Considering a new car

[OppositeLocK]

so we should what.....let them live with us until 30 like my neighbors kids???

Everyone's circumstances are different, but I will say this... I shamelessly do that even though I have a high paying job. My parents have a ton of space and I get along great with them... whether it's working together with my dad on all our cars or cooking up new things with my mom. It also let me build up more than enough financial freedom to not have my manhood in a vice grip at work.

I don't see any benefit that being on my own would bring anyone.

 

[OppositeLocK]

Thanks guys/gals for chiming in, and sorry for lack of details/intention. Here are some more:

1st child is out of college for a few years, the middle one is half way in, and the third is one year in. We still like to go on summer vacation together, and everyone likes to take one car instead of two. I have a 2013 Camry and a 2007 Mazda3. I looked at the Highlander seriously, and space wise is as good as what I expected, esp the vertical opening at the hatch, see the table attached. It's hard for me to drop north of 40 grand for that. The Sienna is better, space wise, despite the second row is not removable now.

So it might be pre-mature when I originally said 3row car, which is really a preference. A more practical way might be getting a smaller SUV. I keep cars for a long time.

Thanks again for your comments.

Model	Overall dimension (in, L/W/H)	Space behind 3rd row (ft^3)	Space behind 2nd row (ft^3)	Space behind 1st row (ft^3)	Trunk (rear door) height (in)	Notes
2000 MPV	187/72/69	17.2	54	91.7	42	To be replaced
2021 RAV4 ($30K)	181/73/67	na	37.5	69.7	29(?)	OK to move btw school and home; 2.5L gas engine underpowered
2021 Highlander ($42K)	195/76/68	16	48.4	84.3	29(?)	Too expensive for the space gained;
2021 Sienna ($41K)	204/79/69	33.5	75.2	101	36(?)	Hybrid only, w/ 2.5L engine, underpowered; 2nd row seats not removable
2021 4Runner ($43K)	191/76/72	9 (option)	47	89	36(?)

If a RAV4 is enough space for you, I'd definitely go with it. It'll last, hold its value, and be safe.

 

[tyman]

Thanks guys/gals for chiming in, and sorry for lack of details/intention. Here are some more:

1st child is out of college for a few years, the middle one is half way in, and the third is one year in. We still like to go on summer vacation together, and everyone likes to take one car instead of two. I have a 2013 Camry and a 2007 Mazda3. I looked at the Highlander seriously, and space wise is as good as what I expected, esp the vertical opening at the hatch, see the table attached. It's hard for me to drop north of 40 grand for that. The Sienna is better, space wise, despite the second row is not removable now.

So it might be pre-mature when I originally said 3row car, which is really a preference. A more practical way might be getting a smaller SUV. I keep cars for a long time.

Thanks again for your comments.

Model	Overall dimension (in, L/W/H)	Space behind 3rd row (ft^3)	Space behind 2nd row (ft^3)	Space behind 1st row (ft^3)	Trunk (rear door) height (in)	Notes
2000 MPV	187/72/69	17.2	54	91.7	42	To be replaced
2021 RAV4 ($30K)	181/73/67	na	37.5	69.7	29(?)	OK to move btw school and home; 2.5L gas engine underpowered
2021 Highlander ($42K)	195/76/68	16	48.4	84.3	29(?)	Too expensive for the space gained;
2021 Sienna ($41K)	204/79/69	33.5	75.2	101	36(?)	Hybrid only, w/ 2.5L engine, underpowered; 2nd row seats not removable
2021 4Runner ($43K)	191/76/72	9 (option)	47	89	36(?)

The Rav4 shouldn't even be remotely considered in this discussion.

 

[OppositeLocK]

The Rav4 shouldn't even be remotely considered in this discussion.

Why's that?

 

[tyman]

Why's that?

It's tiny and cramped for what they will want it for. How is that even a question?

 

[OppositeLocK]

It's tiny and cramped for what they will want it for.

The difference between a RAV4 and a Highlander is not that much if you cut the third row out. Even the third row in almost every SUV isn't really tailored for adults anyway.

So I would agree with you if he really needs the extra space. But if he's going to haul no more than four people at a time, and 5 in a pinch/smaller distances, I think the RAV4 would be fine. Why spend the extra money?

 

[tyman]

The difference between a RAV4 and a Highlander is not that much if you cut the third row out. Even the third row in almost every SUV isn't really tailored for adults anyway.

So I would agree with you if he really needs the extra space. But if he's going to haul no more than four people at a time, and 5 in a pinch/smaller distances, I think the RAV4 would be fine. Why spend the extra money?

The in-laws had a 2015'ish Rav4. We tried going out to eat one time with my wife, myself, and them. It didn't work out too well and that was just a 10 mi trip down the road.

 

[Wolf359]

The difference between a RAV4 and a Highlander is not that much if you cut the third row out. Even the third row in almost every SUV isn't really tailored for adults anyway.

So I would agree with you if he really needs the extra space. But if he's going to haul no more than four people at a time, and 5 in a pinch/smaller distances, I think the RAV4 would be fine. Why spend the extra money?

Why not if you have it? I guess a used Mercedes GLS450 or the newer GLE is out of the question then. They have 3rd row seating.

