Which is safer?

Kellyr2

New member
I've started early thinking about what I might get in a couple years. Which would be safer - a conversion van or a big SUV like a Suburban? And since a conversion van is all custom built, can they come LATCH equipped? I haven't seen anything about that on any of the sites. And I'd want to buy used, not new, so I'm wondering how likely it is that they'd be already equipped. Anyone know anything about it? I was thinking back to when my parents had one - I think I could have fit 3 regents in the 3rd row. 2 regents and another slimmer seat at the very least. Seems like they'd be a dream for fitting carseats!
 
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flipper68

Senior Community Member
But my family's conversion van didn't even have SEAT BELTS on the rear bench (early 80's)!

You'd have to ask the conversion people if their seats & benches come with LATCH/top tethers.

If you're looking at used, anything after '02 will have at least 2 LATCH anchors - although some trucks/SUV's are exempt. . .

You don't mention the number of passengers or why you're interested in the bigger vehicles. If it were me, I'd certainly spend some time looking at the Honda/Toyota minivans because of their safety and maintanence records.
 

Kellyr2

New member
Well, we have a minivan already and with 3 kids, we barely fit. With a regent in the 3rd row, there's only room for one other seat back there. We do plan to have one more. Now of course, we CAN fit 6 in our van just fine. But figure in that we travel around 8 hours a few times a year. We went this past weekend and getting all of us and all the luggage was a pain. And when we have family come visit, I like to be able to fit in one vehicle (typically it's just my mom, or just MIL and FIL, and for NOW we do all fit even when they come but it's tight). I just like having spare seating positions. Our Chrysler Voyager is just getting a bit cramped. Of the minivans, I like The Ody and Sienna best. If I go the minivan route, it will definitely be one of those two, and probably a 2 yr old one. But my estimate is that it will be late 2008/early 09 before we're ready to buy again. This one will be paid off this spring, and then dh wants to save up and pay cash for something for himself, and then we'll be ready to replace the van.
 

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