have 15K to spend, need a used family car...help me out
01-15-2011, 12:07 AM
#41
The Third Ball
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Batteries in hybrids need to be replaced around the 8 year mark, and its not cheap.
I'd say an older Pilot or MDX. Whatever you look at make sure you take the baby seat and base and see if they fit.
01-15-2011, 12:13 AM
#42
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Don't the earlier Pilot/MDXs have the same transmission problems as the 2G TL?
Speaking of transmissions, it should be noted the earlier 7th-gen Accord V6 autos had them as well.
Speaking of transmissions, it should be noted the earlier 7th-gen Accord V6 autos had them as well.
01-15-2011, 02:28 AM
#46
Banned
My brother got his wife a 2010 pilot. they love it so id say 1st gen pilot. You guys are talking sedans "mostly and are forgetting the needed space for their huge stroller these days as well as bags etc. Later on when the baby is over 1 you can add fold down lcd screen. the 6cyl can reduce to 3cyl too. its great. especially on road trips to amusement park, you have room for cuz and friends and their stuff while they watch tv. The thing to only think about is 4.50/gal gas is coming fast.
01-15-2011, 10:23 AM
#49
In the Mid-South meow
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I was definitely impressed with my parents Maxima. It's damn roomy inside and looks much more aggressive exterior-wise compared to the previous bloated looking generation. They've had really good luck with theirs so far. I believe it's an '09.
01-15-2011, 04:16 PM
#50
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I always liked the odysseys. I personally have an 05 Chrysler Pacifica for kid duty and it has served well. It is equiped with the navi, dvd and 3 rows. You can get them now for next to nothing with awd and a set of snow tires you are unstoppable. Gas mileage is about 22 city/hwy and the ride is smooth like a car and not truckish like say a tahoe.
01-15-2011, 04:26 PM
#51
Remember to check up on the iihs safety ratings.
http://www.iihs.org/
This is why i have the TL, its safe.
http://www.iihs.org/
This is why i have the TL, its safe.
01-16-2011, 03:53 AM
#52
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I'm using my 3g TL 6MT as a family car for my one kid on the way, should be just fine, plus fun to drive and luxury at the same time. I got a decent lightweight aluminum stroller that folds small too!
01-16-2011, 10:04 AM
#55
Racer
If you're looking at a Maxima, also consider an Infiniti I35.
Mechanically identical but with a few different trim pieces here and there. My dad's has been extremely low maintenance over the past 6 years, 98,000 miles.
Mechanically identical but with a few different trim pieces here and there. My dad's has been extremely low maintenance over the past 6 years, 98,000 miles.
01-16-2011, 11:00 AM
#56
Missing my
Oh and the 2G RL is one of 3 vehicles to ever get a perfect safety rating...
01-16-2011, 12:44 PM
#57
Nissan Altima has a pretty big back seat, as does the last gen Accord. Both have good-sized trunks for sedans too.
I've seen people live life with 2-3 kids in seats and a Mazda 3 hatch, Mazda 5, or Pontiac Vibe, and they manage. ALTHOUGH, many people don't put the infant seat handle back to the proper resting position in the car, so make sure you read your manual and know how it needs to be... I see a lot of people get away with 2-3 car seats in small cars, but it's because they aren't putting the infant seat handle to the proper spot (they either don't realize or do it to save room for the front seat passenger). So like everyone said, take the seat with you and try it out.
There aren't many cars that will give the front seat passenger room with their seat back 100%, but moving it forward a bit will still work considering it won't be forever. The infant seat is only temporary.
SUVS - You could probably find a really reasonably-priced Santa Fe. Wagons (Subaru) will be great too. Know a few people with both of these and they haven't had any issues.
I've seen people live life with 2-3 kids in seats and a Mazda 3 hatch, Mazda 5, or Pontiac Vibe, and they manage. ALTHOUGH, many people don't put the infant seat handle back to the proper resting position in the car, so make sure you read your manual and know how it needs to be... I see a lot of people get away with 2-3 car seats in small cars, but it's because they aren't putting the infant seat handle to the proper spot (they either don't realize or do it to save room for the front seat passenger). So like everyone said, take the seat with you and try it out.
