First car purchase post kids - what features should I be looking for? (1 Viewer)

[Tiger Fan]

Have twins (4yo)...got snipped so no more. I'm looking to purchase a 3 row SUV, but there's really so much information out there, it's hard to know where to start. Here's the pertinent info:

• Current car this will be replacing is an 06 Grand Cherokee
• Wife will predominately be driving this car, to/from school/work,etc.
• She's in biz development, so has a lot of "promo" items she has to lug around on a day-to-day basis
• Understand a minivan will be the most convenient, but we're just not minivan people (no offense)
• Will drive about 1000 miles/month on there (mostly city)
• Needs to be able to fit with another smaller car (Accord) in our 2 car garage (~400 sq ft total)
• When we go on road trips, we put all the movies (purchased through amazon) on kindles for the kids - we don't own any DVDs, nor plan to....but if there's an entertainment package that lets us view Amazon content, that would be great
• We keep cars for a long time, so I plan on using the hell out of it
• Storage when using the third row isn't a huge deal, have a hitch and haul for the rare times we would need that

I'm a big Honda fan, but the Pilot typically doesn't rank well in the 3 row SUVs, presumably b/c of all the "features" I have no experience with. Basically, I'm looking for experiences, opinions, etc. There are no right or wrong posts here, just looking to help narrow down what I need to be looking at.

Thx

 

[lumpy19]

We bought a pilot back in november for my wife to drive. We needed the 3rd row and we're happy with the purchase. Wife is not comfortable driving large cars but was comfortable driving a pilot. With the 3rd row folded down plenty of room for cargo but if you need to have the 3rd up for people there's no cargo space. That's really my biggest complaint. Vehicle has been awesome in this brutal winter(probably not a concern for you).

 

[Jaysus]

Honda fan, huh? Get an Odyssey

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

We just bought a Pilot last month even though I saw the same rankings you did. My wife seems to really like it (she's the primary driver of the car), I've driven it occasionally and it felt like a good drive. I'm like the furthest thing from a car expert though, so maybe others are more particular. You can get a really good deal on 2015 Pilots because Honda is redesigning it for next year's model. Look at Truecar, they're selling for something like $8000 below MSRP. I'm not sure if the rankings really take that into account.

 

[swirvenirvin]

Already went over this. Explorer with captain for 2nd row

 

[Tiger Fan]

We bought a pilot back in november for my wife to drive. We needed the 3rd row and we're happy with the purchase. Wife is not comfortable driving large cars but was comfortable driving a pilot. With the 3rd row folded down plenty of room for cargo but if you need to have the 3rd up for people there's no cargo space. That's really my biggest complaint. Vehicle has been awesome in this brutal winter(probably not a concern for you).

Yeah, the storage with 3rd row isn't that big of a deal for us, since we only have 2 kids. For the rare times where we would need it, we have a hitch and haul

 

[Tiger Fan]

Already went over this. Explorer with captain for 2nd row

Have a link handy?

 

[MCguidance]

Tahoe?

 

[Dentist]

All my research on this matter has led me back to the Durango time and time again if it fits in your garage.

 

[stbugs]

We bought a pilot back in november for my wife to drive. We needed the 3rd row and we're happy with the purchase. Wife is not comfortable driving large cars but was comfortable driving a pilot. With the 3rd row folded down plenty of room for cargo but if you need to have the 3rd up for people there's no cargo space. That's really my biggest complaint. Vehicle has been awesome in this brutal winter(probably not a concern for you).

We have a Highlander (2012, the new style, but not the 2015 new new style) and love it. Does your 3rd row seat split? We have 3 boys and while all 3 can fit in the middle row, they are more comfortable with one of them in the back and then we take out the middle seat in the middle row and put the cup holder/console in the middle so it is an easy pass through. The middle seat folds and stows under the console between the front seats. With the 3rd row split, we fold down one side and it gives you a lot more room for cargo. I do agree that there really isn't much cargo room at all with the 3rd row up. We put the middle seat back in and both 3rd rows up when we have other kids with us. We can easily fit 7 total in the Highlander.

So far, it has been a great car and I would highly recommend it. I like driving it more than my previous Explorer and the gas mileage is 20ish around town and 25ish on the highway and I don't drive slow on the highway, so I could probably do better.

 

[stbugs]

Already went over this. Explorer with captain for 2nd row

I like my Highlander better than my past two Explorers and my current MKX, which is very similar. I liked the Explorers a lot, never had any issues, just like the driving in the Highlander better. It has a nice option for the middle row where you can take out the (smaller) middle seat and make it a walking pass through. My oldest usually sits in the back when it is all 5 of us, but we usually put the cup holder thing in the middle because he can step over it and it is a better drink holder for my other sons.

