have 15K to spend, need a used family car...help me out
01-21-2011, 04:50 PM
#81
Racer
3rd row seating is great; that's probably one of the only reasons my parents still keep the '02 Odyssey parked around at the house...
And as we got older, we went from the minivan to the I35 for family trips. The slightly larger size of an Accord compared with a lot of the midsizers earlier this decade (and even some now) is probably perfect for a family of 4 and whatever junk we (the kids) decide to bring along.
And as we got older, we went from the minivan to the I35 for family trips. The slightly larger size of an Accord compared with a lot of the midsizers earlier this decade (and even some now) is probably perfect for a family of 4 and whatever junk we (the kids) decide to bring along.
01-21-2011, 04:56 PM
#82
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Uhh... you realize the third row isn't in a permanently fixed position, right?I agree that third row seats are convenient in general, but I don't think they're particularly relevant when looking for a baby car, you know what I mean?
01-21-2011, 05:08 PM
#83
Missing my
Sure, but the hardware with third row seats guarantee less cargo space. If the RX had third-row seats, it'd have less cargo space with the seats folded. They gotta go somewhere.
I agree that third row seats are convenient in general, but I don't think they're particularly relevant when looking for a baby car, you know what I mean?
I agree that third row seats are convenient in general, but I don't think they're particularly relevant when looking for a baby car, you know what I mean?
01-21-2011, 05:11 PM
#84
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Sure, but the hardware with third row seats guarantee less cargo space. If the RX had third-row seats, it'd have less cargo space with the seats folded. They gotta go somewhere.
I agree that third row seats are convenient in general, but I don't think they're particularly relevant when looking for a baby car, you know what I mean?
I agree that third row seats are convenient in general, but I don't think they're particularly relevant when looking for a baby car, you know what I mean?
The Highlander rides on the same platform as the RX...the Highlander is longer, roomier and has third row seats. When the seat are folded down, you have a ton of cargo room. Just like any other flat fold seat in SUVs or Minivans.
01-21-2011, 05:15 PM
#85
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Nope, hardware does not make for less storage space. The seats fold into the floor of our MDX. Check it out sometime. As for preference, I understand that different people have different needs (it should kinda go without saying). That said, we needed a third row with our baby because seating for 5 just isn't practical with a growing family, even though we won't have more than two children. There are always in-laws, friends, etc that are nearby and it sucks taking two cars everywhere.
01-21-2011, 05:25 PM
#87
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Taking your MDX example, the third row seats fold flat into the floor right? Wouldn't it stand to reason that if the seats were removed, you'd have a lower floor?
You've convinced me, just asking.
You've convinced me, just asking.
01-21-2011, 05:40 PM
#88
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Removing seats and storing them is SUCH a pain the ass.
01-21-2011, 05:53 PM
#89
My first Avatar....
Oddy or Sienna and be done with it.
3 rows...7 passengers and good cargo capacity with the 3rd row still UP.
4 passengers with huge capacity with the 3rd row down.
3rd row down and pull the 2nd row out...can haul full 4'x8' sheets of plywood....add an addition to your house
3 rows...7 passengers and good cargo capacity with the 3rd row still UP.
4 passengers with huge capacity with the 3rd row down.
3rd row down and pull the 2nd row out...can haul full 4'x8' sheets of plywood....add an addition to your house
01-21-2011, 05:58 PM
#90
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Oddy or Sienna and be done with it.
3 rows...7 passengers and good cargo capacity with the 3rd row still UP.
4 passengers with huge capacity with the 3rd row down.
3rd row down and pull the 2nd row out...can haul full 4'x8' sheets of plywood....add an addition to your house
3 rows...7 passengers and good cargo capacity with the 3rd row still UP.
4 passengers with huge capacity with the 3rd row down.
3rd row down and pull the 2nd row out...can haul full 4'x8' sheets of plywood....add an addition to your house
01-21-2011, 06:03 PM
#91
My first Avatar....
01-21-2011, 06:22 PM
#92
Missing my
Yes.
01-21-2011, 09:46 PM
#93
I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Have a few friends who have an '07 or '08 Accord with TWO children (one in infant rear-facing seat and the other child in convertible rear-facing seat) and it does them just fine with plenty of room in the trunk for every day travel. For trips of longer than an hour or for when they need the cargo space, they have a van.
