Please suggest my next car
Re: Please suggest my next car
We got a Subaru Outback in this case. We are happy with our purchase. The top trims will run more like $40k, but you probably don't need the top trims. The Honda CRV seems to have better driver and passenger visibility, though, since that seems important to you. We cross shopped them, but ended up going with the Outback since it can tow 3500lbs and we want to tow a boat/camper.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
Sounds penny wise and pound foolish. I'd rather use disposable income to make my life easier and more comfortable...going anywhere for a week in a subcompact sounds like punishment to me.stoptothink wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:43 pmI've done all of these things and FAR more, with 2 kids in a subcompact. We go on week+ long camping trips in a subcompact. Really depends on how much of a hassle the extra cost reduces; for us, a larger car does not make $20k difference in our lives. It may to OP.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:04 pmThis. The stroller takes most of the trunk, i actually wanted to get a nicer more comfy stroller but was afraid it won't fit in the trunk at all!Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 3:25 pmQuite a bit of reason actually.unstartable wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 12:35 pm Midsize sedan. There is zero reason to buy a suv/cuv for one kid.
Ever tried to fit a big stroller in a midsize sedan? Doesn't work too well.
Re: Please suggest my next car
One thing that has not been mentioned is that when you are considering different models be sure to get car insurance quotes.
The cost can vary a lot more than you might expect for cars that are in the same price range.
The cost can vary a lot more than you might expect for cars that are in the same price range.
Re: Please suggest my next car
Subaru Outback or Forester. AWD for safety and handling is great. Boxer engine (horizontally opposed with a lower center of gravity) and transmission will break away in head on collision, sliding under the floor, and therefore saving the driver and passenger. Always a top 5 star safety rating.
Lots of other engineering in these vehicles that doesn't get enough press (IMHO).
I've recently purchased a used Legacy for my daily driver. Surprising handling in corners, esp. when accelerating in corners.
Lots of other engineering in these vehicles that doesn't get enough press (IMHO).
I've recently purchased a used Legacy for my daily driver. Surprising handling in corners, esp. when accelerating in corners.
Last edited by chipperd on Tue Nov 09, 2021 5:39 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
It's literally never been something that bothered us, like at all. Wife and I are in total agreement, and kids have never once said they wished we had a larger car (yeah, we have one - been 6yrs, although we are getting a 2nd car next spring/summer). At this point $20k is not a lot to us, but we can go on a lot of extra trips for that $20k and that's what we choose to use our finite resources for instead. If you feel differently, great.Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:53 pmSounds penny wise and pound foolish. I'd rather use disposable income to make my life easier and more comfortable...going anywhere for a week in a subcompact sounds like punishment to me.stoptothink wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:43 pmI've done all of these things and FAR more, with 2 kids in a subcompact. We go on week+ long camping trips in a subcompact. Really depends on how much of a hassle the extra cost reduces; for us, a larger car does not make $20k difference in our lives. It may to OP.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:04 pmThis. The stroller takes most of the trunk, i actually wanted to get a nicer more comfy stroller but was afraid it won't fit in the trunk at all!Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 3:25 pmQuite a bit of reason actually.unstartable wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 12:35 pm Midsize sedan. There is zero reason to buy a suv/cuv for one kid.
Ever tried to fit a big stroller in a midsize sedan? Doesn't work too well.
Re: Please suggest my next car
+10000dukeblue219 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 08, 2021 10:38 pm Don't buy a brand new luxury SUV. You're going to have bodily fluids, dirt, and cereal all over it within a month anyway.
Re: Please suggest my next car
Jon Voight's car?
Re: Please suggest my next car
I've bought RX300 and RX350 and never came close to paying as much as $35K. However, I did buy a Subaru Outback and it cost more than my Lexuses.dukeblue219 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 08, 2021 10:38 pm This is the same site where people argue over who sets their thermostat lowest and everyone's throwing out luxury SUVs for someone with a $35k budget and a 1 year old?
We put a child car seat in all our cars, so that we didn't have to move a car seat from car to car. Maybe the "converter" seat is a problem?
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Re: Please suggest my next car
Were the seats rear facing?livesoft wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 5:37 pmI've bought RX300 and RX350 and never came close to paying as much as $35K. However, I did buy a Subaru Outback and it cost more than my Lexuses.dukeblue219 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 08, 2021 10:38 pm This is the same site where people argue over who sets their thermostat lowest and everyone's throwing out luxury SUVs for someone with a $35k budget and a 1 year old?
