https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 02 May 2026 06:00:39 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat/page/2#post-402280 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:11:14 +0000 mrs. wagon 402280@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: oh also, do you have two carseats (two kids)? if so how do you have them installed? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat/page/2#post-402200 Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:31:51 +0000 mrs. wagon 402200@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Got the car last night, "moved in", and had our first commute this morning... I AM IN LOVE. </p> <p>When Wagon Jr. saw the car he clapped his hands and jumped up and down! He said "other car is GONE." Haha!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-399309 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 12:23:11 +0000 Boogs 399309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: Ah I'm so excited for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-398829 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:18:02 +0000 ValentineMommy 398829@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We ARE fraternal! Ours is a Touring as well, silver with black interior. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-398608 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 09:12:32 +0000 mrs. wagon 398608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: We are twins, but must be fraternal because my CX-9 sounds opposite of yours!! No moonroof (it was a "nice to have" for us) or power liftgate, but the navigation was one of my only "must haves"! I've tried with two cars to go without navigation (and had a Garmin and a Magellan separate navigation) and I just can't live without the nav! </p> <p>What color is yours?? Ours is a Touring (not Grand Touring), black exterior and sand leather interior. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-398585 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 09:04:38 +0000 ValentineMommy 398585@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yey!!!! Now we're CX9 Twins! I've had mine a month and totally love it. That power lift gate is awesome, as well. We have the moonroof (it was one of my only "must haves"), but no navigation. Enjoy it!!!! I hope you love it as much as I do! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-398558 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:52:06 +0000 mrs. wagon 398558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. bird: I'm all crazy with excitement!! I cannot wait to see it!! (we had to wait several days because they're installing our navigation system and remote starter. But I got the colors I wanted: black with tan interior!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-398556 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:50:40 +0000 mrs. bird 398556@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: yay! Exciting! Glad you found your perfect mommy car : ) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-398550 Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:45:19 +0000 mrs. wagon 398550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: We have had THREE Honda CR-Vs and are trading in this latest one (a 2011) for the CX-9. I am very sad to see the CR-V go because it was our PERFECT PERFECT car and we absolutely love it. But we just need a bit more space with two kids! Especially because we only have one car. Enjoy that CR-V, I have no doubt you will!!!</p> <p>@Boogs: we're picking it up tonight and I will definitely post after a few weeks about what I think is my dream "mommy car" :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-396291 Wed, 14 Nov 2012 02:45:57 +0000 Boogs 396291@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: I would love a review of the car after you've lived with it for a little bit. I'm hopefully getting a new car somewhat soonish and love to hear the feedback. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-396110 Tue, 13 Nov 2012 21:52:25 +0000 BSB 396110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: So exciting. Just reading the thread but can't comment since I'm looking at compact SUVs but I'm picking up my 2013 Honda CRV on Thursday or Friday, too. (It's coming right off the truck.) Can't wait to go pick it up.</p> <p>A few months ago, I was researching the CX-7 but didn't like that it's MPG wasn't as high as other competitors. My sister bought a new Mazda6 two years ago. She loves it. </p> <p>Congrats! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-396071 Tue, 13 Nov 2012 21:31:26 +0000 mrs. wagon 396071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mazda CX-9 it is!!! After visiting 4 dealerships (and speaking with 3 more), and test driving the Hyundai Veracruz, Toyota Highlander, and the CX-9, we finally ended up with the CX-9. We are able to afford it by leasing and we downgraded to the Touring (instead of the Grand Touring) and adding the options we wanted (navigation and remote starter). Getting it on Thursday... sooooo excited!!</p> <p>We also got the color we wanted-- black with tan interior.</p> <p>FYI, getting one without a sun/moon roof saves a TON!