chaoticoctopus
Member
Ok, I've been searching and finding it difficult to come up with the info I need online. I'm too lazy to get on the phone and make a dozen calls to dealers (plus have to listen to a dozen sales pitches along with any info I might receive ).
We are considering ditching our '03 Astro. It's going downhill steadily since my accident last summer (minor stuff, but still...), the seating just isn't safe enough in the back-- two center lap belts that do NOT offer a good install on either carseat we own, in either RF or FF position. We're starting to feel like it's time to cut our losses and ride off into the sunset in a new, safety-conscious vehicle. Well, *I'm* doing the safety research, hubby is doing the pricing, features, etc. shopping...
MY search parameters include (but not limited to):
8 seats
Preferably minivan, SUV only if necessary or a FANTASTIC deal
High overall safety ratings
Good gas mileage; diesel ok
</> $25,000 range
center rear seat(s) have lap-shoulder belts of some sort, in at least ONE center seat
Radian installs acceptably (any position- we'll work around it)
I like the Ody, BUT what about the 8th seat (Plus One)? I know it should be good to install a carseat (although probably NOT the Radian), but does it have a lap/shoulder belt or lap-only? Does anyone who has this seat think it's actually safe enough/comfortable enough for full-time use? Do *you* use it for a belted passenger or a carseat?
Since the Grand Caravans started up with their Stow & Go seating, I haven't been able to find any options for seating 8. We had a GC years ago and loved it, so I will be a bit sad to find out this isn't an option for us now.
What about the Kia Sedona or Hyundai Entourage? Both websites mention 7-seat options only.
Toyota Sienna? Some models seat 8, but I think it's another "optional" seat like the Ody's.
Town & Country perhaps? I can't find any options for 8 seats there either, although the site mentions 2nd/3rd row bench seating...
Anyone here have one of those Saturn Outlooks? It's an SUV, but seems smaller than the Explorer/Expeditions at least. It can be configured to seat 8.
Other options I haven't considered yet? Dh was looking at those enormous Dodge Sprinters, thinking they looked pretty cool, but we saw them IRL the other day and OMG they are enormous. Plus, NO safety rating info, and little info about carseat compatability available.
There are always full-sized conversion vans, but wow, that's a lot of $$. If I make it through my Pharmacy Tech class (starts tonight ), I might be employed FT by the end of the year, so we could probably swing a higher payment.
I'm so confused and overwhelmed. I want to get some solid info on the safety/carseat aspect of this possible vehicle purchase to add to Dh's more practical considerations. Personal experience/anecdotes welcome.
We are considering ditching our '03 Astro. It's going downhill steadily since my accident last summer (minor stuff, but still...), the seating just isn't safe enough in the back-- two center lap belts that do NOT offer a good install on either carseat we own, in either RF or FF position. We're starting to feel like it's time to cut our losses and ride off into the sunset in a new, safety-conscious vehicle. Well, *I'm* doing the safety research, hubby is doing the pricing, features, etc. shopping...
MY search parameters include (but not limited to):
8 seats
Preferably minivan, SUV only if necessary or a FANTASTIC deal
High overall safety ratings
Good gas mileage; diesel ok
</> $25,000 range
center rear seat(s) have lap-shoulder belts of some sort, in at least ONE center seat
Radian installs acceptably (any position- we'll work around it)
I like the Ody, BUT what about the 8th seat (Plus One)? I know it should be good to install a carseat (although probably NOT the Radian), but does it have a lap/shoulder belt or lap-only? Does anyone who has this seat think it's actually safe enough/comfortable enough for full-time use? Do *you* use it for a belted passenger or a carseat?
Since the Grand Caravans started up with their Stow & Go seating, I haven't been able to find any options for seating 8. We had a GC years ago and loved it, so I will be a bit sad to find out this isn't an option for us now.
What about the Kia Sedona or Hyundai Entourage? Both websites mention 7-seat options only.
Toyota Sienna? Some models seat 8, but I think it's another "optional" seat like the Ody's.
Town & Country perhaps? I can't find any options for 8 seats there either, although the site mentions 2nd/3rd row bench seating...
Anyone here have one of those Saturn Outlooks? It's an SUV, but seems smaller than the Explorer/Expeditions at least. It can be configured to seat 8.
Other options I haven't considered yet? Dh was looking at those enormous Dodge Sprinters, thinking they looked pretty cool, but we saw them IRL the other day and OMG they are enormous. Plus, NO safety rating info, and little info about carseat compatability available.
There are always full-sized conversion vans, but wow, that's a lot of $$. If I make it through my Pharmacy Tech class (starts tonight ), I might be employed FT by the end of the year, so we could probably swing a higher payment.
I'm so confused and overwhelmed. I want to get some solid info on the safety/carseat aspect of this possible vehicle purchase to add to Dh's more practical considerations. Personal experience/anecdotes welcome.