We put a child car seat in all our cars, so that we didn't have to move a car seat from car to car. Maybe the "converter" seat is a problem?
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Re: Please suggest my next car
Thanks for the reminder. I will certainly do that
"One of the funny things about stock market, every time one is buying another is selling, and both think they are astute" - William Feather
Re: Please suggest my next car
And the baby will make a mess in it as well!dukeblue219 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 08, 2021 10:38 pm Don't buy a brand new luxury SUV. You're going to have bodily fluids, dirt, and cereal all over it within a month anyway.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
Anyone who tried the Outback with a converter that’s rear facing? Read some complaints in other places about people still need to push the front sear so the convertible can fit!
"One of the funny things about stock market, every time one is buying another is selling, and both think they are astute" - William Feather
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Re: Please suggest my next car
Was no issue, Peg Perego Primo Viaggio convertible seat. There wasn't a *ton* of room but I would never suggest a rear facing convertible can't fit. Try it out with your seat, sure, but it's plenty big.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 8:41 pm Anyone who tried the Outback with a converter that’s rear facing? Read some complaints in other places about people still need to push the front sear so the convertible can fit!
Seriously, when I was growing up everyone had a Dodge minivan. Now everyone in the drop off line has a CRV, RAV4, or Outback.
Re: Please suggest my next car
Yes! I was thinking the same.eye.surgeon wrote: ↑Mon Nov 08, 2021 11:12 pm The answer is a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV, whichever you can get your hands on as they are both tough to find.
We purchased a RAV4 7 years ago when we had our first baby, it has served us well… still running strong.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
I completely agree with this sentiment. DW & I had a convertible for our first 2. We moved up to a minivan for the 3rd and 4th and still have a hatchback as a runabout.stoptothink wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 5:30 pmIt's literally never been something that bothered us, like at all. Wife and I are in total agreement, and kids have never once said they wished we had a larger car (yeah, we have one - been 6yrs, although we are getting a 2nd car next spring/summer). At this point $20k is not a lot to us, but we can go on a lot of extra trips for that $20k and that's what we choose to use our finite resources for instead. If you feel differently, great.Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:53 pmSounds penny wise and pound foolish. I'd rather use disposable income to make my life easier and more comfortable...going anywhere for a week in a subcompact sounds like punishment to me.stoptothink wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:43 pmI've done all of these things and FAR more, with 2 kids in a subcompact. We go on week+ long camping trips in a subcompact. Really depends on how much of a hassle the extra cost reduces; for us, a larger car does not make $20k difference in our lives. It may to OP.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:04 pmThis. The stroller takes most of the trunk, i actually wanted to get a nicer more comfy stroller but was afraid it won't fit in the trunk at all!Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 3:25 pm
Quite a bit of reason actually.
Ever tried to fit a big stroller in a midsize sedan? Doesn't work too well.
I would keep the Mazda 3 and get a less enormous car seat and a convenient, lightweight, high quality (typically not the luxury brands) stroller that is not huge. Having a compact, lightweight car seat and stroller pays off in so many other ways that I would recommend upgrading those regardless of the choice of car.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
I agree. We have a CRV and an Accord. The CRV is fine. It fits car seats. It is fine for camping, skiing, and hauling bikes around. We like driving our Accord a lot better and that's the car we usually take places; the CRV is nice for the bigger trips but the Accord has a big trunk for everyday stuff. When we had one kid we had a Fit (also plenty of room for seats but that car I swear was bigger on the inside than the outside.)unstartable wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 12:35 pm Midsize sedan. There is zero reason to buy a suv/cuv for one kid.
Re: Please suggest my next car
No it’s not penny wise and pound foolish. And no, it’s not a punishment to go on a road-trip in a subcompact car. You may like paying 50k-80k for big luxury SUV. Others like to use that money on other things that they find value in. I grew up in a country that we didn’t even have cars, much less big SUV. Everyone did just fine then.Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:53 pmSounds penny wise and pound foolish. I'd rather use disposable income to make my life easier and more comfortable...going anywhere for a week in a subcompact sounds like punishment to me.stoptothink wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:43 pmI've done all of these things and FAR more, with 2 kids in a subcompact. We go on week+ long camping trips in a subcompact. Really depends on how much of a hassle the extra cost reduces; for us, a larger car does not make $20k difference in our lives. It may to OP.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:04 pmThis. The stroller takes most of the trunk, i actually wanted to get a nicer more comfy stroller but was afraid it won't fit in the trunk at all!Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 3:25 pmQuite a bit of reason actually.unstartable wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 12:35 pm Midsize sedan. There is zero reason to buy a suv/cuv for one kid.
