Question Car to buy: 3 kids+safety+fuel efficiency

Unregistered · Feb 7, 2009

We currently have an '05 Subaru Forester and an '05 Prius. DH commutes 60 miles RT daily and I commute 100 miles RT 3 times a week. Our current crop of kids are almost-12 and almost-3, but we're expecting another in September. Neither car will acommodate 2 car seats and my tall older girl, so we'll need to replace one, probably my beloved Forester. Obviously, we'd like to get something as fuel-efficient as possible.

I've avoided the minivan for years, but is that really my only option?

The toddler has a Britax Boulevard (I think-the cow print one) and we just bought a Cosco Scenera to keep in the other card. The Boulevard does make this more complicated, since it's such a big seat-I guess I could switch to 2 radians. Anyone been able to seat 3 across with 2 radians in either car I already own?

Thanks so much in advance for your help!

NannyMom · Feb 7, 2009

I've had a Chevy Impala a few times as a rental car. Had to put 3 carseats in it each time. I even did it with 2 carseats, and a booster, and the child could still buckle. I

it! If I were going to buy a car (as opposed to van or SUV), that's what I'd buy. It has a nice big back seat. The seat is also really flat...no hump in the middle or curve up on the ends. It has 3 individual sets of LATCH anchors. So, you could really use LATCH in any/all positions. My boss said he heard it was really good on safety ratings too.

Did I mention I

the Impala?

Last time (last week) I had a Nautilus, Parkway, and RF Scenera in there. THe Nautilus had to be all the way over to the side, but it worked. And I could even use LATCH for the Scenera.

BW1426 · Feb 7, 2009

I'd look at the Civic if you want a sedan.

Pixels · Feb 8, 2009

Check out the 3-across thread. It has many many entries, and you should be able to get a good idea of which vehicles will fit your requirements the best.

Defrost · Feb 8, 2009

You could also consider the Mazda 5, but be aware that the 3rd row is a PITA. Your 12yo won't be able to ride back there, nor any child in a booster unless you get a Monterey or Start, due to the messed-up shoulder belt design.

You should, however, be able to fit your 3yo back there, and the 2nd row is great. They get the best mpg of any "van" (technically it's considered a crossover) but you also won't have any cargo space.

I agree you'd probably be happier with something like an Impala, but I've been happy with my 5 except for the seat belt issue, so I thought I'd mention it.

mommyto4kiddos · Feb 8, 2009

2 radians would be way cheaper than a different car. Worth a try at least.

Question Car to buy: 3 kids+safety+fuel efficiency

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