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Exactly what the title says, what should I get???
Is there more space in a sedan (say commodore size) or a smallish SUV (like a subaru forrester size?).
DH suggested a commodore wagon but I sat in one and being a shorty I found that I couldn't really see out the back very well. I didn't feel very comfortable in it.
Oh and we have 2 kids in car seats and want a decent boot for going away etc. Any suggestions appreciated please!!!
Go and check out the boot space in SUV's. It's the only way to really know if it's going to fit what you need. There is quite a big variation in them. I had a 2006 RAV 4 and the boot was the smallest I'd ever had. Our pram had to stand up when folded and then held with an octopus strap so it wouldn't fall on the door. But my old Camry could easily fit two full golf bags and a golf buggy. My Hyundai Excel had a bigger boot than the RAV lol.
I wouldn't go the Forrester if you want space L. We looked at them way back before Iz was born and they really didn't have all that much space.
I have a 7 seater Honda MDX and I love it for the extra seats - yesterday the three girls, my folks and I went to the zoo and we all fit in one car with the pram, picnic stuff and all. I have a friend with a commodore (I think its a Calais but they're the same size I think) sedan and there is an enormous amount of space both in the back seat and in the boot. If you don't want the extra seats of a 7 seater then that's the way I would go. Were it not for my parents getting older and my feeling that I need to accommodate for them then that's the way we would be going, even with the three girls now.
If its space you're after, the Subaru is not the car for you :) really small!
If you're after space get a wagon. If you're worried about seeing out the back get one with reversing cameras. It feels a bit weird looking in front to reverse but you get used to it very quickly.
Like the others say do NOT get a forrester if you want space. They are tiny in the back.
I always said I'd never get ann SUV but having had one now I don't think I'd go back until the kids are a fair bit older.
Hhhmm ok the boot space in the forrester was what I was worried about. Ok so maybe cross that one off the list.
Onyx reversing cameras scare me lol! Which I know is weird as they should make it easier but like you said, its a matter of getting used to it I guess.
Lulu yes thinking commodore at the moment. Don't really have the need for 7 seats and I don't really want a huge car either.
Thanks!
Commodore's are great for space. The backseat is very spacious and the boots are huge. I also like the Toyota Aurions.
The outlanders have great boot space! Very deep, great car too
I have a commodore wagon & it is awesome for space. I have 3 seats across the back (two are SnS maxi riders so not small seats). In the boot I have my double phil & ted pram, a stroller, huge picnic blanket & a few blankets (might need to take some of that out, LOL!!). The amount we can pack in there is insane. If you do go the wagon make sure you get the cargo barrier so you can pack right to the roof.
Just my opinion but I would seriously consider getting a 7 seater. Your kids are getting to the age of wanting to see friends, school pick ups if they want to have a friend over each. Those extra seats just give a bit of freedom & not having to take two cars which is here DH & I are at the moment and it's only going to get busier.
There are some great 7 seaters out there. If you want to know about one in particular feel free to ask because I researched/looked at/test drove just about every single one on the market, LOL!!!
Have fun shopping.
D - I can see that the extra seats would be handy but you're talking to the girl whose ideal car would be a mini cooper lol! Large SUV/4WD's scare the bejeebers out of me! Even going to a commodore size will be big to me haha! My kids will be allowed to have one friend in the car between them lol!
Olive - I like the look of the outlander but I'm a bit put off as my SIL has had so much trouble with hers. She's only had it 12 months and wants to get rid of it.
Our mechanic friend recommended a toyota or a mazda. Not sure on what basis but time to go look at some I guess!
Have a look at the smaller 7 seater too hun. Like Captiva, Outlander, Dualis. You would be surprised how they feel to drive. Being higher you can see so much more. I feel more confident driving our SUV than wagon/sedan.
Give them all a drive & see what you like hun.
Big cars don't always have big boots. I can fit almost as much into my hatch as I could into the SUV I used to drive.
The Mazda 6 has a pretty large boot.
Lots of 7 seaters sacrifice boot for seat so you have to fold the seats down to get boot.
I have an 1998 V70 (Volvo wagon) and it is incredibly spacious, and has almost no blind spots, it is fabulous. I am a shorty too and the modern cars seem to be all panel and no glass and I can't see out of them either, drives me batty.
Anyway, thought I would throw it out there - if you want the space, you really need a wagon, plus you can get early 2000's V70's fairly cheaply these days and they are amazing cars.
I hope that Mini is a convertible!:
I went from a Mazda MX5 to a 7 seater SVU and its amazing how quickly you adjust. Now on the rare occasion I drive R's Lancer coupe I feel like a bug on the road that's about to get squished
Have you seen the Mini's take on an SUV. It's pretty cute although much larger than you would expect a mini to be.
I'll second LS's Volvo estate recommendation. Volvo make fantastic cars - they have all sorts of awesome details/options as well as being safe and reliable.
We have a Toyota Kluger suv and love love it!!
Absolutely love our CX9. We also have a CX7 which is a beautiful car but the boot isn't big at all. The CX9 has a massive boot and the bonus of two extra (comfy) seats if you need them. The remaining boot space is small if you have it set us as a 7 seater though. I'm a shorty and have no probs with the CX9. :D
Before we moved OS we had a Mitsubishi Magna wagon and I loved it. I'd buy one again for sure. It had heaps of space but was slightly smaller than the insane size of the Commodore. And they're cheaper and pretty fuel efficient.
Thanks all, going to check out all your suggestions. Think I need to put on my big girl panties and go test drive some larger cars (and try to park them which is what I'm most worried about!).
LuluHB - of course its a mini cooper convertible. And her name is Tallulah in case your wondering :lol: