Mazda MPV LX Minivan or other suitable SUV advice NEEDED!

[dtkkrlf]

we have our 3rd child due in 5 weeks and I can't get the car seats to fit in my current vehicle.

I'm desperately trying to convince my husband that we need a larger vehicle but for obvious reason, budgets are TIGHT. I can probably swing the payments of a vehicle around the $6K to $7K price (preferebly less).

I would need something that could fit 2 Graco Nautilus (FF) and an Graco Snugride w/base or 2 TrueFits (FF) and the Graco Snugride base. After we're done with the Snugride (usually around 6-8M), we'll need to fit the two Nautilus (FF) or TrueFits (FF) with a Graco ComfortSport (RF).

I NEVER thought I'd be in the market for a minivan but I'm thinking that's the only thing that is both affordable, gas efficient, and big enough. PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong!

I found a 2001 Mazda MPV LX and a 2001 Suzuki XL-7 Plus. I didn't look at these vehicles yet, but the salesman said it was the latch and the tethers in the 2nd row but not the 3rd row. I don't have tethers in my current vehicle either but if I remember correctly, the Nautilus are built so the tether isn't needed (right?). So that should be ok.

Please help, we don't have much time to shop and I need time to convince my husband of a vehicle that will last us awhile!

THANKS!!! Any advice is appreciated dearly!

[LuvBug03]

what vehicle do you have right now?

here is a thread to the Successful Three Across thread
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=33226

you wouldn't have to do a minivan, it is totally possible to get 3 across in a car or SUV.
What kind of gas mileage are you wanting?

[Morganthe]

You didn't state your current vehicle or the size/ages of 2 children you currently have. If you're in really a bind & time/money is very short, perhaps it would make it easier if you purchased two new seats instead of rusing a newer vehicle in a hasty decision?

-- Radians are the narrowest. I believe they would definitely fit better than True fits next to the snug ride. If your children are fairly small, they will last quite a while.

Just a thought. Disregard if it doesn't help you :)

[agurlsride]

The Mazda MPV most definitely wont work for you with 3 across in the third row with the seats you have. I am on my second MPV, I had a 2002 and I just got a 2005. The third row is SOOO small. In my first MPV I was able to squeeze my Wizard/MA in the middle seat with an SR/C on one side on the narrowest setting and my step son who was 8 at the time (and big) with no seat, on the other side. It was a TIGHT fit. I had a hard time buckling my son's booster.
You might want to try and find a Dodge Durango, you can get those pretty cheap, around 6-7K for a 1999-2003, they are very roomy and could work well for you.

[Jonah Baby]

I can't help much...

My aunt has 4 children, all in carseats, ranging from HBB to RFing something or other (all higher-end seats). They bought an MPV for her and loved it so much that they bought another for her husband. For 4 children it works amazing, so 3 would do it as well.
I noticed, however, that her 3rd row, with 2 boosters in it, does NOT have room left for a 3rd seat or even a small person. Literally no room. (I think she has a harnessed Evenflo booster and a HB Graco belt positioner there.)
It would work for you if you do not plan to have child #5...ever...or if you never plan on having someone share the 3rd row with 2 carseats.
From what I know about them, they ARE good vehicles. I have never heard any maintenance complaints (my man is a mechanic) from mechanics, owners, or my aunt. I believe they get roughly 24/30 on gas. Plus...the 2nd row windows ROLL DOWN! Totally cool.

I think it depends on:
A. Do you really NEED a new car for reasons other than 3 across problems?
Maybe it could wait until money is a bit better? I know new seats are also very money-consuming, but a van will be more so long run.
B. Do you need to worry about the useless middle seat in the 3rd row?

3 across is tricky sometimes. Check the thread on here and see if any of our techs live nearby!

[jujumum]

I agree that telling us what type of vehicle & seats you have now, and the ages/sizes of the children, would help us to help you. Perhaps you could fit 3 across with a couple of radians in your current car.:)

I have 4 children and 2 MPVs (2000 & 2003). Yes, the 2001 has lower anchors & tether in the center 2 captains chairs. The third row has no lower anchors or tethers. We love our MPV & I would recommend it over a Suzuki. My 2000 averages 18 mpg.

I don't think that the 3rd row could fit 3 across, but it can fit 2 seats and with the 2 captains chairs, the car can comfortably fit a family with up to 4 kids in seats.

Of the seats you mentioned, I am not a tech, but have installed several in the MPV. You should have no trouble getting the snugride to fit in one of the captains chairs. We got solid ff installs with a TF in the captains chairs & 3rd row - super solid even without the top tether. We got a super solid install on the TF rf in the captains chairs. The Nautilus installed great in the captain's chairs with top tether, but I thought the top of the seat was a little shifty from side to side in the 3rd row without the top tether (it had no movement at the belt path, so it was properly installed, I'm just picky).

Let us know the info on your current car & child stats, and we can help you make the best choice for your buck.:)