Car for Family 3 Kids under 6

Jnr202 on 15/07/2016 - 09:20
Last edited 15/07/2016 - 09:42

Hey guys,

So just got the news that we are having twins :) as lovely as that is it now requires us to get a bigger car. Luckily we are in the process of getting the bigger house so that's one problem solved.
Atm we drive a Mazda 3 hatchback. Great car but it's chockers when we travel already with just one child. So does anyone have any recommendations for our needs. Need to fit 2 car seats and a booster and have plenty of boot space. We need to find one under $40k if possible, not worried if it's brand new but want to at least go for a 2014 model. No fussed if it's 5 or 7 seats, unless the 5 seat doesn't fit 3 child seats in a row.

Any help would be great as we are so stressed already with all the other requirements for caring for 3.

Thanks in advance.

Edit…would also need to have 3 anchor points for car seats.

Automotive

Comments

  • airzone on 15/07/2016 - 09:23
    +1

    You probably want something like this.
    http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Toyota-Hiace-2012/…

    7 seat cars rarely have a large boot.

    • Jnr202 on 15/07/2016 - 09:28
      +1

      Ha. Had to laugh at that one. God please don't let me become a people mover family. I was thinking like a holden Captiva or something like that.

      • airzone on 15/07/2016 - 09:33

        Heh, I have an IX35 and it would probably do the job.. I have 1 booster and one baby seat, but can fit an adult between the 2 (just). My folks used to pack 3 kids and a holiday's worth of stuff (and bikes) in the back of a Ford Laser wagon. So it really comes down to how creative you are with packing.

      • Euphemistic on 15/07/2016 - 10:09
        +1

        Not captiva, useless boot space when 7 seats deployed. We had a captiva for our family of 5. Several times had to put the stroller on the roof or under the feet of the middle row when we were taking extra bods.

        Commodore wagon? But really consider the extra seats, one you've got 5 it really is convenient to be able to take an extra person or two, rather than an extra car.

        • spackbace on 15/07/2016 - 11:01

          But really consider the extra seats, one you've got 5 it really is convenient to be able to take an extra person or two, rather than an extra car.

          With 3 kids that young, OP's boot is gonna be full of pram and crap anyway, there'd be no room to bother fitting an extra person in there!

  • Ryanek on 15/07/2016 - 10:00
    +4

    Woah congrats on the twins! My suggestion would be the Kia Sorento - 2015 car of the year. 7 seater, lots of room and unbeatable warranty.

    • ShortyX on 17/07/2016 - 09:11
      +1

      We have a 2015 Sorento and 3 kids under 6. It's been great - it's cheaper on fuel (being diesel) than our Camry, decent ride and handling, lots of features and 7 year, unlimited km warranty.

    • knasty on 17/07/2016 - 11:12

      +1 to that. I have a 2013 base (Si) petrol V6 model. Whilst I would have preferred a diesel I was able to pick up one brand new (ie. not a demo) from a dealer in Brisbane for $34k as they hadn't moved it in almost 6 months. Saved $5k over the best deal I could fine in Sydney and hasn't skipped a beat. For the kilometres I do the petrol doesn;t cost a huge amount more than what a diesel would, but if you're doing high kilometres diesel is definitely the choice.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 15/07/2016 - 10:16

    Mazda Cx-9 is the best car for your situation,it is also around $40K mark with low mirage.
    http://www.carsales.com.au/cars/results?silo=stock&q=(((((((SiloType%3d%5bDealer+used+cars%5d)%7c(SiloType%3d%5bDemo+and+near+new+cars%5d))%7c(SiloType%3d%5bPrivate+seller+cars%5d))%26((Make%7b%3d%7d%5bMazda%5d)%7b%26%7d(Model%7b%3d%7d%5bCX-9%5d)))%26(State%7b%3d%7d%5bNew+South+Wales%5d))%26(Service%3d%5bCarsales%5d))%26(Year%3drange%5b2014..%5d))&vertical=car&WT.z_srchsrcx=makemodel&sortby=TopDeal

  • geek001 on 15/07/2016 - 10:17
    +3

    Congrats on your twins. Just thought I weigh in my 2c. I recently looked at 7 seater cars, as I had a hatchback. I started with the 7 seater Mitsubishi Outlander, and then the Nissan X-trail. I liked both cars, but like many 7 seater cars, the boot is pretty much non-existent when you put up all 7 seats. I ended up with the Nissan Pathfinder, although I did like the size of the Toyota Kluger as well, but it was 1.5 times the price of the Pathfinder.