Ever tried to fit a big stroller in a midsize sedan? Doesn't work too well.
Time is the ultimate currency.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
Before the “baby car seat” era, especially those seats with layers of added security that make them so bulky, and before cars can go from 0 to 100 mph in 5 seconds, back when the fastest car couldn’t do more than 50 mph as top speed, any car size has been more than enough for a family of 5. I grew up in a poor country and was crumbed with punch of at least other 12 kids in a 4 seat sedan which was the car that gets us to and from the school. Never heard about kids dying in horrible car accidents back thenH-Town wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 11:29 pmNo it’s not penny wise and pound foolish. And no, it’s not a punishment to go on a road-trip in a subcompact car. You may like paying 50k-80k for big luxury SUV. Others like to use that money on other things that they find value in. I grew up in a country that we didn’t even have cars, much less big SUV. Everyone did just fine then.Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:53 pmSounds penny wise and pound foolish. I'd rather use disposable income to make my life easier and more comfortable...going anywhere for a week in a subcompact sounds like punishment to me.stoptothink wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:43 pmI've done all of these things and FAR more, with 2 kids in a subcompact. We go on week+ long camping trips in a subcompact. Really depends on how much of a hassle the extra cost reduces; for us, a larger car does not make $20k difference in our lives. It may to OP.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:04 pmThis. The stroller takes most of the trunk, i actually wanted to get a nicer more comfy stroller but was afraid it won't fit in the trunk at all!Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 3:25 pm
Quite a bit of reason actually.
Ever tried to fit a big stroller in a midsize sedan? Doesn't work too well.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
My 2021 Foester Touring is a dream of a car for car seats. Go for it!
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Re: Please suggest my next car
When our 2nd little one was on the way we splurged on a Honda Odyssey. Was wrangling our toddler in and out of a Prius before.
Highly recommend the minivan. It’s just so easy getting the kids in and out with tons of room for the sometimes inexplicable amount of stuff they can require. I doubt you could get a new one for $35k, but we almost went with the Kia minivan which came in a little cheaper than the Honda.
Highly recommend the minivan. It’s just so easy getting the kids in and out with tons of room for the sometimes inexplicable amount of stuff they can require. I doubt you could get a new one for $35k, but we almost went with the Kia minivan which came in a little cheaper than the Honda.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
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Re: Please suggest my next car
Well I'm late to the party but with a recommendation I don't think anyone above has mentioned--a Kia Soul! It has shockingly good leg and head room, front and rear, doors like a small SUV, and as much cargo space as a small SUV. All that for ~$22k out the door. We bought one earlier this year and use it with a rear-facing car seat and a stroller in the back and love it. Just the right amount of car for us.
Actually bought it after putting together a spreadsheet of leg room, head room, cargo volume, etc and seeing how it just really outran the competition even before taking into account it's price.
Admittedly the look of the car isn't the fanciest, but we don't care about that (and I think their last couple years of models actually do look much nicer than prior years).
Actually bought it after putting together a spreadsheet of leg room, head room, cargo volume, etc and seeing how it just really outran the competition even before taking into account it's price.
Admittedly the look of the car isn't the fanciest, but we don't care about that (and I think their last couple years of models actually do look much nicer than prior years).
Re: Please suggest my next car
YES!!!Cheez-It Guy wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 5:19 am
Re: Please suggest my next car
Not accepting cash is bizarre. HuhBogleMelon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 12:15 amOne Toyota dealer in our area is no longer accepting cash payments, I would have to finance to get the car and a paying off the loan in full comes with a penalty if before 4 months! That’s how tough those cars are now.eye.surgeon wrote: ↑Mon Nov 08, 2021 11:12 pm The answer is a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV, whichever you can get your hands on as they are both tough to find.
Anyway, I have Rav4s and like them. But taste in cars is quite variable, some test drives and experimenting with putting the car seat in various models seems like a good plan.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
How does it compare to the other big players with the reliability?BattyNatty wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 5:34 am Well I'm late to the party but with a recommendation I don't think anyone above has mentioned--a Kia Soul! It has shockingly good leg and head room, front and rear, doors like a small SUV, and as much cargo space as a small SUV. All that for ~$22k out the door. We bought one earlier this year and use it with a rear-facing car seat and a stroller in the back and love it. Just the right amount of car for us.
