CUVs

[kwm]

All kinds of adult decisions I have to make with the first kid on the way soon. First of seems to be a new vehicle. I have settled on a CUV b/c I am not ready for something that screams "DIAPERS!" The CUV I have selected is the 2008 Subaru Tribeca. Anyone here have one or know anything about them that you could share with me. Just trying to find out all I can at this point. Thanks

[rammstein]

I THINK the '08 is different than the 06 I rode in awhile ago. If not, its shockingly small inside for being as large as it is. Maybe they changed this. Might be worth considering if you are buying for size.

[kwm]

I am buying for size to an extent but neither me or my wife can stand the big SUVs. We actually wanted a station wagon but no one is making any that we like. I like the Volvo XC70 and V70 wagons but she does not. We also looked at a CX-9 by Mazda but even it seemed to big to us.

[rammstein]

Is Wayne's Bimmer Wagon still for sale?

[livi]

Relax. You don´t need any special transportation until you are sporting 4+2 kids like I am.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

WTF is a "CUV"?

[dhoward]

Poseur mini-van.

[Porschephile944]

Originally Posted by kwm

We also looked at a CX-9 by Mazda but even it seemed to big to us.

If you liked the CX-9 you might also want to check out the CX-7, same concept smaller vehical (unless you need the third row of seats). I would also look at the new toyota highlander, should be in dealers soon if its not already.

[the]

Cute Utility Vehicle.

[VaSteve]

I have a 2 year old and a one month old. Don't underestimate how much space the kids' seats take up. My wife typically drives the Pacifica which has enough room for them. THis photo is of my 3 Series, which I really love. The car is truly useless for a family, but I don't want to sell it. My son sits behind me and his little legs press into the seat (I'm 6"0 and have to put the seat back). The carrier on the far side forces the passenger seats so far forward that if the whole family is in the car, I cannot ride shotgun. I would trade the car, but I love it, it's paid for and everything I would replace it with is more expensive (X5, XC90, e39 5er (or E39 M5...drool).

[onewhippedpuppy]

What Steve said. I have a 3 year old and a 3 month old. I can't wait until he turns 4, and I can put him in a standard booster seat. Rear facing baby seats are the absolute worst, though they will still fit fine in most midsize sedans or wagons.

kwm, Tribeca is nice, though I think the brand new bodystyle is a bit boring compared to the previous model. Interior is very nice though, original dash design. If you liked the CX9, check out the CX7. Smaller proportions and sportier. Toyota Highlander and RAV4 are very nice as well. Nissan Murano is often called the budget X5, and due to be replaced so there are probably bargains to be had.

If you want a wagon, there are plenty of options. Subie Forester or Legacy GT are great if you like Subaru, and you can get them with the turbo 4. I think the Mazda 6 is still available in a wagon. Saab 9-5 Aero is another quick choice in a wagon. Dodge Magnum could also be amusing. If you'll go a bit used, you can easily pick up a BMW 3 or 5 series wagon, Lexus IS Sporthatch, or Audi A4 or A6 avant. I think the MB E-class is also available in a wagon. All of those sound a lot more fun than a Tribeca.

[gr8fl4porsche]

Quit wasting your time with the CUV and get yourself a minivan. Start screaming Diapers!

Seriously - you want a minivan. I am partial to the Hondas. Our '06 Odyssey Touring is very nice.

I test drove the Tribecca and found it small and very underpowered. Even with a minivan you will find that it is full most of the time. You will be shocked with how much crap you have to carry around for a weekend trip with a baby. Get something with a rear entertainment system for the little ones. Makes for a very nice and quite ride on road trips.

[gr8fl4porsche]

Forgot to mention why most families have minivans - its the doors.

1. They open with a push of a button before you even get to the vehicle.
2. They slide out of the way - not into the car parked next to you.
3. The sills are very low so the child can step into the car and climb into the carseat on their own (once they get to about 3 years old).
4. They close with a push of the button once you get settled into the drivers seat.
5. When the little ones are really little, putting them into the car seat in a van is a joy compared to getting them into the rear seat of a small suv or sedan.

I was once a hater and am now a believer.

[911boost]

I agree with you Steve, we had a VOlvo S60, and it was about worthless with little ones. The only place I have the rear facing baby sit fits perfectly is in the back of a 911, with a shoulder bet, like say, a 964 turbo.

While I knew the XC90 was going to be expensive, my wife keeps her car for a long time, so we figured in the long run, it would be a better idea to just get something a little bigger, that would work and grow with the kids. It has the 3rd row for when she drives my 4 year old daughter are her friends around. When we don't need it, it folds flat into floor in a pretty damn slick way actually.

Bill

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by BSiple

While I knew the XC90 was going to be expensive, my wife keeps her car for a long time, so we figured in the long run, it would be a better idea to just get something a little bigger, that would work and grow with the kids. It has the 3rd row for when she drives my 4 year old daughter are her friends around. When we don't need it, it folds flat into floor in a pretty damn slick way actually.

Bill

Yeah I really like the XC90....probably the functionality is better than the X5 (which probably drives nicer), but it would be hard to give up this car. I had a S70 and liked it. Not as mush as the BMW I traded it for.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by gr8fl4porsche

Forgot to mention why most families have minivans - its the doors.

1. They open with a push of a button before you even get to the vehicle.
2. They slide out of the way - not into the car parked next to you.
3. The sills are very low so the child can step into the car and climb into the carseat on their own (once they get to about 3 years old).
4. They close with a push of the button once you get settled into the drivers seat.
5. When the little ones are really little, putting them into the car seat in a van is a joy compared to getting them into the rear seat of a small suv or sedan.

I was once a hater and am now a believer.

Yes...even with the pacifica, when your hard are full with a kid it's a PITA to open the door. I wish that was a van (even though I would make my wife drive it).

I also used to think that drive thrus were for the lazy. Not so. Every try doing any thing with a kid? It's so much easier to roll up and get whatever with them strapped in the back.

[azasadny]

My wife drives a Mazda CX-7 and loves the car. It's big enough and handles well and the 2.3L 244hp turbo engine gives her the necessary acceleration for driving on the highway.

[onewhippedpuppy]

We ended up with a 2004 Cadillac SRX. 320 HP DOHC V8, handles well, 3rd row seat, what's not to love? Hauls our two kid's stuff with the 3rd row folded flat, hauls 5 kids with the seat up. Plus, it beat out the X5 and Cayanne S in a C&D test.

My only advice, take it slow with the knee jerk reaction, the kid isn't even here yet! I know exactly how you feel, when I found out my wife was pregnant with our first, I instantly sold my 911 and picked up an A4. Hated the A4, bought a 951. Sold the 951, bought a Protege5. Etc...... I kept bouncing between practical and fun. Drive everything that halfway fits your needs, and find something with adequate room and practicality, but that you don't hate. One kid does not = Suburban.