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-386336 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:33:33 +0000 LaurenEC 386336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're going to drive some this weekend, so I like reading everyone's feedback. Besides the Toyota Highlander and the GMC Acadia, we are also going to look at the Nissan Pathfinder. I believe that it is newly designed this year and after looking at it online, it's one of our top choices. It doesn't have bucket seats that we have been thinking we wanted, but we're not sure if it's a deal breaker. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-386286 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:16:59 +0000 lawbee11 386286@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: It's SO affordable! We actually bought ours used (less than 20K miles on it) and we got it from a Kia dealership, so we were able to get the Kia warranty. Our car payment for the car and the warranty is much less than the car payment alone on a lot of the other options we looked at. DH and I took it on a 15-day road trip this summer (we drove over 5K miles) and had no problems at all with it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-386281 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:14:54 +0000 ValentineMommy 386281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: Yey! I'm glad you liked it! We got a leftover 2012 (the touring mid-range model), and while the MSRP was REALLY high, we got the car for $30k, which I think is really good. Haggle the crap outta them. I'm not good at it at all to be honest, but, we told them how much we could afford monthly, and they just made it happen. They even let me put the downpayment on my credit card (just so I could get the points and pay it off right away!). They were really awesome to work with. Good luck!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-386273 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:10:34 +0000 mrs. wagon 386273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mediagirl: @ValentineMommy: So we test drove a CX-9 and I totally fell in love. It's still a little above our price range so we're seeing if we can sneak into one with all of the year-end deals coming up (as well as the 2013s coming onto the lots at the beginning of December). I was just taken aback by the amount of cargo space when the 3rd row seat is in use. On the Highlander and the Hyundai Veracruz there is barely enough space for a purse. In the CX-9 I could definitely fit our stroller back there. We won't be using the 3rd row seat very much but considering the prices are similar, I'd rather go with the CX-9 with the bit of more space. And I loved how clean the interior looks, not cluttered at all... and Wagon Sr. loved how it drove compared to the other two.</p> <p>@lawbee11: If all fails with the CX-9, we're going to go test drive a Kia Sorento!! I love the affordability but of course I had to go and fall in love with the stinkin' CX-9. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-381723 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:21:30 +0000 ValentineMommy 381723@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shopaholic: It's true! My 2004 literally only has 45,000 miles on it (I was only driving it to the train station daily really), and it's literally never been in the shop. The mileage is like 15city/18highway though, which definitely hurts if you drive more than I do. $60k is CRAZY, I totally agree with you. Mine was $40k, but it was the base sport model. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-381713 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:18:38 +0000 shopaholic 381713@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: Yeah. I know 4 runner is a GREAT car! My sister and BFF have them (but older models w/out a 3rd row and no 4wd). But ouch! The model we looked at was about $60K and they told us basically we'd never find a USED 4runner w/4WD in our area. No one ever sells or gets rid of them! I agree though, Toyotas are awesome on maintenance (used to have a Camry). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-381608 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:40:54 +0000 ValentineMommy 381608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shopaholic: Our other car is a 4runner and I have to tell you....the car is awesome. Ours is older now (2004), but I've never had one single problem with it. My DH is a mechanic and he said he rarely, if ever, sees one come into the shop. So, it's totally worth it from a maintenance cost. You're paying more upfront maybe, but you're getting a lot of car. The only downside, at least for us, is the terrible mileage. I mean, it's really bad. We have the V8 though, so I know that makes it worse. The thing is a tank though - it's really pricey because it's on a truck bed, and not a car bed. I've towed other cars with mine. Lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-381265 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 11:42:54 +0000 Honeybee 381265@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Thehistoryofus: We also have the Volvo XC90 and love it. It's our road trip car. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-381137 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:59:56 +0000 pinkcupcake 381137@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Both Hyundais and Toyotas are great cars - I'd have such a tough time choosing! We have the four runner and love it - it's a few yrs old but in awesome condition and runs perfectly! