Auto advice for large families

Re: Auto advice for large families

We have a Volvo V70 with a third row seat. It seats 7 and is a wagon instead of a minivan. We love it!

How do you feel about accessing the third row? I haven't tried that one -- just looked at pictures and thought it looked like a similar arrangement to 3rd row SUVs.

It is quite easy. The girls love to sit back there (they are 11 and 6). We open the back to let them in and out. They can, of course, let themselves out, however we prefer to help.

We have a rooftop carrier to use when we are traveling distance.

I used to drive a minivan. I much prefer this!

I hope this helps!
Miranda

Re: Auto advice for large families

So...my question is, what is a great car for a family of 6? I've been thinking about the suburban with 2nd row captain seats like Sally recommended. But it's so...BIG. Any suggestions? I used to think that I would die before I got a minivan , but it's actually looking like a better option in terms of ease of use. Is there such a thing as an SUV with easily accessible 3rd row seats, say with sliding doors?

*sigh*

We have a Volvo V70 with a third row seat. It seats 7 and is a wagon instead of a minivan. We love it!

Miranda

This is what we decided on. We were able to trade in the Landcruiser for a nice used Volvo V70. We don't have the third row back seat -- our kids don't weigh enough yet -- but I think we will give it a try in the future.

It's a great car and I love it!

Miranda -- I was getting the models mixed up and I thought the V70 was the new SUV type and was wondering how you got the kids in through the back. That should have made me take notice! I need to pay more attention.

We have a suburban ('99) with 3 bench seats. Seats 9. I love it!!! The middle bench is 60/40 so you can fold down one seat which makes getting into the back easier. It also slides forward very easily too. And the kids never mind climbing over...they think that's great fun when I let them. We let our oldest kiddos sit in the very front middle sometimes. No airbag for the middle. Anyway, I love driving it. Before we started this crazy med school adventure we had a brand new Ford Windstar (2000)...I like our Suburban much better.