    Things I had to get used to: The petrol usage went up obviously because the Pathfinder was 3.5L instead of the 2L engine of my hatchback. I am still having anxiety parking at shopping malls because I am still getting used to driving such a big car, and not knowing how much room to clear the other cars/pillars when parking.

    • Wibbleman on 17/07/2016 - 22:41

      Agree on the pathfinder.
      We had 3 kids in car seats and found the pathfinder had a bit more room in the second row (we even took seats with us to test all three across).
      We tested CX-9, Kluger, Outlander, Captiva, IX35, Colorado.
      Overall found the kluger to be almost as good. But the pathfinder had additional internal room.
      My advice is take 3 car seats to whatever model you are looking at

  • alz on 15/07/2016 - 10:25
    +1

    Congrats on the twins. If you still want to ride comfy with extra baggage while keeping some style with it, i recommend the Kia Optima Platinum. They're massive inside and the boot can fit 3 prams and other luggage too. I ride in it like a King.

    • Jnr202 on 15/07/2016 - 11:43

      Thanks for that. I'll look into it.

    • Munki on 18/07/2016 - 12:47

      Woah now. OP's wife is not extra baggage!

  • altomic on 15/07/2016 - 10:29
    +2

    Are you stopping at 3 kids? Like, seriously?

    Mitsubishi outlander. Diesel 7 seater. Go for a low km model from the last few years. 3 anchor points in the middle row. The back row is not totally uncomfortable for adults (I've sat in it and it's OK - I'm 185cms). With the rear seats down there is plenty of room for a dou me pram.

    Encouraging a 7 seated just for future extra passengers. E.g. kids have a friend over. Or driving with your parents somewhere.

    • altomic on 15/07/2016 - 10:30
      +1

      And congratulations to you and your wife/partner/significant other

    • Jnr202 on 15/07/2016 - 10:54
      +2

      Definitely no more kids!!! We were aiming for 2 but it seems my aim is off and got 3. Over the moon though. So is everyone of the opinion that a 5 seater is out of the question?

      • spackbace on 15/07/2016 - 11:03
        +4

        So is everyone of the opinion that a 5 seater is out of the question?

        I'm not lol the back seats will stay down anyway, the boot will be so full of crap you won't take another person.

        Save the 7-seater for the next car, when the kids are older and in school more

    • Dollars and sense on 16/07/2016 - 09:31

      I'd second the Mitsubishi Outlander. Have a 2011, 5 seat model and was value for money when we bought it a couple years ago. We have three car seats along the back (two seats and one capsule) which fit fine. Boot space is sufficient for our needs but we can supplement with roof racks when needed. For safety in case of a rolling accident we've installed a cargo barrier behind the second row. So this negates any third row of seats for us regardless.

      If budget would stretch I would have considered Hyundai Sante Fe or Kia Sorento as the design of the Korean diesels mean their particulate filters don't clog up despite short commuting trips around town.

      Need to consider if you can even access third row / 7 seats if you have 3 kids seats fixed across the second row.

      Friends went for third kid and had twins - so 4 kids under 7 years. They use a Toyota Prado as it has anchors for the third row, apparently not many 7 seaters do.

  • Jnr202 on 15/07/2016 - 10:56

    We do a little bit of travel. Visit family in country vic 2-3 times a year and drive to Adelaide 1-2 a year so really hoping for good cabin space and boot space. Probably won't need 7 seats for until the kids grow up but they would be good to have in case.

    • PlasticSpaceman on 16/07/2016 - 07:23
      +1

      Get a roof pod. Best thing since sliced bread for road trips. We have three kids (one regular plus twins). Also have seven seater - most of the time the two rear seats are up, and have massive area for kid crap, although sometimes one kid will go in the back and they then aren't sitting next to each other & squabbling. Also handy for when friends come over…. Each kid can bring someone.

      • PlasticSpaceman on 16/07/2016 - 07:25

        … Oh and we had three kids under the age of two! :-0

  • spackbace on 15/07/2016 - 11:00
    +5

    Take this from a car salesman, and 1 with 2 younger kids, there aren't many cars/SUVs that fit 3 child seats on the back row comfortably, without them squishing up or at weird angles.

