Dragonflymama
New member
Looking for: (1) good safety features (including side-curtain airbags) (2) reasonable fuel efficiency and lower emissions (3) seating for 6-7 (4) good handling and tight turning radius. I currently commute 18 miles each way to the office, 5-6 days a week (90% freeway). DD commutes with me (onsite childcare). Currently drive a Ford Escape and have been generally happy with it except: (1) my '02 model does not have side curtain air bags (2) 6 cyl fuel economy is not great and (3) only seats 5 (uncomfortably 3 in rear due to DDs carseat). We are a family of 4 but often have nephews or carpool kids along and need at least one family vehicle that seats more than 5.
I was seriously considering a Ford Freestyle until they discontinued it and I am having trouble finding one to buy that has the center-row two bucket seat configuration. Wondering if I want to buy a car in its last model year (concerned about parts availability and service issues). Do you think this is a valid concern?
We have rented various full-sized minivans and I don’t really like driving them (I'm used to the handling, visibility and parking ease of a smaller vehicle/wheel-base).
I do not like a full-sized truck frame due to stiff handling and my perception of higher center of gravity and roll-over risk (but a unibody type small-truck platform like the Escape drives more like a car and I am ok with that).
I'd like to stay under $30K. Also, prefer UAW-assembled but not a deal breaker (grandparents were Polish immigrants who made their life here as lifelong UAW workers).
EDITTED TO ADD: This will be the vehicle that 15.5 yo DSS will be learning to drive when he gets his permit (too soon) and completes the drivers ed course) so any additional considerations there would be welcome. Also, this will be our family's primary transport vehicle as our other vehicle is a p/u truck DH drives for work.
So, any suggestions that meet my needs and preferences?
So, any suggestions that meet my needs and preferences?
I was seriously considering a Ford Freestyle until they discontinued it and I am having trouble finding one to buy that has the center-row two bucket seat configuration. Wondering if I want to buy a car in its last model year (concerned about parts availability and service issues). Do you think this is a valid concern?
We have rented various full-sized minivans and I don’t really like driving them (I'm used to the handling, visibility and parking ease of a smaller vehicle/wheel-base).
I do not like a full-sized truck frame due to stiff handling and my perception of higher center of gravity and roll-over risk (but a unibody type small-truck platform like the Escape drives more like a car and I am ok with that).
I'd like to stay under $30K. Also, prefer UAW-assembled but not a deal breaker (grandparents were Polish immigrants who made their life here as lifelong UAW workers).
EDITTED TO ADD: This will be the vehicle that 15.5 yo DSS will be learning to drive when he gets his permit (too soon) and completes the drivers ed course) so any additional considerations there would be welcome. Also, this will be our family's primary transport vehicle as our other vehicle is a p/u truck DH drives for work.
So, any suggestions that meet my needs and preferences?
So, any suggestions that meet my needs and preferences?
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