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Last post on Aug 01, 2011 at 6:53 PM
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#100 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [cpsdarren]
by njmom91
Mar 18, 2006 (12:17 pm)
Thanks everyone, I will look at the Ford. Someone also suggest the Toyota RAV4 with the optional third row, so that is now also on the radar.
I'll keep checking back, in case someone else has something to add!
#101 of 149 Re: 3 middle seats [suydam]
by rockylee
Mar 24, 2006 (5:24 am)
I do believe that would be possible, based on my observation. When I was considering one about 3 or 4 months ago, I needed atleast 2 car seats to fit plus diaper bag that was easily handy. We put it (diaper bag) in the middle of the seats. I do believe 3 car seats would be possible, but if I was a mom and had 3 kids, I'd want to own a SUV.
Rocky
#102 of 149 Volvo the big winner in lowest TCO luxury cars
by researchqueen
Mar 29, 2006 (5:39 pm)
Warren Clarke just did a ranking of the Top 10 2006 Luxury Cars with the Lowest TCO. Of the ten vehicles, Volvo had a whopping four on the list. No other brand even had two! As a mom, I've always wanted Volvo...maybe now I can justify what seems like the "extra" expense for one.
#103 of 149 Traumatized Mom
by temp409
Mar 29, 2006 (5:46 pm)
Stay away from Dodge caravan rear shoulder straps don't catch in crash my daughter was badly injured. Jerk front and rear shoulder straps in ANY dodge caravan or durango something is wrong. Jerk straps in ANY other minivan ALL will catch first jerk.
#104 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [njmom91]
by researchqueen
Apr 05, 2006 (2:47 pm)
If you look at small or mid-size SUVs, you will find that even those that seat "three" in the back are very tight... too tight if you use car seats or sometimes even boosters. It's critical to bring your kids/car seats with you to the test drive.
I have a Highlander with the third-row seat but can't imagine getting three across the second row.
Also be aware that the third row is very small and difficult to access in a lot of these cars, particularly in the RAV4. I also think the Freestyle would be a good choice.
#105 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [researchqueen]
by njmom91
Apr 21, 2006 (11:24 am)
Thanks, definitely looking at a Freestyle, for two reasons: the dealership gives a loaner car when it is in for service, and as a single mom I can't be without a car and two: the local toyota dealerships have HORRIBLE reps. Don't want to mess with it. I know third row is tight/difficult, but it's not for constant use, just the occasional ride for friends/play dates.
Hope to take two of the three kids with me Monday to see how they fit. Only need two in boosters and one for only a year so short term tight fit in the middle is okay(and my oldest is very skinny!). A year after that my oldest can ride up front, so the younger ones will have more room.
So many things to consider!
#107 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [njmom91]
by njmom91
May 14, 2006 (9:26 am)
Finally got to test drive a Freestyle, went well, but it is REALLY hard to get to that third row.
Suzuki's XL-7 is now on the radar too. Will check that out soon. I am a bit worried about the TCO numbers, anyone know why they are so high when the MPG is so much better then most in the mid-size SUV class? I'll post this on the Suzuki board too.
#108 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [njmom91]
by bobw3
May 15, 2006 (8:22 am)
Did you fold down & flip forward the 2nd row seat to get into the 3rd row?
#109 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [bobw3]
by njmom91
May 17, 2006 (9:18 am)
The model I looked at (and I want) has the bench in the middle so the fold and flip option was not available.