liver bird

Hiya, have two children three and one and one on the way. I know the new baby needs a baby capsule but would like anyone's advice on a car that isn't a seven seater that we could feasibly get three big baby car seats across the back in! (ie once baby is out of capsule, they're the ones with the high sides!)
We're broke and I'm only used to driving small cars (corsa!) so couldn't do a big seven seater people carrier thing. Does anyone have any recommendations?
also any good second hand dealers as we know sod all about cars!
Would be ever so grateful! cheers!

MisterTwo

You are going to have to look at the big cars over hear if you need to get three baby seats in the back. Anything like a Ford Falcon/Holden Commodore/Mitsubishi Magna size should be fine. I would recommend a Toyota Camry in 4 cylinder as it will be fairly fuel efficient compared to the 6 cyls, but it may be a little tight in the back as it is more Mondeo size in it's older form. Failing that look at the Toyota Avalon. Not exactly dynamic but it will be big, comfortable and won't break down.

In terms of used car dealers you are going to have to tell us where you are going to be so people in the relevent areas can recommend. If you used to drive a Corsa any of these cars are going to be a lot different i.e. a lot better!

liver bird

hiya thanks for all that! will show this to my hubbie - we're in the gap in brisbane!

GreenTea

| think you will find it tough to get three seats in the back of most cars, we had a mondeo sized car for years and it was not possible to safley fit all three seats, we now have a seven seater

caleb2003

There must be some mini MPVs??

We are still in the UK and are just selling a Citroen Picasso, this car has 3 full size and independently movable seats in the back so if they sell that or equivalent then I think that would suit you (though I wouldnt buy a new one again considering the deprediation that ours has suffered!).

I think the Vauxhall Zafira is similar so maybe Holden have the equivalent of that.

Let us know what you get because we have similar considerations and would like to be able to get one quickly WHEN in Oz!!

thebears

We have a Camry and yes it can fit 3 car seats in - its wider than the Commodore we hired from Avis.

liver bird

thanks so much! and I would if I were you! we've spent a fortune on hired cars! worth bearing in mind second hand cars cost a bomb here too!

liver bird

oh brill thanks! will get hubbie to have a look at that one! ta x

njk435

What about a Nissan Xtrail? compact 4X4 that is quite cheap ($31000 new). You'd fit 3 seats in the back and all 3 belts are 3-pointers (not just a lap belt in the middle).
HTH

thebears

My understanding is that $31K will be too much - My advice would be to spend the extra on more important things.......

Liver bird you may find Toyota pricey but a good second hand car will last you years - around $15K for 3 year old from a dealer - so perhaps $10K to $12K private just get it RAC checked).

Cant remember where you said you were headed but if it was Melbourne I can recommend some local dealers that are decent to deal with.

Jockstar

Maybe true. But you have licence? So you can drive.? Its not that difficult to drive something bigger.

Depends where you buy from.

liver bird

thanks will look at that but money definitely an issue

liver bird

oh thanks so much, that's about our price! and we're in brisbane but thanks anyway, will show all replies to hubby. Ta for replying x

caleb2003

Are there any online car sales places?

liver bird

hi, we've decided to get a new holden barina for hubby to drive to work as you can pick these up for about 14 or 15 thou dollars (an dhopefully keep their resall) and a second hand holden zafira, so thanks for all your help everyone! x