Looking to Buy a Family Car. What Things Should I Be Considering / Any Suggestions? I Am Consider a Kia Sorento

Lklendestined on 06/05/2023 - 08:02
Last edited 06/05/2023 - 16:14 by 1 other user

Hi OzBargain crew,

The time has come to upgrade my 3 door 2013 Kia Rio. With a baby coming in 2 months I feel its time to ditch my car and upgrade to some of the modern safety features. Driving my work car with lane keeping / adaptive cruise / automatic braking makes me realise I'm going to want those for when me and the wife are driving around. Looking for your thoughts on what I should be considering (cars / features / other) when evaluating cars.

I had started looking at a PHEV to see whether I could get a benefit out of the Electric Car FBT exemption. Working through the very confusing numbers the novated leasing company sent through it looks like I'd get a relatively small benefit out of buying it through Salary Sacrifice. On face value it doesn't look like the premium you pay for a PHEV is worth the tax benefit though. For example, though salary sacrifice I could get a Kia Sorento PHEV for ~$83k (maybe a little less if I have a longer lease but don't want to be tied to my current company) but the diesel is ~$70k so probably going to take about 10 years of electricity vs fuel to payback the additional cost (not to mention additional risk + costs associated with dual electric / engine maintenance).

Lead time to getting a vehicle is also something worth considering as I can get the PHEV in September whereas the Diesel is a 10-12 month wait time. Think it is about the same for all large SUVs at the moment.

Looking for your thoughts. What are some good family cars (SUV's seem to be a good choice) at a good price and what features should I be making sure I consider (price etc. ;). I am a cheapskate at heart and really struggle with the thought of paying so much for a car but it is going to be our primary vehicle for the next 10 years. I'd consider a second hand car if it had all of the mod-cons but my understanding is that second hand cars are just as expensive as new.

TLDR: Looking at a family sized SUV, what's some good options / what do I need to consider.

Edit: Good callouts from below and should mention that this is our first kid and we're looking to have 2-3. Space to carry child things around is a major factor in why we're looking to upgrade

Automotive Car Kia SUV

Comments

  • 87percent on 06/05/2023 - 08:07
    +7

    Have you looked into the wait times? Your kids might be 2 years old by the time you get some cars

    • klendestined on 06/05/2023 - 08:24
      +1

      Morning 87percent. Yes that's definitely a factor. I'd only really looked at the Kia in detail which is 4-5 months if I SS for the PHEV (if the car hasn't gone yet I guess) or 12 months if I order new. We'd never really intended to upgrade for our first child as we were going to try to make my wife's car work (also Kia Rio but 5 door / auto / later model). We are starting to realise that its too small (pram barely fits in) and so I've been thinking that we should get a larger car to set up for the family. I suppose a callout is that we are looking for a family sized SUV as we are planning for 2-3 kids. We're happy to wait until the second one I guess but want to start that lead time now

    • giftcardinspector on 07/05/2023 - 08:26

      We ordered our HEV March 2022. Just gone into production last week.

        • giftcardinspector on 07/05/2023 - 09:35

          Lucky you! We've since bought a Carnival and love it

      • Euphemistic on 07/05/2023 - 18:51

        you get plenty to read from THE EXPERTS!

        As long as you remember that some of these commercial reviewers can have ‘arrangements’ with car companies.

      • SydStrand on 08/05/2023 - 09:10
        +1

        What does this comment (or any of your comments) have to do with what you're replying to? So you not know how threads work, or are you just desperate to get noticed that you have to hand off the top comment every time?

  • Mokr on 06/05/2023 - 08:14
    +6

    People overstate safety.

    Your car isn't that old. It has side air bags.

    Just add some reflector pads.

    Having more money and being less stressed is better.