Actually bought it after putting together a spreadsheet of leg room, head room, cargo volume, etc and seeing how it just really outran the competition even before taking into account it's price.
Admittedly the look of the car isn't the fanciest, but we don't care about that (and I think their last couple years of models actually do look much nicer than prior years).
"One of the funny things about stock market, every time one is buying another is selling, and both think they are astute" - William Feather
Re: Please suggest my next car
This. This 100% got 2 kids 5 and 2.5 - its perfect for the family. Great for long drives, great safety features. Our second car maybe a forester or an ascent.dukeblue219 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 08, 2021 10:28 pm Subaru Outback.
Works for us and half the families at our preschool. Safe, high, good visibility, right in your price range, and relatively reliable.
Re: Please suggest my next car
I have the all-electric version of the Kia Niro, which is also available has a conventional hybrid (like Prius) or as a plug-in hybrid. It's a very practical car, and will offer a bit more room than the 3 while also offering more height (right in between sedans and compact SUVs). I highly recommend it.
Re: Please suggest my next car
xyzzy
Last edited by mary1492 on Tue Oct 04, 2022 3:19 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Please suggest my next car
Another thought is a mini-van. Not sure if you are considering more kids, but in any case ability to drive a group of kids to sports/whatever is helpful. I didn't love driving our Honda Odyssey, but it was certainly good for the group activities. And could haul lots of stuff around with the back seats gone. With the sliding doors very easy to get kids in/out.
But mini-vans *are* kind of big/awkward, have mediocre gas mileage, etc. So if not needed for your expected use cases, maybe not a good choice.
But mini-vans *are* kind of big/awkward, have mediocre gas mileage, etc. So if not needed for your expected use cases, maybe not a good choice.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
I'm not saying every family should have a luxury SUV- I'm simply saying that people should buy the "right-sized" vehicle for their needs. I think most would agree a subcompact car for a family probably isn't a good choice...H-Town wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 11:29 pmNo it’s not penny wise and pound foolish. And no, it’s not a punishment to go on a road-trip in a subcompact car. You may like paying 50k-80k for big luxury SUV. Others like to use that money on other things that they find value in. I grew up in a country that we didn’t even have cars, much less big SUV. Everyone did just fine then.Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:53 pmSounds penny wise and pound foolish. I'd rather use disposable income to make my life easier and more comfortable...going anywhere for a week in a subcompact sounds like punishment to me.stoptothink wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:43 pmI've done all of these things and FAR more, with 2 kids in a subcompact. We go on week+ long camping trips in a subcompact. Really depends on how much of a hassle the extra cost reduces; for us, a larger car does not make $20k difference in our lives. It may to OP.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:04 pmThis. The stroller takes most of the trunk, i actually wanted to get a nicer more comfy stroller but was afraid it won't fit in the trunk at all!Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 3:25 pm
Quite a bit of reason actually.
Ever tried to fit a big stroller in a midsize sedan? Doesn't work too well.
A midsized crossover is a perfect fit for a family as it is versatile and comfortable for traveling with kids. Not to mention the cargo capacity for luggage/strollers/etc. A Toyota Highlander or the alike is a reasonable choice- not extravagant or superfluous.
I personally have always driven big vehicles so it's simply more natural for me to gravitate toward full-size trucks and SUV's but I realize they are not the right size for everyone. However with so many choices in today's market, any family should be able to find a vehicle that ticks all the boxes.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
I'll echo the Subaru recommendations. They are hard to break (i.e. kid proof), extremely safe, economical, and have plenty of room. I think the Forester is easier to load kids in and out of compared to the Outback, only because it sits a little higher, but either is great. Plus, by the time your kids are ready to drive, the Subaru will probably still be running so you can give it to them as a first car!
PS: definitely don't get a luxury SUV with kids. It won't end well...
PS: definitely don't get a luxury SUV with kids. It won't end well...
Re: Please suggest my next car
Got my brand new RDX this year for a little over $39k so a bit over the $35k budget. I got the AWD and some other options (heated seats, etc.) so you could probably come in closer to $35k with just the base model. Love the car. We looked at the CRV, too, and just did not like the way it looked (and it felt cheaper on the inside).dukeblue219 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 08, 2021 10:32 pmNot new for $35k. However, Honda Pilot would also be a good choice that's very similar since you mentioned the MDX. Pilots are just fringy on that price range though. CRV (the RDX comp) is very popular too.
I see lots of RAV4s for families of 3 as well.
