[onewhippedpuppy]

You can't get a new one for $20k, a new loaded CX9 AWD is pushing $40k. I've looked at the CX9 exclusively, you can get a 2012-ish CX9 Grand Touring (top model) AWD with around 50k for $20k. That's my price point, so I've been looking in that range. If you don't want loaded model and AWD you can get newer and lower miles, or pay less money.

Just to clarify our liking of the CX9, my wife and I decided we would like to get a second family car that gets better MPG than the truck and allows our kids to better spread out on longer trips. The CX9 has pretty decent seating for 7, the middle seats slide (not flop) forward for access to the third row which means you don't have to remove the already installed car seat, it gets better MPG (16/22 in the AWD model, 17/24 in the FWD model) than the competition, it actually has some space behind the third row seat when it is up, the interior looks like it is out of a much nicer SUV, and it is really nice to drive. Like most Mazdas it drives more like a European car, some of the reviews that I read compared it to the X5. We test drove one about a month ago and both loved it, now we just need to save some money.

My comments are all in regards to the CX9, the CX7 is smaller, doesn't have a third row, and probably cheaper to buy but actually doesn't get any better MPG due to the turbo 4-cylinder. It also needs premium gas, so would be a bit more expensive to fuel. Between the two I would go CX9 all day long, having extra space is hugely important when you have kids. You'll be amazed how much junk comes along with them, particularly when you have more than one. BTW, congrats!