    So, we bought a Territory. It's an older one, but they all have the same back seat. Comfortably fits 3 child seats (have had to transport an additional kid before).

    You could look at Commodores/Falcons, however the whole back seat in those isn't flat, it's designed to have 2 adults in comfort, so the 2 outer seats are contoured for a person. For child seats, this can prove a problem.

    Forget these cars, just purely on back seat alone:
    Captiva
    Pajero
    Kluger
    Prado

    (the list could go on, this is just what's coming to mind from my experience. I'm sure there's others I'm forgetting)

    So yeah, I don't work for Ford, and have never worked for Ford, however the Territory was my pick because of the sheer space. It may drink fuel (newer models are better), but the 4L & 6-speed ZF are both known as a pretty bulletproof combination.

    Oh, and make sure you buy the car seats before buying the car. Ask a dealer to let you have the car overnight, so you can test fit them (only do this once you know you like the car enough to short-list it, don't do it for 5-10 different cars!)

    • Jnr202 on 15/07/2016 - 11:41

      Thanks for the advice. I've been put off the Ford territory as I've had few people I know have problems with them. I guess no matter what car I look at has good and bad reviews.

      • spackbace on 15/07/2016 - 11:43

        What sort of problems? As you say, everything has it's issues, and the AWD we have is known for having suspension issues. But at least the engine & gearbox are solid, and parts are relatively cheap and easy :)

        • Jnr202 on 15/07/2016 - 11:44

          Yeah suspension. Some drive train troubles but they were a few years ago. But we'll probably look at 2014 onwards.

      • Solarlux on 16/07/2016 - 09:41

        The Territory is also known to chew a lot of fuel. Have you looked at an older Mercedes ML the diesels are very fuel efficient, very comfortable on long drives, and very safe!!! Mercedes cars lose value very quickly so you can get a lot of car for little money, very reliable too ☺

        • serpserpserp on 17/07/2016 - 20:25

          They don't lose value quick enough!

          Be careful with mercs because some models are super solid while some will give you immediate grief.

  • Archi on 15/07/2016 - 11:06
    +1

    one thing to consider is how do you access the third row if you have 2 capsules or rear facing baby seats in the middle row, the only car I know that has a sliding and tilt middle row that can aid you to get into the back row is the santa fe, there could be others but not what I've seen 2-3 years ago. the old CX9, the seats only tilted forward, to access the back row. but if you have child restraints fitted, the seat doesn't tilt. and the only way back there is through the boot. and many 7 seaters are like that

    can the third row be deployed 1 seat at a time.. leaving you more boot space, if only one seat is deployed.

    third row, seats can only be for larger children that don't require a child restraint. as they usually don't have anchor points… and would rely on the a booster and the seat belt. my daughter is old enough to sit in a booster and also tall enough but she is very light weighted hence the foam booster seats that rely on the child being slightly heavier doesn't really feel that safe in the 3rd row.

    if you are using all 3 child restraints in the middle row… I would suggest still getting a 7 seater like the kia sorento or Hyundai santa fe, as you will get loads more room in the boot for strollers and stuff.

    another decent setup I've seen is the Honda odessey with bucket seats in the middle and not a bench seat so you can access the third row easier. but not sure if the third row will have anchor points for child restraints. but like most 7 seaters with the third row deployed there isn't much boot space.

    you'll need to go for something like a people mover to get reasonable storage space and to fit more than 5 people.

  • tassieeagle on 15/07/2016 - 11:09
    +1

    We have a Santa fe, works well with the 3 kids (all under 5)

    • Jnr202 on 15/07/2016 - 11:39

      Nice one.. I'll have a look into it.

  • Kwikyoz on 15/07/2016 - 12:06
    +3

    Congratulations on your new additions to your family! We too are expecting our 3rd and we chose the Santa Fe (Diesel) as it does have 3 anchorage points in the 2nd row (make sure the childrens seat are the compact size to fit in nicely) We have a a standard toddler seat and a baby seat on the sides but the booster (for our 7 YO) has to fit in the 3rd row as it's too wide. Size wise it's nice to drive and doesn't eat too much fuel. CX-9, Pathfinder, Kluger, Prado, Territory are all fuel gusslers and are HUGE. My friends have the Outlander and X-trail which may also suit (provided compact childrens car seats) Like all SUVs, there won't be much boot room if the 3rd row of seats are required but get the correct size childrens seat and pram, it will work. Enjoy car hunting and test drive them and see which you prefer.