Re: Please suggest my next car
Lots of choices, but not necessarily lots of actually available choices.Workaholic wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 8:47 am However with so many choices in today's market, any family should be able to find a vehicle that ticks all the boxes.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
"Penny wise and pound foolish" suggests that some of us are making an incorrect choice even though we have made it based upon our needs. Either somehow we've managed to get along great (with no complaints) our entire family life without a larger vehicle or you clearly have a different definition of "need" than I do (and there is nothing wrong with that). Maybe you should edit your post.Workaholic wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 8:47 amI'm not saying every family should have a luxury SUV- I'm simply saying that people should buy the "right-sized" vehicle for their needs. I think most would agree a subcompact car for a family probably isn't a good choice...H-Town wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 11:29 pmNo it’s not penny wise and pound foolish. And no, it’s not a punishment to go on a road-trip in a subcompact car. You may like paying 50k-80k for big luxury SUV. Others like to use that money on other things that they find value in. I grew up in a country that we didn’t even have cars, much less big SUV. Everyone did just fine then.Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:53 pmSounds penny wise and pound foolish. I'd rather use disposable income to make my life easier and more comfortable...going anywhere for a week in a subcompact sounds like punishment to me.stoptothink wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:43 pmI've done all of these things and FAR more, with 2 kids in a subcompact. We go on week+ long camping trips in a subcompact. Really depends on how much of a hassle the extra cost reduces; for us, a larger car does not make $20k difference in our lives. It may to OP.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:04 pm
This. The stroller takes most of the trunk, i actually wanted to get a nicer more comfy stroller but was afraid it won't fit in the trunk at all!
A midsized crossover is a perfect fit for a family as it is versatile and comfortable for traveling with kids. Not to mention the cargo capacity for luggage/strollers/etc. A Toyota Highlander or the alike is a reasonable choice- not extravagant or superfluous.
I personally have always driven big vehicles so it's simply more natural for me to gravitate toward full-size trucks and SUV's but I realize they are not the right size for everyone. However with so many choices in today's market, any family should be able to find a vehicle that ticks all the boxes.
I was very clear in that OP's wants may be different than ours (and that is great), but I agree with others that deciding they need a larger vehicle based on the car seat issue is odd when a different car seat would solve the issue. If they want a larger car, get the larger car.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
If you're looking for an SUV with room and is great in winter, etc, there is nothing better than this:
https://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en ... linan.html
https://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en ... linan.html
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Re: Please suggest my next car
Honda Odyssey minivan. Best purchase I ever made. And not just for kids. I could take the seats out and haul as much as my old pickup. It was really a multi use vehicle. For the kids, the sliding door, the lowness to the ground, etc, we’re just awesome. And it drove like a champ. Had it for 15 years from ages 0 to 15. Traded in for a CRV and love that one now that it’s back to the 2 of us.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
My conclusion was that it was equal enough that my luck (or lack thereof) with the specific unit I ended up with would be more determinative than it's brand. And Kia has a longer/better warranty than most so I felt good about what would happen if I got unlucky.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 6:46 amHow does it compare to the other big players with the reliability?BattyNatty wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 5:34 am Well I'm late to the party but with a recommendation I don't think anyone above has mentioned--a Kia Soul! It has shockingly good leg and head room, front and rear, doors like a small SUV, and as much cargo space as a small SUV. All that for ~$22k out the door. We bought one earlier this year and use it with a rear-facing car seat and a stroller in the back and love it. Just the right amount of car for us.
Actually bought it after putting together a spreadsheet of leg room, head room, cargo volume, etc and seeing how it just really outran the competition even before taking into account it's price.
Admittedly the look of the car isn't the fanciest, but we don't care about that (and I think their last couple years of models actually do look much nicer than prior years).
Re: Please suggest my next car
Exactly. We have no kids at home and love driving a mid-size SUV. I'm not sure I'd ever go back to a sedan.dukeblue219 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 12:56 pmThere's no need. There's plenty of reason.unstartable wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 12:35 pm Midsize sedan. There is zero reason to buy a suv/cuv for one kid.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
+2 Even if those reasons are not of value to me, clearly those who have chosen to drive larger cars in general had their reasons.MDfan wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 10:33 amExactly. We have no kids at home and love driving a mid-size SUV. I'm not sure I'd ever go back to a sedan.dukeblue219 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 12:56 pmThere's no need. There's plenty of reason.unstartable wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 12:35 pm Midsize sedan. There is zero reason to buy a suv/cuv for one kid.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
This. This. From a father of two (3 and 1 years old). I don't see how a suv serves a young family better than a minivan with sliding doors...
