Ok so here's the deal. I have 3 kids, one in a carseat. Currently I have a Chevy Traverse (pretty basic, its a company car). Wife has a Tahoe that we take everywhere because its loaded and the little guy (1 year old) loves the dvd player. So I've been bitching that I want a nicer ride than my Traverse. Wife says she totally understands but says I can only have 1 car right now (still trying to sell our old house) So I am going to get rid of the Traverse. My question is, what car would you get with the 3 kids. I still have to fit them all in in a pinch.
A) 2010 TL SH-AWD Tech
B) 2010 RL Tech
C) 2010 MDX Tech & Ent
D) 2011 M37X

Basically I will go drive all 4 and decide but I need opinions especially about interior room particurally the back seat. I know the MDX is the most practical but I'm trying to go away from an SUV and justify the sport sedan I crave. So if you had 3 rugrats, which would you get to tote the kids around and carve up some back roads?

 

Condoms....

 

Have you considered the M37 RWD or do you need the AWD? What about the M56? The RL seems like it'd be in the price range of the M56 base model.

EDIT: Actually, the M56 is probably a tad pricey. I'd get the M37 over the TL just because it looks better, but the TL isn't a bad drive.

 

Uh too late for that. Already have the 3.

 

Oh I forgot to mention, it has to be AWD. I'm in Pennsylvania. And I'm looking in the 50k and under range.

 

For me, I would get the RL. You have to consider what is important to you. Luxury, sportiness, speed, etc.

 

OT: But can you please write your review of the Traverse (even in another thread)? How long have you had it?

 

#1 is to bring the car seat and all 3 kids to the test drive. Biggest issue is going to be making sure the two kids are comfortable sitting in the back seat with a car seat. Most cars I've looked at aren't wide enough.

Is your youngest in a booster seat or a full-size car seat. How long till they're out of a car seat?

 

Bingo NSXNEXT! I guess that is the big question I am asking. Has anyone done this with any of the cars I am considering? Getting all 3 to the dealership is near impossible so I'm looking for opinions on the rear seat room to help with my decission.

 

Got it in Feb '09. Great crossover! Especially for the money. If I had my way I would keep it and get a TSX as a toy but wife says 1 car only for now. Mine is only a 1LT and I wish I had got a 2LT for some of the features. It compares very well with the Pilot (we've had 2) in how it drive but is bigger. I would definately recomend it.

 

Take the car seat and go with your wife. If two adults + the car seat fit in the back, you won't have any problem with the two other kids fitting in your place. Is that doable?

 

^^^if the wife cant go just have the saleman sit in the back with you for a second and see how comfortable it is with you two and a car seat

 

i think you're right in that the MDX is the most practical.

but of the cars you listed, i'd prefer the M. then the TL and then the RL.

 

Try the Acuras on for size. They aren't as roomy as their size suggests, primarily the TL.

If it's room you want:

BMW 535i xDrive (2011, goes on sale in June or July I don't remember which)
Buick Lacrosse CXS
Ford Taurus SHO
Hyundai Genesis 4.6
Infiniti M37x
Mercedes E350 4Matic

 

I think you should also check out the Taurus SHO and A4 since they're both in your price range, and offer AWD.

A4 might be a little small but I didn't notice that much difference in rear seat room when compared to the TL.

 

Hyundai Genesis 4.6
Buick Lacrosse CXS

Those two are great choices. I think the Genesis would easily hold 3 kids + car seat.

They are the top two on my list when I need to replace my sedan.

 

Adults are even better. At some point you might need to haul adults + a kid.

Is it a full-size car seat?

 

My wife has a 2009 A4. It's probably too small for a family of five.

Great car, but probably a bit too small.

Maybe a Q7 TDI or X5 TDI? ML350 Bluetec?

 

I think the TL would suck with a car seat + two kids.

 

If you like the SHO and are willing to pay into the 50s for the Infiniti consider the more luxurious MKS EcoBoost.

It's the SHO but Lincoln style and luxury, Like a Lexus LS460 it can park itself!

 

+1

I just like the RL over all. Interior is gorgeous but that might get ruined with 3 young kids

 

Polarizing look aside.

I was able to fit my sister and brother in law in the backseat of my TL, with their 2 year old in his car seat in the middle. They commented on how much leg room they had, and looking at them they didn't seem crushed in the back.

From a sporty drive perspective, if you can drive stick (screw that, even if you can't) get the 6MT, it totally fills my need for a sporty sedan that carves up the turns.

But that new infiniti is sexy, and I bet it's probably larger interior space than the 4G TL.

Edit: Do dealers still let people take the car for an overnight? If you can pick it up and take it for a night, you can go home and put the whole fam inside, and take them for a spin. If the dealer wants a sale, I'm sure they would consider.

 

personally, i wouldnt get any that is listed with kids in the back. your leather is going to be trashed and what now especially with a car seat. I think a camry or an accord would fit better but that's just my opinion.

 

Prince Lionheart car seat cover


We have them in our Sienna and they are amazing. The typical seat dents you get from a car seat don't happen. I did a spring cleaning last weekend and the seats look like new (and our sienna is 4 years old).

 

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to check those out.

BTW - one car seat and two boosters in the TL. Haven't heard a complaint, but I'll check to see if I could fit back there too.

 

Thanks for the responses guys! Just a few things, I drove a SHO. Nice but didn't love it and my other pharmacist already has a MKS. Genesis would be cool but I need AWD my driveway is steep. little guy's car seat is a big one, he's only 1. When I head to the dealer in the next week or so, I'll be taking the Traverse with the car seat in it so I will definately check out the seating. Keep the responses coming. That is why I love this site, always helpful!

 

What's the most you're willing to pay before destination, taxes, licensing, etc?

 

Trust me you'll want third row seating. I have a 5 yr. old and 2 1.5 yr. old twins and the car seat for the twins damn near take up 1 rear seat in my Durango.

 

Buick Lacrosse CXS
Taurus SHO
CTS

 

Don't forget not all car seats are equal. Three car seats in my CR-V. Three car seats in the TL.

It's a puzzle. Not all pieces fit the same.

 

Get a 1-2 year old CPO Audi A8L

 

Lexus LS460L.

 

Oh wait.

2011 Equus!

 

I'd go 2010 MDX Tech & Ent. The kids are only gonna get bigger and are not gonna want to cram into a sedan.

 

2011 Acadia Denali?

 

^ that looks good.

 

1. MDX
2.TL (you have a tahoe suv already)
3. ford flex eco-boost

 

Lincoln MKT EcoBoost.

 

That Acadia looks good.

 

My vote goes for either the MDX or the TL SH-AWD. The MDX is probably the best compromise. It is decently powerful (300hp) and has the capabilities of the SH-AWD system. 2nd row is plenty big and 3rd row is enough for small children. The MDX handles very well for a SUV. I think its sufficient sport for your sport sedan cravings. Be sure to get the Sport model with the adjustable suspension. That being said....

You already have a Tahoe, why get another SUV? If you have your heart set on a sedan get the TL. It handles well, and gets decent gas mileage. Its big enough for small family trips and is very distinctive in today's 3-Series filled world. Plus its AWD for your steep driveway. Both will have excellent reliability. Either way is a win.

Good luck with whatever you get!