We currently have two paid/mostly settled sedans. Our main family car is a Kia Optima with two car seats. It works and we're still semi-comfortable in it, but we're reaching the point where I can see the value of having substantially more room.

I also have a 2016 Mazda3 that I recently finished paying off. It's primarily my car because it's small, although I can put the kids in it when necessary and occasionally the whole family rides in it.

Now that I'm no longer financing the Mazda, I'm starting to think about our next family vehicle, not necessarily something we need to run out and buy tomorrow.

I've always leaned toward a minivan.

We have two toddlers, use car seats, like road trips, sometimes haul things, and I generally value usable interior space and practicality. Sliding doors, easy access to the kids, cargo room, flexible seating, and having enough space as the kids get older all make sense to me.

My in-laws are empty nesters and drive a BMW X7. Recently they've been encouraging us toward that kind of 3-row luxury SUV instead.

Their philosophy seems to be: if you're already going to spend a significant amount of money and can handle the monthly payment, you might as well get what you really want.

I understand that logic, but I'm not sure it's mine.

My thinking is that if I'm spending serious money on a family vehicle, I want the purchase to solve as many actual family-use problems as possible. I'm having trouble seeing what an X7-type luxury SUV would do better for our household than a good minivan besides being nicer, more prestigious, and arguably more enjoyable to drive.

I'm also hesitant to judge affordability primarily by the monthly payment. Purchase price, financing cost, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, tires, fuel, and what else that money could be doing for the household matter to me too.

So for parents who have actually lived with both:

What did a 3-row SUV do better than a minivan for your family, or vice versa?

Especially interested in experiences involving:

\- two or more car seats

\- toddlers becoming school-age kids

\- road trips

\- grandparents/passengers

\- hauling gear or large purchases

\- keeping the vehicle long-term

\- total ownership cost rather than just the monthly payment

I'm not opposed to spending money on a vehicle we genuinely value. I'm questioning whether a luxury 3-row SUV is actually the better family tool, or whether I'd be paying considerably more for attributes that aren't particularly important to us.

Budget is around $35k. I was planning to buy a new Civic Touring, but I keep seeing 2019–2021 Porsche Macans with decent mileage in the same price range.

The Civic is obviously cheaper to own and probably more reliable, but spending nearly $35k on a Civic feels kind of insane when that same money gets an actual Porsche with near 400 horses.

I work from home and probably drive less than 8k miles a year, so fuel economy isn’t a huge concern. I can afford maintenance, I just don’t want a car that’s constantly in the shop. If I budget $3k a year for maintenance is that cool?

Is the used Macan actually a terrible decision, or is “just buy the Civic” overly cautious? I want to live a little.

My wife finally got her license so she can finally get her own car. She has some strict requirements and changes her mind a lot so it's made finding something hard.

1. It has to be below 12k.

2. It has to 'look good' - yes this is vague

3. It has to be a little bit luxury

4. No Evs, Nissan or Honda (yeah I don't know)

5. It must be small enough to park easy

I have my own addition to hers in that I have to also try to find her a car that won't choke and die since she only really has to drive 8 minutes to work and her short trips will kill the car.

I tried looking at Buicks in my area but there are slim pickings for her price point.

I have 9 and 11 year old boys, both tracking to be pretty tall. Want to plan for 2nd row legroom for potential 6’4” boys.

I like the Honda passport, but no 3rd row. Would I regret this? Are you using your 3rd row a lot with 2 kids?

Currently drive a Honda Odyssey, ready to move on from the minivan phase.

My kids play lots of sports and I do use the 3rd row for friend transport now occasionally. Would I really regret having less room for friends in the car as my kids grow?

Also a single mom if that makes any difference (1 more seat up front available lol).

ETA - just for some context for the minivan people - I’m losing the van in the divorce - it needs lots of repairs and it’s not in my name so I have been advised to let it go. I agree I would not be getting rid of it otherwise. So looking at other options.

Howdy yall

My partner is going through some tough times and their Kia just crapped the bed. The one thing I'm one versed in is cars so my help to them is a bit limited at times. I really would appreciate it if yall could give me some general knowledge of what to look out for in certain car brands. (i.e avoid 'xyz' for this reason)

They dont want anything over the top or fun, just a plain car that will be reliable and now blow up in their face.

So I am looking to buy my first car, my budget is 15 to 20 thousand Canadian. I do not have any preferences for compagnies or models. What i want is a car that isn't a money pit for fuel, is fast, AWD or FWD, automatic (no cvt) and a 4 door 5 seater. Also i want to be able learn and mod the car out to make it look better and faster. Last thing is i want it to be reliable so it doesn't become a money pit.
Thank you for any suggestions

Moving to LA and buying my first car!

I do a lot of short drives for work and also like to go on longer hiking/camping trips on weekends.

What are the best SUV EV’s or PHEV for this in this price range?

Can set install a charger at home.

TLDR - qualifications looking for:
- PHEV or EV better?
-under $35k used or new
-less thank 25k miles
-SUV
-2022-2026

I’m currently driving a 2022 Lexus ES 350 F-Sport, and I’m starting to think about what my next car should be.

Looking for insight on a Buick enclave or a Toyota Highlander. I have 1 child who is rear facing at the moment. I had a highlander for 1 week as a rental and became very comfortable driving it and just test drove a 2026 Buick enclave ST and it was definitely a nice ride. I know Toyotas hold their price better but I'm looking for any insight/reviews on either car. I'm in New England so driving in the snow and being safe is also important.

I’m down to between the Subaru Ascent Limited or Hyundai Palisade Hybrid SEL Premium. I’ve had a Subaru for 4 years and it’s been a decent car, but we need more space. I can’t justify $65k for the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid just because I want a 360 camera. I’m happy with most features on both cars but here are my reservations:

Ascent:
- terrible gas mileage (heavy weight on this)
- climate controls are in the touch screen and not dedicated buttons

Palisade Hybrid:
- Reliability. I have read a lot of horror stories on the electronic components failing, turning of while people are driving, etc. The first Palisade Hybrid SEL Premium they put us in at the dealer was already defective. The rear AC would not blow out of the ceiling vents. No air would blow out of the ceiling vents at all, which indicates a bad fuse or blockage, or bad motor. Not great for a car with 20 miles on it and zero owners. That to me feels like a red flag for the electrical components liability.

I want a 3 row SUV around $50k with a 360 camera. I have taken the Pilot off the list due to the shifter being buttons in the console next to the cup holders and I just can’t trust that I won’t accidentally hit them.

Maybe a Miata, classic Benz, Jeep Cherokee or a Land Cruiser possibly? shiii maybe even a chrysler sebring convertible if that’s your vibe.

Curious on what people would choose, something to put miles on and enjoy the time in.