I realized this week that we simply have too much of a car now.
When we bought Alluna (my car), one of the main goals was to have a vehicle in which all five of us would fit comfortably. Alluna does that admirably.
However, we’re a household of three now. And with the price of gas, driving a car that seats six without need is rather silly. I’m still lusting after a minivan in some ways, but that would be utterly ridiculous.
Criteria at the moment:
Roomy seating for me and Sam. We are both Very Big People. He’s tall, and I’m not short (though I feel that way lately), and we’re both very wide. I’ve never encountered a car whose seatbelts I could not use, but some aren’t particularly comfortable.
Four doors, not two. I’m not wild about hatchbacks, though I’d consider one.
Safety-I’d like to have a car with side as well as front airbags this time. I found myself looking at the safety ratings over at CR just now, and small domestic models don’t rate very high.
Baby seat compatibility—needs to have those anchors for the new infant seats, readily accessible.
Cost is obviously an issue, so I prefer to buy a vehicle that’s a year or two old rather than a brand-new one.
Katie is very fond of hybrids lately. I’m quite impressed with the one a friend drives, as well. Lower operating costs would be good, but I’m not sure as to whether or not they have higher costs upfront, and I’m not sure of maintenance/repair issues.
No Hondas. I object to Honda’s policy of refusing to provide seat belt extenders for love or money, so I won’t do business with them.
I’m thinking about a small sedan, something like a Mazda Protegé. Any input from other big people?
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