There aren't many cars that will give the front seat passenger room with their seat back 100%, but moving it forward a bit will still work considering it won't be forever. The infant seat is only temporary.
SUVS - You could probably find a really reasonably-priced Santa Fe. Wagons (Subaru) will be great too. Know a few people with both of these and they haven't had any issues.
01-19-2011, 09:54 AM
#59
01-19-2011, 10:56 AM
#61
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what about a Honda Element? Congrats to your new one Scott.
http://www.automotive.com/2005/09/ho...ent/index.html
http://www.automotive.com/2005/09/ho...ent/index.html
01-21-2011, 10:22 AM
#62
teh Senior Instigator
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narrowed it down to an 08 accord, going to snag one up this weekend, there are two dealers in town with a good amount of CPO cars....hoping I can swing a V6, most in the 30-50Kmile range go for 21...hoping I can talk down to 19 and get 4.5 for her accord.
01-21-2011, 10:23 AM
#63
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Have you considered a lease? After 3 or 4 years, you won't need nearly as much baby stuff as you do now, right?
01-21-2011, 10:27 AM
#64
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If you plan on having more kids, I really recommend a mini-van or the Pilot. If you take a trip, plan on having to pack a stroller, pack-n-play, toys and clothes. The trunk fulls up quick. It was tough taking a road trip with the Infiniti.
01-21-2011, 10:28 AM
#65
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But unfortunately the kid becomes more of a pain in the ass and you may need the extra trunk space for a "time-out."
Disclaimer.....I do not recommend putting kids (or wife) in the trunk for said "time-out." But who am I to judge.
Last edited by RaviNJCLs; 01-21-2011 at 10:30 AM.
01-21-2011, 11:07 AM
#67
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In that case, maybe a CVPI or ex-taxi with the divider still installed might be more his/your style 
01-21-2011, 11:18 AM
#68
teh Senior Instigator
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no minivans in the range we are really looking, nothing we'd want anyways. Accord has a big enough trunk for us
01-21-2011, 11:24 AM
#69
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My twins are due any minute and we are going to make due with a Prius for now
It aint gonna do forever, but for the first year or two it shoudl be OK. If not, we'll figure something else out.BUT, that said, if I was in your position, I'd at least look at getting a wagon of some kind, legacy, forester, older audi allroad, A4, etc
In the long run you will be much happy having the extra space.
01-21-2011, 11:25 AM
#70
Congratulations on the baby. 05-06 Accord is a great option. I'm also partial to previous gen Subaru Legacy GT's (models of the aforementioned years should be close to your price range). You might also be able to find some G35's.
If you're wanting an SUV, I'd say MDX as well. Lexus RX300's are in that range too.
If you're wanting an SUV, I'd say MDX as well. Lexus RX300's are in that range too.
01-21-2011, 02:17 PM
#71
Missing my
Congratulations on the baby. 05-06 Accord is a great option. I'm also partial to previous gen Subaru Legacy GT's (models of the aforementioned years should be close to your price range). You might also be able to find some G35's.
If you're wanting an SUV, I'd say MDX as well. Lexus RX300's are in that range too.
If you're wanting an SUV, I'd say MDX as well. Lexus RX300's are in that range too.
01-21-2011, 02:55 PM
#73
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01-21-2011, 03:03 PM
#74
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x2. No third row = more cargo space = more convenient.
01-21-2011, 04:04 PM
#76
Missing my
It comes in handy so many times, it's not even funny. There have been so many times when grandparents or friends want to come along with us.
Uhh... you realize the third row isn't in a permanently fixed position, right?
Uhh... you realize the third row isn't in a permanently fixed position, right?
01-21-2011, 04:06 PM
#77
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01-21-2011, 04:19 PM
#79
Missing my
I thought you were agreeing with the guy who thought you lost cargo space in cars with third rows.