OT: Any car or SUV suggestions for 3 kids?

Dear 996 brotherhood (and one GT3 owner who still graces us with his presence), If any of you have had 3 kids and all of them are still car seat age, I need to find a vehicle that can accomodate three car seats. My oldest is 2.5 years old, so he can't be expected to get in a third row and buckle his own seat. I need to fit three abreast for a while. I ideally don't want to go as big as a Suburban or Expedition, but will if I need to. The wife also dreads the thought of a minivan but I told her she may have no choice. My daily driver is an S500, but I don't want to turn that over to her. Long story short, with baby #3 on the way, we need to get rid of her X5 and get a different vehicle - any recommendations based on experience? Thanks Sean

Suck it up. Get the right tool for the job. Minivan. The family isn't going anywhere for a while. They will only get larger, and want to sit farther from their siblings. And want to bring more stuff with them (sports stuff, vacations etc) Minivans are easier for small kids to climb up into and out of on their own (thus saving your back and sanity!) than SUVs. Somehow, after a bit, the 15-20 cupholders don't seem like enough either. Fuel mileage is better, but not by much, than an SUV. Unless you 1) need to tow something big or 2) need a heavy duty 4wd vehicle or 3) are too vain and caught up in the image is everything appeal of an SUV, get the van. I fought it as long as I could but it is the PERFECT tool for a growing family. On the plus side, the "castrated" feeling only lasts a little while

really should check out mini-van. the sliding side door, and power rear door make your life much easier with 3 kids.

You can't really argue w/ the fact that the minivan is the best vehicle out there for young kids. But if you can't use a SUV like an X5, you really have no other choices but to get a minivan. Just get one all pimped out w/ HID's, DVD Player, and Nav.

I completely agree. That's why I've been saying "minivan" to the wife. I am just looking to find out if anyone has been please with an alternative vehicle. Don't stop saying "minivan" if that's your opinion. I can go to the wife with the feedback. Thanks, as always.

what i have: mini van + 996 + another beater.

Lexus GX470 will work, get the dvd rear entertainment for kid flicks.

seinna

tahoe or surbuban/yukon with 2 + 2 + 2 seat config so the kids can easily make it to the third row job done I just bought a new avalanche (no other vehicle for my needs) and the interiors and everything else have had significant upgrades

the mercedes R class......minivan in a very nice package!! and the price is okay around 45K

I tend to agree... I like the look of those and seriously considered one this year. I could never bear to recommend a minivan to anyone... just typing the word means that I'll have to go and wash my hands and keyboard.

Does it rain or snow there? One choice only: Toyota Sienna AWD minivan . No snow or rain, then the Honda Odyssey is an option (2WD only). I was in one of those Mercedes-Benz R-class things the other day, and it wasn't half as nice as the Toyota Sienna. It was twice the money, though. To respond to the R-class fans above: OK, it wasn't really twice the money, but at $66K, it was half again as much money. A $45K R-class would be a stripper, whereas the Toyota includes all the goodies for about $45K, if memory serves. And don't forget those sliding doors - great for parents who have to get the kids and their junk in and out in a hurry. If we had a third kid, that's the way we'd go. Good luck!

I agree with you carpundit, the cost was a little steep for something that's going to be abused - that's why I didn't buy it. I still like the car though.