    PS: Our second car is also a Mazda 3 hatch (short trips only)- My 7YO gets to sit at the front with booster seat.

    • Jnr202 on 15/07/2016 - 12:09

      Hey thanks for that. So you won't be able to fit all three seats (1 booster and 2 rear facing) in the one row?

      • Kwikyoz on 15/07/2016 - 16:25

        Depends if you have a full size booster and 2 full size rear facing.Booster and rear facing child seats come in different sizes ( ie Height & widths) If you get the COMPACT versions of these seats then it will fit (ie slimmer widths) If you haven't purchase the booster seat or rear facing, have a look at Babies R Us, Baby Bunting or any baby stores and ask to have a look at the COMPACT SIZE and the NORMAL/ STANDARD booster and baby seats and you will get a better idea. Hope that helps.

    • spackbace on 15/07/2016 - 12:09

      My 7YO gets to sit at the front with booster seat.

      I really hope all 3 seats in the back are taken up, as that's the only way that can legally be done Sorry, no law on it, though there is this:

      It is not recommended that children 12 years of age and under sit in the front seat of vehicles - especially where there is a front passenger airbag.

      Children 12 years and under in the front seat are at greater risk of injury than adults due to air-bag deployment and, as stated earlier, are at lower risk of serious injury and death in the rear seat than in the front seat with a passenger airbag. Hence the rear seat is the safer option, particularly when there is a front seat passenger airbag.

      • Kwikyoz on 15/07/2016 - 16:34

        In my Mazda 3,(1 baby seat, 1 toddler seat is on the sides with anchorage points) there is no space in the middle seat as the baby seat & toddler seat takes over the middle section, which is why my 7YO has to have a booster seat at the front. (Height wise- Too short for a normal seat belt, so needs the larger booster seat which can only fit on the front passenger side. I have read the RACV guidelines and it seems to be legit. Thanks for your concern though.

  • onetwothreefour on 15/07/2016 - 13:32

    I drive a prius v with 3 kids 8 and under. They all sit in the middle row which gives us a lot of boot space and the option to take kids friends in the back.

  • altomic on 15/07/2016 - 14:13

    We previously had a 2009 tucson, worked fine with the 3 kids (all under 4). that was 2 infants seats and a capsule (whilst baby was baby) then 2 baby seats + 1 boosters (age appropriate of course).

    When you go to buy the capsules (before the birth) ask the shop people if you can test install. don't install but just place them in to check width/appropriateness. every baby store we went to was fine with doing that.

    how are you going to do the arrangement of the capsules (purely out of curiosity) capsule booster capsule? or capsule capsule booster?

    might also be worthwhile looking at some of the twin forums out there for advice. e.g. this post sounds similar to your situation

    Also, have you thought of names. I reckon they should be called JV and Broden

    or Voucher and Coupon

    how about Freebie and Sample?

    you should start a poll

    EDIT- with the range of names out there nowadays, those suggestions don't seem that weird.

  • Muimuimorris on 16/07/2016 - 07:28

    Congratulations! We have a Kia Carnival Platinum. It drives well and it has plenty of room for the prams and has 4 anchor points for the baby seats. I like the fact that the middle seat in the second row folds down. I use that to do nappy changes in the car.

  • Hoju on 16/07/2016 - 07:59
    +4

    Not meaning to be rude, but why are all the recommendations for SUVs?
    Typically the interior space is not that big, but the things are huge to drive and consume insane amounts of fuel.

    Our hatchback, I kid you not, has more interior space than our friend's SUV. Admittedly it is not as wide though.

    We will probably have another grommet and expect a third seat in the back.
    Have been considering the Nissan Cube or at worst, Honda Odyssey for our needs.
    Worth a look?

    • modsec802 on 16/07/2016 - 18:23
      +2

      Because parents deserve nothing less than the latest SUV monstrosity to destroy our roads and block visibility for everyone driving around in reasonable cars.

      • serpserpserp on 17/07/2016 - 20:28

        You find him a sedan that is gonna suit his needs then! I have a nice sedan that is spacey on the inside and compact on the outside but would not trust it with 3 child car seats in it.

        • bargaino on 29/07/2016 - 00:28

          Falcon.

