Post # 1
Member
3340 posts
Sugar bee
- Wedding: April 2013 - Rhode Island
I am really torn between getting a car with 2 rows of seats vs. 3 rows. I am currently pregnant with our first child. We know we want at least 2 kids and could have as many as 4. I think it’s highly likely that we will end up compromising with 3 kids. I have to replace my car and I’ve been researching family friendly cars, compacts and midsize SUVs. There are too many options! But besides narrowing it down to a specific car, I’m having a VERY hard time trying to decide between 2 or 3 rows of seats. We will inevitably need to replace my husband’s car within the next few years. His currently seats 5 people. So I feel like we could get by if we only get 2 rows. But then we’d probably definitely replace his car with 3 rows. So then the question becomes, should we plan ahead and just get the 3 rows now?
I think part of the reason I’m struggling so much is that I currently drive a Smart car. I’m very used to it and absolutely LOVE it! I knew it wasn’t family friendly (it only seats 2 people total including the driver), but I was single when I bought it. It’s been perfect but it’s time to move on. I dread the idea of driving a giant car (and my idea of giant is a 2 row car). So the idea of 3 rows…ugh. But then again, I want to be forward thinking and make a good decision that we won’t regret. What should I do bees? I’m in serious need of advice. Am I making this a bigger deal than it needs to be? Would 2 rows be sufficient for now, or is it time to suck it up and get the 3 rows? Thanks to everyone who put up with my long babbling post!
Post # 2
Member
1895 posts
Buzzing bee
I would get a 2 row SUV. It could be years until you need 3 rows (if you even do) and I would hate to be driving around a car that big unless it was necessary!
Post # 3
Member
1213 posts
Bumble bee
I think it depends on how long you plan to keep this car (till it ‘dies,’ 5 years, 10 years, etc.). If it’s 5 years you likely won’t be shuttling around your kids friends, where you definitely would if you keep your vehicles for 10 years, etc. We plan to get a 3rd row vehicle when we start our family because we plan to drive it as long as possible and we want to be able to transport our children and their friends – plus I am already accustomed to driving a large vehicle and prefer it. I can understand how those vehicles would seem large, but anything is huge compared to a Smart car hehe and you’ll get used to it very quickly!
Post # 4
Member
10589 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
With kids, I say get the 3 rows. Kids have stuff, friends, etc. I agree with
indyJEEP: though, if you don’t plan on driving it for long, you could just get 2.
Post # 5
Member
768 posts
Busy bee
Fiance just got the 2015 Tahoe SLT. It has captain chairs in the middle and if needed, it can seat 3 kids in the back or two adults. With strollers and diaper bags, having captain chairs in the middle row is great, it’s super spacious. He kept his 2005 Tahoe until early this year, so it lasted 9 years (and lots of long distance trips).
We’d like to start a family in three years so we got this SUV thinking about the future.
Post # 6
Member
5381 posts
Bee Keeper
I’d get 3 rows. I have a SUV right now and I’m in college so I definitely don’t *need* it but I love it and wouldn’t go back to a car. Once it’s time to get another car I will be getting a 3 row for our future children, since we want 4.
Post # 7
Member
1986 posts
Buzzing bee
I also have a Smart car and I absolutely love it – we are currently TTC and I’ll be in the same position as you. Part of my decision making process is that I love saving money on gas. Right now I drive around 50 miles a day and a small SUV would really add a lot to our gas budget so I’m thinking of getting a Honda Civic or Prius.