We got a Sienna AWD. Love it. Wife denied needing it. She wanted to cram the kids into her A4 Audi. While she knows its not stylish it is VERY practical and helpful getting the kids where they need to be. Some reasons for a minivan vs SUV 1) Sliding rear doors - They create much more room and greater ease of entry than hinged doors. Try slinging the smallest crumb gobbler, in their infant seat, into the middle of a large SUV. Climb the running board, balance yourself, then put kid away. Now do it in a tight parking spot (ooh, did you hear the door ding the car next to yours? did you notice you can't get the door open wide enough to get the dang seat in? grrr... . In the rain. And do it 2-3-4 times a day. Also realize the sliding doors won't be opened up into your garage wall, your 911, or the car next to you at the mall! 1b) POWER doors. Same as number one, but you can open the doors ahead of time. Nice when getting 3 kids, groceries, a dog, and stroller, blah blah, into the car. So much easier. Sure, you think, who needs the power? but, once you use it, you wonder why it wasn't thought of sooner. 2) Ride height. Again. Kids can climb out and into a van easier due to its lower floor height. You and your wife can climb in easier to get the kids situated. 3) Guaranteed 3rd row seat convenient to use as a diaper changing station By all means, grab the kids and car seats and hit the dealerships. See what works. Try getting in and out of it more than once. Really "test" drive it how you need it to work. DVD? RoofRack? Cupholders? Carrying your kids AND their friends?

Excursion with Powerstroke diesel.....then you have a tow vehicle + people hauler + compact car crusher.

New X5 - I saw it at the LA Auto Show, it's fantastic.

I heard Porsche is coming out with an SUV. I think they are going to call it the Cayenne or something. Shhhh...it's a seekrit. Seriously, I hate to buck the trend here but if you get a minivan, be sure to hang your ball sack from the rear view mirror. Those are the mose emasculating vehicles ever invented.

Am I the only one who would try to fit 3 car seats in the back of an M5? Look, I don't know if it can be done, but I would certainly be trying like hell to make it work. Sure, you might have to have someone install custom seats, but again, I would certainly look into it. Minivan should be a last resort.

If it were me driving them around, this would be the case. I've driven the new M5 and it's an awesome rocket. if my wife were driving it, we'd have an accident on our hands for sure. We talked about this again tonight and she said "no damn way am I driving a minivan." I said she's never allowed to complain. I think there have been some great points raised in favor of minivans, but what do i know?

I don't know your budget but our G500 will fit 3 across and it is not a Big SUV but I think one of the best. Also Merc new GL is a larger SUV that will fit as well and also comes just like the G wagon with an AMG pack. Just a thought?

Gentlemen, Having experimented with a number of vehicles and two preschool children in car seats, and being a lifelong car guy, I understand the impulse to refer to emasculation when discussing minivans, but you have to keep a couple things in mind: 1. It is nearly impossible to fit three car seats in the rear seat of a standard car, whether it's an A4, an M5, or an E320 Wagon. It just doesn't work . 2. If one's manhood is so fragile that it's endangered by driving a minivan, I doubt one could have fathered three children to begin with. CP

womanhood in this case.

A few ideas: New BMW X5, Volvo XC90 (V8), Acura MDX. All have 3rd row but won't kill your ego. BTW, my wife drives Honda Odyssey but is looking to graduate now that kids are old enough to get in/out on their own. If your oldest can't crawl into back row and buckle-up independently, you need a mini-van.

we have a Sienna AWD too. what he said.

now that you mention it...my daughter looks strikingly like the mailman... Honey? Can I talk to you for a sec?

Having 3 small children myself, I completely agree with Racer's points in favor of the minivan. Nothing beats a minivan for the specified job at hand. All other alternatives, be it sedan, wagon, or SUV, are only make-do choices. Unfortunately, I suppose that'd be your only way to go, given your wife is dead-set against a minivan (not sure why). Surely I had read somewhere about parents doing what's best for the kids. Seriously, just take your family to a dealership and try out a Sienna or Odyssey -- even without driving it. The advantages are more than obvious. Whether it's ingress or egress, the convenience of a minivan with all its features is unbeatable. Think about it, while 3 carseats may "fit" in a sedan, wagon, and SUV, how many siblings want to be crammed together, especially toddlers? This'll only get worse as they grow older. I'm rather perplexed by the emasculating comment about minivan ownership. I may have a minivan and drive it occasionally, but I also have a Porsche. So according to their definition, does that mean my "manhood" turns on/off depending on which vehicle I'm in at the moment? A news flash for those of you feeling emasculated just being seen in a minivan: your Porsche isn't the cure, but so be it as long as you're content with false facades.

teach the new generation about the importance of thinking about energy coservation. Try a Hybrid wagon or mini SUV.

