Need affordable car that fits three across

[indie]

I need some car ideas. I am looking for a reliable used vehicle in the $12,000 or less range (preferably $10,000 or less) that can fit three car seats. We currently have two Radians and a Clek Oobr booster. I would prefer to be able to put the booster in the middle (the younger kids fight too much) and use LATCH with it (but have noticed most of the cars we've tried don't offer center LATCH.

I'm not unwilling to get an SUV or van, but I prefer a sedan for price and gas mileage. Ok, also so I don't look like a soccer mom, LOL. I just didn't like the van I used to have.

Our current vehicle is a 2001 Chevy Malibu and the seats fit with room to spare, but we've tried a bunch of newer cars (including a newer Malibu) and they won't fit. The closest we got was a Sebring which I think I could do if all else failed but there was literally no room to spare and no way I could use LATCH for the booster. Technically they fit in a Chevy Caliber too but there was zero visibility out the windows.

If necessary, I could get a new skinnier booster but I was really hoping the Clek would fit.

So...What inexpensive fairly recent low mileage cars can fit three across? Are they making seats skinnier in the back than they used to? It sure seems like it after what we went through at the dealership today.

 

[Judi]

I read the title, ans came in to tell you I have a 2002 malibu and it works great, but I see you know that. Of course, there is only a lap belt in the center. Have you looked at the new body style of the malibu?

 

[indie]

I read the title, ans came in to tell you I have a 2002 malibu and it works great, but I see you know that. Of course, there is only a lap belt in the center. Have you looked at the new body style of the malibu?

We tried the Malibu with the hatchback. Its possible that a newer Malibu with a trunk would still be bigger in the back.

 

[MANDY1234]

:scratcheshead: I have a 05 Malibu Maxx and I can fit pretty much anything including boosters in as the 3rd seat w/ my 2 RNs... Even without the RNs I have gotten some pretty interesting combos in there lol That back seat is pretty big, I think you'd have to get a pretty big sedan it get a bigger back seat...I will say I hate using a booster in the middle!! Its a PITA to buckle!

The best day of my life was when we bought our van though I'll never go back to attemting a 3 across after getting all this extra room!!

 

[indie]

Are your Radians forward facing? I have one rear facing now but wanted to make sure they'd fit forward for when they turn around and the door wouldn't shut. My booster may be wider. I don't know. I wish the Malibu Maxx would work. I love that the seat folds down for hauling stuff.

I am thinking about borrowing a skinnier booster and looking at the Sebring again.

 

[MANDY1234]

I've had 2 FF and 1 FF and 1 RF...it's ruff but you scoot them all the way to the edges. They get a good install with either LATCH or seatbelt. I think the turbo is slimmest...We have one and used that as a booster. Also a EVENFLO chase and a Cosco FF/booster. ALso other harnessed seats both FF and RF though...


Where you at? I'm coming over to play car seats :ROTFLMAO:

Umm the maxx is so fun to drive!! I totally felt like a race car driver lol but I like the sebring also they are pretty!!

 

[indie]

Where you at? I'm coming over to play car seats :ROTFLMAO:

Not very close to Ohio.

 

[MANDY1234]

I'll still come I hate my job this week and ned to hide from my kids...