 

[swirvenirvin]

Already went over this. Explorer with captain for 2nd row

Have a link handy?

Didn't really go over it, think I mentioned it in the FFWAT on Acadia vs Explorer.

Happy with our purchase 2015 explorer xlt

options we got were

4*4

2nd row captain,

leather

liftgate power thingy

trailer tow package

Wife likes it, kids like it (3 and 4) that they can sit in the 3rd row.

 

[Frostillicus]

Wife also drives a pilot and loves it.

 

[Tiger Fan]

All my research on this matter has led me back to the Durango time and time again if it fits in your garage.

which package?

 

[Cold Dead Hands]

All my research on this matter has led me back to the Durango time and time again if it fits in your garage.

which package?

Dump bed.

 

[Nugget]

Huge fan of the Ford Flex. Have had 3 as sales cars and my wife traded out of here 2011 Explorer into a 14 Flex.

 

[randall146]

Make sure it has ejector seats

 

[Polish Hammer]

If you only have 2 kids why do you need a 3rd row? We have two boys and an old Pilot (2005) and the only time the third row ever comes up is if she is hauling around another family with her and the boys. Plenty of storage with that 3rd row down. We just passed 100k on the odometer and haven't had any real issues. Just drove it last night in an ice storm and no problems.

 

[Dentist]

All my research on this matter has led me back to the Durango time and time again if it fits in your garage.

which package?

SXT or Limited both seem nice

 

[Random]

We just purchased an Odyssey. After really pushing for an SUV I realized for hauling kids for the next 15 years there is nothing better than a mini van. The sliding doors take the cake (among many many other kid friendly features).

 

[Dentist]

All my research on this matter has led me back to the Durango time and time again if it fits in your garage.

which package?

Dump bed.

It was an implication that he would get this package: http://endlesspicdump.com/original/toilet%20car%20seat.jpg

 

[Tiger Fan]

If you only have 2 kids why do you need a 3rd row? We have two boys and an old Pilot (2005) and the only time the third row ever comes up is if she is hauling around another family with her and the boys. Plenty of storage with that 3rd row down. We just passed 100k on the odometer and haven't had any real issues. Just drove it last night in an ice storm and no problems.

Basically hauling around friends and family. This will become a bigger issue in the coming years as the kids have more activities and the need for carpooling/kid shuffling exists.

 

[Tiger Fan]

All my research on this matter has led me back to the Durango time and time again if it fits in your garage.

which package?

SXT or Limited both seem nice

gotcha...so you didnt' purchase yet?

 

[Tiger Fan]

We just purchased an Odyssey. After really pushing for an SUV I realized for hauling kids for the next 15 years there is nothing better than a mini van. The sliding doors take the cake (among many many other kid friendly features).

yeah, for convenience factor I won't argue with you...but neither myself or my wife are "minivan" types of people. No offense

 

[eoMMan]

If space is an issue in the garage, look at Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4, and the Hyundai Tuscon. Drive all before making a decision.

 

[Brony]

I would dot this, but I don't think that does any good. Thinking about Traverse, Santa Fe or Highlander.

 

[Random]

We just purchased an Odyssey. After really pushing for an SUV I realized for hauling kids for the next 15 years there is nothing better than a mini van. The sliding doors take the cake (among many many other kid friendly features).

yeah, for convenience factor I won't argue with you...but neither myself or my wife are "minivan" types of people. No offense

Completely agree. The "uncool factor" was pretty much the only downside the mini van had.

BTW - we have a used CRV for sale if you are local.

 

[Dentist]

All my research on this matter has led me back to the Durango time and time again if it fits in your garage.

which package?

SXT or Limited both seem nice

gotcha...so you didnt' purchase yet?

correct, can only speak from research and test drives (even used one as a rental car for a week to really give it a true whirl when i thought my '04 vehicle was about to reach its end)

but I couldn't bring myself to purchase.. cars are a really hard purchase for me to make because they depreciate so rapidly and both new and used cars are so damn expensive to me.. not just to purchase, but then to insure, pay taxes for, maintain, and fuel.

So until my '04 really absolutely dies, I'm sticking with it.

 

[Tiger Fan]

All my research on this matter has led me back to the Durango time and time again if it fits in your garage.

which package?

SXT or Limited both seem nice

gotcha...so you didnt' purchase yet?

correct, can only speak from research and test drives (even used one as a rental car for a week to really give it a true whirl when i thought my '04 vehicle was about to reach its end)

but I couldn't bring myself to purchase.. cars are a really hard purchase for me to make because they depreciate so rapidly and both new and used cars are so damn expensive to me.. not just to purchase, but then to insure, pay taxes for, maintain, and fuel.