    • whooah1979 on 16/07/2016 - 18:33

      Typically the interior space is not that big, but the things are huge to drive and consume insane amounts of fuel.

      a high seating position is always better for vision. our company vehicle can seat 6, easy to drive and park. it only costs ~$11 in fuel per 100km. heaps of space for whatever in mid and back.

      • Hoju on 16/07/2016 - 18:35

        I agree but there are smaller cars with decent vision. And don't a lot of larger cars have insanely small rear windscreens?
        Perfect recipe for reversing over a child…

        • whooah1979 on 16/07/2016 - 18:37

          insanely small rear windscreens?

          we never use the rear view mirror when driving or parking. side mirrors are better.

        • Hoju on 16/07/2016 - 18:38

          @whooah1979:

          But. What if a child runs from one side while you're looking in the other side mirror and is standing deer in headlights style right behind the car?

          I've never driven one just speculating. Seems risky

        • whooah1979 on 16/07/2016 - 19:01
          +1

          @Hoju:

          But. What if a child runs from one side while you're looking in the other side mirror and is standing deer in headlights style right behind the car?

          children being hit by reversing vehicles isn't unique to suv. any vehicle can hit an object while reversing. the driver needs to turn their head from left to right and vice versa more frequent. a moving object is most likely to come from either direction. it all comes down to driver experience, their ability to anticipate moving objects and their reaction time.

          there is also nothing stopping a owner/driver that has difficulty with reverse parking from installing parking sensors or a reversing camera.

    • ShortyX on 17/07/2016 - 09:17

      Not meaning to be rude, but why are all the recommendations for SUVs?
      Typically the interior space is not that big, but the things are huge to drive and > consume insane amounts of fuel.

      For us, the Sorento is very fuel efficient and myself being tall, buckling kids in a SUV is so much better than a sedan.

      • serpserpserp on 17/07/2016 - 20:31

        Because 3 car seats won't fit in nearly any sedans.

        • Euphemistic on 20/07/2016 - 14:57

          because you don't need to lean as far down to buckle them in. At 180cm tall I need to either duck my head right in, or lean my arms in and keep my head out in my old model Forester. No need for stooping in our Pathfinder.

          Short people might have the opposite problem.

    • fantombloo on 17/07/2016 - 09:37

      Peugeot 308 station wagon or Citroen C4 Picasso - both are compact cars with plenty of interior space, 5+2 seats so you can still ferry the kids mates on occasion without a "full size 7 seater," diesel models with great economy, well sub $40k.

      I have the Peugeot and it's great. We (used to) fit 3 kid seats in the back row without issue. I've seen much larger cars struggle with 3 kid seats and I laugh at how ridiculous that is. With a roof pod it is a great car for carting around kids to the beach (sandy and wet things in the pod), going on road trips (portacot and other baby stuff in the pod), etc. All rear seats can be removed if needing to carry a big load of cargo. All-in-all a very versatile car.

      • whooah1979 on 17/07/2016 - 10:13

        I have the Peugeot and it's great. We (used to) fit 3 kid seats in the back row without issue. I've seen much larger cars struggle with 3 kid seats and I laugh at how ridiculous that is.

        compare the exterior of a 308 vs a mazda 3. the sides on the 308 must be cardboard thin if it can 3 child seats.

        peugeot 308
        Dimensions & Weights
        Length Length of a vehicle at its longest point. 4500 (mm)
        Width Width of a vehicle at its widest point (excluding mirrors). 1815 (mm)
        Height Height of a vehicle at its highest point. 1564 (mm)

        mazda 3
        Dimensions & Weights
        Length Length of a vehicle at its longest point. 4540 (mm)
        Width Width of a vehicle at its widest point (excluding mirrors). 1840 (mm)
        Height Height of a vehicle at its highest point. 1710 (mm)

        • fantombloo on 17/07/2016 - 10:33

          Not cardboard thin but they are what they are. An image search suggests the 3's greatest width is at the bulkier/flared wheel arches; the 308 has a simple line front to rear. That probably is part of the space efficiency.

          OP should of course do their own research and tests but my experience with the 308 is that it has been a great car for 3 young kids. Exceedingly roomy? No. Comfortably adequate for both city driving and longer roadtrips? Yes.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/07/2016 - 06:26

      We had an SUV when our kids were babies. It weighed a couple hundred kg's less than a commodore/falcon. Your back will thank you as it is a good height for loading or unloading your kids.