01-22-2011, 04:45 AM
#96
teh Senior Instigator
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I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Have a few friends who have an '07 or '08 Accord with TWO children (one in infant rear-facing seat and the other child in convertible rear-facing seat) and it does them just fine with plenty of room in the trunk for every day travel. For trips of longer than an hour or for when they need the cargo space, they have a van.
that said, we've somehow survived in two door coupes for a long time. 3 moves cross country, etc....
01-22-2011, 05:13 AM
#97
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alright, today i'm loading up the accord with a ton of stuff and taking it to reconsider an explorer
01-22-2011, 07:16 AM
#99
The other advantage of a van when you have more kids is that you can sit in the back with them on long trips to help keep them calm and entertained (read: quiet). 
There are definitely vehicles that will make things more convenient and easy, but I know plenty of families who have two children (one family with three kids) still in car seats who have Mazda 3s, Mazda 5s and Pontiac Vibes as their ONLY vehicle and they've managed just fine with a regular ole back seat and tiny cargo hatch.
Somehow, people always make things work. I'd opt for something bigger, but they've been living life with their eco-sized cars and doing alright....somehow. So I'm sure you'll have no problem finding something that you'll both be happy with (that isn't a van).
Last edited by Street Spirit; 01-22-2011 at 07:19 AM.
01-22-2011, 07:26 AM
#100
Senior Moderator
I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Have a few friends who have an '07 or '08 Accord with TWO children (one in infant rear-facing seat and the other child in convertible rear-facing seat) and it does them just fine with plenty of room in the trunk for every day travel. For trips of longer than an hour or for when they need the cargo space, they have a van.
Our 07 AV6 was great for daily use with our then infant daughter. But it was our trip to Va Beach (from NJ) with her, our other daughter and wife's aunt (and a full trunk of luggage) that led us to reconsider our family car needs when it came to prolonged road trips. This is what led to us trading it for our 09 MDX. However, the AV6 was GREAT on gas....which (aside from being newer) is the only reason why I'd recommend it over the 5.5G Maxima/I35.
In line with NSXNEXT's post, my son has an 05 Altima and it has a VERY roomy interior, large trunk and is well built. So well cared for 05-06 Altima 3.5SE/SL wouldn't be a bad way to go. (I'd say SE-R but it wont have the ride quality of the SE/SL.)
01-22-2011, 08:55 AM
#101
The 08 is the current version of the Accord, which is a large car.
Our 07 AV6 was great for daily use with our then infant daughter. But it was our trip to Va Beach (from NJ) with her, our other daughter and wife's aunt (and a full trunk of luggage) that led us to reconsider our family car needs when it came to prolonged road trips. This is what led to us trading it for our 09 MDX. However, the AV6 was GREAT on gas....which (aside from being newer) is the only reason why I'd recommend it over the 5.5G Maxima/I35.
In line with NSXNEXT's post, my son has an 05 Altima and it has a VERY roomy interior, large trunk and is well built. So well cared for 05-06 Altima 3.5SE/SL wouldn't be a bad way to go. (I'd say SE-R but it wont have the ride quality of the SE/SL.)
Our 07 AV6 was great for daily use with our then infant daughter. But it was our trip to Va Beach (from NJ) with her, our other daughter and wife's aunt (and a full trunk of luggage) that led us to reconsider our family car needs when it came to prolonged road trips. This is what led to us trading it for our 09 MDX. However, the AV6 was GREAT on gas....which (aside from being newer) is the only reason why I'd recommend it over the 5.5G Maxima/I35.
In line with NSXNEXT's post, my son has an 05 Altima and it has a VERY roomy interior, large trunk and is well built. So well cared for 05-06 Altima 3.5SE/SL wouldn't be a bad way to go. (I'd say SE-R but it wont have the ride quality of the SE/SL.)
01-22-2011, 03:28 PM
#102
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It's a lot different with the kid. I'm just saying. I hate the idea of a van, but if we had another kid it would have been a necessity. Hell, half the time I wished we had more room than the Pathfinder.