Don't forget the whole point of this thread: Finding an SUV that fits three car seats. Hybrid wagons and mini SUVs can't get that done . BTW, if one cares about gas mileage, one should park one's Porsche.

I have no experience with kids, so my question is one of ignorance. How come if 3 adults can squeeze in the back of a car, why can't the kids? The kids are smaller! Granted, the car seats probably take up more room than an adult, but don't they make a "special" car seat for twin or triplets? If not, maybe I should look into starting up a business producing custom seats...

All input is appreciated - I'm going to show the entire thread to my wife (I'm sure she'll love that). As for masculinity jokes, I don't mind if people bring them on. As mentioned by carpundit, I'll let the three kids speak for my ability and desire to successfully visit the finer female things in life. The irony here is that I am the car freak in the family. Once I could afford more than a used Honda Accord (which was a great car in my early 20s), I have only driven German cars and "masculine" SUVs, and I'm the one who would be pleased with a minivan. I like the G500 and GL recommendations. I think my wife would be happy with either and they might fit the bill.

Bingo. And you have to be able to reach between them easily enough to get the seatbelts fastened, if any of them uses the car's own belts, which is likely unless you had triplets.

Q7...

Chrysler Pacifica SSShhh, don't tell her it's a minivan in SUV crossover clothing. These things are actually very roomy, gas mileage is ok, has car like doors so she's fooled into thinking it's an SUV and optional 3rd row. E-class rear suspension and R-class components for less cash with more room. Andrew

Q7, yes yes. Forgot about that one.

Yeah, I was reading to see if anybody mentioned this one. I had a friend once rent one...found it pretty decent...3 rows with 6 bucket seats. I think there must be a bench seat option. thanks, Amir

They are much improved for '06, as well. So I would make sure to checkout the latest models. I love the Q7 being a diehard audifan (2 avants and a sedan between us) but if you need to carry 3, the added space of a Pacifica is probably your best bet this side of a minivan...unless Econolines are a possibility Andrew

I will agree with some others: the minivan is the BEST choice for your needs. My wife was dead set against a minivan. So, I bought an SUV, she realized what a pain in the butt it was getting the kids in and out, and I sold hit - took a huge hit and now she is on her second minivan. Yeah, she complains about it but knows it is the best for her needs. Anyway, we bought the 996 so she could have a fun car to drive when she's not hauling the kids. IMO, people need to get over there hate of minivans. It hapens to be a great way to haul kids who are spilling their crap all over the place. I could care less what happens to the van. We'll use it until the kids can all climb in on their own and buckle themselves in. Once that happens, a big SUV with a 3rd row is fine. The vans are cheap enough that you can throw it away when you're done ruining it

Carpundit hit the nail on the head. Consumer reports ranks the '06 Toyota Sienna tops in the minivans. Toyota's cost more because they are better than "US built" stuff. They do have an AWD version. Honda would be my next choice too. For both vehicles I would go to Autotrader.com and find an '06 with very low miles. I bought my Tundra doublecab 4x that way this summer. 5k miles on it, 9 months old, equiped the way I wanted, extended CPO waranty, 2 1/2 hours away, mint, mint condition. I saved 10k off of new. My Toyota is 80% built in the US including the engine if that part bothers you.

Another vote for the Mercedes R class, our friends have one and let us borrow it for a weekend. It's really nice and a good compromise to a mini-van.

I have 3 under 3...than means 1 in a carseat and 2 in buckets. We have Honda Minivan, took out the one of the 2nd row captain's chairs and put both buckets in the back bench seat. It is tight but you figure you throw in the 2 strollers and a pack-n-play, then the diaper bags and bottle bag...then you are maxed for space, plus all the other kid toy crap that never seems to leave it. While I am not a mini-van person, I will say...you can cover a lot of ground when it is at speed. We, also, have a Toyota Tundra Double Cab...you can fit 3 across, although there are only two latch attachments behind the crew bench....but the truck's size, 19' 6" long can be big for some parking lots and garages parking spaces. While the height of truck makes it difficult for my wife to load the kids. The truck/van combo is best for vacations due to the volume of supporting stuff that is needed. I would recommend leather as it is easier to wipe up milk, juice, chicken nugget grease and the other fluids that come with and out of children.

