Need bigger SUV - opinions?

[kalamos23]

We currently have a '99 Tahoe - and I LOVE it! However, we will be filling up all the seats once baby comes, so we need more room. DH will NOT buy a minivan (do they even have 4x4 in them?). Kids' stats - DD (4yo) - 43.5", 46 lbs, DS (16mo) - 33.5", 24 lbs.

Here are the things we need/want in an SUV.
* 6+ seating
* 4x4
* Seats we have - 2 SKJP Radians, 1 Frontier85
* 5-7k to spend, we buy outright

I am looking at the Suburbans and Yukons, I think those would be the best fit, but I am willing to consider other options. I know I cannot get a Radian RFing in my MIL's 99 Burb captain's chairs, so I would want a bench seat second row, right? We would mainly need more seats when family visits or when the kids have someone over, so a 3 across a second row bench would work.

What years are better than others? Anything I should be looking for? I need a new seat for the baby too, we have a Teutonia T-Tario, so that will work for a bit. DD was 33 lbs at a year, DD was 22, so I have no idea if this baby will be heavy or thin, but both kids are tall.

Opinions? Options?

 

[kalamos23]

Bueller?

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[crunchierthanthou]

It doesn't sound like you have a lot of options with that list and budget. Probably either a Suburban/Yukon, or an Expedition. Maybe a Durango? I know the Radian has install issues in the 3rd row of the late 90s Suburbans as well. I remember mom25boys (I think that's her sn) posting some 3 across solutions for the 3rd row of the Expedition.

I don't know enough about those vehicles to specify MYs.

 

[An Aurora]

You are pretty limited by your budget, and I'd you've already picked the Burb and Yukon, I don't know what else to tell you The Radian should work just fine with an Angle adjuster.

 

[kalamos23]

The budget is flexible, as we have almost a year to save, so if I need to adjust that up, it is fine. Prob won't go over 10 to 12k though. I am open to other suvs that car seats install well into, I just have no idea what is out there that works well. Ideally I would get an Ody SUV

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[tmahanes]

We have an 03 Sequoia. It seats 8. Drives great and installing seats has been easy so far.

 

[hkllgg]

We love our Ford Flex 7 pass. Tons of head room in the back, with plenty of storage in the back.

 

[An Aurora]

I'm pretty sure that if she could get a Flex for $6-12k she would be all over that...sadly they are $20k+ out of the OP's price range

 

[emntheboys]

You should be able to find an older/higher mileage Pilot in that price range. Seats 8 and has top tethers, lap/shoulder belts, and head rests in all rear positions. I looked at at Suburbans/Expeditions when we were car shopping but they were just too huge. I hated parking them & felt like I would back into stuff all the time. The Pilot is a great size.