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Cars for Moms - comments, concerns and wants! - READ ONLY

149 messages,  Last post on Aug 01, 2011 at 6:53 PM

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Messages Page 12 of 16

#104 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [njmom91] by researchqueen

Apr 05, 2006 (2:47 pm)

Replying to: njmom91 (Mar 15, 2006 11:49 am)
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)

Replying to: researchqueen (Apr 05, 2006 2:47 pm)
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)

Replying to: njmom91 (Apr 21, 2006 11:24 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)

Replying to: njmom91 (May 14, 2006 9:26 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)

Replying to: bobw3 (May 15, 2006 8:22 am)
The model I looked at (and I want) has the bench in the middle so the fold and flip option was not available.

#110 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [njmom91] by bobw3

May 17, 2006 (12:14 pm)

Replying to: njmom91 (May 17, 2006 9:18 am)
Then how did you get into the 3rd row, if you did not fold and flip forward the 2nd row?

#111 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [bobw3] by njmom91

May 18, 2006 (7:48 am)

Replying to: bobw3 (May 17, 2006 12:14 pm)
Then how did you get into the 3rd row, if you did not fold and flip forward the 2nd row?
 
I folded, and then climbed over. The sales man was not at all familiar with the model so there might have been an easier way, I just didn't see it.
 
Suzuki is off the radar, the closest dealership is a good 25 minutes away. Too bad.

#112 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [njmom91] by bobw3

May 18, 2006 (9:55 am)

Replying to: njmom91 (May 18, 2006 7:48 am)
Okay...well if you just folded it and climbed over the 2nd row seat, I can see how it was difficult. The whole 2nd row seat flips forward and when you do that it's really easy to get in the 3rd row.

#113 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [bobw3] by stmss

May 18, 2006 (11:38 am)

Replying to: bobw3 (May 18, 2006 9:55 am)
Concur. As a Freestyle owner with a 2nd row bench, third row and 3 kids, it is one of the easiest vehicles to access the third row (minivans aside where access can be done between the seats). The split bench simply folds up. It is better IMO than Volvo XC90, Pilot or Highlander. The FS also has more usable leg and headroom in the 3rd row than these three - and least expensive. I think you will find that Suzuki, Rav4, Equinox, Torrent etc etc are all much smaller.
 
Suggest a relook - with a salesperson who knows how the seats work.
 
On another note, all our 3 kids grew up in the middle row of a Volvo wagon (third row in the back) and we are still using it. Even had three child seats across the middle at one time. Doubt it fits the $25k criteria though.

Messages Page 12 of 16

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