01-22-2011, 03:32 PM
#103
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Roof rack? You could mount one of those cargo thingers on top to hold smaller things on long trips, and use the trunk for larger cargo. I know they make tow hook attachments as well. Could be helpful with your long trip issue.
Or you could just rent a car for those times, unless you do a LOT of long trips. Renting a van for long trips > owning a van for long trips, IMO
Or you could just rent a car for those times, unless you do a LOT of long trips. Renting a van for long trips > owning a van for long trips, IMO
01-22-2011, 03:56 PM
#104
teh Senior Instigator
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no no, meant he accord coupe we have
Went looking at the explorer and accord today. Frankly I think the explorer is overpriced. I was able to talk the honda dealer down A LOT on a 08 V6 w/ 35K. White with the tan leather. I think i'll pull the trigger monday, still going to go look at a used older gen pilot before I make a final decision
we are looking to buy a house end of the year, and frankly all the SUV's and Vans are just out of our range for the reliability factor we want. That said, buying used is also a plus because resale should be much kinder then buying new
Went looking at the explorer and accord today. Frankly I think the explorer is overpriced. I was able to talk the honda dealer down A LOT on a 08 V6 w/ 35K. White with the tan leather. I think i'll pull the trigger monday, still going to go look at a used older gen pilot before I make a final decision
we are looking to buy a house end of the year, and frankly all the SUV's and Vans are just out of our range for the reliability factor we want. That said, buying used is also a plus because resale should be much kinder then buying new
01-22-2011, 04:42 PM
#105
Roof rack? You could mount one of those cargo thingers on top to hold smaller things on long trips, and use the trunk for larger cargo. I know they make tow hook attachments as well. Could be helpful with your long trip issue.
Or you could just rent a car for those times, unless you do a LOT of long trips. Renting a van for long trips > owning a van for long trips, IMO
Or you could just rent a car for those times, unless you do a LOT of long trips. Renting a van for long trips > owning a van for long trips, IMO
Personally, don't know how she did it, but she made it work.You can always resell and get something else if/when you have a second child and feel you need the space. In the interim, I'm sure you'll find something suitable and won't spend extra money on something that you don't need for a while.
01-22-2011, 07:53 PM
#106
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no no, meant he accord coupe we have
Went looking at the explorer and accord today. Frankly I think the explorer is overpriced. I was able to talk the honda dealer down A LOT on a 08 V6 w/ 35K. White with the tan leather. I think i'll pull the trigger monday, still going to go look at a used older gen pilot before I make a final decision
we are looking to buy a house end of the year, and frankly all the SUV's and Vans are just out of our range for the reliability factor we want. That said, buying used is also a plus because resale should be much kinder then buying new
Went looking at the explorer and accord today. Frankly I think the explorer is overpriced. I was able to talk the honda dealer down A LOT on a 08 V6 w/ 35K. White with the tan leather. I think i'll pull the trigger monday, still going to go look at a used older gen pilot before I make a final decision
we are looking to buy a house end of the year, and frankly all the SUV's and Vans are just out of our range for the reliability factor we want. That said, buying used is also a plus because resale should be much kinder then buying new
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
If you have not test drive one, I recommend taking one out for a spin.
01-23-2011, 06:11 PM
#107
teh Senior Instigator
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alright, went to car max today so we could look at a few things, pilot is in the running, going to cost me more then i wanted.....accord still there....but also added the Ford Edge....what you guys know about them?
01-23-2011, 06:12 PM
#108
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Heavy as fawk 
What year is it?
And if the Pilot is a bit expensive, take a look at the Highlander, or CR-V if you want to take it a step down.
What year is it?And if the Pilot is a bit expensive, take a look at the Highlander, or CR-V if you want to take it a step down.
01-23-2011, 09:40 PM
#112
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Edge is very highly rated. Most people I know with them, love them.
In fact...a friend who is pregnant with their first just picked up a pre-owned one for the baby.
In fact...a friend who is pregnant with their first just picked up a pre-owned one for the baby.
01-23-2011, 11:31 PM
#113
Three Wheelin'
I just went through the same $15K price range search with a friend who has a 3-year-old.