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-381119 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:52:22 +0000 mrs. wagon 381119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@twodoghouse: we drove the veracruz last night and it felt really nice. Drives more like a truck than our CR-V, but we were prepared for that. We were SUPER ANTI MINIVAN as well but then thought maybe, but the prices pushed us back to non-minivan land!! Oh and btw, we are a twokidhouse as well as a twodoghouse so the extra space is definitely going to help... we have small dogs and we have a dog carseat, so it's going to be nice to have a place to install that!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-381100 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:47:00 +0000 twodoghouse 381100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: That was our thought process as well. We plan on having two kids plus two dogs (which obviously don't need as much space in our vehicle) so an SUV works for us too. Plus my husband is SUPER ANTI MINIVAN. :) </p> <p>Have you driven the three you're thinking about already? Sometimes I'm surprised that a car just feels good to drive. Better than another we've been considering and that has helped me make up my mind when we've bought our last two cars! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-381096 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:45:24 +0000 shopaholic 381096@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Thehistoryofus: Glad to know! I'm definitely all about the Volvo and DH has increasingly become a fan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-381089 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:43:44 +0000 T.H.O.U. 381089@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shopaholic: I have sat in the back third row in my XC90 and it wasn't bad and I'm 5'10". I also like that just one seat can be up and it gives you the extra cargo room. </p> <p>We also have used the built in booster seat for my niece! She loved it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-381083 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:41:57 +0000 T.H.O.U. 381083@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: I live in FL, so no it hasn't been on snow..... but I do really like it. Its a heavy SUV, and I only have the 5 cylinder and wish I had the V6 sometimes (but I get better gas mileage with the 5). </p> <p>I love the features and I love the roomy back seat and third row. My favorite feature though has to be the tailgate on the trunk! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-381069 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:38:28 +0000 shopaholic 381069@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: Ditto on the 3rd row usage. I would actually like the Volvo XC60, but DH just wants to have the option of bringing people when needed in a 3rd row. We're capped at 2 kids too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-381054 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:35:09 +0000 mrs. wagon 381054@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Loving all the feedback. SO much to consider.</p> <p>@shopaholic: @twodoghouse: We definitely were like :O when we saw all the cargo space in the mini van, but after much consideration, we realize that we will ONLY be using the 3rd row seat a few times a year, and when we do we'll only have one of the two seats up. So 95% of the time, we'll have both of the 3rd row seats down, which makes for a HUGE amount of cargo space. We are done at 2 kids, so the fact that we COULD fit a third passenger between the two carseats in the 2nd row and the 3rd row seat is really only for extended trips with an additional passenger made us realize that a minivan might be too much for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-381038 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:30:19 +0000 shopaholic 381038@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are also looking for a 3rd row SUV and I am not ready to drive a minivan!</p> <p>A relative got the Acura MDX and had SOOO many problems with it, she actually was able to return under the Lemon Law! So based on her experience, I have gotten turned off to that particular model even though there are so many great reviews.<br /> Another cousin rented the Traverse while family was all in town. It was roomy enough in the 3rd row and DH liked it, but still not the car for me. Actually is fine, but I think it "looks like a minivan".<br /> We test drove the Toyota 4-Runner with a 3rd row seating and liked it a lot but think it's just too much for a Toyota. If that makes sense? Plus, we're looking for a 4WD or AWD so the price kept hiking.<br /> After all these test drives, I think I've gotten DH on my original plan which is to get the Volvo XC90. It has a 3rd row, but not the most comfortable. We don't need a 3rd row so it's just there to be a nice option if we have to bring grandparents to dinner or carpool, etc. We're looking for a slightly used one to save some $.<br /> And I have to agree with @twodoghouse: 3rd row SUVs are still not as spacious as a minivan, so if space is what you really want then that is something to consider. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suv-with-a-third-row-seat#post-380987 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:17:52 +0000 brownie 380987@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you looked at the Mazda 5 microvan? It's cheaper than a van and small like a small SUV. It has 6 seats and we love ours. </p>