Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a Mazda CX-9. Prior to that we had an Acura MDX. Both cars were perfect for family trips and regular running around.

We have an MDX now and are looking at the CX9s to replace it (has over 175k). In your opinion how do they compare?

We also have two kids, but our extended family lives out of town and visits frequently so we like the option of having everyone in one car. Our other car (which we love) is a Subaru WRX.

There are a few things that I miss about my MDX, but they aren't significant....for instance, if you have low tire pressure, the MDX would tell you which tire was low (CX-9 doesn't tell you the exact tire.) Also, our MDX had memory seat and steering wheel adjustments that were linked to your key fob--not so on the CX-9. These are VERY minor things.

I'll say that I enjoy driving the CX-9 more than I did the MDX. I highly recommend you take it for a test drive!

Lexus LX350. Best for a family of 4, bar none.

I have a Toyota Corolla and two teen boys (both adult sized). Sure, I wish my car was a bit bigger, but I love that my car note is just over $200/month. Sure, carpooling is a challenge sometimes but not bothersome enough to make me shell out more money for a larger car. I don't have a regular carpool situation so, when the occasional carpool thing comes up I just know that I only have so many seats available. It's a little cramped when our family of four all rides in my car but we survive just fine.

I thought the cars recommended for teens were medium sized sedans like Camrys.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The minivan was overkill for us. We got rid of it and got a Prius when the kids were about 10 and 8. They are now 17 and 15 and it's been a good car for the older kid to drive.

We also have a Lexus RX 400 for longer trips.

Unless I live in the city and the kids were never going on the beltway I would never let my child drive a Prius. Too small, too unsafe. NO way.

What a troll. Only in the US do people drive these massive SUVs/minivans, btw.

Our family of 4 has two sedans, and they work perfectly. I'd maybe get a Suburu Outback some day, but an SUV (and particularly one with a third row) hasn't been necessary. I much prefer the handling of a smaller car compared to, for example, my parent's Nissan Rogue.

You must not understand physics very well because a Prius in a crash on the beltway at 60 mph with a Semi or a large SUV is not going to fare well. I would rather my child at least stands a chance.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The minivan was overkill for us. We got rid of it and got a Prius when the kids were about 10 and 8. They are now 17 and 15 and it's been a good car for the older kid to drive.

We also have a Lexus RX 400 for longer trips.

Unless I live in the city and the kids were never going on the beltway I would never let my child drive a Prius. Too small, too unsafe. NO way.

What a troll. Only in the US do people drive these massive SUVs/minivans, btw.

Our family of 4 has two sedans, and they work perfectly. I'd maybe get a Suburu Outback some day, but an SUV (and particularly one with a third row) hasn't been necessary. I much prefer the handling of a smaller car compared to, for example, my parent's Nissan Rogue.

Unfortunately, that is probably why the IIHS doesn't recommend small cars for teens. (Or cars with powerful engines.) The chances of being hit by a larger car are disproportionately higher in the US than elsewhere. The only way to adequately absorb the shock of that amount of force is to have a heavier car, which means mid-size or larger.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The minivan was overkill for us. We got rid of it and got a Prius when the kids were about 10 and 8. They are now 17 and 15 and it's been a good car for the older kid to drive.

We also have a Lexus RX 400 for longer trips.

Unless I live in the city and the kids were never going on the beltway I would never let my child drive a Prius. Too small, too unsafe. NO way.

What a troll. Only in the US do people drive these massive SUVs/minivans, btw.

Our family of 4 has two sedans, and they work perfectly. I'd maybe get a Suburu Outback some day, but an SUV (and particularly one with a third row) hasn't been necessary. I much prefer the handling of a smaller car compared to, for example, my parent's Nissan Rogue.

Anonymous wrote:We have a Mazda CX-9. Prior to that we had an Acura MDX. Both cars were perfect for family trips and regular running around.

We have an MDX now and are looking at the CX9s to replace it (has over 175k). In your opinion how do they compare?

We also have two kids, but our extended family lives out of town and visits frequently so we like the option of having everyone in one car. Our other car (which we love) is a Subaru WRX.

Anonymous wrote:The minivan was overkill for us. We got rid of it and got a Prius when the kids were about 10 and 8. They are now 17 and 15 and it's been a good car for the older kid to drive.

We also have a Lexus RX 400 for longer trips.

Unless I live in the city and the kids were never going on the beltway I would never let my child drive a Prius. Too small, too unsafe. NO way.