    • klendestined on 06/05/2023 - 08:29
      +1

      Thanks for the thoughts mokr. I had definitely intended to run my car into the ground as it barely gets used. Agree that in a lot of respects in a nice to have rather than a must have. Honestly its a really strange thing for me to even be considering putting that sort of money into a car rather than the offset account. I was hoping for this to be a one and done kind of deal though, buy this and then that's the car for the whole family for the next 5-10 years. So size is probably a major factor behind wanting to upgrade as we both have Kia Rio's. For example our pram doesn't fit into the boot space and has to be split up. We're not sure on how much space we'll need once we have kids but are getting told that we'll want the bigger space when we've got a few

    • barge-in hunter on 06/05/2023 - 08:32
      +2

      As a parent, “If only if spent that extra $x” is something I never want to think.

      To be fair, I understand what you’re saying about crash protection safety features - airbags and all… but crash prevention tech has come in leaps and bounds in the last few years

      • klendestined on 06/05/2023 - 08:38
        +1

        A few people have told me this around getting the right size now (which is why I had been really only considering large SUVs).

        I'm amazed by the tech in these new vehicles. Seems a little like a line of defense against inattention / fatigue

    • JIMB0 on 06/05/2023 - 08:48
      +17

      Some consider a 10 year old car to be a death trap. Makes you wonder if they abstained from driving 10 years ago since cars were so "unsafe" then.

      • miwahni on 07/05/2023 - 00:02
        +3

        The sound system in my first car was a transistor radio dangling from the rear view mirror. The biggest safety feature was side mirrors. I lived.

    • entropysbane on 06/05/2023 - 13:24
      +4

      I agree. While I have had Santa Fe’s (current one is superior to the GLB200 I rented for a week last month) for the last fifteen years for my three kid family, they were all school age when we got the first one, for dance, sport and family stuff when the third row was real handy. Our next car won’t be as big as they have their licences now and we don’t see them. Maybe for lunch on the weekend and they wake up early enough. I am hanging out for a mustang if Treasury agrees.

      But for the first baby you don’t need a three row. We just had a Corolla, before upping it to a commodore when number three arrived. The wife’s five door Rio is all you need for one, maybe two, just spend the time before birth getting a compact stroller with a fold down bassinet that still leaves room in the boot. In fact do that regardless. Too many people get giant prams that are pretty all round annoying in the end. And believe me, the dollars will come in handy. The unexpected costs can be scary, and life can throw a shit sandwich right at a time when money is limited with and a lot is outgoing.

      Leave the Sorento until you start doing the school runs. You can get the latest then, and will know your financial situation with kids better.

      • klendestined on 06/05/2023 - 13:50

        Yeah that's a good callout, thanks for the thoughts. Definitely sounds like we've got to get a compact stroller regardless of the car situation

  • SBOB on 06/05/2023 - 08:17
    +3

    I personally can't justify waiting 12+ months for a vehicle, especially as a family car as you're likely looking for a new car for a reason (replace worn out old one, change in usage etc)

    For the price difference I also couldn't justify the price premium for some of the phev etc models. A pay back period of a decade for example.

    Sorento sports+ are available with minimal to no wait times, and ticked the boxes for me.

    whereas the Diesel is a 10-12 month wait time

    Only for the gt line and personally I don't think a sunroof, marginally better stereo and a few tech gadgets is worth a year wait and $8k :)

    • klendestined on 06/05/2023 - 08:32

      Thanks SBOB yeah those are some really good points. The GT line was mainly for the 360 degree camera for use when parking. Tried to park it at a suburban shopping centre car park and I would have struggled to do it safely and I imagine that my wife would definitely have struggled. I might go give the Sports+ model a go, really good suggestion as all of the base features are there and its a much cheaper option. Didn't realise the lead times were so different

      • SBOB on 06/05/2023 - 09:34
        +1

        Yep, and I would think the lead time they have told you on the phev is likely a hopeful one rather than a realistic one.

