Looking for car recs for au pair, 3 across

atx

New member
We have an almost 7 yr old DD in a booster and almost 3 yr old twin boys forward facing in convertibles. They're big boys. We want to buy a good condition used car for an au pair to use, most likely a Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda (in that order of preference). What cars should we be looking at that will fit all three but won't be too big for a European not used to giant American cars?

I'm also taking space of trunk and ease of buckling into account. My husband just sold his MB coupe for a Ford Edge and he says it's so much easier to get the monsters in and out of the car since he doesn't have to hunch over anymore now that he's in an SUV.

Also taking recs on car seat options. We have Diono's in my husband's car currently so we could probably move those seats into the au pair's car.
 
ADS

SafeDad

CPSDarren - Admin
Staff member
2013 Honda Accord would be a safe used car choice.

https://carseatblog.com/42592/2017-update-safest-affordable-used-cars-for-families-and-teens/

You might be able to use a wider range of harnessed combination booster seats for your twins, perhaps even something like a Graco Tranzitions or Harmony Defender that are a little narrower than average, then have room for a narrower backless booster in the middle for DD. A Safety 1st Incognito would be a nice choice if she is 60 lbs and should make buckling for her easier as it is narrower at the back.

http://amzn.to/2xiXixm

http://fave.co/2f6RMHr
 

atx

New member
2013 Honda Accord would be a safe used car choice.

https://carseatblog.com/42592/2017-update-safest-affordable-used-cars-for-families-and-teens/

You might be able to use a wider range of harnessed combination booster seats for your twins, perhaps even something like a Graco Tranzitions or Harmony Defender that are a little narrower than average, then have room for a narrower backless booster in the middle for DD. A Safety 1st Incognito would be a nice choice if she is 60 lbs and should make buckling for her easier as it is narrower at the back.

http://amzn.to/2xiXixm

http://fave.co/2f6RMHr
I wouldn't have thought an Accord was big enough for 3 across. Is the Safety 1st OK for a 7 yr old? Is it similar to a bubblebum?

What about a Subaru outback or Rav 4 or some other kind of small suv or crossover?
 

SafeDad

CPSDarren - Admin
Staff member
I wouldn't have thought an Accord was big enough for 3 across. Is the Safety 1st OK for a 7 yr old? Is it similar to a bubblebum?

What about a Subaru outback or Rav 4 or some other kind of small suv or crossover?

You can do 3-across in midsize models, like Accord or Outback, but it may require narrower carseats in one or more spots to do it.

Compact vehicles, like RAV4 or CR-V, are usually much more difficult.

If you find an older Volvo S80, that might be your best bet for a safe, affordable used vehicle that has a wider range of 3-across possibilities.
 

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