The unexamined life is not worth living.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
Because nobody wants to drive a minivan .achillesheel wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 10:48 amThis. This. From a father of two (3 and 1 years old). I don't see how a suv serves a young family better than a minivan with sliding doors...
I jest...but in all reality...this is likely partly true for many families. Call it vanity or what have you, but minivans are simply not a vehicle many, particularly young families, want to have in their garage.
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Re: Please suggest my next car
Poor choice of words but my point is the same. I think buying the right-sized vehicle for a particular situation is the best decision. Buyers remorse is quite a bit more expensive than simply purchasing the vehicle you want in the first place. Many years ago I decided I was going to save $4000 and buy an extended cab pickup with the half-doors that wouldn't open unless the front doors were already opened. I thought saving that few thousand dollars was better than buying a crew cab that I didn't "need". Well...found out the hard way how inconvenient it was not having a full back seat...traded it less than 6 months later. Lost $6000 on the deal PLUS had to shell out the additional $4000 to get a crew cab. My not buying what I wanted in the first place cost me $10,000. Learned my lesson though...stoptothink wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 9:57 am"Penny wise and pound foolish" suggests that some of us are making an incorrect choice even though we have made it based upon our needs. Either somehow we've managed to get along great (with no complaints) our entire family life without a larger vehicle or you clearly have a different definition of "need" than I do (and there is nothing wrong with that). Maybe you should edit your post.Workaholic wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 8:47 amI'm not saying every family should have a luxury SUV- I'm simply saying that people should buy the "right-sized" vehicle for their needs. I think most would agree a subcompact car for a family probably isn't a good choice...H-Town wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 11:29 pmNo it’s not penny wise and pound foolish. And no, it’s not a punishment to go on a road-trip in a subcompact car. You may like paying 50k-80k for big luxury SUV. Others like to use that money on other things that they find value in. I grew up in a country that we didn’t even have cars, much less big SUV. Everyone did just fine then.Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:53 pmSounds penny wise and pound foolish. I'd rather use disposable income to make my life easier and more comfortable...going anywhere for a week in a subcompact sounds like punishment to me.stoptothink wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:43 pm
I've done all of these things and FAR more, with 2 kids in a subcompact. We go on week+ long camping trips in a subcompact. Really depends on how much of a hassle the extra cost reduces; for us, a larger car does not make $20k difference in our lives. It may to OP.
A midsized crossover is a perfect fit for a family as it is versatile and comfortable for traveling with kids. Not to mention the cargo capacity for luggage/strollers/etc. A Toyota Highlander or the alike is a reasonable choice- not extravagant or superfluous.
I personally have always driven big vehicles so it's simply more natural for me to gravitate toward full-size trucks and SUV's but I realize they are not the right size for everyone. However with so many choices in today's market, any family should be able to find a vehicle that ticks all the boxes.
I was very clear in that OP's wants may be different than ours (and that is great), but I agree with others that deciding they need a larger vehicle based on the car seat issue is odd when a different car seat would solve the issue. If they want a larger car, get the larger car.
Re: Please suggest my next car
Another advantage of SUV/crossovers in the RAV4/CR-V/Forrester/Outback size range is safety. Driver death rates are statistically significantly lower than for sub compacts generally, check IIHS site (driver death rate stats, not IIHS collision test results which are designed to simulate a collision with another vehicle *the same size*).Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:53 pmSounds penny wise and pound foolish. I'd rather use disposable income to make my life easier and more comfortable...going anywhere for a week in a subcompact sounds like punishment to me.stoptothink wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:43 pmI've done all of these things and FAR more, with 2 kids in a subcompact. We go on week+ long camping trips in a subcompact. Really depends on how much of a hassle the extra cost reduces; for us, a larger car does not make $20k difference in our lives. It may to OP.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:04 pmThis. The stroller takes most of the trunk, i actually wanted to get a nicer more comfy stroller but was afraid it won't fit in the trunk at all!Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 3:25 pmQuite a bit of reason actually.unstartable wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 12:35 pm Midsize sedan. There is zero reason to buy a suv/cuv for one kid.
Ever tried to fit a big stroller in a midsize sedan? Doesn't work too well.