        They aren't even taking orders on gt line diesel now as waiting for order books on new models to open

        For parking, sure 360 camera is useful but I think after driving it for a few weeks you would be use to the size and dimensions anyway, and it has reverse camera and parking sensors anyway on the sports+

        At 60k for a sports+ it was hard for me to aslo justify the huge jump into hybrid pricing :)

      • entropysbane on 06/05/2023 - 13:57

        I will say the 360° camera and surround parking sensors are pretty outstanding in the sorento GT/Santa Fe Highlander.
        I am surprised though how it still doesn’t stop Mrs Entropy scraping the alloy wheels on gutters and in car parks.

  • EightImmortals on 06/05/2023 - 08:30
    +2

    If you are looking at a PHEV make sure you're not living in one of states that slugs you taxation on KM's driven PLUS taxation when you buy petrol. I think Vic has or was about to implement it with other states to follow.

    • klendestined on 06/05/2023 - 08:35

      Thanks EightImmortals, that's a really good point and something that I'd only considered at a very high level as I knew that some states were looking at that for Electric vehicles to help make EV vehicles pay for road usage. Probably takes the 10 years payback period and makes it a never payback period to be honest as all states might go to that in the end. I'm in WA

  • Hugh G Rection on 06/05/2023 - 08:33
    -1

    i switched to a SUV from a car and would never drive a car again. a real SUV, not a fake SUV (car based SUV that is just a car with a SUV body put on it).

    For me i purchased a diesel 4x4 SUV vs a 4WD SUV because of the options and versatility of what i can do. i don't have to but i can do anything in a 4x4 SUV go up the snowy mountains, drive on the beach, camping, hooking up a trailer, go off-roading, etc… Especially having a family you need to find things to do and you will venture out of your comfort zone to try new things. i never did those things before until i purchased a new SUV, and i never had so much fun until i did.

    I came from a single life with a sports car, then moved to a luxury sedan, and now i am driving an SUV. im also not a tradie, and find great use of an SUV
    I'm in the city and nothing beats an SUV in the rain, potholes in the road, curbs, etc…

    • klendestined on 06/05/2023 - 08:45

      Thanks Hugh G, I'd not really considered a true 4x4 to be honest but will add that to the list to think about. We definitely (try to) get out camping a fair bit but its usually on fairly well maintained tracks (I'm in WA and our parks department is very well funded). The in-laws have a large spare 4x4 (Pajero) that they set aside for use and given my wife is the only child still in Perth we'd have access to it almost whenever we need. If you had a 4x4 available would you still put a premium on trying to get a 4x4 as the normal runabout?

    • boomramada on 06/05/2023 - 11:43
      +2

      Oh dear, you gonn get lots of negatives in this forum lol

    • Euphemistic on 06/05/2023 - 13:15
      +3

      So you got a 4wd and didn’t actually get an SUV.

      Save the term suv for the vehicles it is intended for. Soft roaders.

      • entropysbane on 06/05/2023 - 13:36
        +1

        I think he meant AWD. Like Sorento, Santa Fe, outlander etc.
        they can’t tow as much or go as off road as a real 4WD, but they aren’t as agricultural either. and still able to tow all but heavy off road caravans, and can handle rough road surfaces and gravel with aplomb. And with a third row, useful for the school/dance/sport ferry. Perfect family car IMHO.

  • fantombloo on 06/05/2023 - 09:06
    +2

    I am a cheapskate at heart and really struggle with the thought of paying so much for a car but it is going to be our primary vehicle for the next 10 years

    The Sorento is IMO a lot of car for the money. My wife drives one and she loves it. The times I've driven it I've been generally annoyed by the safety features - it beeps at me when I'm cutting the lane but doesn't understand that I'm doing that intentionally to be efficient, etc. We spent summer pulling a caravan with five in the car and it was pleasant. (Lighter caravan - don't consider this car if you want to do a lot of that). Like most cars in this category the middle rear (mid) seat is uncomfy - for anything longer than a 10min trip the kids usually disperse between the mid and back and leave that one free.

