Commuter cars

[rachelandtyke]

We are coming to the point where we will need to replace both our vehicles. DH just needs a commuter car, but we are thinking we'd like one that could fit our whole family if needed. I suspect that DS would be able to 5 step in whatever we get (otherwise he'd be in a low back for just a bit longer) and DD2 could be in either high back (what she usually rides in) or a low back. DD1 is short adult height. DH is tall, and I am average. Any suggestions on what we should look for used?

 

[SafeDad]

We are coming to the point where we will need to replace both our vehicles. DH just needs a commuter car, but we are thinking we'd like one that could fit our whole family if needed. I suspect that DS would be able to 5 step in whatever we get (otherwise he'd be in a low back for just a bit longer) and DD2 could be in either high back (what she usually rides in) or a low back. DD1 is short adult height. DH is tall, and I am average. Any suggestions on what we should look for used?

These are still good choices: https://carseatblog.com/48133/2019-2020-update-safest-affordable-used-cars-and-economy-new-cars/

 

[rachelandtyke]

I knew to look at Car Seat Blog for carseats, but didn't realize cars were there, too!

 

[rachelandtyke]

And I didn't even think about the fact that DD1 will be driving in the next few years!

 

[SafeDad]

Yeah, we splurged on a new model Honda Insight last year for DS to learn to drive. If it's in the budget, a '19 or '20 LX or DX model are discounted and have top scores in all crash tests and the necessary safety features standard. It's a really nice car, the only drawback so far is it's really low to get in and out.

 

[sirrahn]

We really like our Toyota iA. They keep changing the name of it - it was a Scion, then Toyota, and now they've added Yaris to the name. I don't really know what's up with that, and just to add to it, it's really a rebadged Mazda 2 which isn't sold in the US.

It's a great little commuter car though. Fun to drive, decently roomy (we've had 3 friendly teens in the back seat a couple of times), and easily gets 40+mpg. It has good safety features and crash tests. The stock headlights were horrible, but that was a pretty easy at home bulb replacement.

I initially drove it when we were trying to decide what to replace our old Sienna with, and then when we bought the CX-9, DH took it on his 40+ mi commute, and now it's our 17yr old's car. We like it so much that DH then got a CX-3 which is almost identical interior-wise. We joke that Toyota ended up selling us 2 Mazdas! GL finding something!