We have the Volvo XC90 as the kid carrier. It's competent and comfortable and the 2 extra seats hide in the floor when you're not using them. Of course ours is Diesel and cheap to run. you don't need the V8 for hauling the kids. Can you get diesel in the US?

If your goal is to fit 3 child seat across the 2nd row you can forget any of thoes mid sized SUV including the GL. The GL is no bigger then the ML, but longer with real sized rear seats. The only suggestion for an SUV is to get a true large SUV like a Navigator, Escalade, Range Rover. The old G class is a little wider then the new GL. You can get a minivan, but you'll have to climb in the back to buckle the child in, the same goes for a RL, but the RL space between the seats is very narrow. How about a true full size car like a S or 7 series they have the width foe thoes child seats.

Why not a Cayenne?

You are in tune with what I am thinking. As a matter of fact, I have an S Class and am so in love with the car that I hate the thought of giving it up to my wife...and to see it get trashed by her and the kids. If you climbed into one of my cars and then into hers, you would think we were from two different families. Additional irony is that she treats cars like crap and says "they're just cars", but she wants a nice one and won't agree to a minivan. Ahhh, marriage...

Iin the Volvo, the middle rear seat is already a kid seat. the seat base clips up to make it suitable for vertically challenged or young people. How's that for being politically correct ????

I find it unbelieveable that answers I am seeing when porsche came up with a solution for this problem. They restyled the VW Toureg, gave it a better engine and called it the Cayenne. You can get a really good deal right now on a 1-2 year old Cayenne S certified. I would avoid the base V6 model, it lags the torque for a 5000 lb SUV. We have 2 X5's and an X3 in my company and the Cayenne S is far better than any of them. If fact, my boss recently changed her BMW for Cayenne.

Oh yeah, somehow I over looked some things you will now be toting around: 1) Double (triple) stroller? Its about 4 feet long, 2 feet wide and about 2 feet high even fully collapsed 2) The LARGE boxes of diapers, and wipes, from your favorite "box store" 3) The second stroller for your oldest when he tires of walking and seeing the other 2 kids in a stroller 4) The grandparents when they come to visit (or you visit them ) Again, could you make it work with an SUV, maybe. But why go through the hassle of "trying" to make it work when there are tools designed specifically for your needs. The GL/R/Volvo/Cayenne/X5/X3/Pacifica are wonderful vehicles and some hide their minivan intentions better than others with hinged doors, but in the end, they are all family vehicles. Not sure how tall the wife is, but remember that putting all this stuff in the back of a 4wd SUV will be harder given its higher liftover height. Then you have to crawl up and in the back to get the stuff that all slid forward under "threshold braking" at the Starbucks The Oddyssey is a great van, the Sienna is a great van. The chrylser vans are great too, especially when you consider how inexpensive they are. Not sure about the Nissan van (funky styling), but it was my wife's sisters minivan experience and our "sharing" their van that made it apparent why these damn things work so well. And after all, its not about "you" anymore, its about the kids

And if you have a minivan, you can park it wherever you want. Door dings won't bother u as much.

Haven't looked at all the answers, but all I can say is I'm a minivan convert. Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna (we have Honda). Especially when the Porsche is the other car. If you don't need to two anything, there's no comparison to the utility.

Landrover Discovery 7-seat will hold two in childseats (front or rear facing) in rear easily accessible from side-loading rear hatch, and two more easily in childseats in the back seat (front or rear facing). So if you have quadruplets the Disco is the way to go. We considered a minivan but how are the kids in the back gonna buckle themselves in at that age? With the Landrover you can strap all four in yourself easily (two from rear hatch, and one each from two back side doors). Amazing vehicle.