Need a bigger family car - suggestions?
09-24-2009, 12:48 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Need a bigger family car - suggestions?
I have twin girls (3.5) and an infant (.5). Right now, they all fit in the back seat of our 02 CR-V. Which has worked pretty well, all things considered. They also all fit in the back of the TL, surprisingly better than the CR-V.
Where we're going to start having trouble is, when the little man graduates to a forward-facing car seat. It's entirely possible that the girls will be able to graduate to boosters and he could still fit in the middle, but it may not work due to how the girls will have to be centered in their seats with the seat belts. This is probably going to be a real problem in the TL, but I'm not too terribly concerned about that right now.
We might be able to get away with using the CR-V, but not if we decide to help out my sister who's going to be due in January. We've officially run out of safe seats at that point. Now, my first choice would be an Odyssey. However, the miles start to really ramp up the farther back you go. I know I don't want a 1G, and I'm unsure about how extensive the tranny problems are up to 2005. We can either trade in the CR-V (about $3500)/sell it ($5500), or just keep it and get something that's pretty cheap and only use it to haul around all four kids in-town. Something like the Ody would be nice to have on trips, but I don't want to significantly trade down in mileage (105k on the CR-V) and add an additional car payment as the CR-V is paid for.
So, I'm starting to look. I think the cheapest I could do would be to pick up a late-90s Caravan or something, but I don't have great memories about those. It would certainly be serviceable around town.
Thoughts?
Where we're going to start having trouble is, when the little man graduates to a forward-facing car seat. It's entirely possible that the girls will be able to graduate to boosters and he could still fit in the middle, but it may not work due to how the girls will have to be centered in their seats with the seat belts. This is probably going to be a real problem in the TL, but I'm not too terribly concerned about that right now.
We might be able to get away with using the CR-V, but not if we decide to help out my sister who's going to be due in January. We've officially run out of safe seats at that point. Now, my first choice would be an Odyssey. However, the miles start to really ramp up the farther back you go. I know I don't want a 1G, and I'm unsure about how extensive the tranny problems are up to 2005. We can either trade in the CR-V (about $3500)/sell it ($5500), or just keep it and get something that's pretty cheap and only use it to haul around all four kids in-town. Something like the Ody would be nice to have on trips, but I don't want to significantly trade down in mileage (105k on the CR-V) and add an additional car payment as the CR-V is paid for.
So, I'm starting to look. I think the cheapest I could do would be to pick up a late-90s Caravan or something, but I don't have great memories about those. It would certainly be serviceable around town.
Thoughts?
09-24-2009, 01:10 PM
#2
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I would highly recommend the Odyssey too...but be very careful of the transmissions. I recommended an Odyssey to my brother and sister-in-law back in 2002. They still have it and have found it to be absolutely perfect for a family. Their only issue (and it is a biggie) is that they are on their FIFTH transmission in about 105K miles. The dealer keeps putting in rebuilt ones. They last anywhere from 5K to 15K miles! They have been stranded out-of-state a number of times. Honda has been great about covering the transmissions (only paid for 1/2 of one transmission) and even paying for a hotel one time, but it been a huge PITA. Honda also probably wouldn't be as accomodating to a second owner. Good luck!
09-24-2009, 01:43 PM
#3
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I have an 06 Sienna and it's been great. Looked at the Odyssey but for what we wanted, leather, power doors and rear hatch, there was no comparison. Honda makes you move up to the Touring which significantly raises the price.
09-24-2009, 02:00 PM
#4
Got da Internet Goin Nutz
We have a 2003 Mountaineer (bought new) that hasn't had any problems (105K miles now). 3 rows of seats and the second row folds down three ways making it very versatile. We have a 5, 2.5, and 1 year old. And occasionaly a sister in law with two teenagers.
Your 3.5 year olds should be able to go into backed boster seats now and I assume the baby will get switched in 6 months... Your best bet may just be to invest in three car seats that fit the way you need them to fit (there is a forum dedicated to child car seats that has threads for 3 across the back seat). Although that wouldn't solve helping out your sister and keeping your current vehicles...
Your 3.5 year olds should be able to go into backed boster seats now and I assume the baby will get switched in 6 months... Your best bet may just be to invest in three car seats that fit the way you need them to fit (there is a forum dedicated to child car seats that has threads for 3 across the back seat). Although that wouldn't solve helping out your sister and keeping your current vehicles...