    • klendestined on 06/05/2023 - 09:13

      Really appreciate the insight afoveht. I tried a lot of cars when I first bought the Rio 10 years ago and was really impressed with the build quality and price. I feel that the Toyota equivalent (notionally the high quality car builder) is going to be a 20-30% premium on what Kia is currently providing.

      With a high level review of the options it certainly looked like the pick of the bunch but maybe that is because of the price. The price of some of the premium large SUV's is astounding

    • entropysbane on 06/05/2023 - 13:42
      +2

      We have the latest Santa Fe equivalent. We only got it instead of the Sorento just because I liked the interior a bit more. Eg less chrome ( that is a personal taste), we wanted the diesel because of the torque and the Santa Fe’s towing capacity. The Santa Fe is higher tow capacity than the Sorento, but I suspect not relevant to the vast majority of owners.

      My wife reckons it is the best car she has ever owned. The Sorento is pretty close to the same.

      I reckon not buy anything at this stage, your wife’s Rio has a good boot and five doors. That is all you need for Bub number 1.

      • klendestined on 06/05/2023 - 16:06

        Couple of votes for delaying the car purchase. Thanks for the feedback on the Santa Fe as well, it does look good

  • seannami on 06/05/2023 - 09:12

    IF you are looking at FBT exempt, would you consider full EV? The FBT exemption savings are still decent since your paying for stuff pre-tax, but less so on a PHEV- especially of you are comparing to buying outright. Most EVs out there are SUV shaped to some degree. I can't comment on the family-friendliness (no family), but if your going SS anyway, it might be a better idea to go whole-hog.

    • klendestined on 06/05/2023 - 09:18

      Thanks Seannami.

      Yes I had considered a full EV. Most of the ones I could find were either mid-sized SUV (concerned would be too small with 3 kids) or were priced out of the FBT exemption bracket (EV's higher than the LCT threshold are not eligible). If the car is over ~$85k or something like that its no longer FBT exempt which negates most of the benefit of Salary Sacrifice. The Sorento and Mitsubishi Outlander were the only two that sat under the limit. Given the price premium though I've been leaning a bit away from the novated lease towards buying outright

      • seannami on 06/05/2023 - 09:22
        +2

        My folks have an outlander, a good car all told (SIL has the same one with two kids, heaps of space).

        • klendestined on 06/05/2023 - 09:34

          Thanks for the feedback Seannami, I'll have a better look at it with my wife. Had only had a cursory glance to this point

  • Benoffie on 06/05/2023 - 09:22
    +15

    Why do people get pregnant and then think an SUV is a vehicle solution?

    Stick with a smaller car. Buy a smaller, collapsible stroller. Save the money. Youll appreciate it when you're zipping into pesky car parks with a screaming child in the back seat.

    Save the SUV for when you have a 6' teen who thinks kicking your seat is an effective way of hinting the car's getting small.

    • fantombloo on 06/05/2023 - 09:29
      +2

      SUVs are the dominant option these days. Not many station wagons out there anymore, no more compact Euro wagons. I felt dirty getting the SUV but there's just not much else on offer to hold a family comfortably and have contingency to carry a friend, etc.

    • klendestined on 06/05/2023 - 09:32

      Haha, thanks Benoffie, I appreciate your thoughts. You are right it is certainly not the only vehicle solution and the size and ease of parking is one of the reasons I've never considered getting a bigger car until recently. The storage capacity is probably the largest appeal for us in an SUV. I want to get something that will last us for the next few years with multiple young children. Expect even with a space saving smaller stroller will struggle to fit things in the Kia Rio we have our second. What cars would you suggest for a family of five?

    • sumyungguy on 06/05/2023 - 11:30
      +1

      Further to @Benoffle's comment.. it's the consumer majority that drives the market and Australians now prefer large, high driving position vehicles with high ownership costs. Some however consider transport as an overhead and drive city cars, avoid tolls, use public transit and fly economy.

