Only two vehicles for my family, which ones?

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Vern_in_IL

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I want only two vehicles for my family. Husband/Wife 1-3 kids.

One vehicle would be used as a daily "family/work commute" car, where seating and economy are top priorities, I want around 40mpg for this car. Economy is top priority, gas could spike again.

The other vehicle, I want to focus on utility, 4wd, vacation trips, travel trailer/light boat towing. Cargo hauling, but I can tow cargo in a flat trailer if needed.

What two vehicles would exceed my expectations? Right now I'm driving a 2014 Nissan Versa Note hatchback, I have no other vehicles.
 
pretty vague standards you have there, fair amount of cars and suvs/wagons trucks fall into your two categories.
 
Originally Posted by hemitom
pretty vague standards you have there, fair amount of cars and suvs/wagons trucks fall into your two categories.


Which is why I asked. I'm also looking for reliability and build quality. I'm leaning toward a two door Wrangler and a Big Tex trailer, but 3 kids would make it not an option. I have no clue on the family/commute car, I know my Versa Note would be tight.

Budget 35k for each vehicle.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted by Vern_in_IL
I want only two vehicles for my family. Husband/Wife 1-3 kids. .


Not sure how many offsprings you have or planning ahead?! If you have plans for more babies it has to have room for X car seats + booster seats etc. for years to come. Good car seats take the room of a 200 lb man. When you talk travel trailer big enough for 5 you take most of the FWD based SUVs off the table.

Prius a good choice if you can fit seating needs in the back seat. Full size crew cab truck for the other.
 
2 Camrys. If you need a truck, rent one. or borrow one
grin2.gif
 
Having seen a few couples in a similar situation would recommend, have kids first and then decide on the vehicle. Up to 2 kids, Prius would work just fine, depending on your definition of comfort. Should 3rd one is planned, dump Prius and get something else. If you plan properly that is at least 5 years ahead, assuming there is no bun in the oven at the moment. There should be something newer on the market by then.

For cargo hauling, I will let others suggest you something.
 
If I were spending my money - both under $35K.

1. 2019 RAV4 Hybrid, pick the trim you can afford. Just waiting to see if a dealer can get me a Limited Hybrid in red. 40 mpg vehicle.

https://www.toyota.com/rav4hybrid/


2. 2019 Ram with the V6 and 8-speed transmission. 7,730 lbs towing capacity.
Great powertrain, decent fuel economy for the capability you get. Might get into a crew cab for under $35 if you don't mind negotiating. Some good deals to be had for new Rams.

https://tinyurl.com/y4femllo
 
Originally Posted by AZjeff
Not sure how many offsprings you have or planning ahead?! If you have plans for more babies it has to have room for X car seats + booster seats etc. for years to come. Good car seats take the room of a 200 lb man. When you talk travel trailer big enough for 5 you take most of the FWD based SUVs off the table.

Prius a good choice if you can fit seating needs in the back seat. Full size crew cab truck for the other.

Sounds like there's no kids currently and over time accommodating up to (3) kids through one car might not work out as well as the OP thinks. If there's no kids at the moment, that means infant car seats w/ bases. One of those will fit fine in [censored] near anything but don't get a 2-door as getting the carrier into the back will be a chore each time. A 2nd kid will mean a regular car seat (for the 1st-born that will now be 1+ years old) and continue with an infant seat. Still no problem in most cars. If kid # 3 comes along, unless you have a large sedan, the oldest kid, either still in a booster or car seat or possibly with no 'safety' seat, will be miserable squeezed in between (2) car seats. We had an '06 Accord sedan with # 3 on the way and decided it probably wasn't ideal. Went from an Accord to an Odyssey.
 
Originally Posted by andyd
2 Camrys. If you need a truck, rent one. or borrow one
grin2.gif



Yes, and if you make them hybrids then they are over 40 miles per gallon.

For the 4WD, A 4Runner sounds like it would fit your needs Vern.
 
Coming from a 2011 Dodge Durango Citadel to a 2018 Grand Caravan, you cannot beat the minivan for hauling kids around. I've got a wife and 2 young kids myself.

But for a Utility vehicle, the Durango's are very comfortable with good tow ratings. An AWD 5.7 equipped Durango can tow 7,200lbs, same engine and trans that's in a Ram 1500. V6 models can tow 6,200lbs if you want a little better fuel economy. Both the v6 and v8 have excellent AWD systems.

Get a slightly used one, like a year or 2 old with 20,000-30.000 miles, because they depreciate like crazy, throw on a Mopar Maxcare Bumper to Bumper warranty for $3,000-$3,300. That's for a 7 years unlimited mileage or 8 years 125,000 plan that covers literally everything with a $100 deductible per visit.
 
Minivan is most practical for most family with kids.

But sounds like you don't have kid(s) yet, don't worry about getting it now.
Come back when you have that problem.
As much as we like to plan, flexibility and practicality with your current situation are more important.
Who knows situation will change when you have kids.
 
Originally Posted by Vern_in_IL
Originally Posted by hemitom
pretty vague standards you have there, fair amount of cars and suvs/wagons trucks fall into your two categories.


Which is why I asked. I'm also looking for reliability and build quality. I'm leaning toward a two door Wrangler and a Big Tex trailer, but 3 kids would make it not an option. I have no clue on the family/commute car, I know my Versa Note would be tight.

Budget 35k for each vehicle.

4-door, crew cab Jeep Gladiator P/U.... (you).... brand new model & design
Chevrolet Blazer... (her).... brand new model & design.
Both could fit that budget (70K)..... one at 31K / other at 39K.
 
Originally Posted by Vern_in_IL
One vehicle would be used as a daily "family/work commute" car, where seating and economy are top priorities, I want around 40mpg for this car.


Some sort of hybrid. Prius, Accord Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Sonata Hybrid, Volt, C-Max, Fusion Hybrid, etc...


Originally Posted by Vern_in_IL
The other vehicle, I want to focus on utility, 4wd, vacation trips, travel trailer/light boat towing. Cargo hauling, but I can tow cargo in a flat trailer if needed.


Crew cab half-ton pickup or full-sized body on frame SUV. F-150, Silverado, RAM, Tundra, Suburban, Expedition, etc... You're probably going to have to go used in this category to get in under $35k.
 
Honda Fit for the fuel sipper. Either a Pilot or Ridgeline for the big car. These selections keep you away from the 1.5T.
 
Originally Posted by Triple_Se7en

4-door, crew cab Jeep Gladiator P/U.... (you).... brand new model & design
Chevrolet Blazer... (her).... brand new model & design.
Both could fit that budget (70K)..... one at 31K / other at 39K.


What have you got against the OP, recommending 2 first year domestics?? Jeez man.

My current vehicles don't show it but I love Chevys and Jeeps... but not the first year.
 
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