      We looked at the Odyssey and found that the roof mounted anchor points obstructed the rear view and makes the 3rd row useless.

  • Showmethebargains on 16/07/2016 - 09:21

    Sorry if I am stating the obvious, but make sure you try your 3 baby seats in any cars you are interested in. When our kids were little we had a falcon and although we could fit 2 baby seats and a booster across the back seat, it was just about impossible to get your hand in between the seats to do the seatbelt up on the booster. Also the toddler had to be able to climb in to the booster herself because we couldn't lift her in over the baby seat.

    • modsec802 on 16/07/2016 - 18:24

      You can buy seatbelt extenders to solve this 'impossible' problem

    • frostman on 16/07/2016 - 21:23

      Alphabet-soup you're spot-on right.

      That's the best comment I've read in this thread, too many people suggesting shit without understanding the critical point

      "Get an outlander, get a q3, get a santa fe"

      If you guys have read the OP's post, he's stated 3 kids under 6 which technically means 3 baby/booster seats. Very little 5-seater SUVs can accommodate 3 chairs without the impossible task of buckling seatbelts between.

      Juiced did mention you may be able to buy seatbelt extenders.

  • OZB Al on 16/07/2016 - 13:46
    +2

    We have a Subaru Outback with three kids, it did fit 3 kids seats when we needed to but it was tight. I want to avoid 7 seaters and SUVs!

  • modsec802 on 16/07/2016 - 18:21
    +1

    So many SUVs mentioned which is a shame as they're big, ugly, heavy fuel consuming monsters with poor visibility, just see how often you hear about parents reversing over their child in their latest SUV.

    We had 3 kids under 4 and we easily fit three child seats across the back of our existing Mazda6 wagon. We bought seat belt extenders as the kids went into boosters so they can do up their own seat belts which is easy as. You can buy booster seats that are 'slimmer' than others.

    We'll probably 'upgrade' to a Mazda3 hatch in a few years when they're all out of boosters which means there'll be plenty of space.

    • chumlee on 16/07/2016 - 18:55

      How often is it you hear about parents reversing over their child in their latest SUV?? A Mazda 6 would have same rear visibility as most SUV's. Making sure you buy a vehicle with safety features such as rear camera and using it when reversing is important.

      Just a guess but I reckon I hear more often about parents leaving their kids in the car on a hot day.

      • Hoju on 16/07/2016 - 18:56

        Once is one too many?

  • His_Holiness on 16/07/2016 - 19:18
    +1

    Surprised no one has mentioned a Toyota Tarago. A real people mover, not a tiny SUV and it's unbreakable. My parents bought a 1990 model for 4 kids and Dad still keeps it despite us not needing a people mover anymore. He likes to do op shopping and often comes home with second hand furniture. You're thinking about car seats now but don't forget that they grow up quickly. When those kids become teenagers they're not going to be happy sitting in a cramped SUV, especially if the third row isnt designed for adults. You won't have that problem with the Tarago and it'll likely still be going strong in 15 years.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/07/2016 - 20:09

    So just got the news that we are having twins :)

    Yay! Congrats:)

  • Sydgun on 16/07/2016 - 20:27

    As previously mentioned the KIA Carnival is the vehicle of choice for a family with 3 kids (plus the occasional extra passengers). It has 8 seats and a good boot capacity even with all 8 seats up.
    Also look at the Honda Odyssey (7 and 8 seater versions available)

  • IWoNdEr on 16/07/2016 - 22:05
    +1

    Isn't safety more important than all the boot space, number of seats, how tall the car is etc?

    I would recommend Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium (2015+) where you get ISOFIX standard and the award winning EyeSight front collision avoidance (it pretty much brake for you and avoid any accident if you are under 40km/h).

    Not all ANCAP 5 is the same. Make sure you check http://www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au/ (Again Outback comes up pretty well here compare with many other similar SUVs)

  • martyn on 16/07/2016 - 22:29
    +1

    We were in exactly the same position. You'll find very few cars fit 3 seats across without it being a very tight fit. We settled on a Ford Territory and have had 10 happy years with it. Good luck, it has been an exhausting journey but it's worth it :)

  • UFO on 17/07/2016 - 09:59

    The new KIA Carnival is the top pick.

