Wife and I decided we need a bigger car due to kid's activities and friend portage.

That said, 3 rows of seats is mandatory.  We're 5 on our own, it'd be nice to seat 7 or 8.

Prefer something reasonably used.

Right now we've been looking at <gasp> mini vans.  not sure I'm sold on one.


Any suggestions?

Must be looking at that minivan through bi-focals.....   

A common thing to say to a married man is that he is now dead.  Driving a mini-van is what happens after you have lived, died and gone to hell.

But at least some of them have push buttons to open the doors and tail lid.  That is really helpful when you are worn out from beating children.

At least if you buy a mini-van there will be a reason the young hotties ignore you, besides being old.

Even this:

Is still a minivan.

Quote from: Privateer on April 10, 2014, 05:06:25 PM

Any suggestions?

Don't buy a mini van.

Suburban?

Choose wisely and preserve your manhood. 
I had a Toyota Avensis for a couple of years. It was emasculating..

Dodge Journey or similar?  Not quite a mini van but similar seating capacity.  Used Benz GLK series?

JM

You might be able to find some cross-overs or similar cars with a third row seat. Not sure if it's better than a minivan, but a Volvo XC60 does sit 7.

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/7-up-20-family-friendly-vehicles-that-seat-seven

Good luck, I hate car shopping. MOST of the dealers are heartless shits that think we are dumb  and will just sign up for anything. My wife and I just finished a three plus year search for the right vehicle. We bought a 2013 VW Touareg just last week at a great price but sadly it only seats 5.

I recommend you look at the Ford Flex it does alot of good stuff but isn't a minivan.

If you're not the type to negotiate, but still want a better price, try www.truecar.com. You will always get the better price if you negotiate hard yourself, but this gets you a decent start.

Quote from: yamifixer on April 11, 2014, 09:13:10 AM

I recommend you look at the Ford Flex it does alot of good stuff but isn't a minivan.

Especially the 3.5L EcoBoost version. That engine rocks. 

Denali, Yukon, Suburban, Expedition (two sisters with anklebiters and very active lifestyles both had these vehicles in their garages at one point or another for the same reasons you give).


Duccarlos is right about TrueCar.

I'm in the industry and have sent a number of people who were shopping for pre-owned to TrueCar.  A few ended up buying new because of the better deal they got through this site.   Can still buy pre-owned through them as well with "qualifying" (participating) dealers.

Good luck!

Quote from: Stella on April 11, 2014, 11:01:34 AM
Duccarlos is right...

Don't hear this very often.

Quote from: duccarlos on April 11, 2014, 11:16:30 AM
Don't hear this very often.

    Take it and run!

 

I picked up a '12 Travers.   fits 8 but with 2 car seats, I I'd rather have the 7 seater with 2 middle captains seats.  easier to get to 3rd row.   I like it.  I'd rather rather have rather have the rather have the new dodge, but waiting on the 8 speed.