    • Ghost47 on 07/05/2023 - 19:10
      -1

      Youll appreciate it when you're zipping into pesky car parks with a screaming child in the back seat.

      Sadly it probably won't make any difference since everyone seems to think after having their first kid they need to buy an SUV. Seems to be a thing now in Australia.

  • Sinnerator on 06/05/2023 - 09:52
    +3

    Diesel are for regular highway driving not just city driving, you will clog/ruin your DPF which may be big $$$ to fix.
    Hyundai Kia have been plagued with engine problems on certain models and they despise warranties, think class action lawsuit kind of stuff.
    Do thorough research on your model.

    • klendestined on 07/05/2023 - 06:18

      Good point Sinnerator, I'll look into engines and current feedback. We haven't had any issues with our Kia's and thought they'd ironed out those engine problems about 10 years ago.

      Post note: googled Kia engine class action and one of the models is my current car :D haha oh my

  • Hansi on 06/05/2023 - 10:36
    +3

    I ran a hatchback with first child, saved fuel, space and money. Come the second one, we bought a Subaru Forester and are very happy to far.

    • klendestined on 07/05/2023 - 06:19

      Thanks Hansi, good feedback. Seems like that's the feedback from a few people, stick with the small car and update for the second one. Certainly a much cheaper option in the short term and can let the car cost ride on the offset account instead

  • deme on 06/05/2023 - 12:29
    +1

    SUVs are for people that want to feel like they are driving a tank but won't have the torque of one and will roll over with a slight breeze.

    • entropysbane on 06/05/2023 - 13:16

      That’s why a diesel is most suitable for an SUV. Heaps of torque.

      • deme on 06/05/2023 - 18:44

        with an AWD you aren't going anywhere

        • klendestined on 07/05/2023 - 06:25

          Thanks deme/entropysbane, I was thinking of it more as driving a barge but tank is fair. Diesel and AWD was what I was looking at. Diesel has lower fuel consumption / emissions and more torque. I'm never going to be towing anything substantial (don't boat/don't caravan) and I'm probably never going to really be taking it into super tough conditions. I've gotten myself bogged and dug myself out more than enough times at work, don't need that in my home life too :D

          On the rollover aspect it certainly couldn't be worse than my old Mazda 121. Those cars looked like they were made to roll

          • Euphemistic on 07/05/2023 - 09:09

            @klendestined:

            Diesel has lower fuel consumption / emissions and more torque.

            Lower emissions, but worse emissions. Plus, unless you drive highway for a decent period of time very regularly DPF will become an issue. Diesel just isn’t good in city stop start traffic

  • kouk on 06/05/2023 - 12:45
    +1

    I feel you buddy, as I too am a tightarse. I'll only advise you future proof. We've had a 2016 CRV since new and has been practically perfect for us with our 2 kids. As soon as we had our third (late last year) its made everything difficult to the point we've had to take two cars to places. Our last family getaway was also a pain as the pram took up enough space that we had to really jam everything in and leave some beach gear behind.
    So we've ordered a diesel Carnival a couple months ago, 10-12 month wait. It really was the only option that allows us to carry extra passengers without losing so much luggage space. If we didn't have #3 we would probably have an Ioniq 5 right now.

    • klendestined on 07/05/2023 - 06:29

      Thanks Kouk :D Really good feedback re future proofing. I'm leaning towards writting off small/medium SUVs and sedans for the next car. Few people have mentioned sticking through with what we currently have for number #1 so I guess we'll keep looking with less urgency and make a decision once she's here.

      • Euphemistic on 07/05/2023 - 09:13
        +1

        If you haven’t won the lottery, then sticking with your current vehicle as long as you can is the best option. See if you can survive with it, then when you run out of space or do win the lottery, then upgrade.