    I have 3 under 5, and we 'just' deal with a Holden VE Sportwagon. Fits 3 car seats across the back, has 3 anchor points, and all good.
    Only thing you dont think of, is when if you want to bring another person along… happens a lot with us because grandma is often at our house (grandpa passed many years ago). That's a massive consideration if your family set up is the same.

    Dream car would be a KIA Carnival (the new ones look awesome). But the basic diesal model starts at $49k I think (pushing your budget)?

    If you've got that $40k to spend, I'd strongly suggest renting some bigger cars to try before you buy.

    Rent a Territory, rent a Toyota people mover, rent anything you are considering for a few days each.
    You get a great feel on how they are around town, on a longer cruise, and how practical they are.

    We are happy with our VE, and we've made do (still plenty of boot space with the 3 capsules in the back), but when you put in the double pram and a change bag, there's no room for luggage if travelling interstate for instance.

    All depends on how much you intend on road tripping. This can be overcome with a small box trailer… I'm serious- bikes, toys, suitcases etc all not a problem for those once off bigger trips. We are to and from ACT/Sydney every few months visiting family, and for the important trips like Christmas and presents to be brought along (as well as clothes, kids crap etc), the trailer is invaluable.

    Short version? Get a KIA Carnival (the new model). Flexibility of 7 seats with still decent boot, or 5 with cavernous boot. A lot of other claimed 7 seaters (like Territory's) fit in these fold up temporary seats, but once you put people there you get almost no boot.

    Rent/borrow different makes and see for yourself.

    Oh, and just with the twins…. dont get a side by side stroller. Get a front to back double seat. Much easier at the shops and for door ways, car parks etc. And if you havent experienced them yet, travel systems where the capsule unit from the car unclicks and goes straight into the pram and locks in without waking the child. God send. Especially with twins. Good luck!

  • snajper on 17/07/2016 - 10:08

    Congrats on the twins… new cx-9 is out and can be purchased around 40k…. wait couple of months if you can… Plenty of space… good resale value… new turbo engine is smooth and good on fuel.
    As you need good width x-trail. Cx5 or craptiva are out of question…
    Alternatives are ford Territory .good value if you happy with slightly dated interior. Petrol engine is thirsty but torque is good and is proven engine.. diesel is also nice and can be had for around 43k…
    Toyota kluger is good reliable option if you can get around boring Toyota badge… interior..etc

  • [Deactivated] on 17/07/2016 - 11:18

    For that budget, I'd go for the Subaru Liberty, Mazda 6 or Accord V6 (you'll need to stretch a little or go second hand).

    It's a lousy segment of cars to buy into (I'm also looking) as most of them are either a combination or unreliable, unwieldy, drinkers, poor space utilisation, large blind spots, underpowered.

    The reason for my initial choice is that most of these cars are acceptably reliable and can be tinkered on without a hoist. You can also see out the back easily.

  • RandomNinja on 17/07/2016 - 12:21

    3 kids under 5 here, upgraded from a Mitsubishi Outlander to the KIA Carnival in March. Currently have 2 baby seats in the middle row, removed the 2nd row centre seat to allow access to the 2rd row where the eldest is in a booster. Boot fits a double pram comfortably as well as the usual gear when travelling (backpacks, nappy bag, booster seat, toys). Still has room to fit two more adults in the back row for when the parents/in-laws join us.

    I was originally looking at 7 seater SUVs, but as many have said above, boot space is minimal/non-existent once the 3rd row is in use. Given you have twins, I assume a double pram will be needed and you'll struggle to squeeze that in an SUV while using 3rd row.

    • zman09 on 17/07/2016 - 13:51

      How do you find parking it?

      I have a cx5 was looking to change to the kia but even with the cx5 thespace on either sides of a normal car space is already very limited.

      • whooah1979 on 17/07/2016 - 18:45
        +1

        KIA Carnival

        Parking a carnival is easy. Dual sliding doors means the children can never hit the other vehicles.

      • RandomNinja on 17/07/2016 - 22:45

        I was lucky enough to get the Platinum at ex-demo price which comes with 360 degree cameras. I find it easier to park the Carnival than the Outlander lol

        Having said that, you do need to pick your spots with the Carnival. Whenever I'm in underground carparks, I find it easiest to park next to a pillar. I also try to avoid suburbs with tight streets like Balmain.

