Comments on: Three Car Seats in the Back of a Corolla

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:41:24 +0000

Trade in the Corolla for a Sienna. The 2010s are out and with all the recall hoopla, the deals will be even better in March than they were in February. And if you are looking to lease, the same deals will apply.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:08:34 +0000

We never considered a minivan until we had three kids, but let me agree with the above two comments and say- YES!! Mini-vans have lots of room in them, for your kids, stuff, etc… They do not hold 6 kids well though. (Chevy Venture does have 8 seatbelts, but we got it when we had 5 and didn’t plan on our 6th, and our kids were still little then) We have unfortunately stepped up to a Suburban now, and probably won’t move back down until our kids leave home. The oldest two are adults now, but we also have two boys who are adult sized, and two more to go, so even with just the boys, we will be driving the suburban for a few more years.
Please plan ahead on whatever number of kids you plan on having, add one (just in case..) and make sure your car will fit them all before you buy it. You will most likely have it at least 10 years or so, and planning ahead is key. Remember that they grow, and by 12 or so they are pretty much adult sized people. ( small adults I will give you, but my 15 year old is as big as my husband, and has been for almost 2 years now.)
I love Toyota’s. Our Corolla is 9 1/2 years old and has 259,000 miles on it and still going strong!! We use it whenever we go anywhere we are not taking more than 5 people. So, our Suburban gets limited mileage on it. The Toyota van is quite nice, and I have a few friends who have one and LOVE it!!

We have had the best luck over the years with going with what consumer reports says about vehicles, and haven’t gone wrong with that. Do lots of research first before you buy. They are expensive and might as well get what you really LOVE and what will last the longest. Good luck!!

By: Emily

Emily — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:01:27 +0000

Most of the newer Corollas and other cars (I think after 2000 but not sure) have automatic airbag shot off if the weight in the front seat is under a certain amount. Not sure if yours is one of those. You should be able to google an owner’s manual to find outI would have to agree with Marcie’s comment–go for the minvan–although my brother absolutely LOVES his Honda Pilot (I little pricier, but has 4-wheel drive). I want a minivan and I haven’t even had my first baby yet (6 weeks and counting!)

By: Marcie

Marcie — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:31:21 +0000

On the one hand, the Magnum is a good looking option. As is the Ford Flex. Good space for people. Just not sure you would have enough trunk space if you were really using the back seat. If you are sure you are only having 3 kids I think it is a great option.

On the other hand, I’ll give you the advice given to us after we had Jacob. “Get over yourself and get a minivan.” (I like minivans, so there was no getting over myself for this particular purchase. Matt, on the other hand…..) Sliding (automatic!) doors are are so much easier to manage than regular opening ones. It is so much easier to get kids in and out of car seats when they are at your height. Plus, the backseat is truly usable and you’ll still have trunk space for the stroller AND groceries. And again, if you are even considering a 4th child during the life of this car, you will want something this large. And, you can actually take people with you and truly have space for them. (Think picking up people at the airport). I’ve folded down our seats and gotten a couch in ours. And on another trip fit a table and 8 chairs. It is just plain handy to have something this size.

Whatever you can easily drive to Utah works for me!