• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Help me pick a people hauler car: update - VW Passat wagon?

Status
Not open for further replies.
glenn1

glenn1

Lifer
Just had a second child a month ago and have an Au Pair arriving in January. Looking for something that will hold the 2 kid car seats, 3 adults (me, wife, au pair) and baby supplies (diaper bag, stroller, etc) in non-painful coziness. I have next to no interest in cars outside utilitarian transportation and don't keep track of brands/makes/etc. so looking for some suggestions from the experts here to help me narrow the field.

For background, our current auto situation is a 2005 Toyota Highlander and 2009 Honda Fit. I could still use the Fit for a daily commuter but pondering getting a 3rd vehicle or an upgrade from one of our current vehicles. Both are paid off and with new baby want to stay in the cost range of no more than $8-9k (used) or low $20k (new), preferrably used. Also want it to be as small as reasonably possible (I'd never drive anything bigger than the Fit if I could).

TIA for any suggestions.

Edit: Any known issues with early 2000s model VW Passats? Being offered one for a pretty reasonable price but don't want to deal with it if they have mechanical issues.
 
Last edited:
If you want small, cheap and functional look at a Mazda 5. You can get a small adult in the back row in a pinch, and flip the 2nd back row seat down to make room for the stroller and other gear. It'd be fine for a ride across town, but wouldn't suggest anything much further than that.

Beyond that you can't beat a full size mini-van for people and baby gear hauling.
 
Tuanies said:
Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey would be your best bet for comfort and fit everyone/everything.
Click to expand...

NutBucket said:
Yeah, gotta second the minivan suggestion.
Click to expand...

bigi said:
+1.

Been there done that. Nothing beats a Minivan in this regard.
Click to expand...

shocker-the-minivan.jpg
 
vi edit said:
If you want small, cheap and functional look at a Mazda 5. You can get a small adult in the back row in a pinch, and flip the 2nd back row seat down to make room for the stroller and other gear. It'd be fine for a ride across town, but wouldn't suggest anything much further than that.

Beyond that you can't beat a full size mini-van for people and baby gear hauling.
Click to expand...

I have a 5, I wouldn't really recommend it for anything more than a family of four + 2 seats for in laws, kid's friends.
 
It is very uncomfortable for 2 car seats and an adult unless you have a FULL size vehicle.

You will need the third row of seating.
 
cabri said:
It is very uncomfortable for 2 car seats and an adult unless you have a FULL size vehicle.

You will need the third row of seating.
Click to expand...

Not all 3rd rows are created equal either. Minivans have the most bang for the buck because they can seat 7 or 8. The removable seat on the second row helps accessibility to the 3rd row and adds more leg room...which is where all other 3rd row vehicles fail.

My 4Runner's 3rd row works as a jump seat in a pinch, but requires a significant loss of legroom in the 2nd row for the 3rd row to seat an adult. There's also less headroom. It's a similar feeling in my cousin's Chevy Traverse. The 3rd row is usable, but not good for more than occasional use. Minivans are designed to provide seats and the rear cargo area is typically low to provide vertical cargo storage you wouldn't get in a SUV.
 
Either way, my point is that you do not want to have two car seats and an adult in anything less than a full size (width) vehicle.

Kids will not care; the adult will be pinched.
 
Any known issues with early 2000s model VW Passats? Being offered one for a pretty reasonable price but don't want to deal with it if they have mechanical issues.
 
glenn1 said:
Any known issues with early 2000s model VW Passats? Being offered one for a pretty reasonable price but don't want to deal with it if they have mechanical issues.
Click to expand...

diesel good
gas bad


oh and
manual / 5 speed auto good
4 speed auto oh god NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
 
glenn1 said:
Any known issues with early 2000s model VW Passats? Being offered one for a pretty reasonable price but don't want to deal with it if they have mechanical issues.
Click to expand...


Mom had one, don't do it! She took a loss on it to get out of it, it was that bad with electrical issues the dealer refused to deal with (should have lemon lawed it, know that now). There is a reason you don't see many of them from that generation still on the road. It drove well, and was super comfortable but just was not worth the upkeep.


But yes, Mazda 5 (new) fits your requirements quite well. The new ford transit connect has a multi passenger model which looks nice enough.
 
Friend with 4 kids has a Sedona, its cheaper than Odyssey and Sienna but a solid vehicle. No comment on the VW. If the mileage wont be too high, might be also worth looking at full size vans if you thing you want more cargo capacity than minivan, but full size vans have fuel economy as bad as a pickup truck.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top