The Search Begins... ~ Sage and Savvy

January 10, 2011

The Search Begins...

by Gem

for a new vehicle with a third row to accommodate 3 car seats.

This will be the biggest purchase we'll have to make as we get ready for baby #3 to arrive.

Some of our options include the Toyota Sequoia, Mazda CX9, and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (notice no minivans were listed).

All of the above had really good ratings in various factors (safety, reliability, etc.), but I think ultimately the biggest factor in our final decision will be how much we can afford (which isn't much to begin with).

DH really wanted a Sequoia. One of our friends has one and loves it, but another friend told me how two of her neighbors had one and ended up trading them in because of how much it cost gas-wise, it was hard to park, etc.

I know several people who have "regular" Toyota Highlanders and love it, but I don't know anyone who has a Hybrid.

And I also don't know anyone who has a Mazda CX9.

Do you have any of the vehicles mentioned? If so, what do you like/don't like about it?

Or do you have another vehicle with a 3rd row?

We really need to make a decision quickly because before you know it, baby will be here!

12:00 AM Posted in: personal
Gem is a Hawaii Mom Blogger who posts reviews and giveaways, and blogs about life in Hawaii as a mom of 3 boys, including one with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. She loves to travel, bake, and eat anything with chocolate.

6 comments:

Stefani @ MommyEnterprises.com said...: I have a family of 6, so I have to have a vehicle to fit all of us. I was lucky to find a Chevy Tahoe (which seats 7). This means our family can go somewhere + a friend!; January 10, 2011 at 6:19 AM
Nikki said...: I have a Honda Pilot and I love it! I see that it's not mentioned on your list, but it does have a 3rd row and seats 8. (Yes, 3 little bodies in the way back.) I've yet to try a car seat in the back row, so I can't speak to the convenience or lack of, but I love my car. We compared these models the summer of 2009 and at that time the Pilot had some of the largest dimensions in seating space in 2nd and 3rd row seats. I find it very easy to drive and park, but I have always been more comfortable driving larger, higher-up cars. Good luck with the car search :); January 10, 2011 at 6:29 AM
blueviolet said...: We've never had a big one like that. We just had two kids so we were able to keep it relatively small. I hope you find the perfect thing!; January 10, 2011 at 9:50 AM
MAC Mom said...: We have a Suburban our's seats 9. and we love it. We have 4 kids though. Two are still in carseats. We got it when baby #3 arrived and now with baby #4 we still have room to accomodate the two car seats. The trunkroom is the best for large strollers like a double. Definately recommend when car shopping test out how easily the stroller goes in and out and allows for room for groceries etc. That is what sold me. Gas mileage is not the greatest for an SUV but my husbands commute is less that 2 miles each way. My neighbor has the Nissan Pathfinder and it has a foldable 3rd row. She has three kids too one in a car seat. It's comofortable inside too.; January 10, 2011 at 11:22 AM
nicole / Twitter: BTHM1 said...: we've been looking at new suvs too- like those you listed first, then also the buick enclave and nissan pathfinder. Gas mileage just isnt great with the larger suvs...; January 10, 2011 at 3:17 PM
nanigurl said...: I'm not in the market for a car with third row seating, but I can tell you that you can never go wrong with a Toyota!

Between the Sequoia and Highlander I'd opt for the Highlander. Gas mileage is probably better and it's easier to maneuver.

Don't forget to get a rear-view camera installed.

Good luck and happy shopping!; January 12, 2011 at 2:53 PM

January 10, 2011