Vehicle Recommendations

Open Arms

New member
I am researching vehicles as we need a bigger one. We will need seating for seven with four of those seats being for rear facing toddler/infants. We are looking at fairly inexpensive used vehicles just to keep us going for the next year or two until we can afford something nicer; however, we do not want to compromise on safety. I currently own 2 True fits, a Britax Roundabout, and a Graco Snug Ride Infant Seat. Does anyone have suggestions on what year/types of vehicles I should be looking at to best accomodate carseats and adults safely? I found some deals on a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan and a 2001 Chrysler Town & Country. Are there any years/vans that I should stay away from? Any information will be helpful. Thank you!!

Kate
 
ADS

Defrost

Moderator - CPSTI Emeritus
You're going to have a tough time fitting 3-across in the 3rd row of either of those vans, though I do believe it's possible with certain seats. Does the 5th child ride in a booster or just the seat belt? That might make it do-able.

Check out the Kia Sedona, later than the '06, with the 60/40 split 3rd row seat. They might be out of your price-range, I'm not sure, but I do know they're quite friendly for 3-across.
 

Open Arms

New member
Thanks for your reply! I hadn't thought about the Sedona--I'll look into that. We have my 90 year old grandmother living with us so in addition to finding a vehicle for 4 RF carseats we need something she can get in and out of. I tried the Town and Country which did not work for carseats or grandma, but we're going to try out a bunch of vehicles this weekend to see what our options are. I am currently looking into a 2000 Odessy and a 2001 Grand Caravan AWD. Does anyone have experience with these vehicles? Thanks!

Kate
 

1stTimeDad

New member
My sister has an 01 odyssey with 178k miles on it and it runs like a dream. She kept it up nicely though even when her DDs were young. Hondas were built to last like that. From what I've heard on this forum most everyone who has one LOVES it. I found a number of Odys for under $5k on cars.com. Good luck.
 

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