safest used car for 6?

[lava]

I was in a wreck last week and I think my minivan is totaled. Can't say for sure yet but pretty sure. Of course, I also need to replace my carseats.

But I don't know what vehicle I'll be putting them into. I'd love to go down to a sedan but don't know if there is one that seats 6? If not then I guess I'm in a minivan or SUV that seats 7-8.

My dd's airbag didn't deploy in the front. So I'm thinking of putting her back but not sure. Even though she's only 70 pounds, at 13 she probably won't get back in a booster seat Which is sort of irrelevant.

So assume I have 3 radians or nautilus' or whatever is similarly narrow and want to put them in the back seat or third row. And need to be able to 6 total.

What I want/need in a car (in on particular order):

Something other than a minivan would be nice but if I have to I'll get another minivan (also cars are usually cheaper).
(Is there anything that seats 6 in a car?)

Price, available used in the $3000-$6000 (SE US) range. I may not have that much to spend and can't really get a loan.

Safety. Reliability. Decent gas mileage. A reasonable amount of space.

Fold-flat third row?
Does anything besides a relatively new minivan (newer than I can afford) have a fold-flat second or third row?
I was thinking if I have to stay with a minivan, if I can find one with a fold-flat third row that the 3 carseats will fit across second row it would be nice; does that even exist?
If it doesn't, something with a split fold-flat third row would be nice maybe?

Am I looking for an impossible car?
Thanks!

 

[carseatcoach]

Three Nautiluses will be very hard to fit three-across. Three Radians are doable in most vehicles, especially if at least one is rear-facing. That means you'll have three people up front in a car, though, and that's not so great. I think you're better off looking at vans.

 

[jjordan]

I think you're probably looking at a minivan. Crossovers and SUV's are usually more expensive, and sedans typically hold only 5 people. A Mazda 5 might be an option, although I don't know what years would be in your price range or what their safety ratings look like.

In your price range you might be able to get a Kia Sedona (2006 or more recent), which was an IIHS top safety pick for, I think, 2006-2010.

 

[Mags462]

In your price range you might be able to get a Kia Sedona (2006 or more recent), which was an IIHS top safety pick for, I think, 2006-2010.

That's what i was thinking..... the sedans i know that seat 3 across in the front (eg have a bench) are mercury's with huge v8 engines that "elderly" people drive Which GUZZLE the gas.... i would definitely look at a 2006 or newer Kia.

Glad everyone is OK after the crash!

 

[Phineasmama]

I'd look for a Mazda 5 on Craigslist or cars.com, maybe a little bit older model year would be In your budget. I don't recall them being very expensive and I was looking for newer/low mileage.

 

[Phineasmama]

Oh yeah and a lot of the big sedans have a lap only belt in the middle front :/

 

[lava]

So, a Kia 2006 or later? Curious, what changes were made that make 2006 the "break point"? I looked on the local listings and in used there's a big jump in availability (from like 7 2005s to 2 2006s) and price (from $4500 or so for a 2005 to $8000+ for a 2006).
Thanks!

 

[agave]

Hundai took over 2006+ improved safety and reliability. I have a been driving a 2006 for a year. My only reliability issue is with the headlights burning out.

Oh and it has 4 top teathers

 

[QuassEE]

I'd probably get an MPV if I was in that price range.

-N.

 

[scariestone]

You could look for a ford freestyle. They have good safety ratings and seat either or 7 depending on the configuration of the seats. I don't normally recommend them because the factory that makes the transmissions is now closed so if your transmission goes out you have to find a used one. I'm almost certain you would be able to find one in your price range though.