So until my '04 really absolutely dies, I'm sticking with it.

understand. In a perfect world, I'd just drive it until the car dies and then buy a new car, but frankly the wife has been very patient with me delaying this as much as possible. I know we're going to "need" a 3 row vehicle in the next year or so. My current car has 84k miles on it and has a big maintenance visit coming at 90k miles...it's only worth about $6k, so I don't want to spend $1k on a car worth $6k when I know I'll be trading it in within the yearish. Just trying to optimize the time when I trade in/buy new car.

 

[Quez]

Minivan

 

[Bull Dozier]

Minivan

If the kids are 4 yo already, 90% of the benefits of getting a minivan are gone. Once the kids are able to buckle themselves (they may already be at 4, I don't remember), the sliding doors aren't a huge bonus.

TF, as far as needing the third row seats for future car pooling needs, let me just offer this advice, if you have the third row to carpool, you'll be sucked into carpooling. If you just have two rows, one extra seat, there's only so much you can help out with. That's not advice for getting a third row.

 

[dino259]

If you only have 2 kids why do you need a 3rd row? We have two boys and an old Pilot (2005) and the only time the third row ever comes up is if she is hauling around another family with her and the boys. Plenty of storage with that 3rd row down. We just passed 100k on the odometer and haven't had any real issues. Just drove it last night in an ice storm and no problems.

Basically hauling around friends and family. This will become a bigger issue in the coming years as the kids have more activities and the need for carpooling/kid shuffling exists.

Yeah, even fitting a fifth person between the car seats doesn't really work.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Minivan

If the kids are 4 yo already, 90% of the benefits of getting a minivan are gone. Once the kids are able to buckle themselves (they may already be at 4, I don't remember), the sliding doors aren't a huge bonus.

TF, as far as needing the third row seats for future car pooling needs, let me just offer this advice, if you have the third row to carpool, you'll be sucked into carpooling. If you just have two rows, one extra seat, there's only so much you can help out with. That's not advice for getting a third row.

Ha....good point on the bolded, but we've got a big community of friends around us with similar aged kids...we'll all be drawing off of each other, so while I completely hear what you're saying...we'll be "using" the other families as well.

 

[trogg78]

Im in a similar situation. We have an Odyssey now that looks like the crew of Jackass got a hold of it.. Need a second car a little smaller for a new driver that can really take a beating.

 

[(HULK)]

Honda fan, huh? Get an Odyssey

I will echo this. My wife and I hate minivans, but couldn't get by without the Odyssey.

 

[eoMMan]

Minivans could be cool if you own it. It's not like you're 22 years old and out trolling for trim.

 

[AcerFC]

We just purchased an Odyssey. After really pushing for an SUV I realized for hauling kids for the next 15 years there is nothing better than a mini van. The sliding doors take the cake (among many many other kid friendly features).

yeah, for convenience factor I won't argue with you...but neither myself or my wife are "minivan" types of people. No offense

No one is a minivan type of person. Get over it.

Ask any person who had one if they actually wanted one. Then ask them if they are sorry they got it.

 

[AcerFC]

For the people who are saying Pilot, how is the backseat. Roomy or cramped?

I have a minivan but my Forester is at 141,000 miles and while it runs great, it may be time to start looking

My kids are now 7 and 5. The Forster is a little cramped in the back and Im looking for more room for them. And my wife didnt love the room she had in the front either. How is the Pilots passenger side?

 

[lumpy19]

For the people who are saying Pilot, how is the backseat. Roomy or cramped?

I have a minivan but my Forester is at 141,000 miles and while it runs great, it may be time to start looking

My kids are now 7 and 5. The Forster is a little cramped in the back and Im looking for more room for them. And my wife didnt love the room she had in the front either. How is the Pilots passenger side?

Passenger side is fine, I'm 6' and fit comfortably. 2nd row is fine for adults as well, 3rd row I'd say kids only, it's tough to get in and its definitely not as roomy as 2nd row.

 

[AcerFC]

For the people who are saying Pilot, how is the backseat. Roomy or cramped?

I have a minivan but my Forester is at 141,000 miles and while it runs great, it may be time to start looking

My kids are now 7 and 5. The Forster is a little cramped in the back and Im looking for more room for them. And my wife didnt love the room she had in the front either. How is the Pilots passenger side?

Passenger side is fine, I'm 6' and fit comfortably. 2nd row is fine for adults as well, 3rd row I'd say kids only, it's tough to get in and its definitely not as roomy as 2nd row.

