cars that can seat up to 4 kids under 12 years old?

U

Unregistered

Guest
I am driving a 12 year old Camry. It is perfectly fine for me. It is well maintain and I am very comfortable driving it. I live in Southern California and it is garaged so it hasn't taken much body wear and tear and is very well maintained and has less than 60,000 miles. For myself, I have never wanted anything any bigger, but lately I have been frustrated that I can't cart more kids around. I have 2 of my own ages 6 and 8, currently in Marathon and Turbobooster, but we are taking friends around more often and only have a lapbelt in middle seating position. I did pickup a Laptop when they were still available (fortunately!) that I use for that purpose, but it is a tight fit to get 3 across and more parents of my kids' acquaintance are letting their 8+ yr old kids these days ride without a booster (tho given that its a lap belt only I do insist on having one of my kids use the Laptop in the middle seat and will put the bigger kids outboard with or without a booster depending on their height and weight). But even with 3 across, that only adds 1 space for a friend. It may be time for me to cave in and get something bigger that can seat 4 kids or more but I really don't want to compromise on mileage or even get that much larger a car. Safety is also important but in general, I don't much like SUVs and would only reluctantly consider a Minivan. Are there are any other options? Station wagons with a third row or sedans that seat 4 across in the second row? What am I missing? One thing I don't want to do is start putting kids in front row as we have at least 4 year to go until I have kids' friends who are 12 to drive around. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
 
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bensmom

Admin - CPS Technician
Thought I'd bump this ... I'm not so up on my cars. Definitely need something with a third row though. There aren't any sedans with 4 across.
 

skaterbabs

Well-known member
yep, definately something with a 3rd row. I have a '93 Suburban and I leave the 40-split part of the second row folded for 3rd row access and can fit 2 kids on the 60-split of the 2nd row, and two boosters in the 3rd row.
 

skipspin

New member
The only thing other than a mini-van or SUV with a third row that comes to mind is the Mazda5. Have you seen it? It seats six in a 2/2/2 config. There isn't a lot of room in the back if you are using the third row seats, but since they would only be for "sometimes" use it might be perfect for you. All the positions have lap/shoulderbelts and there is LATCH in the center row, and tethers in all backseat positions.

If I wanted a car, that's what I would get for sure! They came out in 06, so you would have to get one new or not more than a year old, but I think they started at around $12000, so not that expensive.
 

JaRylan

New member
I want one! I love all the storage spots in the seats (how do people actually like thhose?). I really have no reason to get a 6 passenger vehicle for myself and my 4 year old and I really do love my Malibu.

Jacqui
 

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
I was thinking of the Mazda 5 as well. It sounds perfect for you. A little fun car with seating for six safely.

Wendy
 

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