now" rather than right now purchase. I know my current car will work for now but looking to the future. I want to start research before baby comes because I know life will be crazy afterwards!
Why do you need an SUV just because you're having a kid? Stick with something small if that's what you like. Wagon style cars are great if you like small but want space, and they don't drive like large sedans. I have a Pontiac Vibe and it's everything I could want. While Pontiac is out of business, it's the exact same car as the Toyota Matrix. If you want to live simply with a car that won't burn tons of fuel, that's still doable with kids.
I don't - just something I'm interested in. I know cars work just fine, but I feel more comfortable with crossover type SUVs than in sedans. Just a personal preference.
Post by cherry1111 on Jan 31, 2015 14:06:37 GMT -5
I like my Nissan Murano. Not sure what climate you're in but one thing that was a must for me living in TX was rear a/c vents, especially for when the car seat is rear facing. Some of the smaller SUVs didn't have them.
How many kids are you planning? I have zero problems with my Civic for 2 kids around town. For road trips, we either take DH's Grand Prix or rent a minivan. I'm happy to not drive a van every day, but it's nice a couple times a year.
I love my Forester. Love. I thought I wanted an Outback but ended up being more confortable in the slightly smaller Forester. A Crosstek could work for you too, possibly.