So I did searches on all these and have gleaned some useful info, but I wanted to ask for help for our specific situation.
DS1 is 6.5 and rides harnessed in a GN. I would be fine with him riding in a booster, either the GN in booster mode or in a Turbo (he's currently harnessed b/c he can't fasten himself in a booster due to our floppy Focus seat belt stalks). DS2 is 3 and rides RF in an XT (old, not SL). I would like to keep him RF until age 4, which would be next June. If DS1 moves to the Turbo, then we'd probably put DS 2 in the GN when he turns 4, so I don't know that installing the XT FF will ever be an issue.
We need to be able to drive a 3rd adult around once in a while, usually my mil, who is short-ish. I am thinking we will have decent back seat space with the Turbo and XT. The boys currently both ride outboard, so they can't touch each other, but one could certainly be put in the center when my mil rides with us if need be. We have not yet driven anyone else's kid around, but I suppose it would be handy to be able to put 3 carseats in (one harnessed, 2 boosters, most likely). I know we could do that in the Mazda5, but could we in any other car?
What issues do we need to consider? We are looking at 2010s, except for the Sportage (2011). I have read about the RAV4 back seat seatbelts, but it sounds like that might not be an issue for a 2010. Is that right? It seems that everyone here the Mazda5, which is very appealing.
We have ruled out many, many other cars, so please only suggest another car if you REALLY think it is a great option for us. We want to spend $21,000 or less and will not settle for a city MPG below 20 (these are all 21 or better). We are only looking at cars with pretty good (my phrasing) or very good safety ratings.
TIA!!
DS1 is 6.5 and rides harnessed in a GN. I would be fine with him riding in a booster, either the GN in booster mode or in a Turbo (he's currently harnessed b/c he can't fasten himself in a booster due to our floppy Focus seat belt stalks). DS2 is 3 and rides RF in an XT (old, not SL). I would like to keep him RF until age 4, which would be next June. If DS1 moves to the Turbo, then we'd probably put DS 2 in the GN when he turns 4, so I don't know that installing the XT FF will ever be an issue.
We need to be able to drive a 3rd adult around once in a while, usually my mil, who is short-ish. I am thinking we will have decent back seat space with the Turbo and XT. The boys currently both ride outboard, so they can't touch each other, but one could certainly be put in the center when my mil rides with us if need be. We have not yet driven anyone else's kid around, but I suppose it would be handy to be able to put 3 carseats in (one harnessed, 2 boosters, most likely). I know we could do that in the Mazda5, but could we in any other car?
What issues do we need to consider? We are looking at 2010s, except for the Sportage (2011). I have read about the RAV4 back seat seatbelts, but it sounds like that might not be an issue for a 2010. Is that right? It seems that everyone here the Mazda5, which is very appealing.
We have ruled out many, many other cars, so please only suggest another car if you REALLY think it is a great option for us. We want to spend $21,000 or less and will not settle for a city MPG below 20 (these are all 21 or better). We are only looking at cars with pretty good (my phrasing) or very good safety ratings.
TIA!!