Need help with car purchase-what type?

[frannn]

DH, myself, DD14, DD10, DD1 are all having a hard time squishing into my '96 Toyota Corolla, and DH's 95 Chevy Monte Carlo. We could fit, but it is tight with two and a baby seat in the back. We are not quite ready to make the purchase, but are researching. I am the one who will drive the new car, and am uncomfortable with the thought of driving a minivan or SUV. I am intimidated by larger vehicles and a nervous driver to begin with. DH is thinking into the future, "just in case" there is another baby, etc. We're not sure whether we will increase our family or not. He is thinking Chevy Venture size, I am willing to go up to a Toyota Rav 4. Is there somewhere in the middle? A car that has a roomy inside that is still a car and not a truck or a van? Or even a small truck that drives like a car and is not a gas guzzler. Am I the only one scared of these vehicles? We don't have $ to burn either...

 

[goofy4tink]

The smaller suv's aren't going to be big enough for your group! I have now had 4 minivans. I lease them. And it's just myself, dh, and dd and a golden ret. We are also looking into a new car this fall. It looks like it will be either an Escape or a Liberty. But, we don't need a lot of room. Try the minivans. They really aren't that big to drive. You can actually see what's going on in front of you. And you'll have room if you have any 'additions' down the road. The Honda Oydssy is a good choice. I've had good luck with Windstars. Good luck in your search. Go test drive some!!!

 

[EdiePA]

I've driven minivans for the last 8 years and now that my family is smaller, I can't even think about going back to a car.

Why?

The minivan sits up higher -- great when driving distances and in traffic. Right now I have a Ford Windstar, which is built on a car chassis (the Taurus), so it handles more like a car, rather than a truck. We originally had a Ford Aerostar that drove like a truck -- I wasn't that crazy about it, especially in bad weather.

My sons had their own seats -- really cut down on the squabbles and enough space to spread out.

I'll be looking at a Toyota Highlander for my next car purchase, but that won't be for awhile

Edie

 

[skuttle]

I drive a 99 corolla and DH had a 98 Rav4 for about 3 years. The Rav was smaller than my corolla. There is less leg room in the back seat than in my corolla. I wouldn't get a Rav.

 

[hercamore]

All I can say is our minivan is the best purchase we have every made car-wise.

Love the height and it's actually easier to drive/park than our Lumina which is exactly like your monte carlo.

The Lumina ia a pain to parraellel park because I can't see where the sidewalk is very well with those small mirrors.

The Honda Oddessey (sp) minivan is smaller and gets lots of raves for safety.

We have a GMC Safari.

herc.

 

[Disneymoon04]

Anything Honda gets my vote. The Accords are quite roomy and I bet if you testdrive the Pilot you'd love it! It's really not that big.

 

[Harambe]

Last summer we bought a Taurus wagon (Ford)! I love it! It has a little seat in the back that fits kids, and the middle seat fits three comfortably.

We now have to take Grampa around with us so we needed something that would fit both kids and three adults. I absolutely love it! I am also one who could not bring myself to buy a minivan - just not me!

 

[CamColt]

We have 98 and 03 Honda CRVs. They definitely arent as big as a minivan, but they will seat 5 nicely. I find them very easy to drive, they manuver great, and I really like being up a little higher than in a car.

 

[laceemouse]

Don't your older kids ever want to take friends along? We have 4 kids and just traded in our '97 Plymouth Voyager. I loved it, very easy to drive, park, etc. We wanted more room to take family and friends along so we just bought a 9 passenger Suburban! I love it! It drives great and has plenty of room for lots of people and stuff. I can't believe your older kids would want to squeeze into the back seat of any car. Go for at least a van or bigger!You may be surprised at how easy the vans and SUVs drive, they are all pretty smoothe and not "truck like" anymore like they used to be. Plus, we drive on vacations and love the entertainment systems they all have now. Our van played tapes, our Burb plays tapes AND DVDs!!!

 

[Lynn CC]

Volvo makes a great SUV, it will last!
I love my Volvo