That does not apply as much for really big SUV's v midsize ones, though it still tends generally to go down with increased size. A number of luxury SUV (and sedan) models have had literally zero driver deaths in the window of IIHS death rate stats, but that's partly smaller numbers (the statistical confidence band is wider) and probably the fact that luxury brand drivers tend to be exposed to or themselves create less risk (older, better off, suburban rather typically more dangerous rural roads and so forth). A recent thread though examined the hard to explain clear advantage of Outback even over RAV4 and CR-V in the driver death rate stats. 2017 stats, Outback had 3 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years, confidence interval 0-6; Corolla 54, confidence interval 27-81. I'm not going to try to explain that away as entirely due to things that don't apply to me though it's not 100% provable outside an impractical large scale scientific experiment of same exact real world driving situations by the exact same drivers. If I couldn't afford a new substantial size vehicle I'd go used, no subcompacts for us.
But using the word 'foolish', even in the context of a generally innocuous old saying, can get people's backs up.
Re: Please suggest my next car
Baffles the mind. Guy says he wants a new car at $35k and people recommend luxury brands that start in the $40s and run up from there.dukeblue219 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 08, 2021 10:38 pm This is the same site where people argue over who sets their thermostat lowest and everyone's throwing out luxury SUVs for someone with a $35k budget and a 1 year old?
Don't buy a brand new luxury SUV. You're going to have bodily fluids, dirt, and cereal all over it within a month anyway.
I want to reiterate the "go a bit cheaper on the car" mantra here. If you definitely want a new, that's your choice - but it is really hard seeing kids destroy your property. I do advise some sort of leather/imitation seat.
Not sure if you need 3 seats or planning on more kids, but I have always liked the Honda Pilot and it ranks high in Consumer Reports. If brand new is an absolute requirement, you'd have to check out the trim levels.
Re: Please suggest my next car
To be fair, some suggestions of eg. Lexus RX were a used one, and OP did say new was 'preferable' not required. A young family messing up a $35k car seems to me similar whether the car is new or used. I agree there's no clear reason to suggest to a person in this situation raise their budget (and without stepping down in room or going all stripped down I agree it could be a challenged to stay in the 40's out the door, new luxury brand). Not that there's anything inherently wrong with suggesting somebody spend more (or less) on cars, they can just ignore it if they don't agree. But in particular case of young family I think safe (above all, to me) new moderate price vehicle is the sweet spot. And based on my knowledge now I'd say Outback as several others have (I bought my then single daughter a CR-V a few years ago in a close call v. Forester, right around $30k out the door at that time).sureshoe wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 11:40 amBaffles the mind. Guy says he wants a new car at $35k and people recommend luxury brands that start in the $40s and run up from there.dukeblue219 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 08, 2021 10:38 pm This is the same site where people argue over who sets their thermostat lowest and everyone's throwing out luxury SUVs for someone with a $35k budget and a 1 year old?
Don't buy a brand new luxury SUV. You're going to have bodily fluids, dirt, and cereal all over it within a month anyway.
I want to reiterate the "go a bit cheaper on the car" mantra here. If you definitely want a new, that's your choice - but it is really hard seeing kids destroy your property. I do advise some sort of leather/imitation seat.
Not sure if you need 3 seats or planning on more kids, but I have always liked the Honda Pilot and it ranks high in Consumer Reports. If brand new is an absolute requirement, you'd have to check out the trim levels.
Re: Please suggest my next car
Jus because you didn’t hear of the deaths didn’t mean they didn’t happen. Here is a link to the data for the US since the 70s. And another for safety stats related to child safety seat and restraint usage. Clearly there were more fatalities back in the “glory days”, which have been lessened with safety measures such as seatbelts, car seats, and advanced car features.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 12:12 amBefore the “baby car seat” era, especially those seats with layers of added security that make them so bulky, and before cars can go from 0 to 100 mph in 5 seconds, back when the fastest car couldn’t do more than 50 mph as top speed, any car size has been more than enough for a family of 5. I grew up in a poor country and was crumbed with punch of at least other 12 kids in a 4 seat sedan which was the car that gets us to and from the school. Never heard about kids dying in horrible car accidents back thenH-Town wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 11:29 pmNo it’s not penny wise and pound foolish. And no, it’s not a punishment to go on a road-trip in a subcompact car. You may like paying 50k-80k for big luxury SUV. Others like to use that money on other things that they find value in. I grew up in a country that we didn’t even have cars, much less big SUV. Everyone did just fine then.Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:53 pmSounds penny wise and pound foolish. I'd rather use disposable income to make my life easier and more comfortable...going anywhere for a week in a subcompact sounds like punishment to me.stoptothink wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:43 pmI've done all of these things and FAR more, with 2 kids in a subcompact. We go on week+ long camping trips in a subcompact. Really depends on how much of a hassle the extra cost reduces; for us, a larger car does not make $20k difference in our lives. It may to OP.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:04 pm
This. The stroller takes most of the trunk, i actually wanted to get a nicer more comfy stroller but was afraid it won't fit in the trunk at all!
