149 messages,
Last post on Aug 01, 2011 at 6:53 PM
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Entertainment System
#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.
#110 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [njmom91]
by 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?
#111 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [bobw3]
by njmom91
May 18, 2006 (7:48 am)
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)
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)
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.
#114 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [stmss]
by njmom91
May 18, 2006 (6:24 pm)
Went to another dealership, this time the guy knew what he was doing and not only showed me the flip and fold feature, but how easy it is to put back. Really makes a difference.
Got a price quote but I'll post that in the Ford Forum.
Thanks everyone!
Jun 12, 2006 (7:31 am)
my neighbor just bought a Mazda 5. while it only holds six it is compact enough to get through traffic nicely. Might be a thought of some moms
#116 of 149 Re: Help! 7 passenger, 3 middle seats, under 25K??! [njmom91]
by mirde98
Oct 10, 2006 (8:51 am)
Also try the Mitsubishi Endeavor or Montero. Reliability is a plus on those models.