Last one because I went to their web site and it looks like a really nice car

If I am using the thrid row, is there any trunk space at all

My son plays hockey. Can I drive him and a few friends to a game with all their stuff (and hockey bags are really big)

Thanks

 

[Ned Ryerson]

A separate soundproof dome for the kids. With restraints and muzzles. And when I gun the motor I want people to think the world is coming to an end!

I'm ruined!!!

 

[Tiger Fan]

We just purchased an Odyssey. After really pushing for an SUV I realized for hauling kids for the next 15 years there is nothing better than a mini van. The sliding doors take the cake (among many many other kid friendly features).

yeah, for convenience factor I won't argue with you...but neither myself or my wife are "minivan" types of people. No offense

No one is a minivan type of person. Get over it.

Ask any person who had one if they actually wanted one. Then ask them if they are sorry they got it.

I'm sure cargo pants and fanny packs are convenient and utilitarian, but it doesn't mean I'm going to wear them

 

[Tiger Fan]

For the people who are saying Pilot, how is the backseat. Roomy or cramped?

I have a minivan but my Forester is at 141,000 miles and while it runs great, it may be time to start looking

My kids are now 7 and 5. The Forster is a little cramped in the back and Im looking for more room for them. And my wife didnt love the room she had in the front either. How is the Pilots passenger side?

Passenger side is fine, I'm 6' and fit comfortably. 2nd row is fine for adults as well, 3rd row I'd say kids only, it's tough to get in and its definitely not as roomy as 2nd row.

I've sat in the 3rd row and it's fine. As long as you're not talking about a long road trip.

 

[Tiger Fan]

FWIW, the 2016 pilot looks like a nice upgrade over the 2015

 

[lumpy19]

FWIW, the 2016 pilot looks like a nice upgrade over the 2015

 

[lumpy19]

For the people who are saying Pilot, how is the backseat. Roomy or cramped?

I have a minivan but my Forester is at 141,000 miles and while it runs great, it may be time to start looking

My kids are now 7 and 5. The Forster is a little cramped in the back and Im looking for more room for them. And my wife didnt love the room she had in the front either. How is the Pilots passenger side?

Passenger side is fine, I'm 6' and fit comfortably. 2nd row is fine for adults as well, 3rd row I'd say kids only, it's tough to get in and its definitely not as roomy as 2nd row.

Last one because I went to their web site and it looks like a really nice car

If I am using the thrid row, is there any trunk space at all

My son plays hockey. Can I drive him and a few friends to a game with all their stuff (and hockey bags are really big)

Thanks

Not a chance in hell you'll have people in the 3rd row and have room for hockey bags

 

[Bull Dozier]

We just purchased an Odyssey. After really pushing for an SUV I realized for hauling kids for the next 15 years there is nothing better than a mini van. The sliding doors take the cake (among many many other kid friendly features).

yeah, for convenience factor I won't argue with you...but neither myself or my wife are "minivan" types of people. No offense

No one is a minivan type of person. Get over it.

Ask any person who had one if they actually wanted one. Then ask them if they are sorry they got it.

We got our first minivan when my step daughter was 4 and my son was an infant. My three kids are now 17, 13 and 11, so I've had them for a long time. If the youngest child is 4, the argument of minivan over SUV isn't so obvious anymore. The minivan insistors needs to get over it.

 

[Tiger Fan]

FWIW, the 2016 pilot looks like a nice upgrade over the 2015

No price listed yet, but I'm sure it's a healthy bump...should make you feel a little better

 

[Random]

We just purchased an Odyssey. After really pushing for an SUV I realized for hauling kids for the next 15 years there is nothing better than a mini van. The sliding doors take the cake (among many many other kid friendly features).

yeah, for convenience factor I won't argue with you...but neither myself or my wife are "minivan" types of people. No offense

No one is a minivan type of person. Get over it.

Ask any person who had one if they actually wanted one. Then ask them if they are sorry they got it.

We got our first minivan when my step daughter was 4 and my son was an infant. My three kids are now 17, 13 and 11, so I've had them for a long time. If the youngest child is 4, the argument of minivan over SUV isn't so obvious anymore. The minivan insistors needs to get over it.

Why? The Odyssey is still roomier, gets better gas mileage, and is easier to get in and out of. I would think at 4 its just as nice to have as any other kids age. We plan on having ours till the kids are driving themselves.

And Get off my lawn!

 

[lumpy19]

FWIW, the 2016 pilot looks like a nice upgrade over the 2015

No price listed yet, but I'm sure it's a healthy bump...should make you feel a little better

Actually just looked at pics, it's hideous, I'm good