  • dtc on 06/05/2023 - 13:02
    +1

    I would seriously look at a Subaru outback. It’s large, comfortable, good boot, under $50k, great visibility and safety features up the wazoo (you end up turning a few of them off). It’s not a sport car and it’s slightly thirsty but not too bad. AWD will take you most places - not all, but if you aren’t already a person who is missing having a proper 4WD then it will take you everywhere you are likely to be going. You will fit 3 kids in it (check the back seat width of your options) although the middle seat won’t be the most comfortable

    If you want a smaller but raised car, the XV is worth a look. Not as classy or upmarket as an outback, but it’s more spacious inside than equivalent small SUVs

    • klendestined on 07/05/2023 - 06:35

      Thanks dtc, couple of votes for the Subaru so I'll add it to the list. A friend of mine just got a new Forrester and it looks like a really nice car with amazing features.

      Post-note: reviewed the Outback and the specs look great

  • ganchan on 07/05/2023 - 09:36
    -2

    Get a Toyota or a Honda, it'll last longer than a Kia.

    • SBOB on 07/05/2023 - 10:56

      Honda, it'll last longer than a Kia

      Just perhaps not in the au market.

    • Euphemistic on 07/05/2023 - 13:39

      Modern Kia or Hyundai last long enough.

  • BuyingStuffIDontNeed on 07/05/2023 - 09:39
    +2

    Hey mate ill give you my experience / perspective, hopefully helps.

    I had a Kia Sportage ~2013 and it was fine with 1 kid, but a struggle when travelling for holidays / interstate as the boot space pretty much fit a regular pram only (not the travel buggies which are smaller), but we had the benefit of the back seats for taking some luggage etc.

    After 2nd kid came along, with two car seats taking up the back, even though we had the footwell, going anywhere other than just groceries was a struggle. We upgraded to a Hyundai Palisade which is an 8 seater, and with the back row folded down there is a good amount of space. This wasnt a cheap car (80k), but you could get it cheaper if you dont care about all the extras and happy at a lower end version of it.

    If you plan on 3 kids, how far apart in age might they be? Some cars will struggle to fit 3 car seats side by side in one row especially if some are still rear facing. I have seen some people compromise by turning the first or 2nd forward facing early to make it work, but you really should try keep the kid rear facing as long as possible (i.e. age 4).

    Can you make do with the car you have for a bit and see how you go (go Baby Bunting and see how the pram you want fits into your boot when folded down, if doesnt work consider a different pram that might work? Mrs might not be happy but it's a lot cheaper than a new car).

    My suggestion with your first on the way is if you can make do for now, wait a little and see how you go with your current car, especially if you drive locally only. You will have months before #2 to plan for a bigger car, which youll definitely need, and could pick up a 2nd hand car of the models you are considering now and save a good amount of money.

    Look at BabyDrive, the lady who does the reviews goes into detail about multiple car seats, boot space, safety etc.

    From my research, most cars did not do curtain airbags for the 3rd row (not required by Aus safety standards but important to me), did not fit 3 car seats into 2nd row without compromising what car seat or position of car seat, did not have isofit for 3rd row, and or the boot space for most big cars was actually not that big. The Palisade is amazing as it ticks most boxes, the boot is something like 1100L with 3rd row down, and if you go top of the range the features are amazing.

    Feel free to DM me if you have any questions or want advice on anything: car or even other parenting topics :)

    Congrats in advance on your first

  • Joelski211 on 07/05/2023 - 10:07
    +2

    Hmm.

    I think you need to get your novated lease company to run the sums again, as the savings for a PHEV are massive. We bought an Outlander PHEV, and I'd highly recommend it. Genuinely premium interior in top spec, very fast, very economical. 3000km in and our average fuel use is 2.7 L per 100 km.
    Based on my partners income we have saved $42,000 on tax over the 5 year lease. No that is not a typo. This car costs about the same through the lease as a corolla. Ironically, my partners employer uses Toyota for their novated leasing so we bought it through that. They didn't really even understand the FBT exemption policy (as they have no eligible vehicles). I suggest you go back to your novated lease company and ensure they are applying the FBT exemption. The saving should be in the tens of thousands of dollars if they are doing it correctly.