The Pilot is probably #1 on the list, but finding a lower-mileage leather-clad vehicle in the $15K range will be difficult.
The 2011 Ford Edge is quite impressive, but the 2010 and older models not so much. The interiors are cheap, especially compared to the new one. The Explorer is antiquated, but as a former happy owner of a Ford Escape, I recommend the Escape. The design is completely changing next year, but if you can handle that, it's hard to beat the Escape.
One wild card is the Saturn Vue. Many people don't realize that the 2004-2007 Saturn Vue had the MDX's 3.5L V6. For a brief period, Honda provided GM the 3.5L V6 and GM provided Honda OnStar (I have OnStar in our 2006 MDX).
If you can get past some of the plastic, the Vue V6 (especially the Red Line) is a pretty reliable SUV with the Honda engine and can be had pretty cheap.
The Pilot is probably #1 on the list, but finding a lower-mileage leather-clad vehicle in the $15K range will be difficult.
The 2011 Ford Edge is quite impressive, but the 2010 and older models not so much. The interiors are cheap, especially compared to the new one. The Explorer is antiquated, but as a former happy owner of a Ford Escape, I recommend the Escape. The design is completely changing next year, but if you can handle that, it's hard to beat the Escape.
One wild card is the Saturn Vue. Many people don't realize that the 2004-2007 Saturn Vue had the MDX's 3.5L V6. For a brief period, Honda provided GM the 3.5L V6 and GM provided Honda OnStar (I have OnStar in our 2006 MDX).
If you can get past some of the plastic, the Vue V6 (especially the Red Line) is a pretty reliable SUV with the Honda engine and can be had pretty cheap.
01-25-2011, 02:35 AM
#115
Moderator
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ctd/2106038607.html
'08 Highlander?
And shitty brakes are also included. The first gen Edge is nothing special, I'd rather have a Pilot:
http://www.insideline.com/ford/edge/...ford-edge.html
'08 Highlander?
And shitty brakes are also included. The first gen Edge is nothing special, I'd rather have a Pilot:
http://www.insideline.com/ford/edge/...ford-edge.html
01-25-2011, 03:19 AM
#116
SHAWD 04TL is in
I second the 3G TL. Im married & have 2 kids... 10 and 3.(3yo is still in a full size car seat) We fit great! 29-32 Highway ALL DAY LONG. Plus reliability, power and not to mention everything is voice activated... (well almost everything LOL) MUST GET THE NAVI THOUGH
Last edited by TRIOD3SIGNS; 01-25-2011 at 03:22 AM.
01-25-2011, 04:49 AM
#118
Banned
I agree.... If you want a more plush ride with good control and handling, then get accord. If you want a firm/solid ride with very quiet interior, go with the TL. I'm a paraplegic and when i have pax (aviation term for passenger) riding up front, they put my wheelchair in trunk. My chr is def bigger than a stroller....lol
01-25-2011, 04:52 AM
#119
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
I see some people recommended Subaru. And that is always a good choice 
But I would also take a look at a Volvo XC70. Yes, it's a wagon, but an AWD, great driving car with a good amount of space. Used ones from the 2004 model year are around $14K or less. This ad is for a dealer in PA:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/XC70-2-5L-CD-AWD-Steering-Wheel-Controls-Cloth-Seats-/400188264592?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item5d2d145090 #ht_19170wt_1167
I had a V70 for 5 years, and two car seats (plus a built in booster seat in the middle) and it was great. Nice handling and easy to drive and service.
Just a thought.
But I would also take a look at a Volvo XC70. Yes, it's a wagon, but an AWD, great driving car with a good amount of space. Used ones from the 2004 model year are around $14K or less. This ad is for a dealer in PA:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/XC70-2-5L-CD-AWD-Steering-Wheel-Controls-Cloth-Seats-/400188264592?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item5d2d145090 #ht_19170wt_1167
I had a V70 for 5 years, and two car seats (plus a built in booster seat in the middle) and it was great. Nice handling and easy to drive and service.
Just a thought.
01-25-2011, 07:10 AM
#120
teh Senior Instigator
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looked at the XC, almost bought one about two weeks back (was sold the night before I went to look at it)....hear reliability whore stories