 

[OppositeLocK]

Why not if you have it? I guess a used Mercedes GLS450 or the newer GLE is out of the question then. They have 3rd row seating.

What I'm saying is having a third row doesn't usually bring more space to the second row.

 

[tasch72]

Why is everyone assuming the OP has the interest in pulling a trailer? In my immediate neighborhood, there is only 1 house with a trailer....out of 50+. It isn't a common item to own nowadays, especially if you live in suburbia. Many municipalities prohibit parking such items in public view and most houses are no longer built with RV gates.

A midsize SUV with a useless 3rd row is probably your best option. In most situations you will only be using the first two rows...

U-Haul rental?

Thanks guys/gals for chiming in, and sorry for lack of details/intention. Here are some more:

1st child is out of college for a few years, the middle one is half way in, and the third is one year in. We still like to go on summer vacation together, and everyone likes to take one car instead of two. I have a 2013 Camry and a 2007 Mazda3. I looked at the Highlander seriously, and space wise is as good as what I expected, esp the vertical opening at the hatch, see the table attached. It's hard for me to drop north of 40 grand for that. The Sienna is better, space wise, despite the second row is not removable now.

So it might be pre-mature when I originally said 3row car, which is really a preference. A more practical way might be getting a smaller SUV. I keep cars for a long time.

Thanks again for your comments.

Model	Overall dimension (in, L/W/H)	Space behind 3rd row (ft^3)	Space behind 2nd row (ft^3)	Space behind 1st row (ft^3)	Trunk (rear door) height (in)	Notes
2000 MPV	187/72/69	17.2	54	91.7	42	To be replaced
2021 RAV4 ($30K)	181/73/67	na	37.5	69.7	29(?)	OK to move btw school and home; 2.5L gas engine underpowered
2021 Highlander ($42K)	195/76/68	16	48.4	84.3	29(?)	Too expensive for the space gained;
2021 Sienna ($41K)	204/79/69	33.5	75.2	101	36(?)	Hybrid only, w/ 2.5L engine, underpowered; 2nd row seats not removable
2021 4Runner ($43K)	191/76/72	9 (option)	47	89	36(?)

Okay now that I know 3 rows total as opposed to three rear, and SUV's aren't out, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee L's, Ford Explorers are also options. Looks like you can get a lot of Palisade for your price range.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

another vote for Sienna

Another option is the Transit Connect

 

[Kuato]

Thanks guys/gals for chiming in, and sorry for lack of details/intention. Here are some more:



So it might be pre-mature when I originally said 3row car, which is really a preference. A more practical way might be getting a smaller SUV.

I keep cars for a long time.

4Runner. Especially since you can get 3rd row if you want, can tow 5k if you want, can go offroad if you want, and it will last a very long time.

 

[OppositeLocK]

4Runner. Especially since you can get 3rd row if you want, can tow 5k if you want, can go offroad if you want, and it will last a very long time.

Biggest downsides are the subpar safety rating, fuel economy, and everything in it is as old as it gets.

 

[Kuato]

Biggest downsides are the subpar safety rating, fuel economy, and everything in it is as old as it gets.

True that it's old school and expecting an update in a year or two.

NHTSA ratings are all 3 stars or better (mostly better):
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/TOYOTA/4RUNNER/SUV/AWD#safety-ratings-frontal

20mpg highway (I saw up to 24 in mine) compares with Pilot & etc with VCM deactivated.

And it's top 3 in reliability and longevity among all vehicles worldwide.

Not for everyone. But might be a fit for OP and I'm certainly planning on another.

 

[OppositeLocK]

True that it's old school and expecting an update in a year or two.

NHTSA ratings are all 3 stars or better (mostly better):
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/TOYOTA/4RUNNER/SUV/AWD#safety-ratings-frontal

20mpg highway (I saw up to 24 in mine) compares with Pilot & etc with VCM deactivated.

And it's top 3 in reliability and longevity among all vehicles worldwide.

Not for everyone. But might be a fit for OP and I'm certainly planning on another.

In this day and age I personally wouldn't buy anything less than 5 stars. No need to compromise on safety when there's so many options available.

 

[02SE]

Dang. None of our motorcycles have a 5 star rating...

 

[ad244]

I gotta ask: Are you really going to be hauling your "children" around for much longer?

 

[Nick1994]

Hyundai Palisade or Kia Telluride.

I’ve been in the Telluride, TONS of rear seat room. Extremely comfortable. Would love to have one.

Good luck finding one, and getting one for anywhere near MSRP.

But it might be possible.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

so we should what.....let them live with us until 30 like my neighbors kids???

We couldn't wait to get out of our parents house and into an apartment.
The Young Women you met would poo poo someone "living at home"
But the economy was different back then - the tech boom was starting but interest rates and rent were high -
especially if you considered the starting salary with a degree in engineering was around $20K - at least in the first year.

I will say there is absoutely something GOOD for families to stay together - if they can, or, at least not scattering to the four corners of the continent. My Cousin, his Mother, 91, and my cousin's son all live together - and they take care of each other. Wonderfull.

 

[IndyIan]

Lightly used Sienna then. V6 and cheaper of course. You have the luxury of waiting for one in good condition.