    Hope that helps.

  • Nicoletta on 07/05/2023 - 10:57

    Recently bought a new Hyundai Tucson Highlander. I have raised my two kids to teenagers driving them around in a Mazda 6 2008 - thought it was time for an upgrade!

    I was surprised how small some SUV boots are. I was pretty picky in making sure the SUV had a big boot, so I suggest checking capacities as it may not be a given.

    The tech is definitely a big change from an older car. So many cameras, warnings etc. My favourite features are the hands free electronic tailgate and adaptive cruise control.

    A lot of people seem to favour the diesel version of the Tucson, but you need to do a longer drive each week. We mostly do the school run and local trips, so went with the 2L petrol (avoiding the 1.6T variant after a bad DCT experience with another car).

    Make a spreadsheet and have fun looking 😀

  • CurlCurl on 07/05/2023 - 11:38
    -4

    There is no way I would put a baby/child in a Kia Rio. Hell I wouldn't even put myself in it. Those midget type cars are death traps.

  • Waltervp on 07/05/2023 - 12:44

    I am a big fan of the Ford Mondeo Titanium. It has all the modern safety features and is crabby cheap on diesel. Very large car as well. I recommend the hatch, but i currently have a wagon. Do take a look, it's also much cheaper! Plus can always update after a few years.

    Check out this 2018 Ford Mondeo Titanium MD Auto MY18.25.
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2018-ford-mondeo-ti…

  • jockey50 on 08/05/2023 - 08:58
    -1

    My two cents - don't bother with a PHEV. Protect your resale value all go full EV. Look at the Tesla Model Y. Take a test drive, you won't regret it.

  • giveback on 08/05/2023 - 22:43

    I drive a 5 door hatchback. My wife and I drive the Koleos whenever we go out with our 1-year-old child. We have a standard-size pram but it has add-ons to carry 2 children if needed. I love having a mid-sized SUV, especially for storage and space/comfort. Also useful when I needed to transport large items like furniture, a 1-year-old baby party theme backdrop, etc. Didn't realize how much stuff we need to bring when we go out and they all fit into the SUV (or we make them fit!). Would not have it any other way.

    Could it have worked for us in a smaller car? Maybe! Might have to change a few things but it could work! In reality, we all adapt and work with what we have eg. smaller cars until we can't.

    If you could live with your 5-door car with your first baby, you can save the money for a new car and use it when you really need to upgrade your car ie. when you have 2nd/3rd child. You'd likely get better options and value then as we know car value depreciates and technologies get outdated quickly.

    My wife and I planned to try for a second baby after our first child turned 1 but now she's saying she's not ready and who knows when she would be. She might be ready in a few weeks, months, or even years! My point is plans don't always go as planned. Buying a 7-seater or whatever car you think you'd need for the next 10 years now may not be the best choice. It's probably not too late to only start ordering a new car when you know you're having your 2nd or 3rd child considering the wait time.

    Enjoy parenthood. Wouldn't have it any other way!

  • Jaduqimon on 09/05/2023 - 10:10

    If you're looking to have 2-3 kids, then future proof and buy a people mover, i.e. Kia Carnival. The interior space is unmatched by the competition. with all 8 seats up, I can still put my pram/stroller in the boot space UNFOLDED. Big and safe and wait time currently is not that long if you Opt for the Special Edition. Ticks almost all of your boxes in terms of features/safety.

    These 5 seater SUVs are not much bigger than your medium size sedans. the only difference is really the ride height and a taller boot space.

  • GourmetFoodie on 12/05/2023 - 15:57

    Kia Carnival for sure if you’re planning 3 kids.

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