https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-st ... l/children
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafet ... sheet.html
Re: Please suggest my next car
People unrealistically tend to assume new cares are "better/safer" than older cars.JackoC wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 11:53 amTo be fair, some suggestions of eg. Lexus RX were a used one, and OP did say new was 'preferable' not required. A young family messing up a $35k car seems to me similar whether the car is new or used. I agree there's no clear reason to suggest to a person in this situation raise their budget (and without stepping down in room or going all stripped down I agree it could be a challenged to stay in the 40's out the door, new luxury brand). Not that there's anything inherently wrong with suggesting somebody spend more (or less) on cars, they can just ignore it if they don't agree. But in particular case of young family I think safe (above all, to me) new moderate price vehicle is the sweet spot. And based on my knowledge now I'd say Outback as several others have (I bought my then single daughter a CR-V a few years ago in a close call v. Forester, right around $30k out the door at that time).sureshoe wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 11:40 amBaffles the mind. Guy says he wants a new car at $35k and people recommend luxury brands that start in the $40s and run up from there.dukeblue219 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 08, 2021 10:38 pm This is the same site where people argue over who sets their thermostat lowest and everyone's throwing out luxury SUVs for someone with a $35k budget and a 1 year old?
Don't buy a brand new luxury SUV. You're going to have bodily fluids, dirt, and cereal all over it within a month anyway.
I want to reiterate the "go a bit cheaper on the car" mantra here. If you definitely want a new, that's your choice - but it is really hard seeing kids destroy your property. I do advise some sort of leather/imitation seat.
Not sure if you need 3 seats or planning on more kids, but I have always liked the Honda Pilot and it ranks high in Consumer Reports. If brand new is an absolute requirement, you'd have to check out the trim levels.
I'm probably a little snipey because you can literally look at almost any thread and there will be someone suggesting a complete left field suggestion.
"Hey, I want to learn how to swim, any suggestions on where to get lessons." Typical response: "OMG so lame, you should ride a bike!"
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- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2020 12:57 am
Re: Please suggest my next car
As far as I can tell, the car with the lowest measured death rate according to IIHS is the VW Golf, with a rate of 0.JackoC wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 11:26 amAnother advantage of SUV/crossovers in the RAV4/CR-V/Forrester/Outback size range is safety. Driver death rates are statistically significantly lower than for sub compacts generally, check IIHS site (driver death rate stats, not IIHS collision test results which are designed to simulate a collision with another vehicle *the same size*).Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:53 pmSounds penny wise and pound foolish. I'd rather use disposable income to make my life easier and more comfortable...going anywhere for a week in a subcompact sounds like punishment to me.stoptothink wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:43 pmI've done all of these things and FAR more, with 2 kids in a subcompact. We go on week+ long camping trips in a subcompact. Really depends on how much of a hassle the extra cost reduces; for us, a larger car does not make $20k difference in our lives. It may to OP.BogleMelon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:04 pmThis. The stroller takes most of the trunk, i actually wanted to get a nicer more comfy stroller but was afraid it won't fit in the trunk at all!Workaholic wrote: ↑Tue Nov 09, 2021 3:25 pm
Quite a bit of reason actually.
Ever tried to fit a big stroller in a midsize sedan? Doesn't work too well.
That does not apply as much for really big SUV's v midsize ones, though it still tends generally to go down with increased size. A number of luxury SUV (and sedan) models have had literally zero driver deaths in the window of IIHS death rate stats, but that's partly smaller numbers (the statistical confidence band is wider) and probably the fact that luxury brand drivers tend to be exposed to or themselves create less risk (older, better off, suburban rather typically more dangerous rural roads and so forth). A recent thread though examined the hard to explain clear advantage of Outback even over RAV4 and CR-V in the driver death rate stats. 2017 stats, Outback had 3 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years, confidence interval 0-6; Corolla 54, confidence interval 27-81. I'm not going to try to explain that away as entirely due to things that don't apply to me though it's not 100% provable outside an impractical large scale scientific experiment of same exact real world driving situations by the exact same drivers. If I couldn't afford a new substantial size vehicle I'd go used, no subcompacts for us.
But using the word 'foolish', even in the context of a generally innocuous old saying, can get people's backs up.