  • chazfg on 17/07/2016 - 16:38
    +1

    Fiat Freemont will suit all of your requirement and your budget…plus leather seats/interior plus rear video screen plus Alpine multimedia player plus wireless headsets plus keyless entry/start plus built in kids' booster seat plus ample boot spare

  • Mooks75 on 17/07/2016 - 22:36

    Honda odyssey is the pick! , easy to drive and handles like a car not a SUV or People Mover , sliding doors make it easy to get the kids in and out and the 360 camera make it simple to park. also great when you need a spare seat for friends, family and the school run. cheap to run everyday

  • Trail-Hawk on 18/07/2016 - 03:33

    Congrats on the twins we were in the same boat. Settled for a slightly older 2009 Discovery 3 low km under 40k. Fantastic car, lots of room they have 7 seats and probably the have one of the largest rear cargo areas. They are, built like a tank but are a pure joy to drive. Fits three seats second row easy and there is heaps more room in the footwells also. Will probably be getting a Disco 4 after this one.

  • Bundybogan on 18/07/2016 - 04:48

    Congrats on the twins!

    I had a quick look and found this site which they state have been researching car seats and how they fit into different type of vehicles for the past 5 years. This list was updated in June 2016 and it shows the actual vehicles which are designed to fit 3 across the back seat/second row with ease.

    (https://www.cars.com/articles/which-cars-fit-three-car-seats…)

    Out of the short list I could only see a couple which are available in Aus and which are in your price/year range. They are the 2014/2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5 seater and the 2015/2016 honda odyssey.

    All the best with the family and car shopping.

  • s313 on 18/07/2016 - 08:25

    Toyota kluger..

  • taoz on 18/07/2016 - 09:55

    Have commodore wagon, 3 seats fit in fine. Nissan SUV we have they are squashed in but fit.
    You may need to get slimer car seats to help then fit.

  • ryoma555 on 18/07/2016 - 11:57

    Get Accord or Camry. Those two are the most spacious mid size sedan. Large boot space and rear seat area.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBd9HfpdVD4&index=93&list=PL…

    • Munki on 18/07/2016 - 12:56

      I have a 2010 Aurion Presara, and while I notice the changes in shape on the newer models, I don't think spacing has changed much. I appreciate the relatively spacious boot, but I don't think it would suffice for 3 kids - especially if you need a double pram and perhaps an extra stroller for the older one.

      I have 2 kids (4 and 2) and bring my bulky double pram and it takes up a great deal of boot space already. If I had to squeeze in a stroller, it would take some serious Tetris skills to fit everything properly and you'd have to forget about shopping. Doesn't help that there's a little motorised box in the boot of the Presara. I guess if that wasn't there, it might be easier..Also, the rear seat area will most likely struggle with 3 baby seats. I do have two bulky baby seats though, so unless you get compact ones, it won't be a good fit.

  • Hadoop on 18/07/2016 - 14:53
    +1

    Hey there congratulations on the news! I am a dad of twins too, my older one was not even 2 when the tweens were born so I needed enough room to fit 3 proper baby seats.

    We went for a Kia Sorento SLI, i bought a 2013model with less than 15k kms at the time and never regretted.

    You can easily fit 3 child seats in the middle row and you get an extra row with 2 seatsin the back (7 seats).

    For the child seats, we went for a safe n sound compaq - they were quite cheap and really easy to adjust ( no need to take them out).

    All the best.

  • krismoha685 on 18/07/2016 - 16:28
    +1

    My vote is for Honda Odyssey. You can get 2015 demo or used one for 30 to 35 K. You can put car seats either in middle or back.

    Yes, the anchors are at back, but its not a big deal for me in terms of view.

    Even after lifting all seats up, you can fit a decent stroller in the back.. not those huge ones. And you will have space on the bottom for groceries bags.

    Its been few months i have got it and have no problems. I have one car seat in middle and one in back.

    Kia carnival is another option but bit expensive than Honda. With Honda you get 5 years warranty as well as road side assistance.

  • btst7000 on 18/07/2016 - 17:02

    Get a toyota troopy and never want for space again!

  • monty168 on 18/07/2016 - 18:53

    +1 Nissan Pathfinder

    We recently changed from a Captiva7 to Pathfinder and have found a decent increase in interior space. 3rd row seats have good legroom and there's a decent boot even with 3rd row seats up.

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