Car shopping and pulling my hair out
It seems like we just went through this a few years ago. We researched everything under the sun, test drove everything under the sun, and I ended up buying what I wanted from the very beginning. A Toyota 4-Runner.
I love love love that car, well truck.
It was perfect when Andy wasn’t riding with us (and this was pre Eva). Austin rode in front, and the other two in back. But if Andy was with us and we crammed three boys in the back- nightmare. They touched each other which led to lots of punches and poking and yelling.
I was sad. I loved my 4-Runner.
So we bought a Honda mini-van and Andy took the 4-Runner. But he still always referred to it as my car. Just so I wouldn’t be so sad. Which I found funny. Sorta.
Winter rolls around and here comes the snow. The Honda absolutely stinks in the snow. Stinks!
I got stuck multiple times, plus it slips and slides. It sits very low to the ground. I’m not sure why.
Don’t get me wrong- it has lots of perks, dvd, navigation, butt warmers, loads of space for kids…
But we still have to take two cars to the farm if we all go. No space for 6 people and 3 dogs. The little dogs are fine, the 110 pound golden, not so much.
SO before winter rolls around again I have started researching cars. One that can hold ALL of us, dogs included.
Research and drive. And change my mind a million times.
I had my heart set on the Mercedes GL450. But there is no space for the Golden in that one either. And really not enough room for growing boys. But oh it was so much fun to drive.
I love the Toyota Sequoia. Plenty of room for boys, lax sticks, big dogs.
But we don’t want to buy new, and there are no used ones to be found anywhere near us.
Next on the list is the Ford Expedition. Very similar to the Toyota, size wise. But we can get all the extras we can’t live without (dvd, nav, butt warmers) for a lot less.
I just found this list online of the best SUVs-
Large SUV rankings
1. Mercedes-Benz GL 450
2. Toyota Sequoia Limited (R)
3. Ford Expedition EL Eddie Bauer (R)
4. Lincoln Navigator Ultimate (R)
5. Chevrolet Suburban LT3
funny they ranked them exactly as I would have. Well I haven’t gone past #3. I don’t think I could drive a Lincoln. It’s just not me. In my heart of hearts I know I probably could never drive a Mercedes either. It’s not me. I wish it was!!!
I am just a truck kind of girl- you know- load up my grungy kids and dogs and hook up the horse trailer.
And yes, the tree hugger in me has a huge problem with these gas guzlers. Guess I should have thought about that before I had all these kids and adopted so many dogs.
Off to test drive some more- let me know if anyone has a good suggestion for a large family!
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Mary | 20th Sep 10
We have 4 kids and one big dog, and we LOVE our Honda Pilot. We have to put on a roof cargo carrier if we go on big trips, though. You lose a lot of cargo space with non-minivan third row seating.
kristen | 20th Sep 10
Ooof, car shopping is tough. Stressful. We have the Suburban and it works great for us – although painful at the gas pump. I LOVE knowing I’m in a strong, safe car, though.
Gretchen | 21st Sep 10
We have an Expedition, and I really dislike big cars, but it is what I have. It was my late husband’s, and when my car died, I accepted I had to drive it. I have learned ot love it, and you can really pack it full. It has gone on many camping trips packed to the gills and we still have plenty of sitting space. I never thought I would say I love the truck, but last winter, it was a life saver. I get pretty good mileage for the age of the car, it’s a 98. Just my two cents. Hope the looking goes smoothly.
Stephanie | 21st Sep 10
I had a Sequoia and absolutely LOVED it! I downsized though because we didn’t need two massive vehicles in our family – my husband is disabled so he has to drive an enormous van 🙂 My Mom has the newer Sequoia (Platinum ed.) and it is a GREAT car! Keep looking & don’t get discouraged – you’ll find the perfect solution for you!!
Aimee Davis | 21st Sep 10
From a mother of five – I love my Suburban! I will drive mine until it dies. Put it in 4 wheel drive and snow is never an issue. It isn’t the most stylish ride on the road but it delivers in hauling around our big family. Give it a try.
azjenny | 21st Sep 10
I LOVED my old (1995) Forerunner. I miss that truck, but like you, outgrew it. I replaced it with a Ford Expedition, which was nice but I wasn’t crazy about it. It sat low to the ground, it felt very “heavy” as I drove it, it was hard to park. I replaced it with a Chevy Tahoe, which I like better – easier to drive, easier to turn and to park than the Expedition but still has 3 rows and lots of room.
Angie | 21st Sep 10
We have a Yukon Denali XL. I love it. yea its a gas guzzler, but since I work from home it doesn’t get driven much during the week while the kids are at school. It seats 8 and had a ton of space in the back. We use it to pull our 25 ft camper and I can’t imagine not having it.
Chris | 21st Sep 10
I have had a Yukon XL and a Cadillac Escalade. Love them both. They are gas guzzlers but you won’t get stuck in the snow!
Christine D. | 21st Sep 10
I have a suburban, and although I hate how much gas it uses, it has been great for carting the family around, and my kids and their teammates to soccer, softball, etc.! Lots of room, and the captain’s chairs make it easy to get to the back seat!
Dawn Morgan | 22nd Sep 10
Elisa,
I recently went back to Ford from Chevy and I gotta say, I couldn’t be happier. I got an Expedition EL about 2 months ago and it is an amazing ride. I have two hockey players in my family which means LOTS of gear. One of them is a goalie and that means BIGGER gear! 🙂 I can tote around all our kids and their stuff in comfort. I love that it has all the bells and whistles. It seats eight which is perfect for my family of 5 (the kids always want to bring a friend)!
Good luck in your search. Hope you find what you are looking for!