09-24-2009, 02:18 PM
#5
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I know I don't want a 1G, and I'm unsure about how extensive the tranny problems are up to 2005. We can either trade in the CR-V (about $3500)/sell it ($5500), or just keep it and get something that's pretty cheap and only use it to haul around all four kids in-town. Something like the Ody would be nice to have on trips, but I don't want to significantly trade down in mileage (105k on the CR-V) and add an additional car payment as the CR-V is paid for.
The 2003-2004 Odys had 5-speed autos with much lower failure rate, and the 2004s had an additional oil jet retrofitted (IDK about the 2003s). The 3G Ody started in 2005.
If in doubt, get a 2004+ Ody.
09-24-2009, 03:20 PM
#6
Senior Moderator
Are Pilots any cheaper than Odysseys?
Sequoias I think are pretty expensive, but maybe a used Highlander? I'm really not sure of the size differences between these, though.
And as much as I hate to say it, but maybe a Venza, if you can find one used already? They are pretty new, so maybe not, but if you can wait a few months you might find one.
I'm just throwing options out there. I really don't know about the prices and sizes of these vehicles.
Sequoias I think are pretty expensive, but maybe a used Highlander? I'm really not sure of the size differences between these, though.
And as much as I hate to say it, but maybe a Venza, if you can find one used already? They are pretty new, so maybe not, but if you can wait a few months you might find one.
I'm just throwing options out there. I really don't know about the prices and sizes of these vehicles.
09-24-2009, 03:25 PM
#7
I drive a Subata.
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It's always Odyssey.
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09-24-2009, 03:27 PM
#8
Does it need to be aminivan/suv?
My kids are 14/12/6 and fit comfortably in our RL, alittle tight in our Accord though.
,I know 3 car seats take up alot of space though. Maybe get small boosters for the 3year olds n the smallest(still safe) carseat you can find?
My kids are 14/12/6 and fit comfortably in our RL, alittle tight in our Accord though.
,I know 3 car seats take up alot of space though. Maybe get small boosters for the 3year olds n the smallest(still safe) carseat you can find?
09-24-2009, 03:33 PM
#9
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I'm about to get a 2010 Odyssey LX (Base). It has tons of room, drives like a car, seems to be well built, and get excellent ratings on Consumer Reports. I was suprised with the engine, no sports car, but plenty of pep.
09-24-2009, 03:56 PM
#10
Senior Moderator
If it were me it would be a Ody or like NSXNEXT a Sienna
09-25-2009, 12:24 AM
#14
I would probably get a van. IMO, there's just no comparison in terms of easy of use, utility, practically, space, options for more space, etc. when it comes to families. If you plan on keeping it for many years to come, it will also be handy for when you have to carpool your twins' friends, have a family member join you for an outing, or taking family road trips with extra gear.
If you don't plan on keeping this next vehicle for long, then there are probably other ones that might not be as practical for now AND the future (IMO), but will certainly do you alright for a good while.
+2 for Honda or Toyota for vans.
If you don't plan on keeping this next vehicle for long, then there are probably other ones that might not be as practical for now AND the future (IMO), but will certainly do you alright for a good while.
+2 for Honda or Toyota for vans.
09-25-2009, 04:46 AM
#15
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
I rented a VW Touran this past June. Yes, I know it is a thinly disguised Chrysler, but it really looks much better inside and out. In this economy, you may be able to get one at a decent price.
But no argument against the Odyssey.
But no argument against the Odyssey.
09-25-2009, 06:51 AM
#16
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Thread Starter
OK, let me clear something up: if we only need to fit three kids, we'll stick with the CR-V a bit longer before we move to something a bit bigger. Three fit in it right now, and will for a while longer. It's the prospect of adding a fourth that has us thinking about moving up a bit sooner. So while the sedan suggestions are nice, it's not what I'm looking for. Definetly will have to have a third row.
09-25-2009, 08:29 AM
#17
Suzuka Master
+1 for the 2G Ody
09-25-2009, 10:24 AM
#18
Senior Moderator
OK, let me clear something up: if we only need to fit three kids, we'll stick with the CR-V a bit longer before we move to something a bit bigger. Three fit in it right now, and will for a while longer. It's the prospect of adding a fourth that has us thinking about moving up a bit sooner. So while the sedan suggestions are nice, it's not what I'm looking for. Definetly will have to have a third row.
09-25-2009, 10:27 AM
#19
The sizzle in the Steak
Ody
09-25-2009, 11:13 AM
#21
can't go wrong with the Odyssey or Sienna. I've driven the Ody on long trips and it handle pretty well despite their size which I assume is due to the car platform base (I believe its the same for the Sienna too). My brother's friend has owned an 05+ since new and he loves it, he put a ton of miles on it early on before their kid was born, and my uncle's Odyssey has also been worry-free since new.
09-25-2009, 11:38 AM
#22
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Thread Starter
If there's no discerable price difference, the choice is clear - Odyssey. I went and test drove one back before we found out we were having our third. Love it.
Of course, this was a 2006 model or so. Not going to be able to afford that, even with trading/selling the CR-V.
The most cost-efficient thing we can do is just hold on to the CR-V, especially since I won't have to worry about the timing belt (chain). The nicest thing we can do is get an Odyssey and be able to haul the other tot around.
It will be interesting to see if three FF seats can fit in the back of the TL, that's for sure.
Of course, this was a 2006 model or so. Not going to be able to afford that, even with trading/selling the CR-V.
The most cost-efficient thing we can do is just hold on to the CR-V, especially since I won't have to worry about the timing belt (chain). The nicest thing we can do is get an Odyssey and be able to haul the other tot around.
It will be interesting to see if three FF seats can fit in the back of the TL, that's for sure.
09-25-2009, 01:07 PM
#23
Senior Moderator
09-25-2009, 01:19 PM
#24
Senior Moderator
Also I do have to agree on the last comment...
09-25-2009, 02:04 PM
#25
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Thread Starter
I have twin girls (3.5) and an infant (.5). Right now, they all fit in the back seat of our 02 CR-V. Which has worked pretty well, all things considered. They also all fit in the back of the TL, surprisingly better than the CR-V.
Where we're going to start having trouble is, when the little man graduates to a forward-facing car seat. It's entirely possible that the girls will be able to graduate to boosters and he could still fit in the middle, but it may not work due to how the girls will have to be centered in their seats with the seat belts. This is probably going to be a real problem in the TL, but I'm not too terribly concerned about that right now.
We might be able to get away with using the CR-V, but not if we decide to help out my sister who's going to be due in January. We've officially run out of safe seats at that point. Now, my first choice would be an Odyssey. However, the miles start to really ramp up the farther back you go. I know I don't want a 1G, and I'm unsure about how extensive the tranny problems are up to 2005. We can either trade in the CR-V (about $3500)/sell it ($5500), or just keep it and get something that's pretty cheap and only use it to haul around all four kids in-town. Something like the Ody would be nice to have on trips, but I don't want to significantly trade down in mileage (105k on the CR-V) and add an additional car payment as the CR-V is paid for.
So, I'm starting to look. I think the cheapest I could do would be to pick up a late-90s Caravan or something, but I don't have great memories about those. It would certainly be serviceable around town.
Thoughts?
Where we're going to start having trouble is, when the little man graduates to a forward-facing car seat. It's entirely possible that the girls will be able to graduate to boosters and he could still fit in the middle, but it may not work due to how the girls will have to be centered in their seats with the seat belts. This is probably going to be a real problem in the TL, but I'm not too terribly concerned about that right now.
We might be able to get away with using the CR-V, but not if we decide to help out my sister who's going to be due in January. We've officially run out of safe seats at that point. Now, my first choice would be an Odyssey. However, the miles start to really ramp up the farther back you go. I know I don't want a 1G, and I'm unsure about how extensive the tranny problems are up to 2005. We can either trade in the CR-V (about $3500)/sell it ($5500), or just keep it and get something that's pretty cheap and only use it to haul around all four kids in-town. Something like the Ody would be nice to have on trips, but I don't want to significantly trade down in mileage (105k on the CR-V) and add an additional car payment as the CR-V is paid for.
So, I'm starting to look. I think the cheapest I could do would be to pick up a late-90s Caravan or something, but I don't have great memories about those. It would certainly be serviceable around town.
Thoughts?
09-25-2009, 09:10 PM
#26
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
The XC90 is also alright. I know some will talk about reliability, but they are no worse than any other SUV, and they are safety first.
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